Hey!
I'm looking at a 1984 FJ1000 with 15K miles. It has a few mods.4-1 exhaust, k&n filters and aftermarket windscreen (very similar to stock)
Current owner has had the bike for over 10 years. Carbs were synced two years ago. New tires last year. Has fresh brake pads to be installed. Seat has a few tears but foam is in great shape. A few scratches and a tiny bit of rust on the side kickstand mount.
Runs great.
What questions should I ask, what should I look for and how much should I expect to pay?
Bike is in Oregon, amazingly about 5 miles from my house.
Thank you in advance for your expertise and suggestions,
Jeff
:wacko2:
Here is the CL post:
http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/3717691822.html (http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/3717691822.html)
Thanks again! :good2:
It looks more like a $1500 bike at most. Take it for a spin and see if it jumps out of 2nd gear (it will feel like the chain is slipping if so). I like the license plate!
Thanks, Dads_fj
I asked him about second gear and he didn't seem to know anything about it. I'll take it for a spin tomorrow and see if he'll take $1500
Quote from: CatTomb on April 10, 2013, 10:34:44 PM
Thanks, Dads_fj
I asked him about second gear and he didn't seem to know anything about it. I'll take it for a spin tomorrow and see if he'll take $1500
You have to get into 6K + rpm in second gear to test it.... Maybe 7K+
Looks good but its about 6 or 7 hundred to much and it does need work done, it also depends on how much you are willing to spend, If you buy it you could joins us for the West Coast Rally Petaluma Ca, at the beginning of June :biggrin:
Baldy
Petaluma? Might work. Thanks for the invite. :hi:
My plan was to use the bike to visit my daughters in California.
Petaluma is on the way.... :pardon:
:good2: there is a section here that's specifically for the WCR and with all the details, its being held @ the KOA
Baldy
Plan for a thorough carb cleaning if it's been sitting for any length of time.
Good luck!
Steve
Couple of other things... On the left side of the bike, there is evidence of a leaking clutch slave (the DOT 3 ate away the paint) and a roached chain. The missing fairing pieces can be sourced here: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A84-85L%2FSProtector. (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A84-85L%2FSProtector.) Actually Randy at RPM will have you covered for just about anything it needs. The right side view shows a hose and damp ground, beware he may have gave it a good cleaning washing away evidence of a leaking motor or fork seals etc...
"My plan was to use the bike to visit my daughters in California." It has the potential to be a very dependable scoot. What other bikes have you owned? And talking about potential, take a look through the photo gallery and check out Pat's '84.
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/campsimonette/fj1100_zpsc82d6035.jpg)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/campsimonette/fj1100b_zps59be63b1.jpg)
I agree with Dads fj, the price of $2200. just to steep for an 84' 1100, check out KKB for private sale value, You can ask about the 2nd gear pop out, but the best way to find this out {in my opinion}, is to take the bike for a test ride, See if you can get the bike to pop out, Seems most I have heard of, it pops out around 6000-6500 rpm's, good luck
Quote from: crzyjarmans on April 11, 2013, 08:58:39 AM
I agree with Dads fj, the price of $2200. just to steep for an 84' 1100, check out KKB for private sale value, You can ask about the 2nd gear pop out, but the best way to find this out {in my opinion}, is to take the bike for a test ride, See if you can get the bike to pop out, Seems most I have heard of, it pops out around 6000-6500 rpm's, good luck
I just went to KKb for motorcycles, They say the value is about $1700, With the rust and other things you mentioned, I wouldn't pay more than around $1500., If the bike does have a pop out problem with 2nd gear, than that figure will drop to about $1000-$1200
Quote from: Dads_FJ on April 11, 2013, 07:36:48 AM
Couple of other things... On the left side of the bike, there is evidence of a leaking clutch slave (the DOT 3 ate away the paint) and a roached chain. The missing fairing pieces can be sourced here: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A84-85L%2FSProtector. (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A84-85L%2FSProtector.) Actually Randy at RPM will have you covered for just about anything it needs. The right side view shows a hose and damp ground, beware he may have gave it a good cleaning washing away evidence of a leaking motor or fork seals etc...
"My plan was to use the bike to visit my daughters in California." It has the potential to be a very dependable scoot. What other bikes have you owned? And talking about potential, take a look through the photo gallery and check out Pat's '84.
He replaced the clutch slave, so that explains the rust, thanks. The chain looked to be in good condition... not sure what a roached chain is :sorry: ??
I ride a KTM 450exc several times a week on trails and jeep roads. I have owned other dirt bikes but the biggest slab bike I've owned is a 750.
Thanks for the resources!
Welcome aboard ! Can't add to much to what has been said other than get the price down.
Plan on putting some money into the bike to get it fixed. The 2nd gear issue is an expensive one. Personally if it had a second gear issue I wouldn't give them 500 bucks for it plus I would have to really want the bike. (opinion)
Also ask about fuel leaks and fuel starvation issues, they have a vacum fuel valve control for reserve fuel and turning on and off the fuel. They have been known to be a problem. Its an older bike and will need some TLC.
The following is just an estimate of costs doing the work yourself. I am not saying all this has to be done or that there isn't more to be done but you should know the costs. As "Dads_FJ said take a look at RPM's web site to get a feel of parts costs. Educated buyer is a good buyer.... Sellers sometimes are looking for the not so educate ones.
Chain................... 150 - 210 (if the chain is sacked then plan on new rear and front sprockets, another 70-80 bucks)
Clutch Master Cly... 30- 90 (easy to rebuild or replace)
Carbs................... 0 - 300.00 (might be just fine but plan on some expense there, if not for the carbs then a sync tool 10.00 - 100.00)
Rear Caliper rebuild.. 0- 30.00 (is it leaking)
How are the tires ? Est. 200 - 300 for both
Fork seals ?
Pull the seat and look for wiring that has been buggered, how old is the battery ? Another 75 - 100 bucks...
When was the last time the swingarm was off and lubed.
Have the valves been adjusted or checked ?
Using oil ? When cold will it smoke on start up ? (valve stem seals).
Now the good news they run like a rocket, are pretty comfortable to ride longer distances, plenty of help world wide and parts are available, plus you meet the nicest people on an FJ, there are some members over in the PDX and Seattle areas. :good2:.
I don't know if its still available and I have never seen the bike but there was one for sale up in the Seattle area for 600 or ?? It needs work but 600 -2200 = 1600 bucks to work with (which can go faster than you might think). The bike was listed in the Bikes For Sale section here in the forum. On the upper end you see some pretty nice ones for 2500 - 3,000 that are closer to top shape.
Let us know how you come out Jeff. Love the Bend area. Only about 317 miles from me. Quick morning run :good2: :good2:
George
Quote from: movenon on April 11, 2013, 09:40:17 AM
Welcome aboard ! Can't add to much to what has been said other than get the price down.
Plan on putting some money into the bike to get it fixed. The 2nd gear issue is an expensive one. Personally if it had a second gear issue I wouldn't give them 500 bucks for it plus I would have to really want the bike. (opinion)
Also ask about fuel leaks and fuel starvation issues, they have a vacum fuel valve control for reserve fuel and turning on and off the fuel. They have been known to be a problem. Its an older bike and will need some TLC.
The following is just an estimate of costs doing the work yourself. I am not saying all this has to be done or that there isn't more to be done but you should know the costs. As "Dads_FJ said take a look at RPM's web site to get a feel of parts costs. Educated buyer is a good buyer.... Sellers sometimes are looking for the not so educate ones.
Chain................... 150 - 210 (if the chain is sacked then plan on new rear and front sprockets, another 70-80 bucks)
Clutch Master Cly... 30- 90 (easy to rebuild or replace)
Carbs................... 0 - 300.00 (might be just fine but plan on some expense there, if not for the carbs then a sync tool 10.00 - 100.00)
Rear Caliper rebuild.. 0- 30.00 (is it leaking)
How are the tires ? Est. 200 - 300 for both
Fork seals ?
Pull the seat and look for wiring that has been buggered, how old is the battery ? Another 75 - 100 bucks...
When was the last time the swingarm was off and lubed.
Have the valves been adjusted or checked ?
Using oil ? When cold will it smoke on start up ? (valve stem seals).
Now the good news they run like a rocket, are pretty comfortable to ride longer distances, plenty of help world wide and parts are available, plus you meet the nicest people on an FJ, there are some members over in the PDX and Seattle areas. :good2:.
I don't know if its still available and I have never seen the bike but there was one for sale up in the Seattle area for 600 or ?? It needs work but 600 -2200 = 1600 bucks to work with (which can go faster than you might think). The bike was listed in the Bikes For Sale section here in the forum. On the upper end you see some pretty nice ones for 2500 - 3,000 that are closer to top shape.
Let us know how you come out Jeff. Love the Bend area. Only about 317 miles from me. Quick morning run :good2: :good2:
George
Thank you George! I'm making myself a list and headed back over there this afternoon for a test ride and to give it the once over... twice. Tires only have 200 miles, slave cylinder taken care of, fork seals looked good... I'll let you know!
I have always said, FJ's are one of the best 'bang for buck' deals in motorcycles. Get in at a very modest price, add a couple of thousand in modifications and you end up with a very capable, comfortable, durable motorcycle at 1/3 to less than 1/2 the cost of a comparable new bike.
You do want to check out 2nd gear. Although if the PO's never upgraded the soft shift forks, it will just a matter of time can before you will have to drop the engine, split the case and fix it.
We need to plan a multi day work event at Randy's shop in Oakdale (hotel across the street) where all the west coast folks who need 2nd gear fixed, can ride in, spend the day or two in the shop, and fix their bikes.
Everybody lending a hand, helping each other, and with Randy overseeing disassembly/assembly we could accomplish a lot, and I bet, in quick order. Everybody works. No slackers. It could be fun and educational.
Think of it like a FJ barn raising event...........I'm just thinking out loud
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 11, 2013, 11:29:02 AM
I have always said,.... << >>add a couple of thousand in modifications and you end up with a very capable, comfortable, durable motorcycle at 1/3 to less than 1/2 the cost of a comparable new bike.
Yeah, I misunderstood you when you said it the first time. I thought you'd said 'add a couple of thousand modifications' . I think I'm on # 1007 now. Well, back to work...:-)
Bwhaaaahaaahaaa, do you REALLY think you are done? Really?
"Thank you George! I'm making myself a list and headed back over there this afternoon for a test ride and to give it the once over... twice. Tires only have 200 miles, slave cylinder taken care of, fork seals looked good... I'll let you know!"
Any update? How did it look/ride?
Didn't make it over there today. By the time I was available, the wind was howling and it had started to rain. Supposed to rain tomorrow too. If possible, I'll sneak over between rain showers. I did make it to the bank and withdrew enough cash to offer him $1500.
If it looks good and rides without jumping skittish in second I'll flash the Benjamins and see what happens. :flag_of_truce:
Wish me luck! :good2:
Thanks for asking, :hi:
Jeff
p.s. I got a great deal on a Giant Loop Coyote soft bag today for my KTM (atomic-moto.com). I think I can make it work on the FJ too.
On another good note, It would only cost me $38 a YEAR to add it to my moto insurance! Love Geico! :yahoo:
Quote from: CatTomb on April 12, 2013, 10:17:24 PM
On another good note, It would only cost me $38 a YEAR to add it to my moto insurance! Love Geico! :yahoo:
GEICO?? Never. Ever. :diablo:
Go over, kick the tires, take a test ride, hum & haw about all the little issues you see or experience, then offer NO MORE THAN $1.00 per CC ($1,100.00).
Explain that it's an *OLD* bike with questionable maintenance (point out the leaky clutch slave cylinder and the damage to the engine paint and lower fairing. Remember, those lower fairings are made of GOLD, and you HAVE TO REPLACE IT.
Same with the seat. Explain that Her Royal Highness (SWMBO) would NEVER allow her undercarriage to even TOUCH "seat foam".
Complain about the original 16" rims front and back. Complain that tires for that size rim are difficult to come by, and will be more so in the future.
Fire up the engine, and complain about the rattles.
Show him ads for later model FJ's available for less money (they are plentiful. There's four (4) on Flea-bay at the moment!):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-fj1200-/130884881445?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e7958cc25 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-fj1200-/130884881445?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e7958cc25)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Yamaha-FJ1100-Good-Running-Bike-Plus-Pretty-Complete-Parts-Bike-/271187284509?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3f2405921d (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Yamaha-FJ1100-Good-Running-Bike-Plus-Pretty-Complete-Parts-Bike-/271187284509?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3f2405921d)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NICEST-1993-FJ-1200-OUT-THERE-PROMISE-/130886633968?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e797389f0 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NICEST-1993-FJ-1200-OUT-THERE-PROMISE-/130886633968?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e797389f0)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-Yamaha-FJ1200-Very-Low-Miles-and-Absolutely-Original-/330904358189?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4d0b6fcd2d (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-Yamaha-FJ1200-Very-Low-Miles-and-Absolutely-Original-/330904358189?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4d0b6fcd2d)
Show him all the Craigslist ads for comparable or better bikes:
http://www.zoomthelist.com/index.php?q=Yamaha+FJ&state-search-all=ALL&date-range=ALL&u=Search (http://www.zoomthelist.com/index.php?q=Yamaha+FJ&state-search-all=ALL&date-range=ALL&u=Search)
You're in the position with cash. His starting price is more than twice what he's (probably) willing to take.
These are tactics that have been tried on me whenever I attempt to sell something. You might as well try to get a deal, too.
Good luck, and make a good decision! (popcorn)
Steve
Thanks Steve,
Great advice. I've had those tricks tried on me too. My ex-wife was fabulous at fatiguing sellers into taking her insanely low offers. I give it a try.
Snow flurries and 30 mph winds right now. Hopefully, it will simmer down by this afternoon.
:scratch_one-s_head: :scratch_one-s_head: :scratch_one-s_head:
Offered $1500, he countered with $1900, raised my offer to $1600, he said no thanks...
I think I'll give it a week and see if time softens him up. It seems like a lot of moto for the money.... even if I split the difference and went $1750... until I need to replace second gear or get the carbs synced ..... or ....
FJ's have been plentiful lately.
Stand your ground, and hang onto your cash until the right bike comes along. Cash talks, and it's a buyer's market. Bad economy, and people are getting rid of their toys to make ends meet.
We're seeing a lot of this in the MG sports car world, too.
When you talk to him again, stand fast at $1,200.00.
"You snooze, you lose. He snozt, he lost!"
Steve
Stand your ground, there are a lot of them for sale. Besides the easiest money you will ever make or save is in buying low as you can. I will almost guarantee there is something that needs to be done or brought up to speed with it. Keep an eye out in the "bikes for sale" here. :good2: :good2:
George
I think my biggest challenge making a deal with this guy rests in his reluctance to part with his possessions. He has a 2500sqft warehouse filled with projects, a giant converted bus, a boat, snowmobiles, an old Triumph TR body painted primer grey... you get the idea.
I think the wife is pushing for him to let go, get organized and unload his crap. Him, not so much. That might be why he priced it so high, he didn't really want to sell it, just wanted to pacify the wife.
I told him I'd check back in a week if it was still listed. He's a nice guy. I hope he comes to his senses and takes my money :good2: :yahoo: :smile:
Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. :hi:
Hopefully, I can find one to buy before Petaluma!
I love my '84 so don't get me wrong but......... I also love my '92 with the rubber mounted engine. The late model FJ's came with several improvements over the early FJ's. I found my '92 in Lafayette Ind. for $2k and it had only 7500 miles on the clock. Called the guy, interviewed him, studied the e-mailed pictures he sent and made the 20 hour drive out the next day. Rode the bike, paid the cash, then rented a 1 way trailer and brought her home. Easy Peasey.
Some of the FJ's from back east are low mileage wonders due to the short riding seasons. (If stored in a heated garage)
Personally, unless your heart is set on the beautiful Stormy Red and Silver '84's (the most beatumius FJ's made) l would look for a clean low mileage '92+ Pat
Buy a plane ticket and make some memories http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/3726648438.html (http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/3726648438.html)
I saw that one on Oklahoma and this one in SoCal
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html. (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html.)
My daughters live down there. I could fly down, visit and ride back.
Are there any members in South Orange County willing to put eyeballs on this for me?
I'd be happy to compensate with dinner and beer?
Thanks
Jeff
541 647-9254
Quote from: CatTomb on April 14, 2013, 01:50:24 PM
I saw that one on Oklahoma and this one in SoCal
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html)
Jeff,
I fixed the link for you (it had a trailing period):
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3735474297.html)
Steve
Thanks Steve,
I talked to the guy. The bike had a full service, was parked and has sat for the last two years. Apparently it runs, but roughly...
Any ideas what it would cost to have the carbs cleaned and synced?
Any quick fixes I could try?
Any recommendations for mechanics in South Orange County, California
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
Send the carbs to RPM for disassembly and a ultrasound bath, then Randy will reassemble them, jet them to what you need and install a bitchen ss cap screw kit...
We have forum members here in SoCal that have a carb sync tool you can use, or will help you if you wish, to get the final piece of the puzzle sorted....it is very easy to sync. your carbs, you need to learn anyhow..
Don't let dirty carbs keep you from buying this bike...it is a issue easily overcome... Cheers Pat
Edit. Jeff I just saw the listing....it looks good to me. If the bike does not run, offer them less than the asking price...who knows? Second gear could be shot. If you can't ride it, you can't tell.
Quote from: CatTomb on April 14, 2013, 02:48:00 PM
Thanks Steve,
I talked to the guy. The bike had a full service, was parked and has sat for the last two years. Apparently it runs, but roughly...
Any ideas what it would cost to have the carbs cleaned and synced?
Any quick fixes I could try?
Any recommendations for mechanics in South Orange County, California
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
What about working on the carbs your self? I recently did my carbs and if you take your time, stay organized and get the carb fastener kit from Randy your carbs will be like new. Randy will rebuild carbs if you send them to him. Others have been very happy with his work. If your quick and need help to make the WCR I might even jump in and help you get on the road.
Wow! Thanks for the generous offers.
... talked to the owner... he's leaving town tomorrow till Thursday night. Looks like my Daughter can see/photograph/video the bike on Friday.
If the pics look good to me, I'll have her buy it and arrange to have it towed to a mechanic on Monday and clean/sync the carbs. (I'm hoping she knows someone with a trailer hitch and I can rent a flatbed trailer for the transport to mechanic.)
I'll fly down the following Friday to pick it up. I'll ride it while I visit friends and family and then weather permitting head up the 395 home this route:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=10&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=212999221496898916924.0004da64c7eceadb91c1c (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=10&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=212999221496898916924.0004da64c7eceadb91c1c)
I debating on whether or not to bring camping gear or just stay in cheap motels...
... the adventure begins
here are a couple of pics of my ride yesterday, 75 miles of double track and dirt roads from Sisters to Lake Billy Chinook and back. (highjacking my own thread...)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8652145686_ce3d59ec2e_c.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8651040963_04689b9f01_z.jpg)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/94968374@N04/8651040963/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/94968374@N04/8652145686/)
Looks like an awesome ride (and bike). I'm not sure how to upload from flicker (I believe Monkey does), but in an attempt to share with the group I've copied to photobucket to post.
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/campsimonette/IMG_0225_zpse43b7bf5.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/campsimonette/media/IMG_0225_zpse43b7bf5.jpg.html)
Wait, looks they are showing up in your thread after all - Maybe it's *me* with the problem! Keep us posted with your adventure of the purchase.
Nice country over in bend !
Some advice. Be careful about hauling it over to a "repair shop". Ask a few more questions. Running rough, so ? How rough ? Will it idle? Will it run at 3 - 4000 RPM all day ? Motivate the owner to get up to transportable speed. I guess what I am saying is it might run rough but be OK for a run back home as is. I would send Randy at RPM http://www.rpmracingca.com/contact.htm (http://www.rpmracingca.com/contact.htm) an e email or call, and IF you needed to get something done to it I would get it to him or someone he recommends.
If it runs "OK" you might consider touching bases with Randy on the way home and find out what he would charge to do a quick evaluation. He knows FJ's inside and out. If the bike has been setting for 2 years I would also inquire about the tires if you are going to ride it home.
395 is a nice ride home but it is still early to camp unless you are tough...... Plus you got to drag all the gear. Motel would be cheaper I would think for a 2 day run home.
Now , repeat after me, "I am my own service department" :bye: :bye: :bye: :bye: :rofl:
George, and I am my own service department :good2:
CatTomb,
Are you sure there's a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic near where the bike is?
My general opinion is that dealers mechanics are idiots. (not all of them, but.....)
Assuming whoever the bike is taken to does a good job cleaning, adjusting, and syncing the carbs, and that the bike is as claimed "right" otherwise, the route you're planning to ride back doesn't have a lot of support should you have difficulties. It looks like it'll be a great ride, but what is your plan should you have any problems?
Then again, I pooh poohed Fintip's buy and ride home plan too. :unknown: He made it home OK.
Arnie
George, It sounds like he can get it to start but it won't rev/accelerate.
You might be right about the route Arnie. I could ride up the coast too. Lots more support but lots more people and cars.
I'm researching mechanics today, Yelp and personal recommendations from my daughters friends with bikes. I would definitely do the carbs myself if I was at home, could take my time and didn't have a time constraint to finish.
I will call RPM today and get his recommendations.
Thanks
I'd love to buy Chris' bike. Wow! what an amazing bike. (see http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8849.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8849.0) )
I talked to him, he was willing to work a little on the price. I could use my airline miles to fly back there, ride it to SoCal to visit my daughters and then ride it home to Central Oregon.
All in all about $2000 over the cost of the '87 in SoCal and about $2500 over my original budget 2500 miles of riding and an extra week without work.
I could start a kickstarter campaign of some kind to raise the cash.... sell my digital camera set-up...
Motorcycles are like Heroin with horsepower.
I've got Andy Griffith on one shoulder and Dennis Hopper on the other... :wacko1:
Quote from: CatTomb on April 15, 2013, 10:39:46 AM
George, It sounds like he can get it to start but it won't rev/accelerate.
You might be right about the route Arnie. I could ride up the coast too. Lots more support but lots more people and cars.
I'm researching mechanics today, Yelp and personal recommendations from my daughters friends with bikes. I would definitely do the carbs myself if I was at home, could take my time and didn't have a time constraint to finish.
I will call RPM today and get his recommendations.
Thanks
Call Randy for sure. At least lay some ground work.
I would deduct at least 300 bucks for the carb work (if you do the work yourself). At least that would take the sting out of it. How is the chain and sprockets ? There's another 150 - 200 for a chain sprockets around 75 bucks, ball park. It is always hard buying from out of the area. I would still try to motivate the seller to get it running at least well enough to get it home. Another option is drive down and rent a trailer to bring it home or buy a cheap motorcycle trailer in the Bend area, go down and get it then sell the trailer.
George
What is the consensus on this bike http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bar/3735824721.html (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bar/3735824721.html)
I offered him $2000, he said $3000 cash... Is there still the second gear issue on the 93's?
And if you all had the choice... this bike, the 87 listed above for $1800 or chris' farkled 84 for $3000?
Getting closer, thanks again for the input. :good: :good: :good:
Jeff
I know its low miles or so he claims, but it's half way across the U.S. and it has some problems. There are good FJ's closer that come up for sale at least that's what I think. Hang in there. :smile:
George
Just from looking at the photos and the info that has been given. My 2 cents is..... All 4 look like great buys. All 4 will perform about the same. Alot of making a choice is a personal thing. What colors do you prefer over another. I will list my opinions of all 4 in year order not in my opinion on which I would pick.
1984, This one has been heavily modded and updated, IMO a good thing. It has a 4 into 1 exhaust. Probably the best selling point is that if is for sale from a fellow member. May be a long ride back to Oregon from Ontario.
1987, This one appears to be completely stock. The miles should not be an issue if the motor has been cared for. 2nd gear could be an issue, a expensive repair if it is. Riding it is the only way to tell. A good selling point is, when you collect it, you get to visit family.
1990, This one is the lowest price, Looks in good shape, has aftermarket slip-ons and a Corbin seat, Leaky fork seals may be an easy fix with the use of a seal mate fix.
1993, This one also looks completely stock. With the low miles and probably long stretches of not running, I would check for oil smoke on cold starts and oil seeping past the valve cover gasket and valve cover bolt grommets. The 93' should not have any 2nd gear issue, the problem was pretty much cured on earlier models. Selling point, Ultra low miles.
To sum this up..... I would offer the asking price for the 84' with no hesitation, the 87' $300 less due to carbs gummed up and verifying the 2nd gear. The 90' has a very minor flaw with the fork seals and battery. $1500 less the cost of a battery would sound good. The 93' for $3k is not bad if no signs of engine rubber parts not dry rotted, (oil smoke on start up and weeping oil at the gaskets/grommets)
Fred
PS..... Personally I would seriously look at the 90'. The 84' close to home is a good choice for $1500 - $1800
I'm skeptical of really low mileages, too. (Ever see the beginning of the movie "Used Cars"?)
The dash gauge cluster is really easy to change out.
The bike does look nice, but that rash on the fairing plastic is more expensive to repair than the seller implies.
...plus it probably rattles, and the oil is (probably) over-full, too! :biggrin:
Steve
EDIT: Listen to aviationfred's advice above. He's wise!
The 87 in SoCal is coming out on top. It is easy. Fly in, visit family, ride home. It is a one-owner (father to son-in-law), it looks the cleanest, best kept. He has all of the service records from new. I found a street bike mechanic 6 miles away willing to look at it before I buy it, tow it back to his shop and clean the carbs for $130. My biggest concern with this one is that I won't be able to assess 2nd gear before I buy it.
The 84, a few miles from me, is the same price as the 87 and even though it only has 15k miles, it looks like it has a lot more (cluster change?), but it runs great and I can ride it to check 2nd gear.
The 93 would need tires before I ride it home. He says the tires are original and show some dry rot. I am also not as big a fan of this color scheme and it is $1200 more.
I think I'll take another look at the local bike and see if he has softened any more on the price...
Thanks for your advice and opinions. I really appreciate the help and feedback.
Jeff
Booked my ticket, All systems go! The 87 in Socal might be mine in 50 hours :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Flying down on Friday morning. Check the bike with the help of a mechanic, hand over the cash, take the bike to the mechanic's shop, spend a few days with my daughter, pick up the bike, ride north, spend a few days with my other daughter, granddaughter, see some friends and then start the ride home.
I am going to post a ride report, watch for it!
Thanks again for all of your help! :good2:
Sounds exciting. Will wait for the reports :good2: (popcorn) Did you get a hold of Randy?
George
Write when you get there :).
Talked to Randy!
Fantastic guy! He is going to send pilot jets and gaskets to the shop in SoCal.
Sounds like I probably would have had to wait for these if I didn't call him.
Thanks for the push, George!
What happened?!?!?!!!
Dude, I'm hanging here!
(popcorn) (popcorn)
Quote from: Russty on December 11, 2013, 07:32:31 PM
What happened?!?!?!!!
Dude, I'm hanging here!
(popcorn) (popcorn)
Hey Russty, Welcome Aboard!
this happened
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8930.msg84761#msg84761 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8930.msg84761#msg84761)
Absolutely love the bike and this forum is a treasure trove protected by a bunch of great guys.