Reading about the "Tick" is freaking me out!

[Maverick]

Gents,

I am picking up my new to me rocket on Tues. or Wed. of this week.

The bike is in mint condition with about 4500 miles on it.

After reading a bit about the tick and the valves, I need some input from you folks.

I intend to really look close at this before final purchase.

I have not went through all the threads and need direct and honest opinons.

Seeing as the bike is a 2004 Non Abs N. Amer., What percent is affected by the tick and is this a matter that should be a recall issue. And setting valves at every 5000 miles? Is this also a hit and miss? I am looking to really put some miles on this bike for many years to come and looking for a bulletproof unit. It is advisable to hold out for a GEN 2?

I know this may be old hat for all but, I like to play the informed route.

Any information and feelings on this would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance to all that respond.

Maverick

 

[Ignacio]

How about reading the New Owners Read This section you were urged to read when you signed up 2 days ago? Included is a specific section with links on ticking.

 

[Maverick]

How about reading the New Owners Read This section you were urged to read when you signed up 2 days ago? Included is a specific section with links on ticking.

Thanks, for the blunt re-direct.

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie thread.

It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

 

[SkooterG]

Recalls are for safety issues. The 'tick' is NOT a safety issue.

It's a very low percentage.

"Setting valves every 5,000 miles"? - What are you talking about here? Valve check interval on the FJR is 27,000.

Are you the type that is constantly worried the sky is falling? If not, but the damned FJR and ride the snot out of it.

Many of us own Gen Is with lots of miles and no problems. If yours does develop the tick, then Yamaha most likely will fix it on their dime. Gen IIs can have their own set of problems that can leave you stranded. The 'tick' won't leave you stranded.

Frankly, I would be more concerned about a 6 year old bike with only 4500 miles on it. I have not had luck with older, very low mileage bikes. But that's just me.

 

[Maverick]

Recalls are for safety issues. The 'tick' is NOT a safety issue.
It's a very low percentage.

"Setting valves every 5,000 miles"? - What are you talking about here? Valve check interval on the FJR is 27,000.

Are you the type that is constantly worried the sky is falling? If not, but the damned FJR and ride the snot out of it.

Many of us own Gen Is with lots of miles and no problems. If yours does develop the tick, then Yamaha most likely will fix it on their dime. Gen IIs can have their own set of problems that can leave you stranded. The 'tick' won't leave you stranded.

Frankly, I would be more concerned about a 6 year old bike with only 4500 miles on it. I have not had luck with older, very low mileage bikes. But that's just me.

Understood, I stand corrected on the valves. It is the TB Sync. which I think should go much farther that 5000 miles on a sync.

I am a "FNG" lol. ( A dumb question is one that is never asked.)

Thank you SkooterG.

 

[wheatonFJR]

To show what I think of this issue...

I had a 2004 FJR that I bought brand new in October of 2003. I put 52,000 miles on that bike and would have put over 100k on that bike if I had not messed it up in a ditch in AR last fall...and the ins company totalled it.

With insurance money....instead of putting it toward a new bike. I bought another slightly used (22k miles) 2004.

No one has ever been stranded by the tick...

Buy a new 2009 FJR if you are worried about that issue.

I am not.

 

[Ignacio]

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie tread. It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

That must be a no then....

In fact, I care deeply. I also care that this forum has been built up to the resource by a huge cadre of contributors that have put their heart and soul into the place. When a newbie comes in and starts life out as a leech with an attitude....we like to know it early.

It's OK though...karma man.

I would suggest you're a candidate for a Gen 2 and a fresh YES warranty then.

 

[FJRay]

How about reading the New Owners Read This section you were urged to read when you signed up 2 days ago? Included is a specific section with links on ticking.

Thanks, for the blunt re-direct.

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie tread.

It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

Nice way to promote the warm fuzzy feeling we all seek.

Tickers are rare and by reading the mentioned material you will get the personal input you seek. Mine was a ticker before tickers were popular and it was a better bike when it was fixed than when it was new.

Like Skooter said buy it and ride the **** out of it. Even if it ticks it won't blow up and won't even run bad. It just gets louder and will at some point slobber some oil out the exhaust.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[Maverick]

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie tread. It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

That must be a no then....

In fact, I care deeply. I also care that this forum has been built up to the resource by a huge cadre of contributors that have put their heart and soul into the place. When a newbie comes in and starts life out as a leech with an attitude....we like to know it early.

It's OK though...karma man.

I would suggest you're a candidate for a Gen 2 and a fresh YES warranty then.

A leech with an attitude huh?

My goal is to contribute and become a source as well but, snubbing me out the gate is not cool "Karma Rider".

You were in my position once as well, did you forget?

We all have a passion for our bikes and riding. I am not trying to be a "Leech" I am trying to make informed decisions.

This is what a forum is about sharing not snubbing a fellow rider. I am sure that many others feel the same way.

I don't know what palace your living in, but we are all equal.

Shall we start over? No intentions of bad Ju Ju here.

Maverick

 

[Ignacio]

You were in my position once as well, did you forget?

Not at all. I vividly remember that I found so much information that I looked around for my answer first and amongst my searching helped consolidate useful and commonly asked information into FAQs and tools for forum members to help other forum members. While they don't answer everything it's critical information newbies should look through. We have thousands of newbies every year and when they ask the exact same question it wears on people.

We all have a passion for our bikes and riding. I am not trying to be a "Leech" I am trying to make informed decisions. This is what a forum is about sharing not snubbing a fellow rider. I am sure that many others feel the same way.

I don't know what palace your living in, but we are all equal.

Shall we start over? No intentions of bad Ju Ju here.

Maverick

Actually, it's a tavern, and new members tend to find their larger experience far more rewarding than getting hassled by one of the admins. But, sure let's try again as you suggested.

 

[SkooterG]

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie tread. It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

That must be a no then....

In fact, I care deeply. I also care that this forum has been built up to the resource by a huge cadre of contributors that have put their heart and soul into the place. When a newbie comes in and starts life out as a leech with an attitude....we like to know it early.

It's OK though...karma man.

I would suggest you're a candidate for a Gen 2 and a fresh YES warranty then.

A leech with an attitude huh?

My goal is to contribute and become a source as well but, snubbing me out the gate is not cool "Karma Rider".

You were in my position once as well, did you forget?

We all have a passion for our bikes and riding. I am not trying to be a "Leech" I am trying to make informed decisions.

This is what a forum is about sharing not snubbing a fellow rider. I am sure that many others feel the same way.

I don't know what palace your living in, but we are all equal.

Shall we start over? No intentions of bad Ju Ju here.

Maverick

Never mind Iggy. He's got a little 2-week ride that's a couple weeks away and is probably starting to peg on the stress-o-meter. And he is typically a bi-atch on Monday mornings.

If you ever get the chance to meet him in person, toss him a Ding-Dong or two and he'll be humping your leg in no time.

:lol:

 

[Maverick]

I am looking for personal feelings and opinions on the matter. Not just a pre- printed newbie tread. It is not your money so I am sure you don't care.

Thanks for your noted insight.

Maverick

That must be a no then....

In fact, I care deeply. I also care that this forum has been built up to the resource by a huge cadre of contributors that have put their heart and soul into the place. When a newbie comes in and starts life out as a leech with an attitude....we like to know it early.

It's OK though...karma man.

I would suggest you're a candidate for a Gen 2 and a fresh YES warranty then.

A leech with an attitude huh?

My goal is to contribute and become a source as well but, snubbing me out the gate is not cool "Karma Rider".

You were in my position once as well, did you forget?

We all have a passion for our bikes and riding. I am not trying to be a "Leech" I am trying to make informed decisions.

This is what a forum is about sharing not snubbing a fellow rider. I am sure that many others feel the same way.

I don't know what palace your living in, but we are all equal.

Shall we start over? No intentions of bad Ju Ju here.

Maverick

Never mind Iggy. He's got a little 2-week ride that's a couple weeks away and is probably starting to peg on the stress-o-meter. And he is typically a bi-atch on Monday mornings.

If you ever get the chance to meet him in person, toss him a Ding-Dong or two and he'll be humping your leg in no time.

:lol:

 

[dcarver]

Hi Maverick,

I will offer a warm hello, new friend, and will not bust your balls just 'cause you asked an honest question that's been answered about a bazillion times by really smart folks. I DO recall when I was the noob, and asked a 'Ticker' question. Some blasted me, some came to my rescue. It must be the tick sensitive reflex area with some.

So, I bought a new 2006 back in April 06. For me, I did not want to deal with possible tickage. Removing the head to repair/replace valve guides etc seemed too much risk. I had cash money then, so I 'splurged' and bought new. Now then, safe and secure on a new Gen II a-riding I did commence. Ahh, also covered by a $389 Yes policy to boot.

Was the decision wise? You decide. So far Yamaha has warranted:

1. ECU recalled
2. Wiring harness replaced
3. Head removed, valves inspected / replaced due to carbonization (so much for my original logic, eh?)
4. Ignition switch left me stranded on WildRose Rd in Death Valley and replaced. Bought a Brodie Relay to ensure no more issues

Just saying that many Gen I owners have never had this level of trouble and swear by them, possible tick be damned. BTW, the FJR is the finest bike I've ever owned, outside of my HD Ultra which is an emotional, not reasonable evaluation) and I've had do/have plenty of bikes.

I'd say buy Gen II if you have the $$ otherwise buy the Gen I then just ride.

And welcome again!

 

[Maverick]

No Worries, Have a good day Gents. :lol:

 

[beemerdons]

Maverick: Really great advice from both SkooterG and FJRay; two of our most hard core FJR riders we have on FJR Forum.

Ride the **** out of your new FJR and enjoy the hell out of it. Ray is a fine mechanic, it's only just valve guides; no big deal!

 

[BugR]

Mines been ticking for about 20,000 km, the trick is to ride the bike so that the sound of the exhaust drowns out the tick.

The second trick is keep your license while performing trick number 1.

No oil out the back yet or any significant signs of oil consumption, I might get around to fixing it one winter or another.

Gen 1 are very solid machines, do read about the heat fixes though (Yes that's in the FAQ as well).

Chris

 

[Leskid]

Damn!

I think I've just been de-throned as "new member with the most spectacular entry", heh

No worries Maverick. Once you've been screamed-at enough to learn the following tip and start using it, you'll find this place to be a wealth of knowledge

go on google and use the following search structure: whatever you want to know about site:fjrforum.com

eg:

great tits site:fjrforum.com

best tires site:fjrforum.com

installing cruise control site:fjrforum.com

and of course (yaaaawn) ticking site:fjrforum.com

 

[Bungie]

Mines been ticking for about 20,000 km, the trick is to ride the bike so that the sound of the exhaust drowns out the tick.

Mine as well, started ticking shortly after I bought it with 18K on it, its now over 50k. Other than the ticking being more pronounced, I've never had to add oil to it, the oil level just plain old doesn't budge in fact. I just keep it above 3000.

I was gonna pay to get it fixed this fall, but I'd much rather have the 2G's in my pocket and invest in ear plugs at .15 cents per shot.

 

[wheatonFJR]

No Worries, Have a good day Gents. :lol:

No worries, eh? I guess you've come down from your caffeine induced original post then

"blah, blah, blah....Freaking Me Out!"

:lol: :lol: