Looking at FJR's on a budget and have a line on an 05 non-ABS with 30,000 miles on the clock. From what I've read here, 30k seems to be a non issue as long as I pay attention for the cam chain tensioner noise. Anything else I should watch out for? Whats a fair price for such a model and is an ABS model worth holding out for? Thanks in advance.
IS an 05 FJR with 30k a good buy
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Isabella is Lazarus
NADA and KBB are good "guides" they are not gospel. They offer a range or average that can help in your decision. Because they have a price doesn't mean it's right, too high, or too low. The real price is what the market will pay, or especially you.
When I was looking for my 2005 non-ABS, a couple years back, all the ones I looked at per KBB and NADA were all over priced. The issue was NO ONE was lowering the prices. Some sold, some didn't. They were hot and in demand. I ended up getting mine for more then I really wanted to pay (I had a set amount in my mind not really knowing how the market was) but considering at the time it was a great price and had about 25K on it, with some high $$ farkles, it was well worth it. No one wanted this bike because in SoCal any bike over 10K is considered over the hill. I knew better and scooped it up.
Currently with the economy the way it is, and seeing on this forum and else where a lot of FJR's on the market, I'd say the buyer is in the drivers seat so to speak. Also look at extras, what they would cost you, and if that even matters to you.
I haven't given you a price and that's because I could be off, and all that really matters is what it's worth to you. Look on other forums, Cycletrader.com, ebay, etc and see what they are "asking" for on those FJR's. Remember, that's an "asking" price, negotiate.
Good luck.
When I was looking for my 2005 non-ABS, a couple years back, all the ones I looked at per KBB and NADA were all over priced. The issue was NO ONE was lowering the prices. Some sold, some didn't. They were hot and in demand. I ended up getting mine for more then I really wanted to pay (I had a set amount in my mind not really knowing how the market was) but considering at the time it was a great price and had about 25K on it, with some high $$ farkles, it was well worth it. No one wanted this bike because in SoCal any bike over 10K is considered over the hill. I knew better and scooped it up.
Currently with the economy the way it is, and seeing on this forum and else where a lot of FJR's on the market, I'd say the buyer is in the drivers seat so to speak. Also look at extras, what they would cost you, and if that even matters to you.
I haven't given you a price and that's because I could be off, and all that really matters is what it's worth to you. Look on other forums, Cycletrader.com, ebay, etc and see what they are "asking" for on those FJR's. Remember, that's an "asking" price, negotiate.
Good luck.
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Scarman
Active member
I've been looking for a short while myself and used but clean and well cared for FJRs priced right seem to sell quick.
Bugnatr
Well-known member
Get ABS, worth the extra $$. Price depends on what care the bike has had. At 30k be sure it has had a valve adjustment, fluid changes plus other normal maint. A well cared for machine is worth a few bucks more.
04 is a faster color but harder to find.
04 is a faster color but harder to find.
Texan
Rollie Reincarnated
When I bought at the beginning of this year, an 05 with ABS was about +$500-$700.
You don't list your location, but I found that certain cities had a larger selection. Phoenix had the most when I was buying. SoCal had a lot as did Miami.
I flew in and rode home when I bought mine. Lotsa fun.
You don't list your location, but I found that certain cities had a larger selection. Phoenix had the most when I was buying. SoCal had a lot as did Miami.
I flew in and rode home when I bought mine. Lotsa fun.
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Toecutter
What would DoG do?
I'll bite on the prce thingy.
As a comparison, I bought an '05 w/ABS with 2,300 miles in June of 2007 and paid $8,500. It had nearly $2,000 in farkles.
I would think an '05 w/o ABS should go for around $5,000-$6,000; assuming no damage and w/little to no farkles. Again, this is my opinion and will probably be dog pyled shortly...
~ABS is something to look for, if nothing else, for the resell value.
~The cam chain may need adjusting, but is not a big deal, but the Ticking is something to look into. About 30% of the Gen I bikes experienced the dreaded Tick. Fortunately it seems Yamaha is covering the repairs. Do a quick search for 'TICK, or TICKING' to find out more.
TICK site:fjrforum
Ticking siteFJRFORUM.com
As a comparison, I bought an '05 w/ABS with 2,300 miles in June of 2007 and paid $8,500. It had nearly $2,000 in farkles.
I would think an '05 w/o ABS should go for around $5,000-$6,000; assuming no damage and w/little to no farkles. Again, this is my opinion and will probably be dog pyled shortly...
~ABS is something to look for, if nothing else, for the resell value.
~The cam chain may need adjusting, but is not a big deal, but the Ticking is something to look into. About 30% of the Gen I bikes experienced the dreaded Tick. Fortunately it seems Yamaha is covering the repairs. Do a quick search for 'TICK, or TICKING' to find out more.
TICK site:fjrforum
Ticking siteFJRFORUM.com
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08FJR4ME
-WYNPRO-
Ask to see if the valve check was done at 24,000 miles. If it hasn't been done that may cost you some $$$.
UHOH
Well-known member
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Hold out for a 2006 or later model if you ride in stop / go traffic, are really heavy or ride 2-up, or maybe are in a hot (humid?) part of the country.
It's a big engine and the heat has to be dumped somewhere ... 2006+ has this heat management issue resolved.
My 2004 works for me, but I use it for solo riding in rural / remote areas usually below 95F temps.
Used it once for 2-up, in above 100F temps, and the change in bike angle / resulting airflow simply scorched my legs.
$.02
enjoy.
It's a big engine and the heat has to be dumped somewhere ... 2006+ has this heat management issue resolved.
My 2004 works for me, but I use it for solo riding in rural / remote areas usually below 95F temps.
Used it once for 2-up, in above 100F temps, and the change in bike angle / resulting airflow simply scorched my legs.
$.02
enjoy.
kolonial72
Well-known member
[SIZE=24pt]Why you sunuva....[/SIZE]I would think an '05 w/o ABS should go for around $5,000-$6,000; assuming no damage and w/little to no farkles. Again, this is my opinion and will probably be dog pyled shortly...
j/k
If you can find an 05 in good shape for $5k, buy it. Likely they are still between 6 and 7.
Oh, and non-ABS > ABS.
markjenn
Well-known member
Nobody has good data to be throwing out hard numbers like this.
I'd look at 06+ models if you live in a hot climate and/or are bothered by the heat issue. Otherwise, a well-cared for 04 or 05 can save you some money. As always, condition is much more important than price. Spending $500 more on a well-cared for bike with a knowledgable owner is worth the money.
- Mark
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bandit
Well-known member
I disagree about the ABS, I have it on my bike and for the most part I dont care for it. I am going to install a switch so I can turn it off.
I bought my 2005 about a year ago with 4500 miles for $8k
I would thinlk with the extra miles it should be near the $6k range
bikerkash
Well-known member
If price is not the overriding issue buy an 06 or newer many of the minor issue with the eariler bikes have been resolved, I've owned both.
Based on the original question, there's no reason that an 05 with 30k miles on it should be avoided. Look for an owner that has kept good maintenance records (a folder with all receipts and install dates/miles for accessories along with services is worth more).
Pricing is pricing and another issue.
Pricing is pricing and another issue.
jwhite518
Well-known member
Yup. In September I bought an 05 with 16K miles and a nice set of expensive farkles (suspension, PHIDs, Zumo, more). That puppy now has 32K miles on it, with no mechanical issues whatsoever. (Well, there was that one subframe issue, but it was my own fault.
) By the end of the summer I expect the odo to be close to 48K. 05's are cool. B) 
