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General Category => General Discussion => What did you do to your FJ today? => Topic started by: 1989fj1200russ on June 09, 2014, 12:36:02 AM

Title: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: 1989fj1200russ on June 09, 2014, 12:36:02 AM
So I got my carbs off and one float cover off but cant get the pin out that holds the  float on carb iv tried a small punch and tapping the pin but it wont go I don't want to bust the carb trying to do it .but ill get it iv talked to fjmonkey .and have to give Randy a call this week to get the parts I need. how much better are  stainless break lines than the stock ones
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Capn Ron on June 09, 2014, 12:52:07 AM
1992   :biggrin:

37.4% better

You've hijacked your own thread with an off-topic run-on sentence that makes my head hurt.   :scratch_one-s_head:  So...what's your question?
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Fj.itis on June 09, 2014, 03:14:01 AM
1984, it was the first so worth more later on, lighter, ugliest, faster, less parts to fail.

Try soaking the carb pin in some lube then come back to it with your punch give it a short sharp tap it will come.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: motohorseman on June 09, 2014, 06:47:17 AM
From all of the data that I have read, 1989 was and is the best of the best, without question.

The 1989 offered exactly what the earlier models were missing, refined to perfection.

The later models gained weight and lost power as well as the aesthetically beauty that has never again been matched by the 1989 version.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ribbert on June 09, 2014, 09:06:41 AM
Quote from: 1989fj1200russ on June 09, 2014, 12:36:02 AM
So I got my carbs off and one float cover off but cant get the pin out that holds the  float on carb iv tried a small punch and tapping the pin but it wont go I don't want to bust the carb trying to do it .but ill get it iv talked to fjmonkey .and have to give Randy a call this week to get the parts I need. how much better are  stainless break lines than the stock ones

Those pins are never that tight, it's all in the technique. It's more the sharpness of the blow than the force. The lighter the hammer the better the chance of success. I would suggest something around a quarter to a third of standard hammer weight. If you don't have a drift, use a squared off drill bit, not a nail or screw.

Noel
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: 1989fj1200russ on June 09, 2014, 09:49:17 AM
Okay thanks Noel
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Derek Young on June 09, 2014, 10:13:10 AM
A good quality automatic centerpunch works well also.

Derek
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: simi_ed on June 09, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on June 09, 2014, 06:47:17 AM
From all of the data that I have read, 1989 was and is the best of the best, without question.

Especially the Theft Deterrent colors: Silver, White & Red!

Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ribbert on June 09, 2014, 11:15:08 AM
Quote from: Derek Young on June 09, 2014, 10:13:10 AM
A good quality automatic centerpunch works well also.

Derek

Yes, great tool for the job, as long as the point is filed off flat so it doesn't flare the end of the pin.

Noel
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: simi_ed on June 09, 2014, 11:42:48 AM
Quote from: simi_ed on June 09, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on June 09, 2014, 06:47:17 AM
From all of the data that I have read, 1989 was and is the best of the best, without question.

Especially the Theft Deterrent colors: Silver, White & Red!

I just received a PM inquiring about the origins of the "Theft Deterrent colors" line.  As I remember, one of the ambulance riders coined the term since the color scheme is (apparently) abhorrant to the ambulance riding purists.  At this point, it's purely a dig at them, all in good fun  :drinks:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: aviationfred on June 09, 2014, 12:12:43 PM
Quote from: simi_ed on June 09, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on June 09, 2014, 06:47:17 AM
From all of the data that I have read, 1989 was and is the best of the best, without question.

Especially the Theft Deterrent colors: Silver, White & Red!



I agree with Ed  (popcorn)

Fred
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: giantkiller on June 09, 2014, 01:18:09 PM
I think the 86 looks the best. It's the color that everyone remembers when you talk to someone about your fj. They say "I remember those, they were red and white"
Followed by the 89 black n blue. That's why I got the 89.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Mark Olson on June 09, 2014, 03:24:32 PM
I am biased towards the 86 because I own one .

Everyone here believes the one they own is the best year .. Which is how it should be.

When I gaze upon my 86 it reminds me of a hot rod , the other years look somewhat bland .

ymmv.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: FJ_Hooligan on June 09, 2014, 03:54:35 PM
Quote from: giantkiller on June 09, 2014, 01:18:09 PM
I think the 86 looks the best. It's the color that everyone remembers when you talk to someone about your fj. They say "I remember those, they were red and white"

They are remembering the '85 FJ. 

That was the FIRST year for the red/white color scheme (although Canada had this color option in '84 also).
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Bones on June 09, 2014, 06:29:27 PM
Quote from: motohorseman on June 09, 2014, 06:47:17 AM


The later models gained weight and lost power as well as the aesthetically beauty that has never again been matched by the 1989 version.


The 93 model of course, :good2: all the tweaks and refinement done to the bike over the years weren't for nothing. As for gaining weight, well that depends on what you read. I've got spec sheets that state the FJ1200 being lighter than the FJ1100??? Anyway a couple of extra kilos would have bugger all effect in the handling department, in fact it'd probably make it more stable at speed, and as for losing power,  :unknown: how can they when they all run the same spec engine, I know if I screw mine on in 1st gear it feels like the front wheel is just touching the ground. Smooth, vibration free power, combined with better weather protection, and looks to match, :blum1: make these the best of the breed. :yes:

Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Joe Sull on June 09, 2014, 06:44:15 PM
The RED one
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Yamifj1200 on June 09, 2014, 07:01:42 PM
I'd have to say the best year model is....... the year you own, ride and love.

Eric M
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: TexasDave on June 09, 2014, 07:49:50 PM
Where are our Canadian brothers? If I lived in Canada I would have a Red and White FJ with the red and white Canadian flag on the tank. But the Red and Grey 84 is still the best looking. Right Pat?   Dave   :blum1:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: big r on June 09, 2014, 08:40:25 PM
The 86 ambulance. Mine has 100005 Klms. on it and is still going strong. Big R
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Tor-King on June 09, 2014, 08:41:54 PM
1.  I agree with Bones.  The '93 is of course the best; all the quirks were rectified and improvements made.  The '87 was also pretty slick with those awesome red rims.  :good2:

2.  When trying to remove your float pins, be sure to support one of the posts by placing a small socket under it.  Using a small finishing nail or punch hit the pin towards the side that you are supporting with your socket.

3.  I replaced all my lines (including the clutch) with Renegade stainless lines.  I am very happy with the improvement in feel.  It also gave me piece of mind!

Dean
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ken65 on June 09, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
I disagree with bones, bikes made up to the 90 model were made to specs, 91 on wards to a budget, so i'm assuming 1990 being the last to spec model would have to be the best,
just so happens ive a 90 model, lol.   Bones also mentions when he gives her a bit in 1st it feels like the front wheel is  just touching the ground.  Well bugger me the other day i went through an intersection from a red light and was feeling in the mood , gave it a hand full, the front wheel went over a bit of a rise and the next second the front wheel was a foot off the ground, , didn't go down till i changed gears.  nearly shit myself.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ribbert on June 10, 2014, 12:57:20 AM
Quote from: ken65 on June 09, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
 ....... nearly shit myself.

That would have improved your power to weight ratio even more.

Noel
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Capn Ron on June 10, 2014, 01:11:17 AM
Quote from: ribbert on June 10, 2014, 12:57:20 AM
Quote from: ken65 on June 09, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
 ....... nearly shit myself.

That would have improved your power to weight ratio even more.

Noel

I don't care where you're from...THAT was funny!!!   :lol:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ken65 on June 10, 2014, 04:00:53 AM
lol, but im sorry i begs to differ, its more about weight distribution V's power to weight ratio.  Im sure bones will be along to tell me that i'm full of it.     Ive seen first hand how quick his bike is , very fast to say the least, it couldn't be stock.   ken
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Bones on June 10, 2014, 04:22:44 AM

Quote from: ken65 on June 10, 2014, 04:00:53 AM
Im sure bones will be along to tell me that i'm full of it.        ken


Your right Ken, you are full of it. :sarcastic:  :rofl:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ken65 on June 10, 2014, 05:54:29 AM
lol,  see you soon,  i can't put my finger on it but i powered out of a round about the other day in 1st and the front wheel left the ground, it doesn't make sense but now that my bike has 24000 original km's it seems to be getting more powerful.. ken
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: 1tinindian on June 10, 2014, 08:36:20 AM
Seeing as how the majority of us use the FJ as a "sport-touring" bike, I would say the last generation (91-95) as the best, with its taller wind screen and wider fairing, rubber mounted power plant, and other improvements over what the prototype models lacked.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Leon
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: giantkiller on June 10, 2014, 09:23:02 AM
I was going to say my 86. With just a suppertrap ss system and uni pods. And 285lbs of me on it. Would stand right on end if I wanted. (First gear no clutch)

Now that I have the prototype FJ1350r. I have to be careful not to launch the front into the sky. If I twist it hard. It'll leave a nice black stripe on the pavement while on one wheel.
Wow! I love this bike!

I must confess with all the things I've done to improve it.. Make it more modern, handle, ride, better. Also made it lighter. About 55lbs.
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: The General on June 10, 2014, 10:01:02 AM
Quote from: ken65 on June 09, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
I disagree with bones, bikes made up to the 90 model were made to specs, 91 on wards to a budget, so i'm assuming 1990 being the last to spec model would have to be the best,
just so happens ive a 90 model, lol.   Bones also mentions when he gives her a bit in 1st it feels like the front wheel is  just touching the ground.  Well bugger me the other day i went through an intersection from a red light and was feeling in the mood , gave it a hand full, the front wheel went over a bit of a rise and the next second the front wheel was a foot off the ground, , didn't go down till i changed gears.  nearly shit myself.

I`m in support of Bones..... In the mood, with a handful on a bit of a rise, stirs your imagination ay! .

Without any makeup the younger model is the best. But in red & white with RPM suspenders and a larger rear end, the older girls become way more fun.  :pardon:

Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Burns on June 10, 2014, 01:30:59 PM
Quote from: Yamifj1200 on June 09, 2014, 07:01:42 PM
I'd have to say the best year model is....... the year you own, ride and love.

Eric M

DITTO
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: rlucas on June 10, 2014, 02:21:56 PM
Quote from: Tor-King on June 09, 2014, 08:41:54 PM
1.  I agree with Bones.  The '93 is of course the best; all the quirks were rectified and improvements made....

Who the hell wants a bike without quirks?

rossi
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Yamifj1200 on June 10, 2014, 04:43:06 PM
"Who the hell wants a bike without quirks?"

   Rossi


I think bikes should be more like their owners, with plenty of quirks.

Eric M
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: TexasDave on June 10, 2014, 05:14:36 PM
Quote from: Yamifj1200 on June 10, 2014, 04:43:06 PM
"Who the hell wants a bike without quirks?"

   Rossi


I think bikes should be more like their owners, with plenty of quirks.

Eric M
While I can accept the fact that I might not be "indexed" quite right I want the forks on my FJ to be indexed right.   :biggrin:  Dave
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: 1989fj1200russ on June 12, 2014, 10:27:32 PM
Thanks to all for the info
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Derek Young on June 13, 2014, 01:38:12 AM
91 was a good year. Now if only they came in red and white...
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: simi_ed on June 13, 2014, 02:19:02 AM
I saw one somewhere ... It had a Maple Leaf IIRC ...
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Alf on June 13, 2014, 05:12:38 AM
From factory, the best model is the first one, FJ 1100, because it is a top sport bike...

but thinking better, the best model is the 1TX, the Yamaha improvement of the previous model, polishing the few roughs of the previous one...

no!, the 88-90 3CV because of the better fairing, rear shock, ignition curve and brakes...

... but now I´m in a doubt, because the 1991 on, even built in a budget, is the perfect touring bike with a so smooth engine....

:wacko3: :wacko3: :wacko3:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ribbert on June 13, 2014, 07:40:25 AM
Quote from: Alf on June 13, 2014, 05:12:38 AM

... but now I´m in a doubt, because the 1991 on, even built in a budget...

:wacko3: :wacko3: :wacko3:

The pros and cons of the various model FJ's is a perennial subject here but I have never heard this one until recently and it has had several mentions lately, where does this idea spring from?

Noel (defensive '93 owner)
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Alf on June 13, 2014, 08:08:30 AM
Hola, Noel

SS rear arm instead of aluminium, less quality suspension arms with no spherical bearing i.e., cheaper built rear shock with no remote adjustment and no rebound adjustment in the front forks. Even the axles, screws, bolts and nuts are down in quality compared with previous models, even although those were not top notch in any case

Yamaha clearly tried save building it. I think because Yamaha wanted the FJ be substituted by the Omega GTS . Well, WRONG, Yamaha!
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: ribbert on June 13, 2014, 10:07:57 AM
Quote from: Alf on June 13, 2014, 08:08:30 AM
Hola, Noel

SS rear arm instead of aluminium, less quality suspension arms with no spherical bearing i.e., cheaper built rear shock with no remote adjustment and no rebound adjustment in the front forks. Even the axles, screws, bolts and nuts are down in quality compared with previous models, even although those were not top notch in any case

Yamaha clearly tried save building it. I think because Yamaha wanted the FJ be substituted by the Omega GTS . Well, WRONG, Yamaha!

Alf, these are all good points and I agree with the swing arm but the rest is still only nibbling around the edges of a 99% good bike and must be weighed up against the improvements which I think far out weigh these relatively minor details.

Haha, you can't retro fit a rubber mounted motor!  :biggrin:

I have no complaint with the finish or fasteners on my bike other than the carby screws, which are not Yamaha anyway.

One thing I think Yamaha got right, including the last model, was great quality paint, clear coats, alloys. plastics etc. even things like the instrument faces and seats last well.

Noel

Noel
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Derek Young on June 13, 2014, 10:14:26 AM
Quote from: simi_ed on June 13, 2014, 02:19:02 AM
I saw one somewhere ... It had a Maple Leaf IIRC ...
Hmmmm... Must have been one of those rare Canadian models...
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: rktmanfj on June 13, 2014, 10:24:04 AM
Quote from: Derek Young on June 13, 2014, 10:14:26 AM
Quote from: simi_ed on June 13, 2014, 02:19:02 AM
I saw one somewhere ... It had a Maple Leaf IIRC ...
Hmmmm... Must have been one of those rare Canadian models...

(http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u517/photocandman/mywheels100.jpg)

Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: simi_ed on June 13, 2014, 10:33:03 AM
Quote from: not a lib on June 13, 2014, 10:24:04 AM

(http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u517/photocandman/mywheels100.jpg)

That poor bike sat outside so long it needs leaf blower!  :drinks:
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: Alf on June 13, 2014, 02:44:23 PM
Quote from: ribbert on June 13, 2014, 10:07:57 AM

Haha, you can't retro fit a rubber mounted motor!  :biggrin:



Yes, in fact you can retrofit a rubber mounted motor. I´ve done it.  :biggrin:  And my friends in Madrid another one

Not much problem, only mechanizing the rear holes to pass the low rear support and the engine grommets
Title: Re: Ok.so what do you guys think. what is the best year fj built
Post by: novaraptor on June 18, 2014, 05:26:25 PM
Well, if talking stock.. the first two years, cause they are built to spec. After that, in any successful product, it's built to budget. Of Course, I'm partial to the 1990, cause it's the only one I've ridden... :biggrin: