What to look for?

[Pat Conlon]

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

[markmartin]

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...:-)

[Pat Conlon]

Bwhaaaahaaahaaa, do you REALLY think you are done? Really?

[Dads_FJ]

"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?

[CatTomb]

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. 

Wish me luck! 

Thanks for asking,

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.

[CatTomb]

On another good note, It would only cost me $38 a YEAR to add it to my moto insurance! Love Geico! 

[rktmanfj]

On another good note, It would only cost me $38 a YEAR to add it to my moto insurance! Love Geico! 

GEICO??   Never.  Ever.   

[Steve_in_Florida]

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/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/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

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!   

Steve

[CatTomb]

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.

[CatTomb]

  

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 ....

[Steve_in_Florida]

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

[movenon]

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. 
George

[CatTomb]

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 

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. 

Hopefully, I can find one to buy before Petaluma!

[Pat Conlon]

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    

[Dads_FJ]

Buy a plane ticket and make some memories http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/3726648438.html