I have very bad news to report this morning. my 1989 FJ1300 was stolen out of my garage this morning. I am hoping that it will be recovered quickly with minimum damage. It is posted all over Facebook.
Fred
How did they steal it? Did they break into the garage? Did they find a key to the FJ and ride it off or load it in a truck? Do you think the thieves were watching your house and knew your activities - like when you went to work, etc? If they were professional thieves why would they target an old FJ (even if yours was in great condition with lots of mods) since the market value wouldn't be that much? So many questions. :Facepalm:
Quote from: aviationfred on June 28, 2017, 08:21:47 AM
I have very bad news to report this morning. my 1989 FJ1300 was stolen out of my garage this morning. I am hoping that it will be recovered quickly with minimum damage. It is posted all over Facebook.
Fred
Holy shit Fred, that's terrible.
I hope it is found quickly and without damage. Can't say the same for the thief (without damage that is)
What a low act. You would have to think it was targeted, with all it's upgrades and mods. Here you'd have to pay someone to steal a
stock FJ.
Noel
Fred, as you know I am very sorry to hear about your 89 being stolen. I am hopeful you will get it back soon. Probably shortly after it runs out of gas.
Kurt
PS
This is not how I would have gone about dispelling, the "theft deterrent white" label.
Terrible news Fred! You have poured your heart and soul into your FJ! I hope you are ok.
I wish you luck with the recovery.
Derek
Everyone keep an eye out on craigslist, ebay, and especially any local for sale sites.
I hate an F'n thief!
Fred - this sucks a ton more than my trailer getting stolen ... and I still get upset about that!
Crap Fred that sucks. That is a large part of your life. Taken away by a POS coward. Hope you get it back unharmed. And whoever it was gets to be somebody's bitch in prison. Had my Vance and Hines limited edition stolen. He grazed a guard rail. Luckily his leg kept it from too much damage. Only gone a few hours. He went to jail for something else.
I feel kinda violated. Just because I know you and that awesome bike.
Well guys, we know what to be on the look out for....what's the VIN#?
We all know how much you loved that bike (and it showed)
Really hope it's returned to you soon .
Bummer!!! You really have a nice FJ build- I'll keep my eyes open in the Minneapolis area.
Sorry to hear Fred...good luck finding it.
Who steals an FJ? There are plenty of other bikes worth 10X more. Hope they get the druggies who did this and get your bike back with no damage. Have to watch CL for parts.
Dave
Quote from: TexasDave on June 28, 2017, 06:14:13 PM
Who steals an FJ? There are plenty of other bikes worth 10X more.
Dave
With all the money spent on it, Fred's bike was worth 10X the average price of a run-of-the-mill FJ. Or there abouts.
So sorry mate. DIRTY BASTARDS!! I've had 2 cars stolen in the past, and the things I'd love to do to mongrels who dare try to take your hard work and effort would land me in jail. Here's hoping for a quick return and these low scum are found in a ditch on the side of the road. (Did I tell you I hate thieves?)
Damn it Fred, this pisses me off.
You have done so much to that FJ, nobody but you deserves to put their butt in that saddle.
I hope you get her back in one piece!
Either they know Fred and all the stuff he's done to it. Or perhaps they thought it was a new bike. I've had a few that thought my 1350. Was a new model.
Bugger!!! Hoping for a good outcome on this.
Would rather some one stole my wife than one of my bikes. Wait a minute......that already happened. Hope he doesn't bring her back!
Dave
texas dave....... :lol: :lol: :lol:
My heart goes out to you Fred. It wasn't just a bike and it wasn't just stolen. It was bloody kidnapped .
Fingers crossed you get some type of outcome and fairly quick. F ing Barstards.
F*%#. Shocking news, its one of those things that can never be replaced, all the hard work and passion put into that FJ by you Fred, I hope you will see it again, carma can be a bitch and I hope the scumbag or scumbags get payback.
Sorry to hear about this Fred,hope you find your FJ soon and in the same shape it should be.
Holding thumps for you
Hannes
Fred tell us this is a bad joke!!!
Any leads?? This really sucks!!!
Inside job?
Drug addicts in the neighborhood?
Local scumbags?
Bi Polar family members (witnessed this first hand in my family)
Attend any bike nights --talk to anyone about your bike?
Any coworkers disgruntled?
I will be on the lookout in NJ.
On another note I crashed my FJ commuting to work this week. Was pushed off a small one lane bridge by a garbage truck. Came in a little hot. Uuugh!!! Ended up with bruised ribs. The FJ came out with a few scratches.
I had 41k without incident. Had all my gear on knee pads fieldsheer armored jacket. Scorpion full faced helmet.
Definitely saved me from more injuries.
Sorry to hear this, hope they find it soon.
Maybe I need to think about a garage alarm myself.
I am really sad about this, especially after reading your many posts about the love and care that bike received from you over the years. I hope it will end up well.
Thank you all for the support and condolences. There has been nothing new to report. :ireful: :mad: :dash1:
A small detail that may help in a recovery is. The keyed gas cap. It had nearly a full tank of gas and if they are brave enough to ride it, once out of gas they have to attend to the fuel cap. I have already notified the local motorcycle shops of the theft and the possibility of someone ordering a new gas cap. Same thing goes for the Hepco & Becker saddle bags. They are locked to the frame.
Fred
Fred,
Man, sorry to hear about your loss. You need to notify the more distant bike shops, junkyards, and maybe pawnshops about the theft. Watch on eBay, Craigslist, and have Google search for other For Sale ads for your FJ. If any states near you allow the sale of non-titled vehicles, watch there also.
I know, timing is everything, but you can get DIY home alarm systems that will robo-dial a list of phone numbers, even the police, when triggered. You may have to pay the police for any false alarms, so check on that, first. Most "home security" services will do very little more, anyway. You can have dozens of triggers (monitors) feeding into the system, such as door and window triggers, but the motion-detectors are the hot ticket, there. One or two motion detectors in the corners can cover the entire room. It's all wireless, so you only need to screw the triggers into place, and turn on the system. Most DIY systems can be switched on and off with their dedicated cellphone app. Amazon (among others) can sell you a DIY wireless home alarm system for a few hundred US$, and you can usually add a fair number of triggers to the base system.
Hope that helps.
Damn, I hate it for you, Fred. (Been there / done that, I had my first '89 stolen in '91.)
I hope you manage to recover it.
I have already chosen a replacement bike if the 1300 does not get recovered. :scratch_one-s_head:
It even comes with a trailer that will make it easier to attend the rally's.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on June 30, 2017, 05:53:03 PM
I have already chosen a replacement bike if the 1300 does not get recovered. :scratch_one-s_head:
It even comes with a trailer that will make it easier to attend the rally's.
Fred
But Fred, that is NOT a Golgwing. Why not buy what you have always wanted?
Kurt
Well Fred, sorry for the loss but at least they didn't take your humor.
Every time I see a post from you in this thread I hold my breath and hope that's it's a recovery post.
I hate to ask this, but do you suspect that it's someone that you know?
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on June 30, 2017, 06:00:06 PM
Well Fred, sorry for the loss but at least they didn't take your humor.
Every time I see a post from you in this thread I hold my breath and hope that's it's a recovery post.
I hate to ask this, but do you suspect that it's someone that you know?
I feel extremely confidant that the thief is NOT someone I know.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on June 30, 2017, 06:02:58 PM
I feel extremely confidant that the thief is NOT someone I know.
Fred
GOOD! That way when you find him you can empty the clip with a clear conscience.
Good luck man.
DavidR.
Very frustrating to say the least. Will keep an eye open here in Ontario Canada.
Rob
Fred,
I also keep checking on here throughout the day hoping to see good news. I have to tell you, I used to have pretty vivid dreams about parking my car on a motorcycle thief after my Radian was stolen in Tulsa, OK. I'm no longer having dreams of homicide, but I still despise thieves.
Joe
Fred,
I'm just sick reading what happened to your bike. The FJ community is large and well spread-out I hope every one
is on the lookout for your bike or any of its parts. I cant imagine this happening with out some one on here finding
out or hearing of something. I've always enjoyed your insight and knowledge of the bike and I enjoyed your write up
on you gauge install as I followed it closely when installing mine own into my gauge cluster.
I sure hope this story has a happy ending coming very soon I just cant imagine an FJ goes missing and no one here
knows anything. Everyone that owns an FJ must have been on this group at some point and should recognize your
FJ and will help get it back home to you.
There has been no news on my stolen FJ. I did go to the police substation to get a copy of the police report. I have to go to city hall for that. On my way out I saw this......
Fred
Hi Fred
I am sorry to hear that your bike has still not been recovered :empathy3: . I was just wondering though. In the event that it is not returned and you decide to upgrade you other FJ, would you do any of the mods differently or just copy what had been done to the FJ1300? Or do you have a new project in mind?
It is a cruel blow after all of the time effort and dollars put into the bike.
Mark
I know how you're feeling as I reported mine nicked Jan 2 years ago. Never got it back. Insurance covered a near identical replacement.
I have been in contact with the City of Derby, Kansas Police Department. (Derby is a small suburb of Wichita). I will be going to the Police station in about 1 1/2 hours to look at a recovered stolen motorcycle and to identify if it is mine.
Fred
Best wishes on the recovery. I hope it's in the same condition as when it left.
Kurt
Did the PD offer any photos? Did they say what make/Model it is?
Fingers crossed for a good outcome.
Hope it is your bike they found Fred. Good luck
Hope it is in good shape. Hope you get some details on the criminals that stole it.
Dave
Hope it is yours and in good condition Fred. Makes me ill to think about your bike getting stolen.
George
My hopes were dashed.... :shok: The stolen motorcycle that was recovered was not mine.
The wait continues. I am going to start pushing with the insurance company for a pay-off. I have my eye on a replacement FJ1200 that will be a good platform to start over again.
Fred
Bugger. Just continue hoping she will be found, and as you say Fred, can always build another, but after having 2 cars stolen myself, I know its not the same.
This really sucks mate
Did they get arrested? What's the chance there are two stolen FJ's in the same place. They have to be looking at them for the theft of yours to.
Do you know who owns the one you saw tonight?
Quote from: FJ120086 on July 19, 2017, 09:28:10 PM
Did they get arrested? What's the chance there are two stolen FJ's in the same place. They have to be looking at them for the theft of yours to.
Do you know who owns the one you saw tonight?
The other motorcycle was not an FJ and they would not even let me see what they had recovered. :ireful:
Fred
I am now in the final stages of a pay-off settlement. The insurance company has made me an offer, not near what I would have liked, but quite a bit above bluebook. I am looking at three potential FJ's as a replacement. 2 of the bikes are from members.
Option No. 1 http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17099.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17099.0)
Option No. 2 https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/yamaha-fj/6229863326.html (https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/yamaha-fj/6229863326.html)
Option No. 3 Kai Cunningham's 1995 Japanese Market Import
Photos are in order of the above list. The order of the list is not any indication of which one I favor.... :flag_of_truce:
Fred
I vote for option number one. Very clean low mileage. However if you start talking "repaint" I might have to make a trip to Wichita and steal it. :diablo:
Dave
I've got your back if you need someone to check out the Minneapolis bike.
I'm with Dave, option #1 (low miles, 17" rear wheel)
#1 is the no-brainer choice I think... 12.5K miles and freshly gone through. 17" rear conversion done and a few nice mods. Great starting point and you'll get used to the pink... maybe just donate to breast cancer research and give it a story... and a little pink ribbon for the license plate.
Frank
Yah Fred If you don't go for it. I've got about $70,000 that I got from selling my house. Waiting for the builder to start building my new house. Please go get no1 before I spend my house money.
Yea Fred....The pink stripe will match the pink "Drinks Bitch" shirt you will be wearing if or when you get to the next WCR....
Oh wait a minute, I think that shirt is already spoken for....right Frank?
Fred,
Well if there was ever any question, now you know why I sold the '91 for the '92...!
Living on the West Coast with these fine fellow, they were (are) relentless...!
Good luck!
Midget.
Just today I´ve read all the history of the robbery that you have suffered, Fred
I´m very sorry. My best wishes are with you. I would be devastated if I would lost my beloved FJ
Like I said I felt violated just because I know Fred and the motorcycle. But now he's got a new Pink Stipe in his sights.
Knowing a little bit about Fred, and taking into account how far and how fast he likes to ride, migrating from a '89 over to one of those 4th generation rubber mount FJ's, I know he will be pleased.
FYI, Fred has owned every generation of FJ but, the gen 4 and the new one.
Kurt
#3
Not even close - you can't find a 95 just anywhere ... or in those colors ...
No, wait!
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17147.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17147.0)
BIMOTO! This definitely trumps the 95 JDM!
Quote from: fj1289 on July 30, 2017, 12:47:24 AM
No, wait!
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17147.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17147.0)
BIMOTO! This definitely trumps the 95 JDM!
This may be the ultimate in a unique motorcycle that sports a FJ engine, my pockets are not nearly deep enough.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIMOTA-YB5-/201760996015?hash=item2ef9e47aaf:g:mqkAAOSwBahVewZD (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIMOTA-YB5-/201760996015?hash=item2ef9e47aaf:g:mqkAAOSwBahVewZD)
Fred
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 29, 2017, 06:44:06 PM
Knowing a little bit about Fred, and taking into account how far and how fast he likes to ride, migrating from a '89 over to one of those 4th generation rubber mount FJ's, I know he will be pleased.
I was having the same thought.
Things that are barely noticeable on short or occasional rides, ergos aside, can take a lot of enjoyment out of a trip if you are a long distance rider. Vibration (along with extreme temps, noise and wind buffeting) is tiring. The more of these things you can eliminate or minimise, the more enjoyable and safer the ride. Riding a motorbike is far less forgiving than driving a car when tired.
For what it's worth Fred, if were me it wouldn't even be a tough call, #1, the pink striper.
Noel
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 29, 2017, 03:29:23 PM
Yea Fred....The pink stripe will match the pink "Drinks Bitch" shirt you will be wearing if or when you get to the next WCR....
Oh wait a minute, I think that shirt is already spoken for....right Frank?
The shirt has already been assigned for the next Rally... The "Clutch" contest revealed our friend Mr French to be the heir apparent. He has the shirt already such that he can get adequate practice in costume before next June.
Frank
Here is a new wrinkle in this story..... Enter into the mix this choice......
Fred,
I don't have to tell you that Frank's 1984 has a ton of good stuff going for it. That would make a hell of a trick hot rod with a 1380cc engine in it.
After much thought and deliberation, I have made the decision to purchase the Ultra Rare (in the USA) 1995 FJ1200 from Kai Cunningham (Chainus). There is even a very remote possibility that I will have soon enough to be able to take it to the Central FJ Rally in Wisconsin.
Fred
You also need the '84 so you have book ends. The first year and last year of FJ production.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 31, 2017, 11:22:22 PM
You also need the '84 so you have book ends. The first year and last year of FJ production.
That is an awesome idea, sadly my settlement check is not what I was hoping it would be.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on July 31, 2017, 11:30:37 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 31, 2017, 11:22:22 PMYou also need the '84 so you have book ends. The first year and last year of FJ production.
That is an awesome idea, sadly my settlement check is not what I was hoping it would be.
Fred
Fred,
On the off chance that you have not done so, or that it is too late, most insurance companies will show some respect for the work (and costs) done to upgrade the insured vehicle. Present a stack of receipts for the added value, and they may (should) increase their payout to some degree. I mean, the worst they can say is No.
Here's to hoping.
Quote from: red on August 01, 2017, 12:38:21 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on July 31, 2017, 11:30:37 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 31, 2017, 11:22:22 PMYou also need the '84 so you have book ends. The first year and last year of FJ production.
That is an awesome idea, sadly my settlement check is not what I was hoping it would be.
Fred
Fred,
On the off chance that you have not done so, or that it is too late, most insurance companies will show some respect for the work (and costs) done to upgrade the insured vehicle. Present a stack of receipts for the added value, and they may (should) increase their payout to some degree. I mean, the worst they can say is No.
Here's to hoping.
Luckily I had comprehensive insurance coverage. My thoughts were to cover weather related incidents, (hail and wind damage) I do live in Kansas. I really never gave theft of my FJ a second thought. I did send copies of the last 2 years worth of receipts covering most of my upgrades, modernization and customization. I also sent photos from 2 weeks prior to the theft. The settlement is well above blue book, but much lower than money invested. Another $1500.00 added to the settlement and I wouldn't complain.
Fred
Fred,
I'm very happy for you, and just a little bit envious. Kai's bike sports my absolute favourite FJ colour scheme.
Good on ya, mate!
I'd love to ogle it at the next rally or event we cross paths.
Steve
Quote from: red on August 01, 2017, 12:38:21 AM
....... most insurance companies will show some respect for the work (and costs) done to upgrade the insured vehicle. Present a stack of receipts for the added value, and they may (should) increase their payout to some degree.
Insurance must work differently over there. "Deny, Delay, Confuse and Refuse" is there MO here. :biggrin:
Noel
Well done Fred, I'm sure you'll love it. And so the mods start over......
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on August 01, 2017, 08:03:01 AM
Quote from: red on August 01, 2017, 12:38:21 AM
....... most insurance companies will show some respect for the work (and costs) done to upgrade the insured vehicle. Present a stack of receipts for the added value, and they may (should) increase their payout to some degree.
Insurance must work differently over there. "Deny, Delay, Confuse and Refuse" is there MO here. :biggrin:
Noel
Pretty much universal here, Noel. Usually healthcare. Their motto seem to be "Delay, deny, hope you die".
Ed