Trading my HD for a FJR

[Zero]

I'm going to appologize in advance for the length of this post but i would really like to get some advice from you guys.

I've got a Harley Street Rod (the less popular ******* step child of the vrod)and i'm looking to make an even trade for a FJR. I am looking for more comfort, better protection from the elements, cheaper parts/extras, and better reliability. I'm not sure which generation, i like the Gen II because of the ABS standard and a few of the other features. How bad really is the heat the Gen I's give off? My vrod had a recall due to it catching peoples pants legs on fire, surely it can't be as bad as that right?

Anyway i'm looking for someone with some insight into what i could possibly even trade for. I'm very recently engaged and i need to save money for the wedding but i can pull if off if i make a lateral move. If i can take the extras off mine and even trade that's even better because i would end up with a little change to make the FJR my own... Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[GPRIDER]

Well, you may find someone out there that would trade you straight across. Keep looking in the for sale section here on this forums and other venues for motorcycle sales. If you can find a good used one at a dealership you could probably trade it with them. It can't hurt to ask. You didn't say what year the Vrod was or the value. That might help any of the people here to give you some advice.

GP

 

[Road_Runner]

I'd take a Street Rod over a V-Rod to be sure! Much more sporting....

Anyway, assuming yours is a 2006 KBB values your bike at $7940 retail and $5800 wholesale. Private party value depends, but I feel should fall about 1/2 way between. $6500-$7000 will get you a decent FJR... a 2006 or 2007 Gen II, or any Gen I (2003-2005).

As for Gen I or Gen II, personally I would go for Gen II, but I am somewhat biased .

 

[Zero]

Well, you may find someone out there that would trade you straight across. Keep looking in the for sale section here on this forums and other venues for motorcycle sales. If you can find a good used one at a dealership you could probably trade it with them. It can't hurt to ask. You didn't say what year the Vrod was or the value. That might help any of the people here to give you some advice.

GP

I think dealership is going to be the way to go based on sales tax savings. I looked at the classafied section to get a feel for where these are selling at, do the fjrs regularly sell cheaper here than a dealer would be willing to take? I've seen a number of classifieds here for quite a bit cheaper than my local dealers want for the used ones around here. The vrod is an 06 street rod, probably in the $6500-$7 range without the extras...

I'd take a Street Rod over a V-Rod to be sure! Much more sporting....

Anyway, assuming yours is a 2006 KBB values your bike at $7940 retail and $5800 wholesale. Private party value depends, but I feel should fall about 1/2 way between. $6500-$7000 will get you a decent FJR... a 2006 or 2007 Gen II, or any Gen I (2003-2005).

As for Gen I or Gen II, personally I would go for Gen II, but I am somewhat biased .

Good news to hear, i was hopeing i was right in thinking in that area, but i've got a local dealer looking to get $7k out of an 05' with 13k and that seems a little steep to me. Haven't actually discussed with said dealer yet...

This forum is awesome, you guys openly stating your bias toward the bike you own is hysterical to me. Back on the vrod forum all i get to hear is constant the "r" (street rod) isn't really a vrod and it sucks... Fresh view on the world when people actually realize they are being biased.

 

[garyahouse]

...since you're apologizing for the length of your post: ditto. I have an 05 with ABS. Though this was a 1000 dollar option that year, these can be had for 5500-6500 dollars on this forum. I've seen a bunch of them over the the past year. You asked about the heat. Actually, for you, much of the year is rather cool outside in Elgin. Consider this: you'll probably be riding the FJR much more in cooler weather due to it's amazing weather protection. Funny that this is rarely mentioned on this forum, but the heat associated with a Gen 1 is a blessing at any temp below 70, it's no big deal at any temp up to 85, and only becomes an issue above that. For me, I simply kick my knees out about 5 inches on either side, and scoop up some cooler air. Above 90, I throw on my Veskimo (CLICKY), and from that moment, the heat becomes a non issue, no matter how hot it gets.

So, concerning the heat, the Gen 1 is hotter mid summer, and wonderful whenever the temps fall below 70 or so. However, doing the heat fix as described elsewhere in this forum (google search fjrforum heat fix) takes care of most of the heat problem. For what it's worth, Gen 1's are slightly faster, slightly lighter, and significantly cheaper.

Another item missing on Gen 1's and earlier Get II's is heated grips. Howver, it's easy enough to remedy that...(CLICKY2).

Another issue you're dealing with right now is... where you live. It's the dead middle of winter. There's not a whole lot of action going in in motorcycle sales/trades right now. This is where a dealer really shines. You can do things quickly. However, if you're tax rate is 7 % like it is here, a 6000 dollar purchase will cost you 420 bucks. That's all the money you save on tax if you trade and then buy at the dealer (or trade somebody straight up). That's not really that big of a factor, especially if you can score a really good price on a used bike. So... unless you can negotiate a trade, you can probably get a great deal on a bike if you buy right now, however, getting rid of yours will no doubt net an equally lower price.

Best possible scenario: Buy the FJR off the forum this month while the prices are cheap, then sell the HD outright when the weather breaks in April. That decision might save you something like 2,000 bucks over a dealer trade. (just my opinion here) Trading in a bike is just like trading a car; the dealer wins every time. He'll turn around and sell your HD for 2k more than he gives you for it... 3 months from now in the spring.

Hope that helps.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good luck with the search and transition...once you find a FJR you'll never look back!

As for trading at a dealer. It really doesn't matter what the dealer is asking as long as they are willing to trade. So looking at the '05 you referenced above, assuming it has ABS and with low miles it's conceivably a [dealer] $6 - $6.5K bike. Private party it will be under $6000. If it's clean and wells maintained, it just might fit the bill. Engine heat won't be that terrible in your area, but you will notice it in the summer. There are fixes that will minimize [but not eliminate] heat the ride notices.

Since you asked...if I were in your shoes, I would look for a dealer '07 or '08 FJR [GEN II] and value the trade retail to retail. Never hurts to ask and you don't know how motivated a dealer is. If you found an FJR at a HD dealer, it's better for you.

Have fun!

--G

 

[Zero]

I have an 05 with ABS. Though this was a 1000 dollar option that year, these can be had for 5500-6500 dollars on this forum. I've seen a bunch of them over the the past year. You asked about the heat. Actually, for you, much of the year is rather cool outside in Elgin. Funny that this is rarely mentioned on this forum, but the heat associated with a Gen 1 is a blessing at any temp below 70, it's no big deal at any temp up to 85, and only becomes an issue above that. For me, I simply kick my knees out about 5 inches on either side, and scoop up some cooler air. Above 90, I throw on my Veskimo (CLICKY), and from that moment, the heat becomes a non issue, no matter how hot it gets.

So, concerning the heat, the Gen 1 is hotter mid summer, and wonderful whenever the temps fall below 70 or so. However, doing heat fix as described elsewhere in this forum (google search fjrforum heat fix) takes care fo most of the heat problem. For what it's worth, Gen 1's are slightly faster, slightly lighter, and significantly cheaper.

Another item missing on Gen 1's and earlier Get II's is heated grips. Howver, it's easy enough to remedy that...(CLICKY2).

Another issue you're dealing with right now is... where you live. It's the dead middle of winter. There's not a whole lot of action going in in motorcycle sales/trades right now. This is where a dealer really shines. If you're tax rate is 7 % like it is here, a 6000 dollar purchase will cost you 420 bucks. That's all the money you save on tax if you buy trade in (or trade somebody straight up). That's not really that big of a factor, especially if you can score a really good price on a

used bike. So... you can get a great deal on a bike if you buy right now, however, getting rid of yours will no doubt net an equally lower price. Best possible scenario: Buy the FJR off the forum this month while the prices are cheap, then sell the HD outright when the weather breaks in April. That decision might save you something like 2,000 bucks over a dealer trade. (just my opinion here, but trading in a bike is just like trading a car. The dealer wins every time. He'll turn around and sell your HD for 2k more than he gives you for it... 3 months from now in the spring. Hope that helps.

Gary

darksider #44

Thanks for the reply, that veskimo thing looks really cool.... no pun intended... or was it?

I'm from a world where a complaint about heat is significant enough to cause a recall because of burnt pant legs, if it is merely going to be uncomfortable above 85, i think i can handle that, we don't get enough of those days to be truely worried about it.

Heated grips seem like a simple fix, i've never had them before (even on my snowmobile) so i don't know what i'm missing, but i've seen enough guys talking about them that i'm interested in giving them a go on the fjr. I've got all metal non heated on my vrod, less than pleasant when the temps are low.

I would love to be able to buy the new bike now and hold on to the other until i sell in the spring but there is absoluetely no way my bride to be will let that happen. I asked her opinion, she told me she doesn't like the sport bike look but if it's what i want, go ahead as long as it doesn't add any debt. So i'm not sure i can pull off a non dealer situation.

Good luck with the search and transition...once you find a FJR you'll never look back!

As for trading at a dealer. It really doesn't matter what the dealer is asking as long as they are willing to trade. So looking at the '05 you referenced above, assuming it has ABS and with low miles it's conceivably a [dealer] $6 - $6.5K bike. Private party it will be under $6000. If it's clean and wells maintained, it just might fit the bill. Engine heat won't be that terrible in your area, but you will notice it in the summer. There are fixes that will minimize [but not eliminate] heat the ride notices.

Since you asked...if I were in your shoes, I would look for a dealer '07 or '08 FJR [GEN II] and value the trade retail to retail. Never hurts to ask and you don't know how motivated a dealer is. If you found an FJR at a HD dealer, it's better for you.

Have fun!

--G

I'll have to look into the heat fixes for the gen 1. (still researching)

I like the idea of shooting higher and see what the dealer comes up with. Whats the worst he can say? No? There really aren't all that many used FJRs in my area, and none at HD, there is one at a BMW dealer though, wonder how that would go....

Thanks for all the replys, You are all helping me justify that this could be a really positive decision, I'm a big guy and it sure would it be nice to have a little extra leg room.

 

[garyahouse]

If'n ya go into a Beemer dealer, be careful ya don't walk out with a BM (pun intended?) Just so you know - FJR's are significantly cheaper to buy and to maintain... especially if your dealer does your maintenance.

Your bride doesn't like the sportbike look: Remember it's not a sport bike. These things are touring bikes with sport performance: Big difference, especially for someone riding on the back. After one ride, she might just see the FJR light.

Concerning the debt of having two bikes: your bride is right (aren't they always?) ya gotta watch that debt. But if the debt is only for a few months and the reward is potentially thousands of dollars, which is the wiser decision? The key is: can you be trusted to pay off the FJR when the Harley sells? And of course, will the Harley sell? If it sells quickly, you're a happy camper. If not, she's gonna kill ya. So, what kinda results do you expect in April or May in your town? Now ask yourself, what do you really lose by having to make a couple payments... if ya pay the bike off when the Harley sells? Seems to me that you don't really lose out - in making payments - as you begin to pay off the new FJR. Since you've already made a couple payments on the FJR when ya sell the Harley, ya owe that much less on the FJR. All ya "lost" was the interest... which ain't gonna be much. Sit down with her and ask if you can do the math together. Check out the trade in price for your Harley. Trading in... don't you always get wholesale or less? (FIne there are exceptions but we all know they're RARE). When I was training to become a motorcycle salesman years ago, our standard offer was "rough" trade in... the lowest possible lowball offer for trades... especially in the winter when sales were slow and customers were unable to sell their bikes. The dealer held all the cards.

Shedding some light from the darkside:

Gary

darksider #44

 

[majicmaker]

I would love to be able to buy the new bike now and hold on to the other until i sell in the spring but there is absoluetely no way my bride to be will let that happen. I asked her opinion, she told me she doesn't like the sport bike look but if it's what i want, go ahead as long as it doesn't add any debt.

Zero, if you really want the FJR now and want to wait til the spring to sell the rod, go ahead and do it. Put the wedding plans on hold for the time it takes to do what YOU want without it becoming a marital debt issue. Trust me! You'll have the rest of your life to compromise on all sorts of things that are no big deal. This might seem a bit harsh but, the FJR is well worth it. Trust me on that one too! Just my two cents. Happy Trails.

 

[Zero]

If'n ya go into a Beemer dealer, be careful ya don't walk out with a BM (pun intended?) Just so you know - FJR's are significantly cheaper to buy and to maintain... especially if your dealer does your maintenance.

Concerning the debt of having two bikes: your bride is right (aren't they always?) ya gotta watch that debt. But if the debt is only for a few months and the reward is potentially thousands of dollars, which is the wiser decision? The key is: can you be trusted to pay off the FJR when the Harley sells? And of course, will the Harley sell? If it sells quickly, you're a happy camper. If not, she's gonna kill ya. So, what kinda results do you expect in April or May in your town? Now ask yourself, what do you really lose by having to make a couple payments... if ya pay the bike off when the Harley sells? Seems to me that you don't really lose out - in making payments - as you begin to pay off the new FJR. Since you've already made a couple payments on the FJR when ya sell the Harley, ya owe that much less on the FJR. All ya "lost" was the interest... which ain't gonna be much. Sit down with her and ask if you can do the math. Trading in... don't you always get wholesale or less? (FIne there are exceptions but we all know they're RARE). When I was training to become a motorcycle salesman years ago, our standard offer was "rough" trade in... the lowest possible lowball offer for trades... especially in the winter when sales were slow and customers were unable to sell their bikes. The dealer held all the cards.

Shedding some light from the darkside:

Gary

darksider #44

I don't disagree at all, no one wants to leave possible dollars on the table. My trouble is in finding a buyer for mine. I couldn't stomache sitting on it too long, i suppose i may lose out by not wanting to take the risk. The dealer does generally hold all the cards except one. I can walk away if i don't like it. Just like in a casino, the only way to win is to know when to walk away. I'll talk to the boss and see what she thinks about the two bike thing.

 

[garyahouse]

Magic:

I hope Zero has your talent for magic when he tries that one...

(just kidding)

Zero:

Did you say talk to the boss? Love your spirit man. If you could only take her for a ride on one. Make ya a deal. Come on down to Florida, you guys can tool around on mine for a while. You're probably due for a vacation anyway. Tell the boss she's invited too.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Zero]

I would love to be able to buy the new bike now and hold on to the other until i sell in the spring but there is absoluetely no way my bride to be will let that happen. I asked her opinion, she told me she doesn't like the sport bike look but if it's what i want, go ahead as long as it doesn't add any debt.

Zero, if you really want the FJR now and want to wait til the spring to sell the rod, go ahead and do it. Put the wedding plans on hold for the time it takes to do what YOU want without it becoming a marital debt issue. Trust me! You'll have the rest of your life to compromise on all sorts of things that are no big deal. This might seem a bit harsh but, the FJR is well worth it. Trust me on that one too! Just my two cents. Happy Trails.

Its not that i don't make the decision i want, she doesn't want the FJR at all, she likes the traditional cruiser look. I get my way on that decision. I do value her opinion in dealing with financial matters, we need to be able to come to a compromise on things like this for many years to come...

 

[HotRodZilla]

I don't wanna be an ***, but you're not even married yet and she's already in charge of your money?

From your posts, it almost sounds like she's more against you getting a sport-bike than she is spending a little money. If all else fails, wait till spring, sell the Harley to someone who will pay you too much for it, and then use the cash for an FJR. I really see the straight trade at a dealer being hard to pull off.

Good luck.

 

[majicmaker]

I don't wanna be an ***, but you're not even married yet and she's already in charge of your money?

Yeah! That thought right there is what made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and tingle a little bit.

There are times in life when you compromise, then there are times when you don't! It's his life. Again, just my two cents.

 

[garyahouse]

Tell ya what Zero,

If you ever do get an FJR, as you can tell, there'll be no shortage of feedback around this place. You'll hear from night and day, east and west and every color of the rainbow on your posts. We'll tell ya what ya need to know, what ya don't wanna know, and what ya didn't even ask. Like my dad used to say, "Son, if I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." Hope through all our dancing around, we're able to help out a little. Speaking of dad, I sure do miss that guy.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[mk2wilson]

I think your biggest problem is going to be that your current bike is a street rod. Not that it's a bad bike, but it is less desireable in the hd community. I don't understand it, but it's true. I think you would be better off going the dealer route. Other wise I think you would end up siting on your bike for a while.

 

[Zero]

I don't wanna be an ***, but you're not even married yet and she's already in charge of your money?

From your posts, it almost sounds like she's more against you getting a sport-bike than she is spending a little money. If all else fails, wait till spring, sell the Harley to someone who will pay you too much for it, and then use the cash for an FJR. I really see the straight trade at a dealer being hard to pull off.

Good luck.

I don't wanna be an ***, but you're not even married yet and she's already in charge of your money?

Yeah! That thought right there is what made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and tingle a little bit.

There are times in life when you compromise, then there are times when you don't! It's his life. Again, just my two cents.

If you didn't want be an *** why did ya post?

She is actually more opposed to the sport bike than spending a little money but although i asked for her thoughts on it, it is going to be my ride, thus i made that decision. She did agree that it was more comfortable though. The reason i am discussing the money aspect with her is a little thing called consideration. If the money i spend now can have an effect on what we do in the future, I think it's only fair to discuss it with her.

If i can't get what i want out of a dealer trade, i suppose i'll have to sit and wait until i can sell the vrod.

Tell ya what Zero,

If you ever do get an FJR, as you can tell, there'll be no shortage of feedback around this place. You'll hear from night and day, east and west and every color of the rainbow on your posts. We'll tell ya what ya need to know, what ya don't wanna know, and what ya didn't even ask. Like my dad used to say, "Son, if I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." Hope through all our dancing around, we're able to help out a little. Speaking of dad, I sure do miss that guy.

Gary

darksider #44

If/when i get the fjr i can certainly tell i will get plenty of feedback. It really is perfect, i'm hearing what i wanted to hear and what i didn't. If i only wanted to hear just what i wanted to hear i would let the voices in my head do that for me, not a forum.

You all have been quite helpful and i appreciate that. +1 on the missing dad thing, mine passed when i was 16. Both in life and in passing he is one of the main reasons i am who i am today. Being forced to grow up at age 16 was not fun but i'm a better person because of it.

 

[Zero]

I think your biggest problem is going to be that your current bike is a street rod. Not that it's a bad bike, but it is less desireable in the hd community. I don't understand it, but it's true. I think you would be better off going the dealer route. Other wise I think you would end up siting on your bike for a while.

It is less desirable in the HD community, especially the vrod community. I don't get it either. The bike has the same power as any other vrod of it's day and better handling because of the suspension and height differences. Then again, most of the HD community can't be relied upon to make logical decisions. Usually its more so "oh man really? it came painted all black from the factory, thats awesome! I can't wait to get it home and make it look like the chrome version i could have spent the same money on!"

 

[wheatonFJR]

Welcome from Wheaton...just a few miles south and east of you. I've been on the FJR forums since Jan/2004 after I bought my first FJR. I bought my second FJR used from an Forum member who lived in Indiana. No problems at all with the sale...bought a 4 year old, 22,000 mile 2004FJR with ABS, fully loaded for about $6500. It was a great deal...and I love my second bike as much as my first.

My advice...buy used from here on the Forum...get a good deal from someone that thinks they want to go back to a cruiser. ( ) Then sell your HD in the spring on Craigslist or the Tradin' times.

Offtopic:

BTW, pay attention to the midwest section of this board for posted rides to Missouri/Arkansas or SE Ohio. Sometimes even a short jaunt across the border into Cheeseland up by Lacrosse.

Don't be offended, cuz I don't mean this in a mean way but, I rarely stop at bars during a ride for a beer to help me ride better. :lol: That's for the end of the day after a great day riding the curves. Nor do I ride in side by side formation...I don't trust any of my fellow FJR riders. My optimum group size is 4...if we have more, we often split into two separate groups.

Also, be very wary of those Michigan riders...they suck.

Have fun making your decision....HURRY up spring d@mmit! :clapping:

BTW, the heat on my Gen 1 is no big deal. Although my second Gen 1 is a little warmer than my first, it's no big deal if you've got proper riding gear on. I used to ride with jeans on, then I got Kevlar jeans, now I wear some good armored pants with knee and hip armor.

Armored Cordura/Mesh Jacket

Armored Cordura/Mesh Pants

This FJR has gotten me on a weekend ride to Sag Harbor, NY and back to honor a friend's son who died, on a trip out to Yellowstone, Idaho, and British Columbia, out to Kalifornia and back last May, and many times to Missouri and SE Ohio.

It's a fantastic bike to tour on. :yahoo: