Hello ... Looking to Buy....

[user 18298]

NOTE: I have also posted this in the New Member Section since I had to do so b4 I got in here...

Hello all....

I'm just about ready to get an awesome looking fully loaded FJR1300 2005 13K miles. During my research I ran across two issues: heat and the "tick" issue.

Let me address heat: Seems like it's a workable issue. I drive a Honda Valkyrie and I can't imagine anything being much hotter that that bad boy at a red light in Dallas at 106 degrees (my trip to Sturgis 2 years ago). There seems to be lots of input and kits to help.... not a show stopper.......

The "tick" sound: That scares the hell out of me. As a rookie I'm not sure if I could diagnose the sound in pre-purchase evalutaions. Then it sounds like at any time BAM it begins... Then the Cam Chain issue threads. To be honest if made me think the motor was an accident waiting to happen... with that said is there any commom wisdom as the the % of motors/cycles these mechanical failures happen too.

I really do love the look, style and though of getting an FJR BUT... I can't get one and have it fall apart..

Help.

Thanks in advance...

charles_florida

 

[Fred W]

You look like you have a good handle on the big "heat" (non)issue. Any bike with a big engine and lots of plastic around you will be hot in the summer if you don't take some steps to get cooling air in the rider "capsule".

The tickers, in the US, have all been repaired by Yamaha, whether in warranty or not. I cannot recall a single case of someone that was not covered by mamma Yamma. There have been some folks that opted to have additional work done "while they were in there" on the owner's dime, but the repairs needed for the tick were covered.

Not many of the 1st gens develop the tick. I think the occurrence rate is down around 20% or less, so you have a good chance of never needing to worry about it. If you do, it is a chronic situation (not acute) and will not leave you stranded on the side of the road or interrupt your big vacation trip (like, say... a blown final drive perhaps? Ach der lieber!).

In the grand scheme of things, the tick is a minor issue at worst.

Buy the bike and enjoy it!!

 

[wfooshee]

As for the cam chain, there have been all of two bikes on the forum with valves hammered from a cam chain tensioner failure. It's an easy thing to check, and a not-quite-so easy part to replace, but with the right tools (long 1/4" drive extension with wobbler tip) it's not bad at all.

 

[RsvlFeej]

Rest easy and go grab that '05 if the price is right.

As mentioned above, the "tick" affected about 15% of the Gen I FJRs - those made from '03 - '05. FYI, Gen II is '06 - '09. At just under 72K miles, I haven't had any sign of the tick (knock wood) on my '05.

The cam chain tensioner has caused a total of 2 catastrophic failures that I'm aware of, but I'm pretty sure one of those happened when the owner turned the adjuster the wrong way with the engine running. I had mine replaced at about 52,000 miles - no drama.

 

[MCML]

Here in Socal the only time heat is an issue for me is when the ambient temperature is up past 90 or so and the traffic is stop and go. The FJR is like a shark. It like to keep moving. If it's moving things are cool. At that, the issue is more with the bike than with me and I have never had the bike overheat. The temp gauge shows more bars and the fan goes on. Without in any way being disrespectful of those riders for whom the heat is a real issue, I suspect that how one feels about the heat has a lot to do with the type of riding gear one is wearing and one's tolerance for warm temperatures.

 

[exskibum]

What they said -- buy it. Hands down the best all around bike I've ever owned in 40+ years of riding. Heat's really a non-issue to me. All big Inline 4s put off heat. Mine's a ticker at 24K miles and it doesn't bother me at all. I'm leaving for a 4600 mile trip tomorrow early. When I get back, it's gonna get de-loused. So, I'll get a newly done head with new valve guides. With the truly outstanding shop I'm taking it to, I'm also getting a new cam chain and tensioner as a part of that job. In the mean time, the bike is running great with only a little minor noise that the iPod more than drowns out anyway.

You won't regret owning an FJR.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Charles - welcome to the forum!

If the price is right, and maybe some cool farkles thrown in, go buy that '05! I like '05s - that blue looks nice in my mirrors. :glare:

As to the heat - I also have a big cruiser and that sucker seems to get hotter than the FJR. I don't really understand all the whining about GenI 'heat' - if you want air conditioning, drive a damn cage. Sheesh.

As for the ticker - TONS of good info around here about this. FWIW, my '04 was a ticker. It was fixed while in the hands of the first owner. Now, at 63,000 miles, it runs just fine and dandy.

So go buy the damn thing, go on a road trip, takes lots of pictures (including food porn, please) and post up a ride report for us!

Ride safe,

BG

 

[FJRBluesman]

What's to feel better about?

Every bike has it's good side and negative side. When I first bought my FeeJ I noticed the heat straight away. I was used to a well ventilated air-cooled Ducati and BMW radiator heat. After a short period on the FeeJ, I no longer noticed the heat and it's just an awessome bike.

BTW - The heat was never so bad that I didn't like the bike, it was a minor thing (to me) that is never an issue.

 

[RadioHowie]

The cam chain tensioner "issue" is an absolute myth. Never happened.

 

[USPS Bike-Nut]

Do Not Delay, Go out & buy it!!!

The only regret you may have is the pain associated with "Perma-Grin" that comes free with every FJR!!!

DO IT... DO IT... DO IT...

 

[dsmack]

The cam chain tensioner "issue" is an absolute myth. Never happened.

Howie ~ You, Sir, are to be commended for your continuing sense of humor! Good on Ya, and I hope you resolve your issue soon so you will be riding again! :clapping:

Don

 

[user 18298]

Thanks to all... great input and advise.. all I needed....I have made an offer, had it accepted and should be riding by Tuesday of next week...

Thanks Again