New to Forum. I am FJ-less :)

[Flynt]

Can you fly there...?  Grab your sac (of riding gear of course) and get on a plane!

[Pat Conlon]

Can you fly there...?  Grab your sac (of riding gear of course) and get on a plane!

No NO NO! Never assume someone else's used bike will get you home, especially a 23 year old bike with oem rubber brake lines and hard tires and most especially, riding back solo.
Trailer the bike back and don't ride it until you personally go through the bike, at home, in your workshop at your leisure. Check everything.
 
Reminds me...One time in band camp......I Picked up a CB500 for a steal and I was riding it home (solo) and the chain came off and jammed the back tire...on the LA freeway in rush hour. That was exciting.
I checked out the bike the best I could before I forked over my $400 but evidently I missed something..

Lesson learned. Trailers are cheap. Never trust the PO's work or lack of work. Your life may depend on it.

[Mark Olson]

great advice pat , BTDT.

jump on the deal and trailer it home.

[Flynt]

You guys miss the point IMHO...  the Epic adventure frequently defines the bike/car/horse/etc.  Fly down there and ride it home or there's not a hair on your ass**! 

(**this is an old Navy rant that I love...  WCR folks may hear it once or twice next week)

Frank

[racerman_27410]

if there was any motorcycle on the road i would trust to get me home it would be the FJ.

if it runs good,clutch works (not leaking) and the tires hold air i would ride it home if i had to.

mine had 3500 miles on it when i got it back in 99 and i rode it home..... the tires seemed to have enough pressure when i kicked them before taking off.... handling was kind of funny so i actually put a gauge on them when i got home..... 5psi front and 8psi rear!    the tires were so old they were holding the bike up with no air!  LOL

nothing like some new (old) KOokaloo!

[Flynt]

I actually rode my '90 home as well...  only 1 hour (although I stretched it to 3) and I did have a test ride the week before.  I just think you need to dive into certain things.

Seriously, a difficult ride can be a chance to see what you're made of and the subject of many an interesting conversation.  Mine led to the realization that the carbs were not working right (really scary low end pulling through some VERY sharp and slow corners for 30+ miles) and the quest that took me to Modesto and RPM (Randy has moved).  Something to be said for committing yourself to a project.

Frank

[Pat Conlon]

You 2 Franks crack me up......

OH What the hell...Life's an adventure... I hope Jeff is not reading this...I hope he has already left.

[JeffGian]

You guys are funny!!  If The closeup pics look good I will be heading out to see the bike next weekend. I cannot thank you guys enough for the advise (and bantering). 

Jeff

[JeffGian]

Well, it appears this bike with 3,500 miles is a scam, because the guy will not send me pictures with a copy of the paper showing the current date.  He agreed to send me the pictures, but has not done so.   I am not driving 7.5 hours 1 way, unless feel confident this is a legitimate deal.

Any members in the Maryland Area that can check out this ad and look at the bike (see previous posting in this thread for details)?  

Jeff

[JeffGian]

Well...I FINALLY received some pictures.    He is indicating the bike does have some cosmetic issues, such as scratches and cracks.  the cracks were repaired (hmm).    Going to speak to him again today to ask some more questions.   I see some pitting on the brake master cylinders and appears to be similar pitting on the frame.    Please check out these pictures and let me know your thoughts:
https://picasaweb.google.com/JeffGian2009/RecentlyUpdated?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyCqdyEgKO2mQE&feat=directlink

The paint looks excellent, the engine looks good, new rear tire, pretty much stock.   $2,500 would be for a bike in excellent condition, I think more like $1,500...

Jeff

[Arnie]

Jeff,

I'd be cautious.  The amount of paint wear on the top triple near the ignition looks like a lot more than 3800miles worth.  The odometer numbers are not lining up very well - this could be nothing, or it could be that its been "reset".
The (lack of) paint on the master cylinder covers and reservoir bodies seems to say many sloppy brake fluid changes.
The rest of the pics are not detailed enough to really tell much about condition.
FJ's continue to look good long after most bikes start looking tatty.
I even got a complement on how nice my 20yr old FJ looks and its got 130,000 kms on it.
Were it me shopping, I'd go over it with a fine tooth comb.

What you have to decide now is; Is the trip to inspect it worthwhile?

Cheers,
Arnie

[JeffGian]

I decided what the heck, the wife and I are taking a road trip to Check it out.  Spend a night in d.c. Have some dinner.  I would love if I could call and talk to one of you before then, maybe even call and talk when I am looking at the bike? I am not too experienced at this, it would just be nice to have some reassurance from a expert. 

Thanks,

Jeff

[racerman_27410]

personally i think that bike has many more miles than the odo shows.... there are many nicer examples to be had with a bit of patience and searching.


KOokaloo!

[carsick]

If I squint a bit looks like the clearcoat is peeling on the clutch cover and peg brackets. The bar ends also look to have some wear. Non stock grips. Maybe it's 103771?
Worth buying if it were closer to you and much cheaper.

[markmartin]

Looks like the engine (fins anyway) has been painted.