Hi everyone. My name is Joe and I live in central New Jersey. I've had bikes (all Yamaha) all through my teens and twenties. Took a twenty three year break from riding. This past spring, I picked up a '82 Honda Nighthawk to get my MC license again. That was it. The big bit and I immediately started looking for my dream bike. So...
I sold the Nighthawk and just picked up my first FJ . This bike has been on my 'gotta have' list for quite some time. An '86 with 30k an the odometer. It's red and white and all original except for the 4 into 1 with a superstrap exhaust. Seems to be mechanically in great shape. As for the rest of it, only some chips, bings and cracks in the plastics. (Will need this board's help for tips and tricks to repairing plastic). Two problems - it's getting cold here in New Jersey and I just had hand surgery so couldn't ride it even if it was warm enough. So I have all winter to get it into prime shape for the first spring thaw.
Can't wait.
Joe
Couldn't find a silver & white '89, huh?
You did say "dream bike"...
I reckon one of those red & white things'll do until one comes along. :scratch_one-s_head:
Randy T
Indy
PS: Welcome!
Hey Joe,
86"s are the best looking year by far! :good2:
welcome to the group!
you didnt say which hand was injured but if you need to soften up the clutch pull a 14mm master cylinder will do wonders for ya!
KOokaloo!
Frank
Hello, joew, and welcome!
Keep reading here, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of improvements to make to keep you busy through the winter! (http://i35.tinypic.com/28a1gqx.gif)
Gooday Joe,
Welcime
I read somewhere you can get heated hand grips
http://www.hotgrips.com/ (http://www.hotgrips.com/)
Or you could move to sunny Queensland down in oz- just click your heels three times!!
26c today, cooled down a bit from yesterday.
Excuse me? Best 'Looking?'
The 86 just plain Rules.
Joe, another 86' owner here and you YES!!!! :drinks: you got the best year (I might be just a bit bias on this). The 85 and 86 seem to have the smaller sportier wind screens but it seems that all years have owner/riders that are staunch and loyal to their steed of choice. We have a collective wealth of knowledge that will boggle your mind and some of it even includes the FJ. Welcome to the collective... :biggrin:
Thanks. It is my right hand. Cant twist the throttle or grab the brake lever yet. So I just start it up and sit on it. My 19 year old has driven it up and down my street just to make sure all the necessities work. They do.
Been browsing this board for a few weeks just to see if there were any universal issues with FJ's. I like that i havent really found any. Just normal maintenance and upkeep.
Here's what I need that I cant fix/repair myself...
New chain
New front tire
Fairing mount mirrors
Repair/replace chin fairing
New windscreen
When I get to ride, I'm sure I'll find other things but right now I guess I am looking at around $ 500 for this stuff. Not too bad. Paid $800 for the bike so I am still way under-budget for the total expected cost of $2,000. Found the bike on Craigs List. If you are patient, you can find anything.
Welcome Joe. :hi: Yup... you are the proud owner of the best year FJ :good2:
We here in Ontario also have to put our baby's to bed for the long winter hibernation. Give her a fresh transfusion of clean oil, stabilize the gas, top the tank up with ethanol free gasoline if you can find it, and park it. Put on stands, remove battery, put on tender, cover bike till spring.
Then go get the sled... (http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/jvb_ca/Polaris/th_20090201-IMGP2261.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/jvb_ca/Polaris/?action=view¤t=20090201-IMGP2261.jpg)... :wacko1:
Cheers....Jake
Welcome Joe,
Another '86 owner here, I'm in central PA and well what else needs to be said about the '86 :good:
Agree
Another 86 owner here. My favorite year FJ.
Quote from: Fred on November 18, 2009, 02:04:44 PM
Welcome Joe,
Another '86 owner here, I'm in central PA and well what else needs to be said about the '86 :good:
Well, you can use '89 parts to upgrade 'em... :rofl2:
Randy T
Indy
Paint it silver & white....
Quote from: rktmanfj on November 18, 2009, 10:04:10 PM
Quote from: Fred on November 18, 2009, 02:04:44 PM
Welcome Joe,
Another '86 owner here, I'm in central PA and well what else needs to be said about the '86 :good:
Well, you can use '89 parts to upgrade 'em... :rofl2:
Randy T
Indy
Sheesh, can't try to be nice :flag_of_truce: I like '89's, the black and gold ones are pretty. The lower fork tubes are quite nice and uh....uh... :scratch_one-s_head:
Nice not be the only new guy here. Welcome joew and enjoy the ride. You will learn A LOT from theses guys. Check in on a routine basis, and these guys will make your head spin with new ideas. I wouldn't be surprised to find some one fitting Valentino's old M1 wheels and suspension to one of these things....any way, good luck. Jeff.
Welcome Joe,
We are not obsessed here and that is our story and we are sticking to it!!!! :crazy:
I can sympathize with Fred! I got the 'look' when I told my wife she had a perfect taillight and that it didn't need any mods! :wacko2: oooooops!
but then she said she would 'modify' me with an FJ manual over my head.......yep.....i was thinking it was..........foreplay....and......
These guys here have alot more experience to share than the Dealers do.....! :good:
Hope the hand/wrist recovers quickly...
paul