Musings on what to do about my bike post-crash

[White Horseradish]

So, I started looking at what my options are for my FJ1200.

Getting replacement fairings is a complicated proposition. There are a couple of places that make replacements, they are in Europe, and expensive. Getting used ones most likely means getting ones less broken and fixing them. I don't want to make it a naked streetfighter, as I actually like having a more touring bike rather than an aggressive sporty thing.

Someone suggested I buy another and sell this one to someone who wants to either repair fairings or build a naked one. This is a pretty reasonable proposition, I'm sure I can sell a mechanically sound running bike. Problem is, there are no FJs in my area for sale. I did find a couple I would be interested in, but they are in places like Denver and San Diego. While flying there and riding back would be one hell of a cool road trip, I am not sure it's a good idea with an unfamiliar bike. Driving there and back in a truck is a kind of a pricey proposition, given what gas costs these days. Also, I'm not sure I can spend the time necessary to do it.

Trying to find out about shipping a bike got me more confused than anything. Nobody straight up tells you a rate. Some places talks about pickup, some don't. Ugh.

Things just shouldn't be this complicated.

[BobR]

Well, I don't know where you are, but this one sits in Spokane, WA

https://spokane.craigslist.org/mcy/4655207896.html

Here is a thread with the names of 3 motorcycle transport companies.

I am more than willing to take a peek at the bike for you and take any pictures you may need,

bob

[White Horseradish]

Well, I don't know where you are, but this one sits in Spokane, WA

https://spokane.craigslist.org/mcy/4655207896.html

That's a pretty one. The guy in Denver wants about half that, though, which is a lot more in my budget.


I think that thread link you meant to post has gone AWOL.

[vaskidmark]

Are you getting the runaround from freight companies?  They usually have a customer service weenie who deals with one-time shippers who have no idea what they are doing.  Ask to speak to them.

You might want to check the local dealership to find out who does their crating.

Then there is the option of getting to where the bike is, renting a pickup or van and buying some tie-down straps and driving home.  (Don't forget ramps to get it on/off, but often you can borrow them at each end rather than but them.

stay safe.

[BobR]

Rather than post the tread, I'll just put up the companies.

http://www.haulbikes.com/zonemap.html#zones

http://cmactrans.com

http://www.uship.com

And then there is Federal Transport also, no link.

http://www.r3owners.net/threads/any-recommended-motorcycle-transport-companies.18186/


bob

[White Horseradish]

I'd really love to just take a ride. But Denver being 900 or so miles from Minneapolis, my family would probably kill me. I haven't really done rides of more than 100 miles at a time.

I looked at renting a truck, but  a whole moving truck is also kinda pricey, and truck rental companies don't want to rent a pickup one way.

[BobR]

Did you do a search of "all of craigs".

Here is one in Fargo.  http://fargo.craigslist.org/mcy/4687669207.html

That isn't too far away from you.

bob

[tokugawa]

Post pics of the damage. If the bike runs ok, maybe it can be repaired. did it run on it's side for long? some bikes will starve the oil pump when this happens, and bearing damage can result.

[White Horseradish]

Post pics of the damage. If the bike runs ok, maybe it can be repaired. did it run on it's side for long? some bikes will starve the oil pump when this happens, and bearing damage can result.

It didn't run after falling, but it did catch fire.


I got some pics here

[tokugawa]

Does it start and run now? Have you hosed it off to see whats what?
really did not look that bad to me from the pic's- the upper fairing headlight etc all looked fine, the lower fairing took a hit but looks like repairable.
  I don't know your finances or level of having to have things just right , but some f-glass, bondo and paint would go a long way.

[AJ Dual]

I say ride it as-is and just get some custom riding leathers made that's covered in fake rips, tears, and bleeding wounds. 

Mad street-cred right there.

[White Horseradish]

Does it start and run now? Have you hosed it off to see whats what?
really did not look that bad to me from the pic's- the upper fairing headlight etc all looked fine, the lower fairing took a hit but looks like repairable.
  I don't know your finances or level of having to have things just right , but some f-glass, bondo and paint would go a long way.

Washed it with soap.

It will crank, but I have not started it - the air filter is cooked. Some wiring is burnt. Lower fairing is actually completely toast - it's a charred corkscrew. One side panel is gone. Frame  is blackened. Clutch hose burnt completely. Upper fairing is a little melted along the bottom edge. One side panel is also burned and melted.

Fianaces... What finances? 

[Scout26]

Repair shop(s) estimate?

Insurance claim?

[White Horseradish]

Repair shop(s) estimate?

I shudder to think. Even if I could find a shop to take in a 30-year old bike.

Insurance claim?

Not gonna happen. My insurance covers medical only.

[vaskidmark]

Call around to moving companies - they often will pick up small extra loads for the right price.  Call your local mover and see what they can suggest - they seem to be plugged into some national database that helps them find jobs to bring them back home.

Again, same with freight companies.

stay safe.

[tokugawa]

That heat on an alloy frame would concern me- don't  know the metallurgy, but it makes-a-me nervous.
 
 

[230RN]

"Quote from: scout26 on October 12, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Insurance claim?"

Not gonna happen. My insurance covers medical only.

That's why I keep the collision on my '97 daily driver.  Did some numbers, figured it would take 11-12 years of the increased premium over the legal "liability-only minimum" to equal the current value of the car.  And with a "slippery" winter coming up with all the dry pavement drivers around , I'm better off to keep the collision on the old darling.

Good advice about finding a moving company willing to so-to-speak "deadhead" the bike around.  Wouldn't have thought of that, myself.  

Terry