Going to look at '04 this weekend

[Rippen]

Hope this is in the right topic heading- being a FNG and all.

I think I've read all I can about it, but other than listening for a ticking motor what else should I worry about? I'll ask about maintenance, etc.

The bike is a 2004 ABS, 17K miles, needs rubber (I'm told), a few farkles: windscreen and Heli bars.

The weather forecast is for possible snow so I may not get much of a ride.

I'm thinking that if it sounds OK and no obvious issues, I'll deal with the guy.

Its a couple hours+ drive to get there so I'll be prepared to haul it home if it all works out.

A little ahead of my planned schedule but once I got the bug its hard to stop thinking about it. Thanks to all you guys(and gals). And thanks to all who contribute here. A great resource for me in learning about my next bike.

Asking $8900 - sounds OK I think as a starting point.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Elias

 

[sparky3008]

I am always curious the replys these questions will get so I hope other will chime in.

Ticking is something that may or may not be obvious except to someone who really knows what they are listening for unless it is very progressed.

Not a lot of "obvious" stuff other than making sure things aren't bent (forks), brake pads aren't worn out, brake resevoirs don't leak, no oil dripping from underneath. If you could "pop the hood" I would look at the heads to see if any oil leaking just like on a car.

Other than the obvious if you do decide to buy it you may want to check valve clearance, throttle body sync, air filter and you may want to change to oil just to start fresh. Checking the rear differencial is a good place to lube while you are changing the tires anyway. Of course checking to make sure the shaft drive isn't leaking before buying is good.

Starting it yourself to make sure the battery isn't weak might be another that comes to mind.

The Steering joint (can't remember the technical name) can come loose over time and if it is might not pass inspection with out taking it apart, lubing and tightening with a special tool and if neglected for very long the bearings could be bad. While sitting on it and pushing back and forth on the handlebars for any movement might be another area to check...

Gee all this came to mind while typing, starting out I thought I would have nothing to say

 

[SkooterG]

What to looke for?

Engine?

Two wheels?

Good to go!

:lol:

 

[madmike2]

ning-a-ning-a-ning (sound of starter)....vroom, vroom.....Vrooooom. "Whooo-eee, Ethel Mae, listen to that turbine sound. Geez this sounds like a great bike. Feel the power when I rev the engine?" Gulp! Must suppress grin, must not seem anxious. Mustn't let on how badly I want this bike...."I'll take it, cash or check?"

A look at the maintenance records might be helpful. It'd be nice to know the oil and filter were changed regularly. It's past due for the swingarm bushings to be greased, unless that's been done. Ditto on checking the steering head bearings, but not all have that issue, greasing them is part of the 12K checkup. Spark plugs? Look at the color of the brake/clutch fluid. If its dark or black looking, it will need to be flushed. If its clear or amber, he "probably" has taken care of other little maintenance things.

I'm sure others will add to "the list" of things to check. Happy hunting!

Oh yeah, the tick: a very light taping sound, in time with the valves, almost like a "double-time" wrist pin, but very soft and predominant from the left side of the engine. HOWEVER, the genesis engine has a noisy cam chain and upper end noise than most other brands, so its hard to discern.

If there is a transferable Y.E.S., its a done deal as you're covered under warranty for 4 years. If not, and it does have or develop the tick, it seems that Yamaha is repairing them, alvbeit with some interesting diagnosis hoops to jump through.

 

[Scab]

Just try not to crash while you are looking at that beauty in your rear-view while you tow her home.

You're gonna love this machine.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Just as a reference point for ya...i bought a used 2004 FJR on Dec. 30th, it had 2005 miles on it, NON ABS, with Heli bars, Throttlemeister, and rear travel trunk...paid $8,650.00.

Jay

'04 FJR 1300

 

[deagle]

I thought your starting price sounded pretty good. Good luck.

 

[JSimon]

There's an 03 in St. Louis for sale in the paper for $7900.00. I'm sorry, no real details, I do remember seeing it earlier this week though.

JS

 

[Yambone]

I'd consider giving full asking price if he has done most of these things per HMarc's (Micapeak dot com) excellent maintenance summary:

FJR 16K-mile service checklist

On the other hand, if clutch fluid, brake fluid and radiator coolant haven't been changed, its in need of steering head and swing arm service, spark plug change, you'll have some room to negotiate, at least a couple-few hundo $.

You'll get a feel how it's been treated. Maybe not a deal breaker, but important to know if you need to do these items in the near future.

On the other other hand, the official service schedule is pretty conservative. The bike can take much more abuse than this. Documented oil changes would be great to have...

...especially if he has a Y.E.S. warranty that will be transferred with the bike. There should be some paperwork on it. If no paperwork, it could be checked at the dealer. The Y.E.S. adds value to this deal, and value to you if you decide to sell it again before the summer of 2008.

Good luck! That '04 ABS is a sweet ride and the best color (see never-ending threads on the matter). I've got 33K happy trouble-free miles on mine. No way I'd sell mine for $8900! and I'd have to think long and hard to let it go at the original purchase price of $11.5K. :agent:

 

[madmike2]

And Rippen, let us know the outcome of your shopping experience.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Other than the obvious if you do decide to buy it you may want to check valve clearance

Valve clearance check isn't due until 26k. And MadMike, the FJR doesn't use a Genesis motor...4 valves, not 5.

 

[Rippen]

Well thanks everyone for taking interest. Mother nature wasn't very cooperative this weekend. I wasn't able to get to the bike and I won't have time for a couple more weeks so....... I'll just have to see what happens.

Rippen

 

[Lone_Ranger]

Rippen,

I just got an '04 ABS about 3 weeks ago from a BMW dealer in town. The dealer said he knew the owner and he keeps very good care of his bikes. It had 9700 miles, with about 1000 miles left on the rear tire. It had a Givi top case and throttlemeister. I paid his asking price of $9000.

Hope that helps a little...good luck!

LR

Hi Ho, Silver...and awaayyyyyy!!!!

 

[weekend rider]

After all said and done and have checked out the bike and it is a- o.k. and you are riding it home , you will notice something unusuall.. Yes the silver is a very slow bike, so you may want to repaint it that xtra fast blue like an 05 than you will be completely happy.... :haha: :haha: :haha:

good luck with your new bike weekend rider

 

[madmike2]

......And MadMike, the FJR doesn't use a Genesis motor...4 valves, not 5.

Yeah, y'know, I know that. What is it with Yamaha? The valve chain mechanism seems louder in these engines, like the Genesis engines. That is what some owners mistake as "the tick".