Time to buy my first FJR. I need some advice though.

[spike747]

I've been waiting for this for a while. I'm getting ready to buy an new FJR. I've talking to a few dealerships in the Pacific NW and I have a couple options. First I can get a 2009 for about $12k. I also have the option of a 2010/11 for about the $13,500 mark. I'm not sure which to choose.

On the one hand I like black better then silver, but it wouldn't be the end of the world getting silver. Alot easier to keep clean. From what I've read they seem to be identical bikes.

I'm also a little concerned about driving a 2009 off the lot and having a bunch of depreciating right off the bat. I'm not so certain $12k is a great deal for a 2009.

Anyone what to add their 2 cents? I'd appreciate any opinions on this.

 

[phroenips]

$12k is way too much. Really, the only differences between 2006-present have been cosmetic. A comparison across years is found in the "fjrcomparo"

Also, there's a good looking 2006 for sale by one of our own forum members down in Seattle. US$5799. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=131349

 

[TomInPA]

I've been waiting for this for a while. I'm getting ready to buy an new FJR. I've talking to a few dealerships in the Pacific NW and I have a couple options. First I can get a 2009 for about $12k. I also have the option of a 2010/11 for about the $13,500 mark. I'm not sure which to choose.

On the one hand I like black better then silver, but it wouldn't be the end of the world getting silver. A lot easier to keep clean. From what I've read they seem to be identical bikes.

I'm also a little concerned about driving a 2009 off the lot and having a bunch of depreciating right off the bat. I'm not so certain $12k is a great deal for a 2009.

Anyone what to add their 2 cents? I'd appreciate any opinions on this.

If you get over the hang-up about"new" you can buy a 2009 for about $10.5K with very low miles. I was quoted $13,100 on a new 2011 FJR in California about 2 week ago from a dealer. That isn't much of a Christmas bonus for the dealer, but it covers his cost. The market on these bikes is very buyer friendly right now, but bikes in good condition with low miles depreciate approximately $1000 per year, so 2005=$6K 2006-7K 2008-8.5K 2009 10-10.5K etc. Remember there will be $1200-$2000 in document fees, taxes and licensing on a new bike, and generally less on a used one to transfer title, registration and taxes.

The FJR is essentially three flavors, Deneration 1 ABS and non-ABS for 2003-1005 and Gen II for 2006-2011. The differences in Generation II are pretty minor, especially newer than 2007. Its a great time to buy. If you need the latest new bike, you will have to accept about $2000 depreciation out the door. Or find someone who decided too late their new bike does not fit their budget or skills, and let them take the hit. The features of the bike and quality won't be much different either way for the 2008-2011 models you are looking at.

What kind of bike are you coming from?

 

[spike747]

I'm pretty set on getting new. I currently have a FZ1 (Gen I) and I'm quite certain it was not broken in properly. It burns oil and I'm tired of dealing with it. I changed the valve seals over last winter and the cross hatch pattern looked pretty good in the cylinders, but it stills goes through about a liter of oil ever 1200 kms.

I've been wanting a FJR for a while now anyway. I've read over most of the comparisons and technical specs on it so I'm very familiar with it and all the flavors it comes in. I also test drove one last year. I want new cause I have a bad taste in my mouth for used. With the winter weather outside, I can't test drive any bike I look at. (which is what happened with the FZ1)

I absolutely want ABS and I tend to like the styling of the Gen II better then Gen I anyway. That's interesting that 2011's are going for that cheap. The dealership I talked to hinted at about $13,500. Close enough. I've entertained the thought of a 2009 bike for $12,000 mostly cause I wanted black. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder if that should be a priority to me. I want heated grips right off the bat. But later down the road I will pipe it and possibly put the power commander on it. But I think the very first mod will be suspension. Its the first thing I usually do and it usually is the best mod I do.

I guess I'll see if the 2009 is set in stone at $12k cause I think its a bit much also (especially if it doesn't have heated grips). If that deal falls through I certainly can get a 2011. I guess the upside to Silver is it would be alot easier to keep clean.

 

[beemerdons]

$12k is way too much. Really, the only differences between 2006-present have been cosmetic. A comparison across years is found in the "fjrcomparo"

Also, there's a good looking 2006 for sale by one of our own forum members down in Seattle. US$5799. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=131349

+1, Gunny! spike747, naturally it is your money and if you absolutely have to have new, go for it! But, phroenips is right on, this 2006 FJR owned by FJR Forum Member Niehart is completely cherry!

Niehart's a little old man from Seattle area who's only ridden this FJR to church, pie shops, Chinese massage parlors and the liquor store. You can buy this bike and have big cash for your road trips!

spike747: If you look closely you'll see a stain at upper right corner of passenger seat, this bike is perfect except for that; either from apple pie or Miss Kim Quan Lee from Pike Street massage parlor!

 

[seventyss]

I have a 2009 and really like it. I did add some reflective decals from Premier cycle to give a bit of a break from the black. I would be very surprised if you could get a 2011 for 2010 prices. You should factor in money for the farkels you will need to make the FJR into the bike you want. I probably have $1500 in accessories on my bike. Power Commander V is awesome. I recommend that you get the dealer to drop the price for the 2009 down to $11,500 out the door. If they are unwilling to lower the price take your time and look at other dealers. You might even consider looking at some of the Washington dealers in some of the smaller towns. From what I've seen in the past they are more flexible on their prices.

Good luck.

 

[FastSpy]

I purchased my 2010 for $12,299 US plus tax/license.

They have another for the same price in Minneapolis MN - Heinen's Motorsports 763-425-2178

They ship also for a fee.

 

[SkooterG]

Go with what you want. Motorcycle purchases are more of a passionate decision that a reasoned one. Personally, if I were to buy a POS Gen II, I would get an 09 or newer. None of the issues of the 06/07, and in 09 they went back to the original Gen I clutch slave cylinder which provides reduced effort clutch pull. I would try and get an 09 for a bit cheaper than your price however. It's not bad, but better can be had.

 

[FastSpy]

Go with what you want. Motorcycle purchases are more of a passionate decision that a reasoned one. Personally, if I were to buy a POS Gen II, I would get an 09 or newer. None of the issues of the 06/07, and in 09 they went back to the original Gen I clutch slave cylinder which provides reduced effort clutch pull. I would try and get an 09 for a bit cheaper than your price however. It's not bad, but better can be had.

You bring up a good point because from my time spent reading the about so called problem issues on the Gen II, I wonder why I don't have any of them on my 2010. Almost seems like I have an entirely different motorcycle than most comment about here.

 

[ahchiu]

$12k is way too much. Really, the only differences between 2006-present have been cosmetic. A comparison across years is found in the "fjrcomparo"

Also, there's a good looking 2006 for sale by one of our own forum members down in Seattle. US$5799. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=131349

+1, Gunny! spike747, naturally it is your money and if you absolutely have to have new, go for it! But, phroenips is right on, this 2006 FJR owned by FJR Forum Member Niehart is completely cherry!

Niehart's a little old man from Seattle area who's only ridden this FJR to church, pie shops, Chinese massage parlors and the liquor store. You can buy this bike and have big cash for your road trips!

spike747: If you look closely you'll see a stain at upper right corner of passenger seat, this bike is perfect except for that; either from apple pie or Miss Kim Quan Lee from Pike Street massage parlor!

+1 for the price of this bike and the >$6k in your pocket you can have all the little issues fixed if they have not already been fixed and money left over for farkels.

 

[WRichStrom]

Spike,

Do what you want but I originally had an '07 then did a complete deserved Friday dogpile smash on for a Harley. Then I went back to an '07. If I had been patient I would have found something like this deal noted above. I kind of like the idea of having some extra $5 or $6K hanging around to do those "fixes". My problem is I don't think the surging is a deal, so I never did the "fixes" like the PC-III, throttle spring release, G2 tube, etc. I think the Gen II "issues" for me have not been problems at all. Although for prevention I did a Brodie ground spyder fix, but again the spyders were all fine on mine. I don't know Mr. Niehart the pie man but if it was me I would do his bike first, then the '09, and then go up in price. All of the Gen I or II bikes are great in my opinion. Keep in mind I traded the FJR for a Harley for a couple of weeks so I am a certified dumb *** and maybe I will have to change my cam chain tensioner soon. But having another $5 - $6 K hanging around would be pretty good.

 

[stevec677]

A local dealer here in upstate NY has a brand new 2009 that he got froma dealer that closed. Price on bike is $11,500.00, but he told me he could drop to $10,500.00, so there is some room for your guy to drop his price. Unless you plan on selling the bike next year, there should be very little difference in selling price for an '09 vs. a '10.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Buy a good used low miler 1-2 years old. Save your money. That oil burning thing you had is very unusual, and FJR's don't get abused that badly. Niehart's is a steal and if I needed one, I'd be all over it. Never had an issue with used bikes and I always buy them ahead of new.

 

[spike747]

One thing is for certain. FJR owners are very passionate about their bikes. The FZ1 guys are a little more conservative. LOL

New is the only direction I'll take. Decision's been made and its not changing. Niehart's bike looks nice. But I'm sticking to new.

I talked to the dealer today. Turns out they think they were giving me too good of a deal and now figure the 2009 is worth about $12,800 and the 2010 is worth just over $14k. Unbelievable. So I'll be on the phone come Monday to find another one. Since I gotta go pick it up, I'm hoping to find one in the North West States.

I'm glad Fastspy posted those pics of his bike. I've never seen a Silver one without the bags. I actually think I like the Silver now. So I'm not so tied to 2009's anymore. I'd definitely take a 2010 too. I'd like to find a bike in Montana, Idaho, or possibly Washington. I wonder if I called Yamaha customer service would they tell me who has stock? They did up here in Canada.

 

[FastSpy]

I'm glad Fastspy posted those pics of his bike. I've never seen a Silver one without the bags. I actually think I like the Silver now.

Here are a few more I have without the bags. Hope they help with your decision.

 

[GPRIDER]

Keep looking. I'll almost bet there are some dealerships on the west coast that will give you a good deal on a new 09 or 10.

GP

 

[seventyss]

Check out cycletrader.com

2009 in Bremerton WA

 

[TheZsdad]

Paid $12,300 OutTheDoor for a new 09A back in March. Hope this helps.

 

[SnowAviation]

The 09 black bike with the black wheels is über cool, tint the front windscreen "Limo Dark"

and you are stylin.

Pffft on the silver 2010 or 11. Get a ultra cool 2009 black beauty and save some cash for your

suspension and other mods.