Paging the FOAK

Having been in a high state of indecision for some time, I have decided to
replace the Fazer with something else less 'pre-disastered'. Not being a
great fan of the changes that Yamaha have made to the Fazer thousand, I have
finally decided on going a bit upmarket and have set my sights on a
pre-loved FJR1300A. I've seen a few knocking about from 2004 in excellent
condition (but high-ish mileage) for five and a half to minters of 2007
vintage for considerably more money. I've also seen one distressing advert
of some bloke selling his because the black box is giving intermittent
problems. I'm not looking at one with an auto box, although I've only seen
those advertised new so I'm not sure what year they came in. Money is
generally not an issue because I could afford a new one, but I'd need to
cash in a few investments to go higher than 10K, hence the search for a
second hand one.

As you can tell, I'm generally fucking ignorant having always bought new
before. Therefore, can the FOAK please give me warning of what to look out
for in my quest and some idea of what to pay for a 2004-2008 in good nick?

Ta in advance.

 

http://www.fjfjrbiker.co.uk/

HTH

Paul.

 

Have you thought of a late Bandit 1250? A faired or full monty GT model
seems to me to be a straight competitor for the Yam and a lot less money.

 

Not ridden one. Mark Olson will be along in a minute. They've not been
a sales success in Britain, largely (I think) because they've been
expensive and a tad on the big side. Should make a blinding used buy,
if the price is right.

 

I've registered and, when they let me in, I'll have a look.

Cheers,

 

Not sure about the A - the regular ones seem to command strong prices.

 

It's a good forum, and as more and more FJ1200's go to their maker,
the site is becoming increasingly FJR oriented ..

Cheers,

Paul.

 

When you say Gen II, is there a model year or some other indicator that I
should look out for?

So far the biggest problem I can find on the FJ/FKR forums is poorly greased
rear suspension bearings and lack of maintenence leading to seizure. Don't
they all do that i.e all monoshockers without grease nipples?

 

:

there will be many more on the used market in a few years as several police
forces have switched to them from Pans. Speaking to local plod at a
Bikesafe day, they seem to like them but haven't had the bikes long enough
to determine reliability.

 

Is it time yet to inject that they area heavy fugly Sheds?

Yes?

OK, well there you go.

Much nicer
www.superbike.co.uk/imageBank/s/suzuki_uk_bandit_1250gt.jpg

 

Ah. Easily confused, that's me.

 

Exactly what I've just ordered.

 

Oh gosh, and I was just being Ironic ;o)

 

Looks comfy!

 

Hope so, I'll be doing 400 miles a week on it.

 

Oh alright. Go on then, if you must.

I'm sure that I can't stop you....

That's a fugly shed [1] with crap build quality that will turn into a huge
mound of white fur in the first winter.

I may have exaggerated slightly, but thanks anyway. I had already looked at
that possibility along with Triumph Tigers, New Fazers, CB1300, CB1000F
etc. I finally decided that I wanted a shafty that wasn't too portly,
reasonable weather protection, reasonable build quality and wasn't a BMW. If
you have any more suggestions, but with those features in mind, then please
feel free....

--
Chris H,
FZS1000, two#55
He's predictable, but that's to be expected.
Please remove the numbers to reply

[1] Although as a FZS1000 owner, my aesthetic judgment may be challenged.

 

See you have said it yourself.

It is portly.

Yamahas are built of cheese.

 

.....but not too portly. Where do we draw a line? I am also portly.

I note that you haven't challenged the Suzuki has 'crap build quality' bit.

What variety of cheese? The Fazer has lasted through four winters with very
little in the way of TLC apart from the odd squirt of FS365 and not fallen
apart yet so that must be particularly hard cheese. I imagine that cream
cheese would be a bad thing?

 

About 210kg for my tastes and even then not if she is planning to roll
on top

Some do some don't. The new Bindats look good. I see FJR's with lots
of ally rot but some Fazers seem a lot better.

<glances at RD400>

things might have changed <cough> recently

 

Those Givi V35 panniers can hold quite a lot of junk. I have them on my
bike.