The search goes on...

[hawkaholic37]

I went and looked at the '92 in my area today. A few of you might recall that l had originally decide to pass on the bike because l had a funny feeling in my gut. I decided to go look at it after all, thinking that my heart might have been blinded by how much l wanted Hooligan's bike.

NEVER IGNORE YOUR GUT

The bike wasn't in horrible shape. It had been tipped over and the left side of the fairing had a small scrape. Not huge. It started decent and seemed to run okay.

When l got it out on the open road and turned the throttle it would bog down and cut out, like it was flooding. The seller had told me that it had too much power for him, but l couldn't get it to go at all. I figured it was dirty carbs.

When l got back to his house l asked him about this and he seemed puzzled. He then said that he hadn't ridden it since October, but had come out every couple of weeks and started it up and let it run for a while. I'm no mechanic yet but from what l have heard this is not good for a bike.

Then l looked at the front tire...fluid had spilled on it. I swiped it with my finger, it was clear and slick. I couldn't tell if it was brake fluid or fork oil; those were my first thoughts based on the location of the leak. Then l noticed moisture around the fork seal, so that is my best guess. Suddenly a bike that l was told "Has a few scratches but is in really great condition" is in poor running condition, has been dropped on one side, and is leaking fork oil all over the front tire.

More than anything, the bike was dirty, grimy, had dust and dirt all over the instrument cluster, every part of it looked neglected, and it just didn't appear to be well cared for.

Well, l dickered him down some and then the issue with the title came out...oh yeah, l never put the title in my name from last Fall, but l will give you the title l got from the last guy and the bill of sale and l will write you a new bill of sale and l am sure it will be fine...and if they charge you anything extra l promise you l will pay for it. Blah blah blah...

The bike wasn't as advertised and l didn't feel like the seller was being honest with me. All in all l just didn't feel good about it so l walked away. And that l do feel good about. There will be a good one with my name on it

[Firehawk068]

Sounds like you made the right choice.
Another will come along.
There is certainly no shortage of FJs for sale these days.
Take your time, and yours will come to you. 

[hawkaholic37]

Thanks man

So by what l described, does it sound like dirty carbs? What do you make of it?

[movenon]

Sounds like you made the right choice.
Another will come along.
There is certainly no shortage of FJs for sale these days.
Take your time, and yours will come to you. 

+1 you will know when the right one comes along.  You are gaining experience by looking. There are good ones out there.
George

[FJmonkey]

You are doing it right, kiss a lot of frogs before you find the right one. I traveled and passed up a few FJs before I found a decent '89.

[hawkaholic37]

Absolutely. I did learn one thing for sure...the FJ is definitely for me. Underneath all its problems, l could tell that the bike was an awesome machine and that were it in great condition l would be having the time of my life!

[Firehawk068]

Thanks man

So by what l described, does it sound like dirty carbs? What do you make of it?

If it hadn't been ridden since last October, the carbs will have to be gone through for sure. Especially if the fuel that's in it, has been in there since last October.

Most all of the things wrong with that bike, could be easily fixed with some time spent and some TLC.
Fork seals, carbs cleaned, new brakes, a good cleaning..........etc.

Your gut feeling that the owner was not being truthful with you, and the slightly wonky title issue, would probably solidify the decision NOT to buy it for me.
Had you purchased it and brought it home, there's no telling what else you might find that the owner didn't disclose.

[Pat Conlon]

You trusted your gut, good call.  

Unless I wanted to tackle a rebuild project, I would never consider buying a bike that was stored outside.

Yea, the carbs (emulsion tubes aka jet nozzles, needle jets) are gummed up.  Very common.
Starting the bike will do nothing to keep those clean. You've got to ride it to get the bike, get up to speed (on the needle) to clear out those tiny holes. Starting the bike with adequate warm up will (kinda) help keep the pilot jets and idle/choke circuit clean but the jet needle and needle jets come on (flow fuel) at mid range rpm.

The carb and fork seal issues are fixable, but it is indicative of overall care and neglect, so why start behind the 8 ball?

Now that you know that the '91's also have rubber engine mounts, your search can widen. Pink stripes rock.

Keep looking. We will also keep an eye out for you.  Fret not. Cheers

[hawkaholic37]

Thanks man

So by what l described, does it sound like dirty carbs? What do you make of it?

If it hadn't been ridden since last October, the carbs will have to be gone through for sure. Especially if the fuel that's in it, has been in there since last October.

Most all of the things wrong with that bike, could be easily fixed with some time spent and some TLC.
Fork seals, carbs cleaned, new brakes, a good cleaning..........etc.

Your gut feeling that the owner was not being truthful with you, and the slightly wonky title issue, would probably solidify the decision NOT to buy it for me.
Had you purchased it and brought it home, there's no telling what else you might find that the owner didn't disclose.

That was my exact thought. And the feedback l am getting is confirming that l did the right thing.

[hawkaholic37]

You trusted your gut, good call.  

Unless I wanted to tackle a rebuild project, I would never consider buying a bike that was stored outside.

Yea, the carbs (emulsion tubes aka jet nozzles, needle jets) are gummed up.  Very common.
Starting the bike will do nothing to keep those clean. You've got to ride it to get the bike, get up to speed (on the needle) to clear out those tiny holes. Starting the bike with adequate warm up will (kinda) help keep the pilot jets and idle/choke circuit clean but the jet needle and needle jets come on (flow fuel) at mid range rpm.

The carb and fork seal issues are fixable, but it is indicative of overall care and neglect, so why start behind the 8 ball?

Now that you know that the '91's also have rubber engine mounts, your search can widen. Pink stripes rock.

Keep looking. We will also keep an eye out for you.  Fret not. Cheers

Thanks Pat. For what it's worth, it was stored under cover in a carport, but l tend to agree with you. It just wasn't well taken care of. And yes, why start behind the 8-ball? He wanted $2500 for it, and it came with a full set of Krauser bags, which made it tempting. But l may just buy a different bike and see if he would just sell the luggage. Does anyone know if the luggage mounts from a '92 will fit on earlier models? There is a beautiful '86 in my neighborhood

[Pat Conlon]

We just bought a '93 ABS in Dallas with a complete set of Givi hard luggage for $1,500.

You already know my opinion on which model FJ I would buy. Expand your search area.
What's wrong with this? http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.0
The eastern part of the U.S. has a short riding season so you can find some great low mileage bikes there.
I found my '92 non ABS in Layfette Indiana with 8500 miles on it for $2,200

Sorry, I know nothing about the Krauser luggage system. I know the Givi system can fit multiple year FJ's, I suspect the same is true for Krauser, but I don't know for sure.....Others will chime in.

[Tiger]

  If in any doubt, trust your gut and walk away There is an FJ out there just awaiting your arrival buddy

I have a Krauser set up on my '92...which I took off of my '85 fj...which I took off of my Yamaha Vision, which I had for several years. A wee tinkering with the mounting brackets may be needed

John.
p s My '85 is 'For sale' if you want to come over the border   

[FJ1100mjk]

After all of the feedback that you've received here on your quest for FJ ownership, just what are your actual stumbling blocks for purchasing one?

If it is a lack of local availability of a FJ in the year, desired condition, and with desired aftermarket goodies and/or mods, then you'll need to (as suggested) expand your search to other regions. If it is the price for the above, then perhaps you'll get lucky and something will pop up locally, or you will have to travel (fly and buy = air fare$, travel time & $ and two-state title transfer$) to get it.

If you want a FJ that is a true buy it and ride it, with no issues, you're going to have to pony up some cash in an amount that may be beyond what you are comfortable with, or is beyond what you're immediate needs are.

You are also trying to buy a FJ at the peak of the riding season, when prices are going to be higher. If you can wait, wait to buy until the riding season is over, when the seller will/may lower the price, because they've had their fun with the bike, but have been on the fence about selling it, and now don't want it in their garage another winter, and see its value drop (possibly) further when the next year begins. Buying after the season is over, not only may net you a lower price, but if you buy one for a great price, you can go over it during the winter months, and have it in tip top shape for the next riding season. That way, you'll be riding it, instead of wrenching on it, or agonizing over trying to source parts for it.

From your initial post to the point you are at now, it looks like you now have enough information from many here to make a calculated and educated FJ purchase. Good luck on whatever path you take, and welcome to the FJ ownership pool when you do make that purchase.

[hawkaholic37]

We just bought a '93 ABS in Dallas with a complete set of Givi hard luggage for $1,500.

You already know my opinion on which model FJ I would buy. Expand your search area.
What's wrong with this? http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.0
The eastern part of the U.S. has a short riding season so you can find some great low mileage bikes there.
I found my '92 non ABS in Layfette Indiana with 8500 miles on it for $2,200

Sorry, I know nothing about the Krauser luggage system. I know the Givi system can fit multiple year FJ's, I suspect the same is true for Krauser, but I don't know for sure.....Others will chime in.

Yeah, l saw that one in Cleveland. I would really rather buy something that is closer to home. The bike in Dallas was a known bike and a known seller, so l felt comfortable with it, but this guy is a one-time poster here. I am not completely opposed to it but l guess at this point l don't feel like l need to go all the way to Ohio for that bike. It isn't nearly as much bike as Hooligan's was.

[hawkaholic37]

After all of the feedback that you've received here on your quest for FJ ownership, just what are your actual stumbling blocks for purchasing one?

If it is a lack of local availability of a FJ in the year, desired condition, and with desired aftermarket goodies and/or mods, then you'll need to (as suggested) expand your search to other regions. If it is the price for the above, then perhaps you'll get lucky and something will pop up locally, or you will have to travel (fly and buy = air fare$, travel time & $ and two-state title transfer$) to get it.

If you want a FJ that is a true buy it and ride it, with no issues, you're going to have to pony up some cash in an amount that may be beyond what you are comfortable with, or is beyond what you're immediate needs are.

You are also trying to buy a FJ at the peak of the riding season, when prices are going to be higher. If you can wait, wait to buy until the riding season is over, when the seller will/may lower the price, because they've had their fun with the bike, but have been on the fence about selling it, and now don't want it in their garage another winter, and see its value drop (possibly) further when the next year begins. Buying after the season is over, not only may net you a lower price, but if you buy one for a great price, you can go over it during the winter months, and have it in tip top shape for the next riding season. That way, you'll be riding it, instead of wrenching on it, or agonizing over trying to source parts for it.

From your initial post to the point you are at now, it looks like you now have enough information from many here to make a calculated and educated FJ purchase. Good luck on whatever path you take, and welcome to the FJ ownership pool when you do make that purchase.

Good question. It is still early in my search, and there is no panic. I want to find the right bike, a good solid bike that will be a great platform to build on. As l go along and learn more, things change a bit. I like the idea of buying a stock bike (or at least somewhat) and doing my own mods. I also want to be able to ride it now, so l am not looking for a real project.

The bike l looked at yesterday was just a bad deal all the way around. It probably would have been fine, but there was more wrong with it than l was led to believe, the owner was dishonest, and there were title issues, so l just felt like these were all signs that it wasn't "the one."