One Minute: classic FJ600 Yam. Next: a pile of bent parts

First off: thanks to those of you who have provided wiring diagrams, information and support for the 'restoration' of my old FJ600 Yamaha. When done, it looked GREAT and ran like a jewel.

During the course of the 3 month project, my 19 yr old Step Son had helped me restore this bike, and was so proud, and so in need of transportation that… yea, I sold it to him. Well, allowed him to pay me in payments, so he could use the bike as transportation to work.

Last Friday a drunk driver cut him off here in town. He and the bike parted company at about 40 mph… and the bike stopped when it hit a tree, bottom of the bike first.

Sam (my step-son) is okay… limping, road rash, and a good lesson.

The bike? It’s totaled. Gas tank caved in, frame bent, swingarm bent, front forks bent, turn signals gone, rear fender gone, fairing rashed, ignition cover cracked with hole, and lots more.

Tomorrow, I also meet with Insurance people. I didn’t have any comprehensive insurance on this bike: bikes this old are difficult to prove value. And besides, at the time I put it on the road, I really didn't think that Sam would put so many miles on it (over 400 the first week, and that's just around town!).

So any recovery will be if it’s decided the other driver is at fault – difficult, in an accident where the vehicles did not contact one another. But maybe easier, knowing they slapped the handcuffs on her and hauled her worthless butt away as drunk at the scene of the accident.

I’m just sick over this. I was so proud that another old Yamaha was back on the road… and now it’s gone forever... a pile of parts.

So based on the outcome of the insurance meeting, I may have a pile of parts for sale. Or a complete bike that needs a lot LOT OF WORK. My wife has told me that - this bike meant so much to our family that she cannot bear to see it sold off one part at a time.

But at the same time: I have to turn this bike back into transportation for Sam.... and FAST.

What a spot. Anyone have an FJ-600 Yamaha project bike? Where the two bikes might make one good one?

Tomorrow, I'll post more information, and some 'after' pictures.

Any ideas as to what's best to do, let me know. Based on experience, too much of this bike is wrecked to do anything but part it out.

I've attached a 'before' picture of this bike, on the day we completed it.

 

I am pleased to hear your son-in-law is/will-be okay.

I am terribly sorry to hear about the rest of the story. Your bike was beautiful...and drunk drivers make me so angry! I hope you find another project soon. Good luck.

 

That was a great bike. In the UK, as soon as the driver is drunk - it's their fault. I suggest blaming the other driver - maybe the police can advise you of the guilt of the lady - and insisting that the condition of the bike warrants a high payout from her insurance. After all - you have the pictures to prove how good it was!

 

Re: One Minute: classic FJ600 Yam. Next: a pile of bent part

That was a very tidy machine and I hope you get some recompense for it.

But seriously, f$#K the bike - just be glad your son is OK.

 

That is sad. Honestly. Glad Sam is ok and everything but what a horrible and pointless loss.
Keep the bike and find another fj or xj 600 and use what you can.

 

Good to hear your son wasn't badly injured.
You need so many parts that you need another bike.
You are a perfect candidate for buying a "lost title" bike from Craigslist or E-Bay, but you'll have to wait for this rare bike to come up.

 

I think a no title bike would be perfect. I am sure there are a lot of things you would be able to use from the wrecked bike and not have to spend money on all over again. But finding another fj shouldn't be impossible. I'd think the 900 would be a million times harder since they were only made for a year... I think. I had one just like it (it was my second street bike) but nowhere near that condition. I saw one on craiglist a while back that ran for $600. They are out there.

 

Re: One Minute: classic FJ600 Yam. Next: a pile of bent part

What a shame! Glad your step son is OK (kinda). GOOD LUCK which ever way you decide to go...

skillet

 

Jim; It took me a while to respond because I'm at a loss for words.

Thankfully, Sam wasn't seriously injured; but all that work... man, oh man. Ouch.

I still don't know what to say. Get on Craig's List and keep looking...

 

Glad to hear everyone is ok. I'm not sure how far you're willing to go for pick-up, but found these on craigslist:

One in California
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1575543296.html

And some more, much further away..
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1567124294.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/mcy/1586485568.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/m ... 04102.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/1590470719.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/1549531634.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/1568992943.html

 

Jim, seems like you might have a prospect there in the Cali. bike...

Wave $800 cash at the guy and get busy...

 

Re: One Minute: classic FJ600 Yam. Next: a pile of bent part

That cali bike looks like a good start, a really good start. Glad to hear eveyone is ok. I had found a black and gold fj a number of years ago for like 300 bucks, but didn't know enough about it to buy it...it was a pile of, well you know, but complete and original

 

Re: One Minute: classic FJ600 Yam. Next: a pile of bent part

That cali bike looks like a good start, a really good start. Glad to hear eveyone is ok. I had found a black and gold fj a number of years ago for like 300 bucks, but didn't know enough about it to buy it...it was a pile of, well you know, but complete and original

 

He hasn't responded to my emails.

Today, me and step-son rent a trailer and pick up the debris.

I got a copy of the police report, and there is NO mention of another vehicle involved. No mention of a drunk driver in another car. Was written up as a single-vehicle incident. Step-son may be exaggerating about other car's involvement, and he's been known to do that.

Talked to insurance company. No coverage on the bike whatsoever, beyond legal PL and PD.

Step-son is really sorry... he really feels bad. But now he has no transportation, no job, and I'm out the entire cost of the project. Minus whatever parts can be salvaged.

 

Seems to ME, skeptical Dad that I am, that the Police would have some sort of record of handcuffing a drunk driver and hauling her away.

I suspect you may not be getting the full story.

I think Sam needs a $800 car or small pickup truck.