High Mileage Failures ?

[gazelle]

Just turned 100K for the 3rd time on an FJR (this is #3). Thinking of keeping this one indefinitely and wondering what the most common major failures might be.It's an '04 model, non ABS. On previous bikes I've replaced rear shock, TPS, cam chain, 2 cam chain tensioners, 1 set cam chain guides. I'm thinking the final drive and/or driveshaft to be most likely suspects ? Any input would be appreciated ! (at 98K valves were still within spec...no shims ever...)

 

[Patriot]

Just turned 100K for the 3rd time on an FJR (this is #3). Thinking of keeping this one indefinitely and wondering what the most common major failures might be.It's an '04 model, non ABS. On previous bikes I've replaced rear shock, TPS, cam chain, 2 cam chain tensioners, 1 set cam chain guides. I'm thinking the final drive and/or driveshaft to be most likely suspects ? Any input would be appreciated ! (at 98K valves were still within spec...no shims ever...)

cam chain tensioner replaced with new Gen II unit is mandatory

wheel bearings literally disintegrated at 140k miles...steering head bearing started a clicking at 100k miles

shock's moving parts do need to be serviced...and forks...I waited a little long at 90k mi

...nothing else when bike properly maintained and ridden with sanity unlike moi who motocrossed mine a few times too many over street curbs

 

[JamesK]

A few of us with bikes in the 100-150k range found that the Starter Motor wears out and fails, often helped by the failure of the internal oil seal which helps to accelerate the demise...

I changed my wheel bearings at around 100k, but that was more prophylactic than worn bearings. I also needed to replace the Uni joint, because mine had gotten sloppy and would make quite a clunk. Needed to rebuild the brake calipers with new seals as they were starting to stick a bit.

I am a bit (a lot) harder on the bike than average though.

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Just turned 100K for the 3rd time on an FJR (this is #3).

Wow that is crazy! Over 300k miles on FJR's. I'll be ecstatic when I get 50k miles on my first FJR.

 

[SkooterG]

Just turned 100K for the 3rd time on an FJR (this is #3).

Wow that is crazy! Over 300k miles on FJR's. I'll be ecstatic when I get 50k miles on my first FJR.

No kidding! Here I though I was Top Dog by a country mile with 344,000 miles on FJRs. Didn't know other peeps were even close to me.

So why don't you keep them longer?

My first FJR went 226,000 until the final crash. Cam chain/guides/CCT replaced at 110k, thermostat replaced at 100k, Starter replaced at 160k. Weeping final drive seals replaced at 100k and 195k. That's it. Current FJR has 119k on it. So far just regularly scheduled maintenance.

The last thing you need to worry about on this bike is the final drive.

 

[gazelle]

Thanks everyone for you responses ! As a side note between FJR #2 & #3 I put 39,153 miles on an '04 ST 1300 in the 53 weeks I owned it. Oil & tire changes on an ST are a real PITA so I sold it. Why have I not kept them longer ? Something about 100K in the past has prompted me to start looking for a BARGAIN replacement. Probably has a lot to do with age and remembering that most vehicles didn't make it to 100K. Another factor is that I take a annual "Labor Day Marathon" vacation from SC to parts unknown and generally ride 6500-7000 miles that week solo. Last year was 7005 miles. I'm a Luddite and do not own a cell phone (or a TV...."she" took it when she left in '82 & I haven't replaced either one of them. But she was a LOT more fun than the TV !!) In short I'd prefer not to break down 3000 miles from home. I average 35-40 K per year on the FJR. Also own an '82 bare bones Gold Wing and an '82 CBX that I might ride 2-3K per year locally. I work full time but am blessed to live in an area that allows me to ride pretty much year round (thanks to global warming ???)

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

I'm a Luddite and do not own a cell phone or a TV...

Ok I had to look this one up.

Luddite: : one of a group of early 19th century English workmen destroying laborsaving machinery as a protest; broadly : one who is opposed to especially technological change

So no cell phone or t.v. but you like computers, the internet and motorcycle forums? :blink: .... :lol:

 

[gazelle]

Cell phone: Leave me a msg on the land line..I might call you back when I get back from riding...

TV: I'd rather be riding

Computers: Necessary in order to feed my habits...eating and riding (my job requires it but my skills are pretty rudimentary other than owrk related stuff..)

M/C forums and Internet: Tools to faciltate riding primarily...

 

[meosborn]

Over 300,000 miles on FJRs and 15 posts? I wouldn't say he "likes" computers, the internet and motorcycle forums.

 

[HaulinAshe]

How can someone claim to be opposed to technology and machinery, yet put 300k miles on FJRs???

The FJR is a fine piece of machine technology. Contradictory is he! (in Yoda voice).

Back to the OP topic...

My experience more-or-less in this order:

1. Cam Chain Tensioner.

2. Battery

3. Things that spin without constant lubrication (wheel bearings & seals).

4. Things that twist under load (suspension linkage bearings & seals, steering head bearings, fork bushings & seals).

5. Cam Chain

6. Other rubber seals exposed to ozone and weather elements (brake caliper seals, suspension seal heads).

That list ASSUMES you change ALL fluids (brake, clutch, coolant) at least every two years.

 

[gazelle]

I should clarify the reference to "Luddite": I "should" have said I've been accused of being one. I certainly do not claim to being opposed to improvements in technology, etc that make our lives better.My first bikes were a Zundapp and a Ja-Be (after the Sears Allstate Compact scooter.) I can now ride solo 7000 mlies cross country on a bike wth 100K plus miles on it with the confidence that I'll have no vehicle related problems.

I view computers, the Internet,& this forum as tools that I use when needed. Cell phone....yeah..I oughta get a Trac Phone I guess for emergency use only. But then I'd have to remember to keep it charged,remember to buy more minutes as the old ones expired because they were not used.

 

[BobbyBlue]

Good on ya Gazelle !!! As my 05 only has 58K with a shock and camchain tensioner at 40K, I'd say we picked a winner for serious riding, and brother you ARE a serious enthusiast !!! Its the Luddite comment i love though...i'm a medically disabled EE/Process Engineer and i friggin hated it!!! I designed and manufactured cell phone chips and even share some patents, long since expired, but what is funny is i depend on the chips put in my chest to stay alive every next second or two and i've even been upgraded...a BORG rider if you will !!! But i still only have an old school clam-shell phone and i get my PBS off the air...this computer and connection is courtesy of YOKO, my woman...i wouldnt pay squat for this shared drivel and whine in general but i've enjoyed this forum since 02 or so and hope to keep doing it ! I can say technology improved my life for sure...i still have one...but i dont gotta like it...and horses still look better than most cages !!! Keep on then !

Bobby