Just got this 1988 FXR !
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,601
Likes: 9,915
From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
IF...( God Forbid) I were shopping for a bike to replace the Moonraker...('85 FXRS) I'd buy that sweetheart ahead of anything the dealer's have to offer these days.
In addition to Greg's excellent advice ( above) it just occurred to me that I'd also want to pull the brake calipers and make sure the pins are clean, freshly lubed and moving freely. Nothing's going to be worn out, but after sitting so long you might find things prone to "sticking" when they shouldn't.
Don't F-it-up...KEEP anything you feel compelled to replace with some kind of aftermarket doo-dad.
As an owner of such a beauty, here's a new "sport" you might enjoy. I rarely go into a dealership but when I do...of course someone from the Sales dept. will stroll over, look at The Moonraker and start talking about trading her for a new bike. Tell him " the problem I'm having with trading is trying to come up with a dollar figure for how much cash you'll have to give me, on top of a new bike...to get this one".
The older, more experienced types get it...the younger ones who could just as easily be selling Kia's or washing machines are clueless and will give you the cutest quizzical looks.
In addition to Greg's excellent advice ( above) it just occurred to me that I'd also want to pull the brake calipers and make sure the pins are clean, freshly lubed and moving freely. Nothing's going to be worn out, but after sitting so long you might find things prone to "sticking" when they shouldn't.
Don't F-it-up...KEEP anything you feel compelled to replace with some kind of aftermarket doo-dad.
As an owner of such a beauty, here's a new "sport" you might enjoy. I rarely go into a dealership but when I do...of course someone from the Sales dept. will stroll over, look at The Moonraker and start talking about trading her for a new bike. Tell him " the problem I'm having with trading is trying to come up with a dollar figure for how much cash you'll have to give me, on top of a new bike...to get this one".
The older, more experienced types get it...the younger ones who could just as easily be selling Kia's or washing machines are clueless and will give you the cutest quizzical looks.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 1,938
From: NE Florida
Like Mchad said, tires first. Take a look at anything rubber. The front SS braided brake lines on my FXR4 aren't that bright any longer and I tried to get replacements from Goodridge, the company that made them. I talked to their tech guy and he said they didn't make them anymore so I'd have to use Banjo to ANC fittings and order ANC to ANC lines (I think ANC). He also said that if I'm replacing them because of the yellowing cases, fine, but he also said that the actual hose line integrity is fine and don't replace those just because they're old.
I bought my FXR4 from one of my best buddies who owned it since new. I still went through the entire bike and replaced old stuff "just because". When I changed the tires, I also replaced the brake pads and flushed/bled new fluid through the lines. When I opened the rear master cylinder, there wasn't a drop of fluid in it. I texted a picture to my buddy and told him the great thing about buying the bike from him was ragging on him for the next 20 years about **** he did or didn't do to the bike. He can turn wrenches somewhat but doesn't have my skillset so he calls me from time to time about stuff. I always start off no matter what he's working on with, did you check the brake fluid? LMAO
I bought my FXR4 from one of my best buddies who owned it since new. I still went through the entire bike and replaced old stuff "just because". When I changed the tires, I also replaced the brake pads and flushed/bled new fluid through the lines. When I opened the rear master cylinder, there wasn't a drop of fluid in it. I texted a picture to my buddy and told him the great thing about buying the bike from him was ragging on him for the next 20 years about **** he did or didn't do to the bike. He can turn wrenches somewhat but doesn't have my skillset so he calls me from time to time about stuff. I always start off no matter what he's working on with, did you check the brake fluid? LMAO
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Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 130
From: Redwood City/Murphys Ca.
Thanks guys, all points are taken and appreciated. All fluids have been changed including a flush in brake system. I currently have carb out on table for rebuild and now shopping for new tires. Battery is new as well. I'll be riding this bike 400 mile round trip on regular weekend trips so making it road worthy is paramount.
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