Greetings from an aspiring FJR owner from Boise, ID

[lukaspriest]

Hello all!

I live in Boise and I'm presently a reasonably proud owner of a 94 BMW R1100RS, which is the first "big boy" bike I've owned. One of my friends likewise got his first "big" bike, which happened to be a 2008 FJR. This past summer we did our first big tours - we did Chinook Pass and saw Mt Rainier, and then we rode over to northern Idaho and rode the infamous Lolo Pass. Both trips were exquisite.

Long story short, I've taken a few rides on his bike, and my bike envy for his FJR has been slowly growing to a fever pitch. While I feel like I have a pretty capable machine, the incredible power of his 1300 is like a siren song, and I feel myself wishing that my R1100 had a bit more snort and was as comfortable as his ride.

This holiday season I'm going to be watching the used market and I'm hoping I can find one in good shape with a budget of around $5-6k. One thing I would like to locate is a trustworthy and skilled mechanic who is familiar with these bikes in the Boise area. While I have tools and a fair amount of knowledge (I rebuilt a CX500 from the ground up), I think I'd really like to have a true pro work on a machine like this, which I deem to be far more mechanically complex than an early 80's two cylinder machine. I'd appreciate any referrals for a solid independent mechanic some of you fine folks may know. Thanks you all!

 

[FJRBluesman]

Well below your budget and ready to roll.
https://www.fjrforum.com/threads/2005-fjr1300-abs-asking-3-5k-tons-of-extras.181964/

 

[RossKean]

While I have tools and a fair amount of knowledge (I rebuilt a CX500 from the ground up), I think I'd really like to have a true pro work on a machine like this, which I deem to be far more mechanically complex than an early 80's two cylinder machine.

You will find that the FJR is easy to maintain. The need for repairs are infrequent and can mostly be managed by someone with a modest selection of tools and mechanical experience. Lots of assistance available on the forum.

Welcome, and good luck finding a great FJR that "speaks" to you. Lots of Gen I (to 2005) and Gen II ('06-'12) machines are available in the price range you mention. Even some Gen III+ (2013 and up), although most will be over the $6k mark.

 

[lukaspriest]

Thank you so much for your replies! FJRBluesman, your bike looks absolutely awesome, and I love all the farkles and goodies it has. I wish you were closer! Thank you RossKean - these bikes appear to be pretty legendary with their reliability and seem to be practically bulletproof, which is one of my biggest draws to them. When I rebuilt my old CX500, I think I spent more time fixing things and chasing gremlins than I did actually riding the danged thing. I think I would just feel better if I knew that I could reach out to someone local who knows what they're doing with these things.

I've heard of a few recalls (wiring harness, some issue with 2nd gear affecting Gen 1), so I think I am primarily interested in a Gen II. I know I want an FJR with the 5 speed transmission. My R1100 only has 5 gears, and I actually love the range of each gear and I've never found myself wishing it had a 6th. Anyhow, I'm super excited to be on the hunt. I love my BMW, but I think I'm ready to go to the next level with an FJR. Thank you again!

 

[RossKean]

Thank you so much for your replies! FJRBluesman, your bike looks absolutely awesome, and I love all the farkles and goodies it has. I wish you were closer! Thank you RossKean - these bikes appear to be pretty legendary with their reliability and seem to be practically bulletproof, which is one of my biggest draws to them. When I rebuilt my old CX500, I think I spent more time fixing things and chasing gremlins than I did actually riding the danged thing. I think I would just feel better if I knew that I could reach out to someone local who knows what they're doing with these things.

I've heard of a few recalls (wiring harness, some issue with 2nd gear affecting Gen 1), so I think I am primarily interested in a Gen II. I know I want an FJR with the 5 speed transmission. My R1100 only has 5 gears, and I actually love the range of each gear and I've never found myself wishing it had a 6th. Anyhow, I'm super excited to be on the hunt. I love my BMW, but I think I'm ready to go to the next level with an FJR. Thank you again!

Biggest issue with early Gen II is some electrical gremlins (grounding issues, mainly). Easily repaired and less of a problem in later ('09-'12) years. I had a 2007 that I sold at 295,000 km (186,000 mi) with zero engine/clutch/transmission issues. Couple of sets of fork seals, a gear selector switch, one battery and a set of front wheel bearings in addition to normal maintenance and consumables. I chased the electrical issues myself.
Recommended to change the cam chain tensioner for early Gen II (new 'Blue dot" or "Green dot" version). Look up recalls - ignition switch, ground junction, brake switch (depending on model year).

 

[SkooterG]

The sweet spot is a '13-'15 FJR. All the goodies and a 5-spd. Be patient and you'll find a good deal on one. Be willing to do a fly-n-ride or travel to get it. I've done that a half dozen times.

If going Gen II, I would go with a 2009 or later. 2008 was the beginning of the upgraded ABS brakes and in 2009 they went back to the original clutch slave cylinder that brought the clutch pull effort back to normal. 2006-2008 clutch pull sucks. Though you can retrofit the clutch slave cylinder.

 

[RossKean]

2006-2008 clutch pull sucks.

I know you have had lots of FJRs and probably have experience with more different model years than anyone, but I put almost 200,000 miles on a 2007 and over 100,000 on a 2011 (so far). While I found that the clutch pull was a bit lighter when I went to the '11, it wasn't a game changer for me. As you said, the slave cylinder can be replaced..
I agree that a 2013+ would be nice but it might be hard to find a nice, well equipped example in the OPs price range. Depends upon his local market, time of year and sometimes a bit of luck.

 

[two wheels]

There are some good buys on marketplace.Do a search within 300 miles of you.I saw a 2013 ( same bike i have) asking 5000.00 it had been slow tip over but looked like a nice bike.I have noticed the prices are getting more reasonable in the used market.Winter coming prices should drop.

 

[SkooterG]

I know you have had lots of FJRs and probably have experience with more different model years than anyone, but I put almost 200,000 miles on a 2007 and over 100,000 on a 2011 (so far). While I found that the clutch pull was a bit lighter when I went to the '11, it wasn't a game changer for me. As you said, the slave cylinder can be replaced..
I agree that a 2013+ would be nice but it might be hard to find a nice, well equipped example in the OPs price range. Depends upon his local market, time of year and sometimes a bit of luck.

I currently have an '08 and an '09 in my garage. The '08 is just a parts bike that is still currently 95% complete. I use it as a demonstration as to how hard the clutch pull is on it. When I bought it a year ago I *definitely* noticed and did NOT like the heavy clutch pull on the 45 mile ride to my house. Years ago I helped two others update the slave cylinder. If you don't know any better you don't know any better. (Not talking about you) Also, I definitely notice (and like) the easier clutch pull of the Gen 3.6 '16+ FJRs with the slipper clutch and easier pull.

 

[RossKean]

There was some difference between my '07 and '11, but it wasn't a big deal (to me), despite my mildly arthritic hands. I have heard that the slipper clutch on the later Gen III bikes was a significant further improvement.