You are getting good advice, automag, and you are not listening. Showing up at the dealer with no riding gear tells him that you are just another guy with more money than brains or experience. You still own the VTX and have it insured, I presume. If you ride into the dealership with a big bike and proper gear, it tells the dealer you know how to ride a big bike. If you are afraid to drive the VTX down the road, regardless of the traffic, why the hell should a dealer let you drive their $13,500 bike in the same traffic.
Ok - I am listening - everyone from the FJR Forum LOVES the FJR - go figure!
As far as not having gear with me...Well my gear was in my TL which I dropped off to the dealer on Monday afternoon and was supposed to be done with the warranty work on Tuesday. Well it wasn't and I couldnt go by and go through my car to get my stuff. It just so happened I had a few hours to kill before I had to pick up my son, hence the reason I went in my loaner car after work to go look at the FJR.
As far as riding my bike over - Yes I own the VTX and still have insurance - however, a purchase contract has been signed, I have taken a deposit and the bike is SITTING until it is transfered to the new owner. Put yourself in my place...I would have to ride the bike over 40 miles from my house to the dealer in 4 oclock traffic down 2 of the most busiest roads in Tampa/St. Pete/CW area. Now imagine I wreck for whatever reason, do you think the insurance company is going to give me what I am selling it for to a private party?? I have no problems riding in traffic, just it would not have been the smartest thing at the time. Again, not afraid, just used some common sense.
The dealer has a legitimate concern about not running up miles on a brand new bike. The dealer's a dick if they won't let you test ride a used 2005 FJR, provided that you show up with proper gear and provide some evidence that you can handle the bike.
Ok what more "evidence" do I need other than I have passed the state requirements at a motorcycle school (which yes is basic but how many people out there riding bikes even have their endorsements?). Not only that but I have insurance on my current bike, which is not needed but I have anyways.
Maybe I need to give a blood sample and a polygraph before I start looking through the showroom??
I've ridden my VTX, Road Kings, an Ultra Classic, heritage softtail, shadow 1100, shadow 750, k1200gt, vfr750, CR250R dirt bike, and have not dropped a bike yet...not bragging by any means, but I've had the experiences of riding more than just my bike - sorry I didnt ride it in to the dealer.
If you are serious about the bike, stop dicking around. Show up in proper gear on a big bike and try to negotiate a test drive on the used 05. See if the bike fits you well. The fit will be the same between the 05 and 06 model. Then buy an 06 or 07 model. You won't go wrong and you won't regret it.
I'm not dicking around, I would just like to ride the bike before I decide to buy it! I was more than prepeared to sign paperwork that day, but I'm not going to lay all my cards out on the table in one flop in front of a dealer who doesnt even know what they are asking for pricewise on the bike. The dealer was asking retail (or more?) for a bike that has a passenger bag that was banged up and no tread on the rear tire. Listen to yourself, "try to negotiate a test drive on the used 05" NEGOTIATE to take a test ride??? on a used bike??? cmon! Maybe I just dont have the funds available, and dont make the kinda money some people on here make, but before I drop my hard earned money on what is basically a "toy" for my enjoyment, I'd like to make sure I like it! The last thing I want to do is buy a bike and end up in this thread a month later ---
https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...&hl=remorse
Anyway - I appreciate your comments still, even though I disagree with some of the points you brought up. I understand "the look" from the dealer may have been different had I ridden up in my VTX ready to go.
Tampa eh?
Cycle Trader ad Here's a '04 ABS for $8975 or best offer. E-mail:
[email protected] or call (813) 927-2544 (from the ad) 18k on the bike. Pretty decent price, IMHO. I have 60k on my '04 ABS w/no issues at all.
Champions Yamaha of Leesburg has a '06 (888) 545-9236 $12,995
An '05 in Tampa - 2005 YAMAHA FJR1300, FJR 1300, Yamaha dark blue, Perfect condition. Never ridden in rain. 3850 miles. Includes Heli-Bar handlebar risers. $9,600 OBO. (813)767-6909 (813)571-3633
A little farther away, Pompano Pat's in Daytona has a '03 that they want way too much money for, but is essentially the same bike engine wise and ride wise as the '07. (888) 252-3707
OCfjr - believe me, I have seen those bikes all in the cycle trader online. Ive checked ebay and the forums here and other places. The first 04 is owned by a private party, the 3rd is owned by a private party. Leesburg is roughly an hour and a half away from me, and they have 2. Daytona BMW has one, but thats over 2+ hours away, and I'm not familiar with Pompano Pat... I just dont want to call up a private party and say, hey Im interested in your bike, test ride it, and waste their valuable time to decide if I like the bike or not and then not even be interested in their specific bike for whatever reason. See what I mean?
