Just got off a 3500 mi. round trip back to where I grew up with 4 weeks in between the up and back ride. The 1100 engine just wants to go fast. It still impresses me with the power. And the chassis is nice even for my 6' 2". But the stock seat is unkind for hours in the saddle. And the engine vibration is just too much also. But for 1984, still very impressive. I was just wanting another bike for long hauls and i like the sport bike sitting position, so I was wondering if any of you has a Hyabusa and an FJ. I was wondering how the Hyabusa compares or improves the long ride. And are baggage accessories available? And no I don't want the FJ 1300. They have added too much to them and the SPORT is now sport with them. Getting too much like a Goldwing or a traveling couch.
I have a Hayabusa and have ridden to Mid Ohio (and back home) in 1 day. I have done it 3 times. I live in Massachusetts. I can explain the mods further if you like. A liquid cooled bike is more reliable IMO for long road trips. And the stock FJ seat does suck just riding from the Pocono's ( the old WERA races if anybody here remembers or knows about) to Massachusets.
I don't own one but I wouldn't mind owning one. I've ridden several. The 2014's are very nice
Here's my top 10...the 'Busa is:
1) faster than a FJ...much faster, scary faster (in a good way) yet gentle as a lamb around town.
2) weighs about the same as a FJ
3) handles *about* the same as a FJ (depending on the FJ mods)
4) gets about the same mileage
5) is smoother, quieter than a FJ. Six speeds are better than five speeds. Balance shafts work.
6) with a Spiegler bar conversion, lower pegs and a Corbin seat, (for me) more comfortable than a FJ
7) water cooled, fuel injected makes it more reliable than a FJ
8 ) all the above makes the 'Busa a better sport tourer than a FJ
Now the bad....
9) eats chains, sprockets and back tires like a motherfucker. It's the price of admission.
10) something wrong? Need service? Your better take it to a dealer $$ 'cause you 'ain't gonna do it yourself.
I love my '84 FJ, I really do, however the reality is, 30 years of advancement in design, represents several generations of evolution improving the breed....the ' Busa is just flat out, a better motorcycle than my beloved FJ.
Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....
Well at least it took 30 years to accomplish that --- that's worth something :good2:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 20, 2014, 12:24:20 AM
Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....
This sums it up perfectly :bad:
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on August 20, 2014, 06:53:01 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 20, 2014, 12:24:20 AM
Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....
This sums it up perfectly :bad:
Fred
Ugly is the word.. :good2:
George
I can feel the envy fella's. :lol: At least you can't say that about my RC-51. :rofl2:
I peronally do not find them ugly. They have a unique look, that one either likes, or dislikes.
They are currently enjoying a production run that exceeds the beloved FJ1100/1200 too. That fact in itself, speaks for its popularity and draw.
There's plenty of them out there for sale, and at decent prices, if you want one. The trick is finding one that is unmolested, and well-cared for. Pretty much the same for any older used motorcycle.
My 92 is as smooth as glass at 4k & up. The frame isolation really works. I had test ridden an 89 and although I like the dark blue I decided on the 92 specifically for its touring capability. The smoothness and larger fairing do the trick. I did 900+ a few weekends ago with a 70/30 mix of secondary and highway over 3 days. The thing that really impressed me was that I didn't feel worn out after 300+ mile days. The stock seat isn't the best, I plan to modify mine a bit to fit me better.
Quote from: bigbore2 on August 19, 2014, 09:39:43 PM
Just got off a 3500 mi. round trip back to where I grew up with 4 weeks in between the up and back ride. The 1100 engine just wants to go fast. It still impresses me with the power. And the chassis is nice even for my 6' 2". But the stock seat is unkind for hours in the saddle. And the engine vibration is just too much also. But for 1984, still very impressive. I was just wanting another bike for long hauls and i like the sport bike sitting position, so I was wondering if any of you has a Hyabusa and an FJ. I was wondering how the Hyabusa compares or improves the long ride. And are baggage accessories available? And no I don't want the FJ 1300. They have added too much to them and the SPORT is now sport with them. Getting too much like a Goldwing or a traveling couch.
Three things that may help.
1. RPM bar risers
2. RPM Vibranators
3. Corbin seat
Fred
I was working on a 2009 ZX14 yesterday and have to say that the engine in that bike is really nice. My busa is strong (just under 190HP with ported head, Yosh cams TiForce pipe etc) but the ZX engine is much smoother and on par with that power (with just and an Akarapovic Evolution pipe and PC5). Riding position is more relaxed too. It is also a funky looking bike with the 4, bug eye headlights but is another bike that would make a good sport tourer IMO.
Quote from: aviationfred on August 20, 2014, 06:53:01 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 20, 2014, 12:24:20 AM
Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....
This sums it up perfectly :bad:
Fred
I agree, new BBQ's with big stupid knobs on them, getto blasters that look like they came from the space shuttle program, an of coarse modern motorcycles! The rear fender and seat look like a knife edge and the fairings look like said getto blasters. The FJ will always be the beauty queen in my eye and the GPZ 900 A1 is not to shabby as well. I dont think I would want to turn wrenches on a busa either! Pros an Cons. :mad: :hi:
Working on the busa isn't that bad at all. I was able to remove the head and time the cams by tipping the engine forward in the frame). There is room to get around. The ZX14 is funky with its frame.....some things are easy....others a real pain in the ass (just like a V Max). Modern sport bikes like the R6, R1 GSXR1000 are a real pain to work on (especially the R6).....everything is very tightly packaged. Big cruisers can suck big time too.
You can get spoiled after working on an FJ as it is one of the easiest old bikes to get to the engine etc with the frame lay out. It is very well thought out in that regard
Quote from: magge52 on August 20, 2014, 01:50:12 PM
My 92 is as smooth as glass at 4k & up. The frame isolation really works. I had test ridden an 89 and although I like the dark blue I decided on the 92 specifically for its touring capability. The smoothness and larger fairing do the trick. I did 900+ a few weekends ago with a 70/30 mix of secondary and highway over 3 days. The thing that really impressed me was that I didn't feel worn out after 300+ mile days. The stock seat isn't the best, I plan to modify mine a bit to fit me better.
The three things that I find most tiring on a long ride are wind, noise and vibration. If you can tame those it makes a huge difference. Having a '93 (rubber mounted motor), ear plugs and a standard non US screen has those pretty much covered. Throttle locks are also a great help. I don't have a problem with the standard seat. I realise that's entirely a personal thing and changes from rider to rider but I regularly ride 600-700 days without a problem.
If I ride until I can't scratch, the part of my body that shows the first signs of fatigue is my brain, or as some have suggested, I had a head start in this regard.
Noel
Well, my next bike is going to be a zx14r cant wait. 210 hp here i come, traction control, power modes, abs on board computer a true rocket ship this one and no bad reports that i have heard of yet. Still keeping the fj though, another 12 months and that ninja is mine.
i couldn't imagine that much grunt, i thought my old r1 with about 150 hp was awesome, have fun.
Quote from: Fj.itis on August 24, 2014, 12:36:34 AM
Well, my next bike is going to be a zx14r cant wait. 210 hp here i come, traction control, power modes, abs on board computer a true rocket ship this one and no bad reports that i have heard of yet. Still keeping the fj though, another 12 months and that ninja is mine.
A great bike. Careful of header corrosion under warranty. c :drinks:
Cheers for the heads up about the headers, will keep an eye out. I can only imagine the torque this thing produces, im going to test ride a few before i make it happen. Would of never considered a bike of this physical size before but all the reviews say its quite good in the twistys, not like a litre bike but im not into that extreme style of riding anymore anyway.
Quote from: Fj.itis on August 24, 2014, 02:09:45 AM
....... but im not into that extreme style of riding anymore anyway.
Haha, of course you're not, you just need 210 horsepower to piddle down to the shops and back.
Your wife might buy that crap but it won't work here. :rofl:
Noel
The FJ1200 and Zx14 weigh about the same in stock form. If you change the exhaust on the ZX14 it is possible to drop about 35 lbs. They are very heavy systems (much heavier than the OEM FJ sustem. Anyway....point is both bikes can weigh the same with lightening but the stock suspension on any of the newer bikes is much better and they handle pretty well (for a large bike). The new Goldwing weighs about 850lbs with fuel and believe it or not they handle well too.
Quote from: JMR on August 24, 2014, 08:34:44 AM
but the stock suspension on any of the newer bikes is much better
The FJ suspension's disparity can be remedied, and with the following components, can produce a 'magic carpet ride', for just $1,585 (price does not include shipping, or mechanic's labor if you use one)...
Rear Shock
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMShock%2891%2D95%29 (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMShock%2891%2D95%29)
Fork Valves
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMForkValve (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMForkValve)
Fork Springs
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFS%2E85 (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFS%2E85)
Fork Oil
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Motul5W (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Motul5W)
Fork Brace
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkBrace (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkBrace)
Since your working on the 20+ year old forks, you may as well re-bush and put new seals and wipers in too...
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFJ41ForkR%2FBKit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFJ41ForkR%2FBKit)
Quote from: ribbert on August 24, 2014, 06:54:04 AM
Quote from: Fj.itis on August 24, 2014, 02:09:45 AM
....... but im not into that extreme style of riding anymore anyway.
Haha, of course you're not, you just need 210 horsepower to piddle down to the shops and back.
Your wife might buy that crap but it won't work here. :rofl:
Noel
Hahaha, shhhhhh she will here you. Nah of course its gunna cop some stick but i used to take way to many risks in the early days and came off too many times pushing it to hard, its that type of riding im not into anymore.
Yeah those exhaust cans are huge, that will be the one thing i do change.
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on August 24, 2014, 12:32:51 PM
Quote from: JMR on August 24, 2014, 08:34:44 AM
but the stock suspension on any of the newer bikes is much better
The FJ suspension's disparity can be remedied, and with the following components.....
Hey Marty, you forgot about 17" rims, tires, R-1 brakes with radial m/c...
There is no *full* remedy in the disparity, even with all the above FJ mods. They help, but unfortunately you are still behind the curve in comparing a modified FJ with the engineering advancements that the new bikes offer..
For example, comparing the FJ's 41mm fork tubes and 15mm axle, to a modern USD system with a hollow 21mm axle, or the heavier 1980's design 3 spoke 17" aluminum rims we use, to the new lighter rim designs, or the FJ's steel perimeter frame equivalency to the new aluminum box structures, or the FJ swing arm and small diameter back axle being as strong as the new offerings....just to name a few.
I could go on and on (I won't) but, you get the idea...
**Absolutely no question that the RPM components and the other modifications enhance our FJ's**
....but don't be fooled into thinking that the modified FJ is on parity with the new bikes.
All the above technical gobblygook means squat to me.....I still love my (modified) FJs
New bikes are a dime a dozen. My FJ's are unique.
As Frank Moore says, "The RDF is very low on our FJ's". (RDF = Relative Duplication Factor)
Park my FJ in a crowd of new bikes....and see which bike people come over to look at....
It happens every time.
Pat:
I didn't forget, I just omitted the 17" hoops, modern braking components, or other things such as bar risers that many owners do to improve their FJ's. My reply was to JMR's comment about the suspensions, so I kept the reply to suspension components. No doubt the lighter 17" hoops will improve suspension action due to their lower contributions to unsprung weight, and the bike's handling as well.
I agree with Pat, the unique bike character wins hands down. Thats the reason i built a fighter, just to be different. When it comes to the rideability and tech you cant go past a new bike, so why not own both. My fj is here till the day i die, too much blood, sweat and swearing to let it go. Thinking back when it was a pile of rubble in a big crate and my bro took one look at it and said " no way your going to put that back together".
Quote from: Fj.itis on August 24, 2014, 06:11:46 PM
.... My fj is here till the day i die, too much blood, sweat and swearing to let it go. Thinking back when it was a pile of rubble in a big crate and my bro took one look at it and said " no way your going to put that back together".
Chris, what you have done is remarkable.
You and all the guys that have taken a rusted, neglected (and in your case a disassembled) FJs and restore them, well, they deserve a special merit award and recognition by the FJ fellowship. The highest honor.
It's the easier, softer way to buy a new FJ and keep it for 30 years, it's an entirely different matter to take a rusted hulk or parts of a rusted hulk, destined for the scrap heap, and lovingly restore it.
Major Kudos :good:
Cheers Pat, i feel all warm and fuzzy inside now. Most other non motorbike people have no idea what goes into a build like this and take it all on face value, nice that we all know what it takes to bring a bike back from the dead and the life lessons that it teaches you are priceless in my opinion.
Cheers again mate! :drinks:
I am happy with the handling and did the Honda rear shock to improve the rear. I think the brakes are adequate for my riding and 17 tire choices are much better but i can live with the 16" offerings. I like to ride in the 75-85 mph range on a road trip. One can make good time and still be safe at that speed, IMO.
So the 92-93 models have rubber mounted engines that eliminates most of the engine vibration? A good seat and I would be good to go.
Heard the ZX-14's are good road bikes as well, as some of you have posted.
Yes and the other need from a good road bike is weight. Lighter than the FJ and one will get blown around too much.