just got the call this morning...they found my bike and pretty far from my house considering it had a dead battery, about 20 miles away. i live off of 78th and they found the bike on 249th. they said it was missing the seat....no telling what other damage is on the ol girl. the insurance people were here yesterday and snatched my title and keys(not that the keys would do any good now that the ignition has been punched and the seat ripped off). im excited to get my baby back but also worried she may be super fucked. anyway have to wait for the insurance guy to get my bike and do a good inspection of the ol girl and see what kind of damage is there. i may have to have her totaled out(cringe).
anyway all your positive energy has helped me to recover my bike, thats my story anyway ;D
OGmudbone
aka
John
Careful what you sign with the insurance company, if you want it back...
I signed some stuff on my XS750, and planned to buy it back and put everything on a new frame. But when I returned from the bank with the title, they said they never agreed to such, and that they had a contact with a salvage company for any totaled vehicles. My signature had released the bike to them.
One of my buddies saw it headed out of town, laying on its side on a flatbed truck with a bunch of junk. :(
Randy T
Indy
thanks for the tip.....i will have to wait and see what happens as soon as the insurance people call me back this morning.
That's good the hear John, lets hope the Insurance company don't bend you over & nail ya >:(
John,
That is great news, check your bike out they should let you see it before you sign anything.
there should be a buyback option if they want to total it. MAYBE some money to do your mods now.
you can rebuild it, make it stronger,faster and nimbler. DAH-NAH-DAH-NAH.
sending you positive waves man.
Excellent news John. I hope she's not to roughed up.
John now you know the power of this group. All that good karma heading you way is the reason the police found it. Lets hope all you need is another seat and a new ignition switch. It can be fixed regardless of the condition if thats what you want to do?
ps. I have two stock seats in my garage if you end up needing one let me know...
Eric M
dang ...... FJ's and pushing dont really mix..... i guess their crack/meth buzz was severely scrapped after that 20 mile workout....i would have given up after 20ft
i hope the bike is not busted up too bad.... and dont let the insurance company shaft ya.
KOokaloo!
Frank
I talked to John this afternoon and the bike is rather trashed. He's going to send me pics and I'll post them up here. I have a feeling his insurance company will total it.
I'm glad they found it John,and sorry to hear the bastards trashed it.Watch the insurance bastards like a hawk,they are not to be trusted,ever.If you can find out any info on the thieving shits that did it,post it,and maybe some members that are close to you will come and pay them a visit for their troubles.I would put a smiley symbol here,but they don't have a sinister enough looking one:)Dave
The insurance guy had me go look at the bike. It's trashed pretty good. Will need a new top triple clamp and ignition switch. Misc electrical repairs as they ripped some stuff out around the battery box. Needs a new paint job as they spray painted it silver and gold, and not in a good way. Needs side covers, a seat, all new locks as they drilled out the locks on the seat and the gas tank to about 1/2 inch. Needs a new battery. Needs new sprockets and chains, the rear sprocket is now worn and pointy far beyond what I remember it looking like after I changed the rear tire. No idea if there is internal damage to the clutch,transmission or engine as it needs to be fired up. The front fender is not aligned proper on the right side, maybe they messed with it? Oh they took the cap off the rear master cylinder, so I may need just the cap or possible the whole "urine cup". I'm sure the insurance will total it based on the plastics and triple trees and the paint job. The adjuster asked me tonight if I would like to buy it back or what the deal was. I told him the win win for me would be for them to total it and hopefully get enough out of it to buy a friends 86 FJ and have enough left to buy back my bike as well. The future remains to be seen.
Thank you all for your positive energy and all your great tips and support.
OGmudbone
Here are some pics of his bike. That was a fair amount of material to cut though to get the ignition lock out.
(http://home.comcast.net/~g.reuther/jbike1.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~g.reuther/jbike2.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~g.reuther/jbike3.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~g.reuther/jbike4.jpg)
Please clear this up for me...how did the cops find it? Did they catch the guys? Was it just parked on a street and the cops ran the plate? Did it even still have your plate on it? I'd like to know the details!
Yeah...that bike is pretty jacked up. WTF!!! We are clearly dealing with some tweaking, dumb ass mother****ers with the half ass concealment job they did on that bike.
From what I can see all the hard to find parts are still on it (front & rear fairings along with the side scoops) all the other parts are the same from the first FJ to the last along with the seat latch. If the gas tank latch is fucked up find a 86/7 tank (flush cap) and send it all down to Mr Hunt and have it repainted any way you want. As for the triple tree they are a dime a dozen.
The wireing (as long as all they did was rip out the switch) is a 3 wire hookup.
In 3 months I hope to see it at the rally.
marsh to answer your query...they found the bike approximately 20 miles away in the parking lot of a church next to the lake. according to the guys that picked the bike up it was almost on the door of the church...it still had my plate on it on obstructed...go figure they throw a fucked up spray paint camo job on it and leave the plate alone.
OGmudbone
The cops found it parked some 20 miles away on the front door step of a Lutheran Church. Plate still intact.
Brian and I spent nearly 10 hours chasing all kinds of electrical demons on the bike. I even installed the head light relays while we had it all apart. The wiring on the bike was hacked up when John got it. We were able to piece it back together and make things right again. I am fearful to see what it looks like now. From what John describes it sounds like there might have been some wiring ripped out around the battery compartment.
Without running and riding the bike who knows what kind of shape it's in mechanically now. We know the FJ's are very though although early models do have the 2nd gear issue. His bike had no such issue, but it's possible it does now.
My thought process is that they ripped the side covers off to try and get at the battery to jump start it. When they realized there was no access, they drilled out the seat/helmet lock. Either they drilled the gas cap to remove or add fuel, and I don't understand why they took the rear brake res. cap. From my readings huffing gold spray paint gives the best highs, so perhaps they were getting baked while they painted things. !??!!? They did steal the battery from the FJ and the truck they broke into for tools. Both were lead acid, so perhaps they were baking something with the electrolyte?
Whom ever did this had some idea of what they were doing. Or at least a basic understanding how the ignition switch is wired internally. They did try for a SV parked just a few spots down from John's FJ, but there wasn't any easy access to the ignition switch so they could remove it. There is damage to the SV where they attempted to steal it. The unfortunate thing is the FJ was the easier target.
hey sorry i have been brain dead since my bike got snatched, to answer the other part of your query Mr Marsh, no they did not catch or arrest anyone yet.
OGmudbone
John,
The bike appears to be mostly intact and functional, hopefully you can throw a battery in there and see if she runs.
good luck.
still sending positive waves.
Mark O, yes mostly in tact. The problem is the price to replace the triple clamp,ignition,chain&sprockets,side panels,battery and complete paint job is going to be enough to total the bike. I'm on a fixed budget so I have to pray I can get enough to buy my bike back and get the 86 FJ I have been offered. otherwise I'll be buying the 86 so I can still ride this season.
Thank you and everyone else for all the positive energy, good thoughts and support.
OGmudbone
John,
If you do end up keeping it post a shopping list in the parts wanted section and i'll bet the group will help you out.
If you rub the bike down with paint thinner it will remove most of the custom paint job before it sets in.
Just to let you know there is a good looking 90 up in Omac Wa. on ebay at this time. They are asking $1800 with 0 bids. It ends in a day+ 20 Hrs. from the time of this post.
So if they total yours I would be looking that direction.
Good luck witch ever way you jump.
The Ebay # is 190287625928
I will try the paint thinner trick as soon as I can get my hands on the bike, thanks for the tip. Thank you also for the tip on the 90 FJ.
Mr. Bean is a righteous dude and has offered me up his 86 for a very fair deal, so I think I will go that route as he and Brian have helped me so much I would like to return the favor if possible. The cosmetics of the bike heartbreaking as they are, are not my biggest worries. I am more concerned with finding out if any mechanical damage was done (clutch,engine,transmission etc...).
Anyway if I am able to get my bike back I will certainly list the parts I need to acquire and will be more than happy to pay for them as I can afford it.
Thanks again EVERYONE for your positive energy,support and good will.
OGmudbone
aka
John
Unless they dropped rocks in the crankcase that thing will run, Nice thing is they did not take any of the induction system apart so the internals in the carbs should be fine (unless they dropped rocks in the gas tank) They are like a timex (takes a licking and keep on ticking)
As I said before they left all the hard to find parts alone (might be painted on but intact) every thing else can be found on all 84 FJ11 to 93 FJ1200. and then get Mr Brian to put a nice trick paint job on it!!
I think the real bummer might be trying to round up a gas cap (thats why I said try to round up a 86/7 1200 flush cap tank along with the cap) Those caps are still being used on Yamahas to this veary day.
Good luck on what ever you decide.
Kim
Ps I have a box of parts and I might have a triple tree and I know I have a seat latch you can have for shipping.
OK, update...still waiting on insurance guy to get off his ass...now I'm starting to feel like I'm getting the run around...I have to call 3 times just to try to get a nonexistent progress report. If I don't hear from them today I will start calling 20 times a day until they get to it. I am worried they will try to stick me with the impound bill. If they do screw me we can all tell progressive to kiss our ass maybe?
I will keep you all updated. As soon as I know something new i will post it.
OGmudbone
aka
john
I have never had a problem with progressive.
Your bike may be being held as evidence if they think they can bring the thief to trial. I had this happen when my home was robbed. Instead of badgering the agent, try calling the Detective handling the case to find out. I got my stuff back when I went in and signed paperwork attesting to my ownership of the stuff,which was later used to prosicute the offendees. i got the impression that most people, after getting thier stuffback, 'forget' to show up in court and ruin the case against the thieves.
Unless you signed off on the bike its your machine, not the insurance companies (at least in KY and OHIO it is)
good tip ill try calling the local Police that found it.
OGmudbone
John,
looking at your avatar pic I see the carport wall. was that the wall they wheeled your bike under to steal it?
no wonder they stripped the windscreen off but they should have took it with them. did they actually get it running ? was the mileage different as far as you can tell?
yes that is the carport wall i was talking about...and i was so pissed i forgot to look at the mileage to confirm if they got it running. i will know the next time i see her.
OGmudbone
i forgot who commented on it, but now i think they stole it just to take a free ride and steal the gas and battery out of it. i don't know the motivation, don't really care either to be honest they stole my bike any way you try to justify why. it breaks my heart....hopefully i will get enough out of this mess to buy her back and rebuild .
OGmudbone
Hang in there brother, you will ride again.
OK was stolen and recovered a few days later. Bit trashed but can probably be fixed up with enough time and money. So my insurance is Progressive and I have full coverage. My deductible is 500. So they called me today and said some crap about $1746.00, so that would be 1200 for my bike...I told him hell no they go on craigslist for $2000 to $3000 and I see some 1200's go on eBay for $3500 and they have more that 30k on the odometer... he said "oh" and he is going to "see if he can get it adjusted". Hell no I'm not taking less than I paid for the ol girl. I will keep you all posted.
Oh yeah my bike was a pretty clean 85 FJ1100. It wasn't perfect but in good shape overall.
OGmudbone
AKA
John
John,
Stick to your price. They will try to low ball you a couple of times. It's money in their pockets.
You have to fight for the right price with insurance companies.
Good luck!
Rick
thanks. yeah i printed out an 85 fj1100 that sold on eBay for 2250 and another one off of advrider that the guy is asking 3k for. both those bikes are in a bit better shape than mine was in, but i almost had the bugs worked out. so im sticking to 3k for replacement value. i have full coverage so i expect full replacement value. besides im going to tell the guy when he calls me back that i have over 3000 FJ brethren that will be reading about how Progressive treats me. hahaha even if it aint entirely true it may be motivation for them to treat me right. well i can hope anyway. i will be sticking to my guns and i will be posting again to let you all know how this goes down.
OGmudbone
aka
John
Quote from: RickT on March 05, 2009, 08:36:41 PM
John,
Stick to your price. They will try to low ball you a couple of times. It's money in their pockets.
You have to fight for the right price with insurance companies.
Good luck!
Rick
Keep at'em Brother, the Bastards will shaft you if you give'em the chance!!!!!! :o ::)
John,
stay strong brother, sounds like you are in for a fight to get what is due.
good luck.
I have been printing the selling prices of FJ's all over. Cycle trader,eBay,craigslist. I was happy to see on cycle trader there are 6 FJ's right now and the 92 is posted @$4500. There are 2 86 1200's for $3995 and $3600...i think i have some firepower to get that price they shot me adjusted in my favor. monday im driving over to the progressive office and putting the bike prices on the guys desk ;D :D
OGmudbone
aka
John
thats the spirit, bring pictures of your bike and testimonials to it's "pristine condition".
OK , the latest in my saga.
So I get all the paperwork in and turn in the ads with web links and pics of 10 FJ's prices ranging from $2250 to $4500. I get an email 2 days later that says: "oh thanks for that info, I will check it out and get back to you". And so I'm still waiting. Tuesday will be 30 days since my baby got snatched up. Hopefully something shakes soon. I want to ride again!!
OGmudbone
A guy at my work (Ohio) just sold a FJ1100 for $2500. High miles, but engine was swapped out. Decent condition but needed a little TLC and needed tires. Did have custom burnt orange paint with ghost flames. He thinks he under priced it since the first person interested bought it.
These bikes I think are gaining popularity again. Because of their comfort level, its chain drive and sporty and not too aggressive seating, they are a better fit than most of the offerings for street bikes now a days. It seems anymore your choices are limited to street legal race bike or Harley clone. I prefer the FJ.
OGmudbone
well after reading all the policy im going to end up getting 1700 for the bike if they keep it and 1453 for the bike if i get it back.
not sure weather to take my bike back or not...dont know how fast it would part out.
OGmudbone
aka
John
Just do the math even in it's present condition would you give the bike away for $247.00. Mine was totaled and it was $350 difference if i remember right. I kept it and added modifications with the extra money the bike is in my avatar......
John,
take the money and your bike , with 1450.00 you can make her live again. post what parts you need and the guys will help you out. remember to save some cash for the west coast rally. :drinks:
Quote from: ogmudbone on March 22, 2009, 02:36:02 AM
not sure weather to take my bike back or not...
John! :dash2: you could've had a V8
John, From what I saw of the pics. Between everyone here and flebay I can't see much more than $1000 to put it back togther ana that leaves you about $350 to the good :good:. That should damm near cover the rally :i_am_so_happy:
Thank god for the racer boys and there engine yanking!!
well I ended up taking the money because with the security issues here at my condo I feel unsafe having a bike now, 3 or 4 other vehicles were broken into and had things stolen from them over the same week and also a house break in. So the wife convinced me to just get another vehicle for now and next year (or hopefully much sooner) I will put together the means to buy Mr beans 86 and put my wheel mod parts and r6 calipers to work. If we qualify for enough it may be possible to get a "responsible vehicle" and the "toy"...LOL
Yeah keepin the Mrs. happy keeps a bruva alive and shit...LOL
Sorry to have disappointed anyone with my decision but know I WILL FJ AGAIN !!! :drinks:
P.S. Thank you all so much for your positive energy during this period of loss.
OGmudbone
aka
John
You will not be able to resist the call or the rush of Kookalooooooooo John, resistance is futile :bye2:
John,
you are gonna be doing a lot of this :dash2: :dash1:.
the sun will be shining and the road will be calling and you are gonna kick yourself.
don't you have a buddy with some room in a garage that locks?
anyway, swmbo has spoken, :mad:
watch out cause next your balls will be on the mantle in a jar. :empathy:
I do 2nd Mark on this...you just let an FJ go for less than $250.00?? Well...times are tough and all that...but damn dude...you could have parted it out for WAY more than that...a bit aof a hassle and all...but doesn't that go with the times are tough aspect? Anyway...hope you end up getting another bike and are riding soon!
i was just joking about the wife..she supports me in whatever i do. i just don't have anyone with available space around to do the part out thing. plus i was just mentally spent after dealing with my 2 year old and the insurance company. i am on a fixed income, im a full time dad and the wife supports we unruly mobsters here at the condo. if i had someone i could have borrowed space from i would have gone that rout. anyway whats done is done. right now i have to score something more family oriented and next year possible sooner i will get back in the saddle again..i will get me an fj1200 next time unless i can find another clean 1100. or i might "sell out" and score an fjr. either way doesnt change the way i feel about the group :drinks:
OGmudbone
I just got done reading this entire thread and my head almost exploded. I don't know what I would do if someone stole either of my bikes (89FJ1200, Custom Buell M2). I think I'd go into a homicidal rage, especially if it was the Buell.
You put so much of your time, energy and soul into your bike that you never want to see anything bad happen to it. It's an extension of your personality and to some extent your very being. I think I can safely say that most, if not all, of you guys would agree.
I've only been a member for a few days, but I hope to see you riding again mudbone!
hey welcome to the club and thanks for the kind words....i will be riding again next year...have to get a family vehicle for now. my boy is almost 3 and i need to be able to get him around to grandmas house or the dr or whatever. but next year, possibly sooner i will FJ again :yahoo:
OGmudbone