Info Req to Help Review Used FJR

[Scott B.]

I'm going to test ride an '04 FJR 1300 with 20K miles, and need to know what to look for in terms of a walkaround and test ride. The bike's going for less than retail blue book and it's being presented in a Yamaha dealership, so they should know its retail value. I'd appreciate any advice the group may be able to give that will help me qualify this bike and determine its condition.

 

[Woodstock]

#1) Does it tick?

#2) See #1

 

[evil_henchman]

Check the maintenance and warranty history. I don't know if Yamaha refers to tickers as tickers so if it's ever had valve work done I'd pass on it.

 

[Scott B.]

I guess I get to Google +"FJR 1300" +tick. Right now I have no idea what this means.

From the second post I understand it's a valve train issue. Don't know if it's discernable at idle on the stand, under load, is it RPM specific, etc. I need more detail.

Also from the second posting this ticking seems to be the kiss of death. Is this correct? On other bikes that had noisy valves, I'd have told a technician to adjust them, as they probably had too much clearance. Something tells me it's not that simple.

#1) Does it tick?#2) See #1

 

[slapnpop]

Long story short, a minority of bikes develop premature valve guide wear. This causes the valve to clatter and not seat at RPM. Later symtoms include oil in the exhaust system leaking by the seals.

See our technical section for sound clips, and more info of what to listen for. The valves and guides have to be replaced, but as of yet I know of no further damage, apart from oil in exhaust.

Other than that there haven't been any major bike-specfic problems. Look for what you normally would.