Looking to buy a used 04 questions

[beemerconvert]

I'm looking at an 04 very soon and since I don't know much about these yet have just a couple questions. I have read some of the "tick" stuff and am worried. I believe it was said this normally doesn't show up till after 10k miles. So if i'm looking at one with 5k is there going to be any noticable sign of wether or not its a ticker? The other question is how many of you do your own maint? Do you guys have what I know of as "tech days" or meetings where the wrenchers show the non-wrenchers what to do. I am coming from the beemer world so even if I take it to the dealer It shouldn't cost half of what I've been paying ($1500 annually and I do all the fluids myself). Thanks in advance I can allready tell I'm going to like this crowd better than the other I've been hanging with. :yahoo:

 

[evil_henchman]

I'm looking at an 04 very soon and since I don't know much about these yet have just a couple questions. I have read some of the "tick" stuff and am worried. I believe it was said this normally doesn't show up till after 10k miles. So if i'm looking at one with 5k is there going to be any noticable sign of wether or not its a ticker?

I's say at 5K and no signs (or history) of ticking you're good.

Do you guys have what I know of as "tech days" or meetings where the wrenchers show the non-wrenchers what to do.

Yes. We call them regional meets and there's a catagory just for that. Also if you live in an area where there's a lot of owners you can usually talk somebody into helping you. I work for beer

am coming from the beemer world so even if I take it to the dealer It shouldn't cost half of what I've been paying ($1500 annually and I do all the fluids myself).

I'd say at worst you'd be getting a $1K annual raise. Welcome to the club! :good:

 

[zzzzip]

I've only hung out with about 50 different FJRs-- 2003 to 2005s-- and only heard 1 with the tick. It was an 03 with about 36,000 on it. Owner didn't even know it ticked, maybe because he was a little hard of hearing. I personally think it is an over blown issue, at least with the newer bikes. I bought a used '04ABS at 1300 miles with extended warranty and don't lose any sleep.

I just had a 16,000 mile service which set me back $466 because steering and swing arm bearing have to be repacked. Rate for labor was $60/hour. Don't know how that compares to BMWs, but I do most of my own service (oil etc.) and I'm not the greatest wrench around. Fortunately, I have a friend willing to help save some $ by changing the tires for me this time. BMWs and FJRs-- apples and oranges. Both are good stuff, just different.

Even though the BMW guys seem to have their noses a little high (the ones I know are fine fellows) this is indeed a good group of people to hang around with, if any of the past rides I have made it to were an indicator.

 

[Toecutter]

I's say at 5K and no signs (or history) of ticking you're good.

Mine didn't start ticking until 18k. Yamaha fixed it for nothin'. Why worry about it?

 

[skyway]

I'm looking at an 04 very soon and since I don't know much about these yet have just a couple questions. I have read some of the "tick" stuff and am worried. I believe it was said this normally doesn't show up till after 10k miles. So if i'm looking at one with 5k is there going to be any noticable sign of wether or not its a ticker? The other question is how many of you do your own maint? Do you guys have what I know of as "tech days" or meetings where the wrenchers show the non-wrenchers what to do. I am coming from the beemer world so even if I take it to the dealer It shouldn't cost half of what I've been paying ($1500 annually and I do all the fluids myself). Thanks in advance I can allready tell I'm going to like this crowd better than the other I've been hanging with. :yahoo:

At 5K miles no one can say for sure that it will not tick. Since you have not filled out any of your information on location etc, you could be in BF Egypt for all I know. FJR owners are dotted all over place and have been the most freindly bunch I have met and are always willing to help out.

Even if the bike has no warranty, you should at least make sure the unit has all receipts of maintenance in case the tick does appear. At least this will give you some ammo when you call customer service. AFAIK to date Yamaha has repaired all tickers whether there is warranty or not.

Yes the tick is a pain in the ass, but it will not leave you at the side of the road, if/when until such time you can schedule a repair.

As far as knowing if its a ticker or not, you will just have to listen for it. But at 5K if its in the early stages, an untrained ear might not hear it.

The comment on $1500 a year - You make no reference to how many miles you ride per year, this can change things quite a bit.

If the bike looks clean and has no prior accidents or damage and if I were in the market for one right now, knowing now what I already have, I'd be all over it. :dribble:

 

[SkooterG]

I just had a 16,000 mile service which set me back $466 because steering and swing arm bearing have to be repacked.

Yikes!

I do most of my own service, and keep up with stuff, but I don't mess with the steering head and swing arm bearings unless there is a reason to - unless there is something wrong. I have had a couple experienced wrenchs teach me this philisophy. Take it for what it's worth.

I got 68k on my FJR now. No problems so far. I suppose when I hit 100k I might have them do some of that stuff as I will probably treat the FJR to a major overhaul of a lot of stuff. We'll see.

 

[Mike-H]

I'm looking at an 04 very soon and since I don't know much about these yet have just a couple questions. I have read some of the "tick" stuff and am worried. I believe it was said this normally doesn't show up till after 10k miles. So if i'm looking at one with 5k is there going to be any noticable sign of wether or not its a ticker? The other question is how many of you do your own maint? Do you guys have what I know of as "tech days" or meetings where the wrenchers show the non-wrenchers what to do. I am coming from the beemer world so even if I take it to the dealer It shouldn't cost half of what I've been paying ($1500 annually and I do all the fluids myself). Thanks in advance I can allready tell I'm going to like this crowd better than the other I've been hanging with. :yahoo:

At 5K miles no one can say for sure that it will not tick. Since you have not filled out any of your information on location etc, you could be in BF Egypt for all I know. FJR owners are dotted all over place and have been the most freindly bunch I have met and are always willing to help out.

Even if the bike has no warranty, you should at least make sure the unit has all receipts of maintenance in case the tick does appear. At least this will give you some ammo when you call customer service. AFAIK to date Yamaha has repaired all tickers whether there is warranty or not.

Yes the tick is a pain in the ass, but it will not leave you at the side of the road, if/when until such time you can schedule a repair.

As far as knowing if its a ticker or not, you will just have to listen for it. But at 5K if its in the early stages, an untrained ear might not hear it.

The comment on $1500 a year - You make no reference to how many miles you ride per year, this can change things quite a bit.

If the bike looks clean and has no prior accidents or damage and if I were in the market for one right now, knowing now what I already have, I'd be all over it. :dribble:

"Toecutter"....always the gentleman.... with class.... k: :thumbsupsmileyanim: