I'm looking to get into the FJ1100 fray with a nice classic 84. I have the opportunity to pick one up that's in decent condition, some scratches in the sides around where the knees go, a couple cuts in the seat. Seems to have new tires, just over 100k km and is running.
Since I'm not really too sure where the bikes sit in value, can anyone give me a good idea on how much I should be looking to pay?
Thanks!
first off, where are you located.. Then, if you could give some more info, such as any mods, original owner and so on, we can put you in the ballpark.. 1000k km on an 86 isn't terribly high milage..
We'd have a much better chance of giving you something like an accurate or semi-accurate guess of price if we had some idea where you and the bike are.
If you want a WAG (wild ass guess)......
If all the bits are there, including the lower fairing, and the plastic is in good (not cracked or broken) condition, and it hasn't been down the road, and the engine runs strong and smooth, and the tranny doesn't jump out of 2nd gear, and you have some maintenance records that convinces you its 100K and not 2 or 300K, and it doesn't smoke and the exhaust pipes are not rusted inside (will rattle), well then its probably worth between $1-3,000.
Arnie
There don't appear to be any mods. The lower fairing is there. I've been assured that it runs well, new tires, no second gear issue. It was redone as original a while ago and has a fairing/guard over the engine that seems to be aftermarket. I and the bike are in Ontario.
Can you do a test ride of the bike? 2nd gear is a major determining factor in value of the bike. If it needs 2nd gear fixed, I'd budget about !,000 to 1,500 to have it fixed, and still about $600 if you supply the labor! How does the paint look? Faded or oxidized? How about the seat?
Ontario Canada? There's a number of scattered around the province, I'm in Ottawa if it helps
Kevin
I am in the Niagara area. Several more members in the golden horseshoe. Many more along the lake all the way to Kingston. If you are close to Niagara I would be more than happy to assist you. I have purchased a very nice 84 for 380 and a nice 86 for 450. Its all about the condition and what it needs. How recently it was ridden is also important.
:hi: I'm in Erin Ontario and like fj johnnie/DB Cooper, would be glad to help you out.
I picked up my '85 a couple of years back, in Ottawa, for $800.00.
We Canadian's are always looking out for a bargain eh lol
John.
I'm not very close to it so Im trying to get as much info as i can before going out to test drive.
Here are pictures:
http://imgur.com/a/8ZcH4 (http://imgur.com/a/8ZcH4)
I appreciate the help from you guys! Im in Ottawa and the bike is out near TO. If I don't enlist help beyond forum comments I will have to commit to attending a local FJ rally :)
Full fairing, nice.. definitely have to put some lube on that chain!!
so what's my ballpark :)
Well, from my POV, it's a decent looking bike, but not **cherry** condition. The body work has crash damage, probably low speed. Seat is cooked from sitting outdoors. You also need to examine the clutch slave cylinder & oil filter area for paint damage. This means the slave cylinder is/was leaking. The slave is a maintenance item, but if neglected it will probably means further damage to the lower fairing.
I'd suggest start low and bid the seller up to your limit. I'd tops at maybe $1500-1800, unless you find more problems. Anybody else care to chime in?
Ed
Thanks Ed..
How much would I be looking at to restore those damaged fairings?
Seller claims always stored in garage.. could the seat just be dusty? I'm not sure where those nicks would come from.
Ideally I'd like something in a bit better shape on the outside, though it does look like it would shine up nicely.
My budget is ~$2000 so would I be better to get something in better condition? I do like that engine fairing though...
Well, a set a seat can run from $50-300, depending on if you want a Corbin (new or used). Some here have recovered the seat for cost of materials, $20 max. It is cracked, and that's most likely from sitting outdoors. See if the red in the gauges and on the kill switch and horn button look faded. That's a 2nd clue. of life outdoors.
The scoops can run from $25 to maybe @125 ea, depending on condition. I have a '89, so I don't follow the price on these since mine are different. The scuffing in the tank/side cover area is from riding, i.e., normal wear & tear. Another item, the acid erosion on the gear shift pivot area makes me suspect the voltage regulator. I'd bet it's overcharging the battery. A new reg. costs about $80-100 from Randy, but I did a external Transpo for <$25.
2nd gear is still a worry, despite assurances. You need to insist on a test ride; need to go to about 5-6K in 2nd gear, then hit the throttle. If it feels like a ratchet or starts slipping/grabbing, it has the dreaded 2nd gear problem. Maybe you can give him cash in hand, contingent on passing the test, assuming all the above goes good.
Good luck!
Ed
When you say 5-6k I'm assuming you mean RPM?
So far the replacement fairings appear to be relatively cheap.. if I can replace most of the plastic and seat for ~$500 to bring it back to good shape then that is acceptable. I want to keep this bike as stock as possible because I like the mid-80s look of it, so I wouldn't be getting any fancy aftermarket seats.
I will definitely insist on a test drive. I have to drive 400 km for this thing so I just want to make sure it's worth even looking at.
Yup, 5-6K RPM, then full throttle-ish. You'll know right away. Either it'll pull smooth or start the ratchet or slip/grab trip. You'll know by the time it hits 8K.
Don't get too caught up with what to mod and what no to mod. Time, budget and riding level will help you decide. You'll get no help here :drinks: Moditus is running here like the black plague :rofl2:
Ed
I would think it is worth $800 plus or minus. There are a few more in similar or better condition on Kijiji. Some that are still being ridden. A daily driver will be a good choice.
Is this one on the road? When was the last time it was ridden? What's the inside of the tank look like? Does it need a battery? Chain? Sprockets? Tires. Those consumable items can be 7-800 just to start. Get as much info from the seller as you can. My gut is $750-900. Tops.
No mods for me right now. I just want it to be original look no mods.
The asking is 2k so $800-$900 is a pretty huge drop to offer haha. I'll have to think about it.
It hasn't been ridden this year to my knowledge so who knows.
You mentioned a few on Kijiji but there aren't that many in red white in 84/85. I'll just have to keep my eyes open and think harder about this one in Toronto. I appreciate your helpful advice!
Well there are mods that help save cash..Randy's Oil filter adapter being 1...doing the 17" wheel conversion...in time you will see these mods will save in long run,I'm half finished 17' conversion and can't wait to get it done.
:hi: Before I bought mine (from Ottawa :wacko3:) I asked the guy (on the phone) to tell me ALL the good & bad about the FJ...and then asked him his absolute bottom line, dollar wise...he stated $800.00 (down from $1,295.00). I told him I would be there at the weekend with cash in hand and if the FJ was as per his description I would take it...so consider it sold!!
5 hour drive to Ottawa...20/25 minutes to see, hear, touch, feel, pay dollars, sign off and load up...5 hour drive home = happy me :yahoo:
Three seasons on, a lot of fun 'n new friends, 2 vacations with the FJ touring Cape Breton, last May 2 - 4 weekend spent riding The Dragon, Cherohala, etc in NC...and not one single regret about buying my '85 :good2:
John.
Hey Chauncey,
Welcome to the forum :hi:
Lots of great advice here and there are lots of us around to help out.
I'm in Napanee, ... Halfway...
If there is anything I can do to help, just holler.
Paul will give good honest advice. I realize my estimated value is less than the asking price, but the asking price is not reasonable in my opinion.
Way cool that your in Ottawa - I'm in the east end in Blackburn Hamlet. If you want to meet up at a Tims or something, shoot me a PM. I can show you what to look out for!
Kevin
Just leaving an update. I met up with DB Cooper Monday at Tims and we had a great discussion about his FJ1200 and stuff to look for. Got to sit and listen to the bike first-hand as well.
Still deciding but I should be on my very own FJ by Thursday if the weather cooperates :)