Trading my HD for a FJR

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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.
I know of a '06 at the HD dealer in Lebanon, MO. Low miles and nicely accessorized. Might be worth a phone call, ask for Joe, he'll know the bike. Could be an opportunity to do a power trade.

 
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
Of course i said talk to the boss, she has that title as well as my calendar. I swear she doesn't tell me half the **** i have to go to until the last minute and then swears she told me weeks ago and that i just forgot...

I appreciate the ride offer and i actually am headed to Florida in march. Unfortunately no riding involved we are going to float around on a big (hopefully upright unlike those italian ones) boat for a week.

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. :D

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:
Hey Wheaton, i'm probably within 15 minutes of you right now... I work in Carol Stream and happen to unfortunately be trying to finish up some stuff before tomorrow morning.

I'll have to keep my eye out for the posted rides, i do like those but don't really care for the big groups over long distances. I regularly do the couple of charity rides they have in the area but if they were any longer they really wouldn't be my cup of tea. If you say they are usually smaller groups, it definitely sounds like a good time. Last time i went out in a larger group we had to stop every 30 minutes because someone got a cramp or someone had to use the restroom or someone needed gas...... I swear the fuel gauge on some bikes doesn't work until the light comes on...

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.
I know of a '06 at the HD dealer in Lebanon, MO. Low miles and nicely accessorized. Might be worth a phone call, ask for Joe, he'll know the bike. Could be an opportunity to do a power trade.
I think i might have to do a quick Google for that dealer, do you know if they have it listed online yet?

 
I think i might have to do a quick Google for that dealer, do you know if they have it listed online yet?
https://www.ozarkharley-davidson.com/ in Lebanon is where I traded, there is a Japanese multi dealer just up the road that I bet is owned by the same folks. I think that's where it was headed. I'd give Joe a call if you were interested. 417-532-2900 My FJR has a Rick Mayer seat and MC cruise plus a few other small things added.

Pics here: https://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af145/fritoinar/2006%20FJR/

 
...Last time i went out in a larger group we had to stop every 30 minutes because someone got a cramp or someone had to use the restroom or someone needed gas...
I swear I would shoot myself if I was ever on a ride like that. :lol:
I've found that a friend you can ride with, that has a compatible riding style and does similar riding distances is priceless.

 
Chiming in ~

As relatively new FJR owner, I was a bit surprised by the heat (changing the vent position does nothing IMHO)it became very uncomfortable if I ever had to do in-town riding (which I try to avoid doing much of). Once moving above 30 mph the cooling of the air helped a bunch. I also ride with Danese body armor in the Summer, which is great and holds all necessary protective armor in place via netting.

Good luck finding a trade and I opted for a 2010 because I wanted the ABS and a cleaner machine.

 
Chiming in ~

As relatively new FJR owner, I was a bit surprised by the heat (changing the vent position does nothing IMHO)it became very uncomfortable if I ever had to do in-town riding (which I try to avoid doing much of). Once moving above 30 mph the cooling of the air helped a bunch. I also ride with Danese body armor in the Summer, which is great and holds all necessary protective armor in place via netting.

Good luck finding a trade and I opted for a 2010 because I wanted the ABS and a cleaner machine.
There are almost no complaints about heat on the GenII FJRs. The heat complaints were on the GenI bikes and were largely dependent on the bike. Many were hot. Some were not. Of course felt heat had a lot do do with who was riding it, and their perception.

The heat you do feel is normal for a 1300cc gas operated engine. If that is unbearable, Suzuki sells a nice 650 Bergman that hasn't had any heat complaints that I can remember.

 
Zero:

16 is way to young to lose a dad. So glad I got to enjoy dad for 54 years. However, I'd sure love to get to show him my FJR. He helped me buy my first bike when I was 11, and he did most of the wrenching in those early days. What a great guy. Anyway, you got 'cher head on straight in the way you're handling this decision, and I think you know what I mean. However, concerning dealers you know that it is likely that if you trade in - that it will cost you the difference between wholesale and retail on that HD. I'm guessing that's about 2 grand. Subtract from that loss - what you gain in not having to pay tax on the money from the trade. That oughta be about 420 or so. Net difference: about 1600 bucks, give or take. As I said earlier, this process is almost identical to what happens when you go into a car dealer. Again, it boils down to this, if you choose to sell the bike outright, can you sell the HD for retail in a couple months? Are other guys able to sell theirs in your area? What kinda market ya got there? The risk: it takes a little longer to sell and ya gotta make some extra payments on the new FJR before ya can pay it off once the HD sells. Again this only costs "interest paid" for a certain # of months. Once again, sit down with the fiancee and do the math, talk it out, make the decision together. Once ya do, go with it. By the way have you posted the bike on your local Craigslist? I assume you know how to do that??? Anyway, I wish you all the best. Look forward to hearing about the new ride, and hope the boss will enjoy it as much as you do.

Gary

darksider #44

 
...Last time i went out in a larger group we had to stop every 30 minutes because someone got a cramp or someone had to use the restroom or someone needed gas...
I swear I would shoot myself if I was ever on a ride like that. :lol:
... but Illinois is a no concealed carry state and by the time i find out a ride is going to go that way the gun cabinet is so very far away... :lol:

I think i might have to do a quick Google for that dealer, do you know if they have it listed online yet?
https://www.ozarkharley-davidson.com/ in Lebanon is where I traded, there is a Japanese multi dealer just up the road that I bet is owned by the same folks. I think that's where it was headed. I'd give Joe a call if you were interested. 417-532-2900 My FJR has a Rick Mayer seat and MC cruise plus a few other small things added.

Pics here: https://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af145/fritoinar/2006%20FJR/
I'll look for it, would be great to pick up a bike from a member or that a member previously owned. You can't always get it's history and its a nice thing to have. The seat and cruise would be awesome bonuses....

...Last time i went out in a larger group we had to stop every 30 minutes because someone got a cramp or someone had to use the restroom or someone needed gas...
I swear I would shoot myself if I was ever on a ride like that. :lol:
I've found that a friend you can ride with, that has a compatible riding style and does similar riding distances is priceless.
None truer statement, so far i only have one of those friends, and he has many more family obligations than i do.

Chiming in ~

As relatively new FJR owner, I was a bit surprised by the heat (changing the vent position does nothing IMHO)it became very uncomfortable if I ever had to do in-town riding (which I try to avoid doing much of). Once moving above 30 mph the cooling of the air helped a bunch. I also ride with Danese body armor in the Summer, which is great and holds all necessary protective armor in place via netting.

Good luck finding a trade and I opted for a 2010 because I wanted the ABS and a cleaner machine.
There are almost no complaints about heat on the GenII FJRs. The heat complaints were on the GenI bikes and were largely dependent on the bike. Many were hot. Some were not. Of course felt heat had a lot do do with who was riding it, and their perception.

The heat you do feel is normal for a 1300cc gas operated engine. If that is unbearable, Suzuki sells a nice 650 Bergman that hasn't had any heat complaints that I can remember.
Sounds like something i'll be able to handle pretty well, would rather not have to but if i find a GenI that is a good deal, i won't pass it up because of it.

Zero:

16 is way to young to lose a dad. So glad I got to enjoy dad for 54 years. However, I'd sure love to get to show him my FJR. He helped me buy my first bike when I was 11, and he did most of the wrenching in those early days. What a great guy. Anyway, you got 'cher head on straight in the way you're handling this decision, and I think you know what I mean. However, concerning dealers you know that it is likely that if you trade in - that it will cost you the difference between wholesale and retail on that HD. I'm guessing that's about 2 grand. Subtract from that loss - what you gain in not having to pay tax on the money from the trade. That oughta be about 420 or so. Net difference: about 1600 bucks, give or take. As I said earlier, this process is almost identical to what happens when you go into a car dealer. Again, it boils down to this, if you choose to sell the bike outright, can you sell the HD for retail in a couple months? Are other guys able to sell theirs in your area? What kinda market ya got there? The risk: it takes a little longer to sell and ya gotta make some extra payments on the new FJR before ya can pay it off once the HD sells. Again this only costs "interest paid" for a certain # of months. Once again, sit down with the fiancee and do the math, talk it out, make the decision together. Once ya do, go with it. By the way have you posted the bike on your local Craigslist? I assume you know how to do that??? Anyway, I wish you all the best. Look forward to hearing about the new ride, and hope the boss will enjoy it as much as you do.

Gary

darksider #44
No matter when you lose a parent it's not easy, it's been almost 10 years now and I still have vivid memories like it was yesterday.

I was into ATV's when i was young and he always supported that, and i can credit him for my anally retentive need to follow maintenance schedules to a T. It's amazing what taking care of something will do, have a snowmobile that was "summerized" the last time i rode it 7 years ago, got it out 3 weeks ago, put some fresh fuel in it, removed the mice, and wouldn't ya know it fired right up...

I see exactly what you are saying with the dealer trade, i'm looking at it more so like:

06 FJR retail approx 7500

06 VRSCR retail approx 7900

You won't see either bike sell for that but nada and kbb both have the same approximate values, if i make a trade straight up, they have the potential to make a little bit, i get the bike i want and i sell all my vrod goodies so i can add a couple things to the fjr. Still has me leaving a little on the table but then i don't have to worry about getting stuck with 2.

I know exactly how to market the bike, be that craigslist or otherwise, i'm in I.T./ E-Marketing for a living. I haven't started down that road yet as the winter market around here really sucks.

 
I've got the Gen 1, 2004 with 68,000 miles, and never ride in stop and go traffic.

But you live in Illinois with midwestern muggy summers, might do commuting & traffic(?),

so get the 2006 and later Gen 2 for heat avoidance, also better suspension.

If you want to 'trade' you're going to end up at a dealer eventually, so might as well ride right over there.

I'd also secret a $1000 to facilitate the deal if needed ... :unsure:

 
...Last time i went out in a larger group we had to stop every 30 minutes because someone got a cramp or someone had to use the restroom or someone needed gas...
I swear I would shoot myself if I was ever on a ride like that. :lol:
Came close following Gold Wings to Birdseye !!

Scooper
Yeah, I would have passed the 20 GoldWings doing 10 under the limit if I knew that these strangers I was riding with for the first time were just as crazy as I am. :dribble:

 
I'm in pingree grove 10 minutes west of you if you ever want to check out a Gen2. Also in IT lol. Went through the same dilemma and glad I ended up with a Gen2. The spouse who rides about 20k a year with me likes it too (although she also really liked the vstrom). If your willing to travel you can find a good private party deal. I picked mine up a bit over a year ago in November for a good price (6300 with a few farkles and 9000 miles) down in champaign. No body from the city would drive that far so demand was lower.

 
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