Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum but have been browsing for the past few weeks to get up to speed with these bikes. I'm looking for a good sport tourer with power, comfortable for 400+ miles/day and good weather protection...without weighing 700 pounds and loaded up with electronic gadgets that just distract from the enjoyment of riding, imho. So the FJ fits the bill quite nicely. I'm really smitten with a lot of things on this bike-the styling, the power, the comfort. It's all really good stuff. Being of 80s vintage the 16" tires are a bit of a drawback for me, primarily because of limited replacements. I had a 90 Duc 750 Sport with 16" rubber that handled fine on the street and got along well with Azaros. What's the general feeling on the 16s v 17s? Hopefully this isn't an "oil" question! :crazy:
Others I've considered are the Concours, Beemer airheads/oilheads and Ducati ST3/4. I currently have a 75 Commando and a 97 Duc 900sp in the garage. The ST has been a strong contender but after owning the 900 going on 15 years I think it's time for a change but I'm not sure I'll be parting with it in any event-if I can convince the boss that 3 bikes are better than 2. :empathy3: The Commando has been around since 87 and not going anywhere.
So there is an 89 available in dark blue (which is a way cool color with the gold trim) with 23xxx miles asking 1950, not bad from what I've seen on CL and fleabay. It has a Corbin seat and what look like Cobra mufflers but otherwise looks very original. I asked about transmission/2nd gear issues and they replied " as long as I'm a little careful to make the full shift, I don't have any 2nd gear issues" Not very encouraging so I'm looking for sage advice. From what I've read it isn't much of a problem with the later models but I don't want a big project bike and will easily pass on this one. Also have my eye on a 92 with 115xx miles, all original except a Corbin and asking 3800. It looks really good but I like the blue/gold of the 89 much better. Definitely not a deal breaker especially if it is as good as it looks in the pics.
Well thanks for reading and just maybe I'll be around a lot more. It sure has been a cool place to lurk around the past few weeks.
George
Welcome,
Both are pretty low mileage. The 89 seems like a better deal. Unless it has been abused, 2nd gear should not be an issue; this was weakness was corrected in the later models. I prefer the 92's (3XW model) myself...a bit bigger fairing and more rubber mounting to reduce vibration. Others say the 89 (3cv) model was the best. With such low mileage, they both will meet your requirements.
My 2 cents.
Jeff
Welcome magge52, the 16" can be upgraded to 17", I have done both front (FZR1000 87/88) and rear (GSXR 750, 92"), bolt on and ride. The 92' will have rubber mounted engine making for a smoother ride but the miles and price of the 89 seem more in line if the bike is in good shape. My 86' has the 2nd gear issue, I short shift past it and don't really worry about it. It does not pop out till about 7K so when I am getting my Kookalooo on, I shift at 6K. So if you want to test the 89', make sure you have a good shift into 2nd gear, and roll the power on quickly till the RPMs hit around 10K. If it does not pop out under load, all is still solid. If it pops out, pass on it, or ask for a lower price and deal with it or fix it. The Corbin seat is really good for me, other like the stock seat better. Let us know what you picked and post up pics....
Welcome to the group George!
Obviously this bunch is very biased toward the FJ and for what you describe you're looking for, it fits the bill! :good2: Those both sound like good candidates...I originally fell for the FJ at a dealer showroom looking at that '89 paint scheme. Very nice! I ended up buying a used '92 ABS a few years later and it's been outstanding for the 17 years I've owned it. Not a lot of differences in the newer years ('89 and up)...they already have the 17" front wheel, use a fuel-pump and have a bit more fairing than the early models. As has been mentioned the '91-'93 years got more rubber in mounting the engine for less vibration. I can attest that they are GREAT long distance tourers...AND can carve up a twisty road pretty well too! :yes:
Again, welcome and let us know what you end up with!
Cap'n Ron. . .
:good2:
Quote from: magge52 on April 04, 2014, 03:36:31 PM
I'm looking for a good sport tourer with power, comfortable for 400+ miles/day and good weather protection...
That's a '91-'93 IMHO. The early ones have no protection and the middle ones just got ugly. :bomb:
Bold guys will go for a pristine "pink stripe" example. :good2:
Then the modding begins... :diablo:
Frank
Welcome to the forum. The FJ's are all a fun bike to ride. If I was shopping I would probably try to get a 91-93 but the 89-90's are pretty sweet also. It's what ever fit's you. They are a good bang for the buck and IMO lean more toward the touring end of the spectrum than sport. Stock weight is published at 568 Lbs plus or minus a bit. You can modify them to be more sporty. What I enjoy about the FJ is it is easy just to hop on and ride. Works good around town or on the road. They are a basic carbed air cooled bike with enough power to make things interesting. With 30 years worth of information, "how to's" and modifications. Sold world wide and parts are still pretty available. Let us know what you buy. Really a fun bike for those 300 milers.
George
Quote from: movenon on April 04, 2014, 08:40:27 PM
Really a fun bike for those 300 milers.
George
300? FJMonkey, Skymasteres and I knocked out a 450 mile day ride a few weeks ago...just for kicks. :good2: On my big tour I averaged well over 300 miles a day with some days topping 600 miles...it just added up as I ended up where ever the day wanted to take me. It's a glorious bike to spend time with...to see the country, to meet some good friends, to stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Life must be lived as we go along and on an FJ, the true joy is in the trip... :yes:
Cap'n Ron. . .
Hum...Cow hampshire. Kangamangus :crazy: Evans Notch :wacko2:
To think that this bike is "still" getting rave reviews from people about being the ultimate sport tourer after 30 yrs in production says a lot about the original design. But what is it that people like and dislike about it.
My dislikes : The Weight :mine fell over one day while coming off the centre stand off camber and the position it landed in needed three blokes to pick it up, I was told as a young fella that if you can't pick it up, then you shouldn't be riding it.
Air cooled: Normal running where I live is no problem, but slow riding in summer in first / second gear gets the oil temp in the high range to the point of switching off.
Tyre selection: 16 inch tyres front/ rear in decent compound compared to 17 inch.
Likes:
Comfort : it's a bike you can do big distances on in one day, and get off feeling reasonably fresh, without having to see a chiropractor.
Power: It has more than enough for everyday riding through the week, and on weekends load it up with luggage and a passenger and the bike won't even crack a sweat. Use the power in anger and you'll still have sport bike riders checking their mirrors wondering what the hell it is behind them.
Looks : The FJ is a good looking bike and has stood the test of time over the years. It still gets admiring looks and comments regarding its shape.
Maintenance : It's a simple air cooled motor that will last forever, easy to maintain. and parts are still readily available.
I wouldn't be surprised in years to come if it went down in history as the best sport tourer ever built. Time will tell.
Tony.
Quote from: Capn Ron on April 05, 2014, 01:46:07 AM
300? FJMonkey, Skymasteres and I knocked out a 450 mile day ride a few weeks ago...just for kicks. :good2: On my big tour I averaged well over 300 miles a day with some days topping 600 miles...
Cap'n Ron. . .
I'm 60, unfit and have a bad back. I recently did a 940km day on winding roads and couple of hours of twisties and the only complaint I had was running out of daylight and having to pull in for the night, I was just getting in the groove. I only have a standard seat with a lambswool pad and have no plans to upgrade it. I do have a regimen of movements and stretches while riding to alleviate pressure and fatigue, a throttle lock and regular stops.
My Sunday rides are always between 500-700kms and I'm
always disappointed when I get home and it's over, even if it's after dark or cold or wet.
Being able to this without the benefit of youthful stamina and fitness says a lot about the bike. Showroom comfort doesn't always translate into long distance comfort.
As far as picking one up goes, there's a big difference between a controlled lift and an adrenalin fuelled lift. The latter is a breeze :biggrin:
Noel
FFS,Three blokes to pick up a bike?
HOW TO PICK UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE - FALLEN OR DROPPED BIKE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84YfDGKA4Og#ws)
Quote from: Bones on April 05, 2014, 07:01:25 AM
My dislikes :
The Weight :mine fell over one day while coming off the centre stand off camber and the position it landed in needed three blokes to pick it up, I was told as a young fella that if you can't pick it up, then you shouldn't be riding it.
Tyre selection: 16 inch tyres front/ rear in decent compound compared to 17 inch.
I have picked up my 86' on my own, the adrenalin probably helped as I had only moments before low sided it. It was damn heavy.
My 86' has 17" wheels and modern rubber touching the road. Not to mention the tires are less expensive than the old school 16".
Welcome George. Both are great bikes, you are going to half to go see and ride them before deciding. No bad choice just which is best for you.
Kurt
I to wanted a sport touring cycle. I purchased 1989 FJ1200 which is immaculate, all stock with exception to the mufflers. I AM 5"7"" in height so modifications were required. A cycle shop in Tempe AZ. did the work for me. First the seat was lowered, second the handle bars were moved up and back, and the rear sprocket was changed. The 42 tooth or 41 tooth was replaced with a 38 tooth and a premium chain was also installed.
The bike can be ridden for four hundted miles a day but you may want to replace the wind screen with one which will deflect the wind over your helment.
I also bought a BMW K1200 RS. It also is being modified for me and since it is not possible to lower the bikr I am having tip over bars fabricated and installed to protect the side panels. This bike is a true Sport Touring machine. Prior to the cycle going into the shop I was running at 120 mph up a hill and it felt like I was only running 55 mph. This is why I am having it set up for me.
Oman75
Quote from: Klavdy on April 05, 2014, 08:56:55 AM
FFS,Three blokes to pick up a bike?
HOW TO PICK UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE - FALLEN OR DROPPED BIKE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84YfDGKA4Og#ws)
It fell over sideways away from me off camber into a garden bed that had a hedge as well as a stupid railing fence in it so you couldn't go around the other side to pick it up. I wouldn't say I'm a weakling, but I couldn't budge it in the position it was in. Level ground with nothing around it, Yes.
Luckily nothing was broken, just a scuff on the chin fairing and bar ends.
Tony.
Well, long as you didn't drop your stubby,
Thanks for the welcomes and replies. Great info to help me make a decision. Especially the trans info, good to confirm 2nd gear is not so much an issue on 89 & up. I will definitely take FJMonkey's advice on testing the trans.
I agree the price of the 92 at 3800 is high but the benefits noted for sportTouring make it appealing despite that it's not my fav color. It was a best offer ad so I would be offering less. The red/white color combo is killer but of all the other combos I like the 92.
Going to look at that 89 this weekend. Owner agrees to a test ride so hopefully the weather will cooperate. There's another blue 89 about 3.5 hours north of me that looks good. About the same mileage and price as this one and another about 1.5 east with 40k smiles and asking 2500. So it will be a busy weekend or two coming up.
Thanks again for all the input.
George
One of the 89s I'm looking at has the gold stripes on the fairing sides but not the FJ decals. Haven't seen this on other bikes. Maybe a repaint? And is there a noticeable difference in weather protection between an 89 and 92? Looking forward to test rides this weekend. Weather is supposed to be around the 60s.
George
Quote from: magge52 on April 09, 2014, 08:08:08 AM
Maybe a repaint?
Yes, probably.
Quote from: magge52 on April 09, 2014, 08:08:08 AM
And is there a noticeable difference in weather protection between an 89 and 92?
I've never heard of anything to that effect.
Quote from: magge52 on April 09, 2014, 08:08:08 AM
And is there a noticeable difference in weather protection between an 89 and 92?
Not really, depends where you are. The non US 92's had these screens as standard which do give much better protection but at the cost of being a bit noisy.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9114609165_d98fc33ea4_z.jpg)
Noel
Quote from: markmartin on April 09, 2014, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: magge52 on April 09, 2014, 08:08:08 AM
And is there a noticeable difference in weather protection between an 89 and 92?
I've never heard of anything to that effect.
I misunderstood that question. :wacko3: --I can't tell you about the '92, but the stock screen of an '89, if you're 5'-10", with standard bars, will direct the wind just above your chest, hitting you in the neck area. I found it annoying as hell, so I installed a taller aftermarket screen and kept cutting down until I was satisfied. Now the air is directed just above my neck and my helmet is pretty much in clean (ish) air.
I have a LaminarLip on my Duc, makes a big difference,. It deflects the wind to about helmet level without getting in my line of sight -I'm 5'8".
I've been searching for info on the alternator output, haven't found anything. I've seen pics of FJs with aux lights so I imagine they will handle heated gear.
George
Quote from: magge52 on April 10, 2014, 09:20:03 PM
I have a LaminarLip on my Duc, makes a big difference,. It deflects the wind to about helmet level without getting in my line of sight -I'm 5'8".
I've been searching for info on the alternator output, haven't found anything. I've seen pics of FJs with aux lights so I imagine they will handle heated gear.
George
George, several members here do run heated gear, I believe. I do know the alternator output isn't too generous. I seem to remember 30A at 5,000 rpm from the GYSM. Since most folks don't run near 5K rpm much, it can get dicey depending on how much additional electric gear you're running.
Quote from: magge52 on April 10, 2014, 09:20:03 PM
I've been searching for info on the alternator output, haven't found anything. I've seen pics of FJs with aux lights so I imagine they will handle heated gear.
George
Stats that I have state 360 watts. Should be enough to run extra lights etc... no problem. Just hook some up temporary with a volt gauge to see if the battery is charging around 14 volts.
Tony.
Quote from: ribbert on April 09, 2014, 06:54:39 PM
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9114609165_d98fc33ea4_z.jpg)
Noel, I'm still going to send my screen to you, theres no way mine gets anywhere CLOSE to how clear yours is!
Quote from: X-Ray on April 11, 2014, 08:05:10 AM
Noel, I'm still going to send my screen to you, theres no way mine gets anywhere CLOSE to how clear yours is!
Haha Ray, yeah that was a LOT of work, even with power tools.
I started a second one a while back, the memories of doing the first one came back and I shoved it under the bench. Might need to leave it there a bit longer until the memory fades.
Noel
Quote from: simi_ed on April 11, 2014, 12:26:58 AM
I seem to remember 30A at 5,000 rpm from the GYSM. Since most folks don't run near 5K rpm much, it can get dicey depending on how much additional electric gear you're running.
Regardless of the figures, you're going to get most it at low revs, alternator output spikes at relatively low revs.
Noel
Quote from: Oman75 on April 05, 2014, 02:08:11 PM
I to wanted a sport touring cycle. I purchased 1989 FJ1200 which is immaculate, all stock with exception to the mufflers. I AM 5"7"" in height so modifications were required. A cycle shop in Tempe AZ. did the work for me. First the seat was lowered, second the handle bars were moved up and back,
Oman75
How did the move the handlebars up and back? What did they do to do that?
Test rode the 89 today for 5-10 miles on some pretty rough back roads, no highway unfortunately. I was really impressed with the bike. Having been on Euro twins forever the four was totally different. Pickup was linear and smooooth and it revs much quicker off idle. Didn't have as much low end punch or guttural feeling of the twins but it was sneaky fast. Some buzziness in the bars even with foam grips but it tended to smooth out above 3k. I took it up to ~8k in 2nd gear a couple times as FJmonkey suggested with no issues. The owner said he had missed 1st to 2nd gear a few times but then made sure his shift was more positive and had no issues after that. So I take off and sure enough I missed 2nd on my 1st shift. Thought I felt it snick into 2nd but made sure after that and no further misses. Wind protection was very good (for a sport tourer) with a larger aftermarket screen. I felt some wind on my upper arms but nadda on the shoulders or helmet, very comfy and it felt like there would be enough circulation in hot weather. The stock seat was very cushy but supporting and felt like it would stay that way for many miles. Brakes were oem and pretty spongy, definitely upgrade territory. Another thing I felt it needed was a 6th gear, 5th came pretty quick and it felt a little hurried. I didn't get a chance to cruise at highway speeds so I'll chalk that up to my lack of seat time on a 4 (or maybe gearing/sprockets). Overall I was really impressed with the bike. It looks like a really good fit for my needs - lots of power and wind protection, comfy ergos, low seat height so I can juuust about flat foot my 5-8 inches. And it carries its weight really well. I was genuinely surprised how easy it was to handle at slow speeds. Not knowing the area I got on a very sand covered road and had to make a u-turn to backtrack. All I could think of was not dumping it but it was actually pretty easy to do.
So, am I a new FJ owner?......well, no. I had the cash in my pocket and ramps in the back of my truck but I didn't pull the trigger. It was hard but I kept thinking the 92 would be just that much better for me with a bit larger fairing and rubber mounting to squelch the vibes. It was enough to say no, barely. So I'll call on that 92 this week and see what happens. It's about 5 hours away so I might ask for some assistance in checking it out if it gets that far.
Again, thanks for all the input and I think it's only a matter of time before one of these babies is in my garage.
George
Good hunting George, seat time is way better then any thing we have to tell you. Winding up to full throttle in 2nd gear helps on the internals. The FJ air cooled is more noisy and is normal, so minor internal chain like noises are not major concerns. Kookaloo new to be FJ owner....
Quote from: magge52 on April 13, 2014, 08:16:36 PM
Test rode the 89 today for 5-10 miles..........
George
That is one excellent report. You've done well to make all those observations on such a short ride on an unfamiliar bike. You pretty much "got" the FJ
Everybody likes the model they own and believes it to be the best for one reason or another but those rubber mounted motors sure are smooth.
Keep in mind when you ride it though, it's common for the engine mounts to seize in varying degrees and if they have it will vibrate through to your bones with everything buzzing. It is an easy fix and returns the turbine smoothness, but there are no doubt plenty out there that do not know about the fix or realise what's causing it.
So, if it vibrates, particularly at higher revs, it will be the engine mounts. Do not be put off. Did I mention how smooth they are?
Noel
Noel
Thanks ribbert, I guess 40+ years in the saddle teaches you a few things. Pics of a 92 w/ABS are coming this weekend, less than 12k smiles and all original except for a Corbin. It looks very clean from the few pics on CL. Asking price is 3800, pretty steep from what I've seen. I'd feel comfy at 3k if it's really clean.
George
So here she is. I'm gettin' really close. She has 11xxx miles an is stock except for the Corbin. The blue/silver combo is growing on me fast.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_21_04_14_2_18_46.jpeg)
That is a really nice 92. We just had one up here with 16,000 KMs and it was up for 3500 on Kijiji. It sold pretty quick. I was pretty tempted but I have too many of these around already.
Go for it, you will not be disappointed.
Jeff
Quote from: jscgdunn on April 22, 2014, 09:42:41 AM
That is a really nice 92. We just had one up here with 16,000 KMs and it was up for 3500 on Kijiji. It sold pretty quick. I was pretty tempted but I have too many of these around already.
Go for it, you will not be disappointed.
Jeff
3500c is about 3200us which would be tops for me. I'm thinking 2800-3000us.
Speaking of, what ever happened to Randy making us some rubber mounts for the first three gens? It's not like he's too busy or anything. :wacko3:
To the OP: Might I recommend fjowners.wikidot.com/models?
I pulled the proverbial trigger!!!! :yahoo: :yahoo: Have a "verbal handshake" with the owner in DE. Planned on picking it up tomorrow but he has a previous commitment so I'll be driving down the following Sat, May 3rd, in my pickem' up. As long as it looks better up close & personal than the photos (as he assured me) it's a done deal. Boy oh boy it's gonna be a long week.
(http://[url=http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_43_01_2.jpeg%5Dhttp://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_43_01_2.jpeg%5B/url%5D)
(http://[url=http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_42_59_1.jpeg%5Dhttp://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_42_59_1.jpeg%5B/url%5D)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_42_56_0.jpeg)
For some reason these 2 didn't post, try again.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_43_01_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_25_04_14_2_42_59_1.jpeg)
Congrats....looks pristine...
Jeff
She's a beaut - and that's coming from a red and white 86 rider. You lucked out.
Andy
Great looking bike! Looks real clean! Good luck.
Yeah, she looks like a good one. I'm looking forward to a lot of FJ s-miles this summer.
Counting down the days... My son flies to Atlanta Fri 6am for a national DECA conference. We're counting down the days together, kinda corny but fun. Plan to be on the road by 5:30am Sat morning which should get me to Smyrna, DE by noonish barring traffic problems. I wanted to do a fly & ride but airfares are 300+ one way :negative: so a 15 hour road trip it is- 800 miles r/t. That's ok I'll set the cruise on 65, listen to satellite radio, maybe catch a Bruins/Habs game and smoke a stogie or 3.
Road trip!! Left work Fri on my way to Smyrna, DE. Spent the night in Stamford, CT about half way there. On the road at 7:30 Sat am arrived onsite around 11:30. Wow, this is a clean machine, 11974 miles and it even has the original tool kit and owners manual. Paid the man with a stack of benamins, loaded it into my truck and back on the road for the 7+ hour ride home. Pulled into my driveway around 10:40pm tired but stoked. The Bruins comeback from 2 goals down with 10 minutes in the game sure did help make the trip go faster. Took the plate of the Duc and went for a short 25 mile ride to feel it out this afternoon. Smooth and powerful are understatements! Took it on the highway and triple digits came fast and easy. Smooth as glass over 3k rpms and stable on a very windy day. Off to a good start. I think this is going to be fun. :biggrin:
Worse than Crack eh??? The FJ grunt is better than having to drop a gear or two to get your Kookaloo on...
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2014, 10:51:32 PM
Worse than Crack eh??? The FJ grunt is better than having to drop a gear or two to get your Kookaloo on...
Hehehe, yeah she gets to you pretty quick. Being used to 6 gears on the Duc I wasn't sure how 5 would be on the highway but at 75-80 she's just cruising along smooth as glass and triple d's are just a moment away. Here's a shot of my stable.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/3992_05_05_14_8_51_27.jpeg)
I think the wheels and brakes on that particular Duc will straight swap with the FJ.
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2014, 10:51:32 PM
Worse than Crack eh??? The FJ grunt is better than having to drop a gear or two to get your Kookaloo on...
I've heard stories that say that whacking the throttle in 5th gear at 70 mph will get you an indicated 145 mph in a very short span of time. At least that's what the stories say... :unknown::unknown:
Quote from: Klavdy on May 06, 2014, 06:08:49 AM
I think the wheels and brakes on that particular Duc will straight swap with the FJ.
Maybe if I have a sudden lapse in judgement and sell the Duc. :wacko1:
Quote from: Country Joe on May 06, 2014, 08:52:24 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2014, 10:51:32 PM
Worse than Crack eh??? The FJ grunt is better than having to drop a gear or two to get your Kookaloo on...
I've heard stories that say that whacking the throttle in 5th gear at 70 mph will get you an indicated 145 mph in a very short span of time. At least that's what the stories say... :unknown::unknown:
I can't vouch for 145 (yet) but 115 was way easy. :smile: