First of all, l want to say thank you to everyone here that has given me such a warm welcome. I really had no idea there was such a great FJ following. This make the idea of getting one even that much more exciting! I have been reading and learning and searching and looking at bikes on Craigslist and, well...now l am a bit overwhelmed. Okay, deep breath!!!
I sold my bike yesterday, so l have some cash to play with. I really want to make a wise decision on what bike to get. For starters, l will tell you a bit about who l am and what l want to do.
I do building maintenance for a living, but it is a somewhat new thing and, while l am decent with a wrench and love learning and fixing things, l am far from an accomplished mechanic. I would like to be one day, but l am not there yet. So, while l am looking forward to learning how to do my own maintenance and mods to whatever bike l should decide to buy, l am not yet at a place in life where l want to get a project bike. In fact, l would prefer that whatever l get be in very good condition so l can ride this Summer, and then look into improving it during the Wintertime.
I plan to use the bike as a commuter (short distance) and regular day rides, with the occasional long ride. I would like to do a long cross-country ride next year, but nothing is set in stone.
I have heard that the earlier 1200's had 2nd gear problems, but how common is this really? There is what appears to be a very clean one in my area, it is an '86 for $3500.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/5074484670.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/5074484670.html)
There is also a pair of 1990's available. There is a bit of a discrepancy between the price of one to the next...how does one know the real value of these? Or is it more a case of what a guy can get, and nothing more? FWIW, Wenatchee is a small city in Eastern Washington, while Edmonds is a suburb of Seattle, so that could be part of it. But $1500 seems like a wide gap.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/mcy/5051683971.html (http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/mcy/5051683971.html)
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/5078068097.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/5078068097.html)
BTW, is there one paint scheme that is more common or valuable than the next? I must say, l like the earlier red paint scheme quite a bit.
Okay, now for the nitty gritty...l know this is somewhat subjective, and we all have our opinions, but we are here to discuss, right? All things being equal, if l was to buy any FJ in very good condition, all original, and wanted to go through it and give it the modifications and upgrades it deserves, to keep as a lifetime bike, which year would be the simplest to do this with? Is there an advantage to buying a '92 or a '93 over, say, an '86 or an '87? What about the '84 and '85 1100? Is it an entirely different beast altogether, or something that a new guy should not be intimidated by?
FWIW, l am not looking for crisp, concise absolute answers, but rather some thoughts to chew on and think about. Thanks :)
In my humble opinion: The best FJ's are the rubber mounted '91/'92 Non ABS models.
ABS became an option in '92 and in '93 all FJ's had ABS.
I am not a fan of the FJ's ABS. I am a fan of ABS, just not the early system used on the FJ's
If you can find a good '92/93 ABS model, that's ok. The ABS can always be removed.
The key is the rubber engine mounts on these bikes. Really much smoother than the earlier '84-'90 models.
I know this because I've owned both early and late model FJ's.
Also, no worries about 2nd gear and soft shifting forks on the late model FJ's.
The nicest looking FJ is without a doubt the first year '84 in Stormy Red and Quartz Silver.
Bang for the buck: All FJ's are bargains, some are just better than others.
Figure adding $2k in modifications, unless you go crazy (like me)
With a reasonable purchase price and prudent mods, you will have one of the best value's in motorcycling.
Look for a FJ that has all the body work in good condition. Every thing else mechanical can be fixed. Good bodywork is getting rare and hard to come by. For a low mileage bike look in the eastern or north western part of the U.S. where the riding season is short. Bad news that it's cold back there, so a garage kept bike is mandatory. Take a dental mirror and penlight with you and look into the gas tank. Our tanks are not getting any younger and a few are getting rusty.
Hope this helps.
All the years of FJ's have their strong followers and there really isn't a "bad" year. From '84 through '93, the bike went from leaning slightly towards the sport side of "sport touring" and the later years leaned slightly more towards the touring side of "sport touring."
The early bikes had a 16" front wheel and smaller brake calipers. If you find one of these stock, you'll be pretty compelled to swap this out for the later year forks, more modern brake calipers and a 17" front wheel. Well, Yamaha did this all on their own in the later years...so, if you find a stock '89 and up...you'll get the 17" front wheel with better brake calipers. Not to say that these can't be improved upon as well, it's just not as compelling an argument...think of it as on the early bikes you have to do this upgrade...on the later bikes, you might want to do this upgrade.
The rubber mounted engine in the later years is also a plus as Pat mentioned...They also use a fuel pump with a filter instead of the straight gravity feed of the early bikes. The second gear issue has been sorted (I think) by '89??? Others can confirm this.
On top of all that, over the years, the windshield and fairing grew slightly in size. Each generation added a little more width and height in the rider protection area. I've done extensive touring on my '92 through all sorts of weather and that's the only setup I knew on the FJ's. Coming back from the Black Hills Rally, I had the privilege of riding Alan's bike (Firehawk) the 400 or so miles to Denver. It's an '89 and he's got that WELL sorted out! it was a joy to ride in every regard. At some point, we caught some rain and that's when I realized the extra width of fairing...and the extra height of the windshield was missing. Not a bad thing in most cases...just a bit more exposed to the elements is all.
The best color to own is the one you own! All in good fun, there's some poking about the colors towards the ones you don't own. There's the early red and white ambulances...The theft-deterrent silver/white combo...the "dark-side" midnight blue...the "manly" pink-stripe model... They're all awesome in their own way.
I own an '89. It's a nice bike. Try to find a low mile bike with good body panels & fairing.
I live just south of you. I ran a wanted ad on Craigslist & was contacted by an older gentleman that wanted to sell his clean FJ. Look along the coast of Wa. & Or. The prices seem to be less. Of course you will need to find a garaged model if you want a clean one. Be prepared to purchase any of the following. New tires, battery, change all fluids, filters, etc. Also be prepared to modify the front braking system as it doesn't work near as well as the rear brake. After front brake mods you will need to increase the spring rate on the fork springs as the front may dive too much.
Good luck with your hunt & try to be patient. There are some good deals to be had, especially during the winter months.
I got a 86 and modded it up for 17' conversion...try to buy 89+...all in all there all great bikes with a great bunch of Kookaloo's here,so ya can't go wrong but IMO try for 89+
Hooligan has your bike...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14159.msg142845#msg142845 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14159.msg142845#msg142845)
Frank
I tried out an 89 before settling on my 92. My goal was for longer 400+ mile days so the rubber engine mounts and larger fairing sealed the deal on the 92. Mine is basically stock except for a Corbin seat, Renntec engine guards, UNI pod air filters and the spin on oil filter. Tires, brakes and suspension are stock and so far fit my sport touring needs. The only major work so far was a carb rebuild by Randy at RPM. Excellent work and service. He takes the time to setup according to the area you ride, up in the mountains or in the lowlands. And a great source for spares.
I like the 92 color but the red/white ambulance years are the :bomb: and the blue 89s are cool also. Just a matter of personal preference there. It's been a great bike so far. I've put on about 7k miles since I bought it last summer and after adjusting to the size/weight and the I4 (much different than my other bikes) it has steadily grown on me. Will probably do the same for you when you find yours. :good:
Good luck in your search.
George
I have both an '86 (Ambulance) and a recently purchased '89 (Dark side Stormy blue). I have owned and ridden my '86 for over 17 years and fell deep into the MOD pit. First I changed the rear wheel for a '92 GSXR 750 (17" x 5.5") so I can run modern radial tires. then I put '89 fork on it so I could fit a 17" x 3.5" wheel from an FZR1000 and Blue Dot calipers. I put the RPM valves in along with straight rate springs. Braided brake lines. What a huge difference it made to the handling and braking. Then I put an '89 swing arm on to install the RPM shock. See where I am going with this? This bike had the 2nd gear issue as long as I can remember, however it did not stop me from riding. I just shifted into 3rd before 6000 RPM, not a big deal but hard to get your Kookalooo on when you have to shift short. A crack in the case eventually fatigued from a small oil drip to enough oil getting onto the rear tire. That was an interesting ride home when I discovered that. So the '86 is parked and waiting for a frame up restoration. But I was not going to miss the 2015 WCR so the hunt was on for a second FJ. I looked at a lot of PROJECTS, they were running bikes but every one was more project than I wanted. I eventually found the '89 in good shape, not great, but mechanically sound, no second gear issue, minor plastic issues (easy to fix). Over a few weekends I transferred all the good bits over ('89 FJ parts on to an '89 FJ). Got in a few shake down rides and had a blast the WCR. I really don't notice much difference between riding my'86 and the '89. Very similar in how the bikes feel and handle. The suspension is identical so no big surprise there. I have not ridden any other years so I cannot help you with an opinion on ride feel. I will recommend that you use color as the last influencing factor in choosing your FJ. Color can be changed much easier than what generation of FJ you buy.
Look what Derek did to his FJ (hint, its a '91/'92 gen FJ). So he has the comfort and the colors he wants.
(http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/firehawk068/Rally%20photos/2015%20Black%20Hills%20Rally/12811A74-43CC-465B-97B4-A589E6C673B2_zps2yz77eyb.jpg) (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/firehawk068/media/Rally%20photos/2015%20Black%20Hills%20Rally/12811A74-43CC-465B-97B4-A589E6C673B2_zps2yz77eyb.jpg.html)
Some members here will help you look at and evaluate a prospective purchase. Assuming they are close enough to the bike and can afford the time. I you find one in in SoCal I can offer to check it out for you.
To help you with your search try this http://www.searchtempest.com/ (http://www.searchtempest.com/) it searches multiple Craig's lists at the same time. Good hunting.
Thanks for all the info guys. This helps quite a bit. It does sound like the later ones might be more desirable for me, especially with the rubber engine mounts and bigger front wheel.
Something l am curious about...someone on one of these threads said that with the stock 16" wheel they could not run modern radial tires. Is this true? I didn't know anyone even still made bias ply tires.
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on June 28, 2015, 05:19:12 PM
Thanks for all the info guys. This helps quite a bit. It does sound like the later ones might be more desirable for me, especially with the rubber engine mounts and bigger front wheel.
Something l am curious about...someone on one of these threads said that with the stock 16" wheel they could not run modern radial tires. Is this true? I didn't know anyone even still made bias ply tires.
Avon still makes 16" radial tires, I ran on them before switching to 17". They seem harder to get now days, like good FJ plastic, another reason to go 17". Not the plastic, the wheels.... The OEM FJ front is 3" wide, the common upgrade is 3.5". The 3" (in my opinion) needs a 110 wide tire, the 3.5 fits a 120 properly. Nothing wrong with a 110, just harder to find. Many run a 120 on the 3" wheel so I don't see this a show stopper. But if you want performance in the corners, the 120 on a 3" is pinched too much. I don't drag my knees but I wear out the sides faster than the tops of the tires. The front profile is important to me. On my FJ and other things...
I see, good to know. These are mods that l would probably do over time, but l don't want to buy a bike that immediately has huge demands.
BTW, when someone does a wheel upgrade, are they basically just looking for a GSXR or an FZR that was totalled? Just hoping to come across one?
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on June 28, 2015, 06:04:47 PM
I see, good to know. These are mods that l would probably do over time, but l don't want to buy a bike that immediately has huge demands.
BTW, when someone does a wheel upgrade, are they basically just looking for a GSXR or an FZR that was totalled? Just hoping to come across one?
The wheel upgrades are plenty depending on how much you want to spend to make things fit. The GSXR and FZR are bolt on fits and do not require a machine shop. Others have done the USD fork to get the chicks. You also have some good rubber options if you are not scraping the pegs. Consider this a break in time for your new FJ...
Gotcha. Thanks for the info :)
For what it's worth. I agree with Frank, hooligans bike is the one to buy. He takes exceptional care of his bikes and some of the best mods are all ready done. Read what has been done to that bike. This will be a far better deal than the ones on Craig's list. Yes this will take some effort but it will be worth it and if you have any questions he will be available. Anybody who gets his bike has gotten a real bargain. Also you can have bikes shipped.
Kurt
Yeah, l am feeling very good about the feedback l am getting from everyone on his bike. I am in contact with him and now awaiting to hear if his deal with another buyer works out or not. If it doesn't, l will be all over it. And l hadn't really thought of shipping it, although that would be an option. But l have to say l am more comfortable with the idea of turning around and finding myself in a situation where l have to ride it all the way home ;)
I agree with the others. If you can get Hooligan's bike, buy it! I live in Central Oregon and flew down and picked mine up in Southern California and then rode it back.
If Holligan's is not an option, hold out and look for one that has already had the wheel upgrades done, if that is important to you. Much, much cheaper to buy mods already done.
I have the 16" on my '87 and won't be doing the change. I am happy with the Avons.
I would say that if I had to do it all over again, I would probably have kept it stock and used the $1000+ to take more trips and buy tires for my off-road bike. But, alas, as is usually the case with anything I am passionate about, enough never is.
I ride my FJ moderately. When I want to push the envelope, I do it off-road. The penalty for a crash is generally much, much lower.
I love my FJ. It is a great bike and an amazing value. :good2:
I looked for 5 months. I live in Central Oregon and flew down and picked mine up in Southern California and then rode it back.
One of the things I love about my FJ is this group of guys. :yes:
Right on, good to know. I have family in Oregon as well, and an old friend in Bend. We will have to meet up for a ride when l am back on the road :)
I've an 84 1100 that has just been taken back to close to original with the AD and 16" front wheel. The front forks have had emulators and stiffer standard springs, but that is basically it for handling improvement. Awesome handling to me, but I'm no peg scratcher at the moment.
I was fortunate to take a 92 with the 17" front, and rubber mounts, for a hard-core test thrash & was blown away at how smooth and grunty it was.
If I had to start from scratch, with the commuting/touring combo you plan, I'd go for a 92.
If a mint 1100 or 1200 from any year comes up nearby & tickles your fancy, get it.
The FJ won't disappoint :good2:.
My bro & I have been 'FJing' since 87 & have had a number of different bikes, i.e. dirt, choppers, etc. but we've always returned to the FJ.
It's just one of those bikes, and, as you've no doubt noticed, it's a global phenomenon.
Hawkaholic.
You have a distinct advantage over most others here, you found the forum before you found your bike.
This arms you with information most of never had when we bought our bikes, the experience of the entire forum and collectively 100's of years of FJ ownership.
The timing of a known and highly desirable bike from a known and respected member (no, not me or mine) coming up for sale almost at the precise moment you found yourself ready to buy is a sign from God, ignore it at your peril.
As Capn'Ron said, everyone likes whatever year they have the best, as Mark said, colour should be well down the list, unless you plan on hanging it on the lounge room wall, and as Pat ( a recent convert) said, you can't beat that smooth rubber mounted motor and all the improved bits that model came with it such as stronger gearbox, brakes, 17" front wheel , fuel pump etc.
Some will say that got bloated and slower, less sporty – rubbish. There was only ever a bee's dick in it when they were new and being ridden at 10/10ths of everything. With age and all the variables now effecting them, it no longer applies.
I ride my bike a lot (23,500kms in the last year) and the rubber mounted engine is what it's all about. I could not put in some of the days I do if it wasn't for the turbine smoothness of the motor at highway speed. Vibration is very fatiguing.
Good luck with Hooli's bike (I see someone is trying to gazump you)
Noel
Quote from: Troyskie on June 29, 2015, 04:39:14 AM
I've an 84 1100 that has just been taken back to close to original with the AD and 16" front wheel. The front forks have had emulators and stiffer standard springs, but that is basically it for handling improvement. Awesome handling to me, but I'm no peg scratcher at the moment.
I was fortunate to take a 92 with the 17" front, and rubber mounts, for a hard-core test thrash & was blown away at how smooth and grunty it was.
If I had to start from scratch, with the commuting/touring combo you plan, I'd go for a 92.
If a mint 1100 or 1200 from any year comes up nearby & tickles your fancy, get it.
The FJ won't disappoint :good2:.
My bro & I have been 'FJing' since 87 & have had a number of different bikes, i.e. dirt, choppers, etc. but we've always returned to the FJ.
It's just one of those bikes, and, as you've no doubt noticed, it's a global phenomenon.
Funny you should say that you keep coming back to the FJ. I clearly remember being about 15 years old and going to the bike shop with my dad, Lynnwood Yamaha. I immediately went and sat on an FZ600 or whatever the smaller sport bike was, and thought, "This would be so cool!" My dad, meanwhile, was drawn to the FJ. I went over and looked at it and thought, "When l grow up, that will be my bike."
Over the years, whenever l have considered getting back on the road, l have always thought about that FJ again. I guess l am all grown up now, because that is going to be my next bike! It sure is great being a kid forever ;)
Quote from: ribbert on June 29, 2015, 05:02:00 AM
Hawkaholic.
You have a distinct advantage over most others here, you found the forum before you found your bike.
This arms you with information most of never had when we bought our bikes, the experience of the entire forum and collectively 100's of years of FJ ownership.
The timing of a known and highly desirable bike from a known and respected member (no, not me or mine) coming up for sale almost at the precise moment you found yourself ready to buy is a sign from God, ignore it at your peril.
As Capn'Ron said, everyone likes whatever year they have the best, as Mark said, colour should be well down the list, unless you plan on hanging it on the lounge room wall, and as Pat ( a recent convert) said, you can't beat that smooth rubber mounted motor and all the improved bits that model came with it such as stronger gearbox, brakes, 17" front wheel , fuel pump etc.
Some will say that got bloated and slower, less sporty – rubbish. There was only ever a bee's dick in it when they were new and being ridden at 10/10ths of everything. With age and all the variables now effecting them, it no longer applies.
I ride my bike a lot (23,500kms in the last year) and the rubber mounted engine is what it's all about. I could not put in some of the days I do if it wasn't for the turbine smoothness of the motor at highway speed. Vibration is very fatiguing.
Good luck with Hooli's bike (I see someone is trying to gazump you)
Noel
Thanks Noel. I must say, l agree with an earlier post where someone said that what they love most about being an FJ owner is this group of guys. Many forums do not welcome newcomers. Her, l feel like, not only have l been welcomed, but people are saying, "Come with me, l will show you the good stuff". It is nice to have someone take you under their wing :)
I see that '86 in Arlington has dropped to $2500.
Did you get to look at the one in Fall City?
The one in Wenatchee still seems like a good deal. Though it may be a little harder to get to currently until they get the fire more under control.
There's an '89 in Vancouver too:
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/5093764757.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/5093764757.html)
Yeah, the one in Fall City just didn't feel right. I am sure it is a great bike, but l just couldn't get past the lump in my gut every time l thought about going to look at it. So l decided to trust my gut.
The one in Wenatchee has problems. The seller was very forthcoming, said that it sprang an oil leak near the head gasket, and the shop wanted 12 hours labor to fix it. This ended up being a deal breaker for his other potential buyer. He said he was now asking $1675 (previously $2175) for it. There was also some broken plastic on it. I appreciated his honesty, but l want a bike that is in better condition than that.
I saw the one in Arlington ($2500), that one is the most tempting, as my favorite color scheme is the ambulance. But l really want a '92 or a '93 with the rubber engine mounts, so that has pretty much disqualified that one, as well as the '90 in Edmonds ($3700) and the '89 ($2500, l think) in Portland. There is also another '86 that popped up in Seattle for $1200 the other day, that needs some work but is a runner. I was half tempted to look into that, just because it would be cool to have an ambulance to ride back and forth to work, but l feel like it is more project than ready to ride.
In a nutshell, l am trying my best to wait patiently to hear what happens with Hooligan's bike ;)
Sounds like you know what you want are willing to hold out for the right deal, good for you. :good2: I think you will find a great deal and will be very happy with it. I look forward to hearing about your first ride on it.
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 02, 2015, 06:33:31 PM
Sounds like you know what you want are willing to hold out for the right deal, good for you. :good2: I think you will find a great deal and will be very happy with it. I look forward to hearing about your first ride on it.
Thanks Monkey...l used to just "want a bike". Now l am at a place in life where l can slow things down a little bit and wait for the right one, rather than jumping on the first set of wheels that comes along. I really hope l can but Hooligan's bike, but if l can't, then another great one will come along. I'm not settling. I kind of feel like l am finally being the big bull instead of the little bull :)
And as far as the ride report...EVERYONE will hear about it!!!
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on July 02, 2015, 07:10:10 PM
Thanks Monkey...l used to just "want a bike". Now l am at a place in life where l can slow things down a little bit and wait for the right one, rather than jumping on the first set of wheels that comes along. I really hope l can but Hooligan's bike, but if l can't, then another great one will come along. I'm not settling. I kind of feel like l am finally being the big bull instead of the little bull :)
And as far as the ride report...EVERYONE will hear about it!!!
Sometimes a smaller bull is better...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36991650@N08/12063759263/in/dateposted-public/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36991650@N08/12063759263/in/dateposted-public/)
Sorry, l am on my computer at work, and it does not support that browser evidently :(
I was referring to the old joke about the big bull and the little bull...
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on July 02, 2015, 07:42:14 PM
Sorry, l am on my computer at work, and it does not support that browser evidently :(
I was referring to the old joke about the big bull and the little bull...
You mean the father an son bull joke. '' Father and son bull are up on a hill looking down at several cows, son bull says to his father, " Lets run down there and fuck one of those bulls " the father bull replied " No son, we will walk down and fuck them all"!!!! Pardon my french.
Quote from: gumby302ho on July 02, 2015, 08:47:59 PM
You mean the father an son bull joke. '' Father and son bull are up on a hill looking down at several cows, son bull says to his father, " Lets run down there and fuck one of those bulls cows" the father bull replied " No son, we will walk down and fuck them all"!!!! Pardon my french.
Minor correction, depending on the company you keep...
Yep, that's the one ;)
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 02, 2015, 08:51:26 PM
Quote from: gumby302ho on July 02, 2015, 08:47:59 PM
You mean the father an son bull joke. '' Father and son bull are up on a hill looking down at several cows, son bull says to his father, " Lets run down there and fuck one of those bulls cows" the father bull replied " No son, we will walk down and fuck them all"!!!! Pardon my french.
Minor correction, depending on the company you keep...
Ooops, still suffering the effects of Canada Day celebrations! Thanks for the correction Mark, on a side note, the 86 ITX is the best looking cow of all the FJ's and you know it! :drinks:
Quote from: gumby302ho on July 03, 2015, 10:01:46 AM
Ooops, still suffering the effects of Canada Day celebrations! Thanks for the correction Mark, on a side note, the 86 ITX is the best looking cow of all the FJ's and you know it! :drinks:
You will not get any argument from me on that, the red & silver/white are the best colors for an FJ. But I am still fighting my Dark Side with my '89. It looks really good in the sunlight and we get lots of that here in SoCal. I might need to a second set of plastics and tank so I can sport her around in the Red and Silver/White when I feel like it.
Well I was holding off but I can't anymore...
BEST LOOKING is the 86 ---- it looks good standing away from it and looks good when you are riding it looking forward --- side scoops are slender and make the bike look sleek -----
not the 87 ( colors are just wrong on the 87 and doesnt look right---- but its close 2nd -
BEST VALUE -- 88-90 models --- your get the better front end that allows the blue dot brakes to be done with ease -- also 17 inch wheel on front -- and no 2nd gear issues
91-92 - close 2nd for Best Value - although the pointy front end doesnt appeal to me
I speak the truth -- lol smiley face and all that Jazz
Hey Hawkman
Buy this bike. Do it now.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.msg143255#new (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.msg143255#new)
26k miles. It's just barely broken in..
Seriously
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 05, 2015, 11:28:25 PM
Hey Hawkman
Buy this bike. Do it now.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.msg143255#new (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14203.msg143255#new)
26k miles. It's just barely broken in..
Seriously
+1!
Great advise Pat!
Derek
Thanks for the thought guys. I am (hopefully) going to look at a '92 that is for sale in my area tomorrow. It is bone stock and very clean, from what it looks like and from what the seller has told me. I will keep everyone up to date.
Well that's too bad on that bike in Fall City. I certainly think you did the right thing though. I passed on an '07 VMax in my bike hunt- something just didn't feel right. There's a line by Robert DeNiro in Ronin- "If there is ever any doubt- then there is no doubt."
Shame on the one in Wenatchee too- though at least the seller was forthcoming on the bike's actual condition.
Good luck on the continuing search!
Of course, the best year/value would be whichever one you happen to own. I would be slightly miffed by the "theft deterrent" description of my silver/white 1990, and it is a bit irritating when I show a pic of my project red/white '84 and get oohs and ahhhs over it just because of the paint job, but it comforts me to know that if I and someone on an "ambulance" were both cruising at trans 100mph and we came to a fork in the road and went our separate ways, the officer behind us would undoubtedly chase the red/white for his trophy wall... :biggrin:
Good hunting to you. I see happiness in your future..
"Best Value" is one that's already modded, like this '89. Shit for the price you could fly out here to Minnesota and ride it home, it's been done before.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html)
Quote from: Dads_FJ on July 06, 2015, 12:43:16 PM
"Best Value" is one that's already modded, like this '89. Shit for the price you could fly out here to Minnesota and ride it home, it's been done before.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html)
He's underselling the mods too. YZF750 forks and looks like FZ swing arm... probably has a nice rear shock on it too. This is a lot of hardware for the $$.
Frank
Yes, I agree Frank.... :good:
Memo: Preacher & Mr.B;
Perhaps he realizes the value? Not actually underselling the mods...?
I mean, well just an innocent thought...!!!!
All in good fun gentlemen.
Ride safe and of course keep smiling!
Midget
With those USD forks, perhaps he is tired of all the feminine attention....or his wife is... (popcorn)
Just thinking out loud....
Quote from: Flynt on July 06, 2015, 12:57:14 PM
Quote from: Dads_FJ on July 06, 2015, 12:43:16 PM
"Best Value" is one that's already modded, like this '89. Shit for the price you could fly out here to Minnesota and ride it home, it's been done before.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html)
He's underselling the mods too. YZF750 forks and looks like FZ swing arm... probably has a nice rear shock on it too. This is a lot of hardware for the $$.
Frank
Looking at how the rear end looks "tucked" I'd say it's the shorter YZF 750 swing arm vice the longer FZ1 swing arm.
Quote from: Blackcloud89 on July 06, 2015, 10:17:50 AM
Well that's too bad on that bike in Fall City. I certainly think you did the right thing though. I passed on an '07 VMax in my bike hunt- something just didn't feel right. There's a line by Robert DeNiro in Ronin- "If there is ever any doubt- then there is no doubt."
Shame on the one in Wenatchee too- though at least the seller was forthcoming on the bike's actual condition.
Good luck on the continuing search!
I have actually decided to check out the one in Fall City after all. Waiting for an email back, may go see it tonight.
Quote from: fj1289 on July 06, 2015, 06:18:53 PM
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/5086209435.html)
Quote from: Dads_FJ on July 06, 2015, 12:43:16 PM
Looking at how the rear end looks "tucked" I'd say it's the shorter YZF 750 swing arm vice the longer FZ1 swing arm.
The YZF750 swing arm is braced on top, like later R1. This one does look shorter like the Thunderace swing arm I have, but the profile isn't the same. Not sure what it is, but shape-wise it looks more FZ to me.
Frank
There's something funny about the exhaust on this bike. The right muffler is OEM FJ1200. I don't see an open collector on the left, so there is something up there ...
Quote from: simi_ed on July 06, 2015, 09:06:05 PM
There's something funny about the exhaust on this bike. The right muffler is OEM FJ1200. I don't see an open collector on the left, so there is something up there ...
Nothing that a RPM exhaust couldnt fix real fast
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 06, 2015, 06:11:06 PM
With those USD forks, perhaps he is tired of all the feminine attention....or his wife is... (popcorn)
Just thinking out loud....
I can say having USD forks on a bike
does not increase the attention from the ladies.. Well.. if it does, I'm not smart enough to notice.. So in theory having them could cause a bump in the percentage of women who notice, but one must be of the very small percentage who would actually notice a lady admiring the forks on his bike.. :dash1: Although if one does notice, that individual must realize it that moment and not 20 miles down the road...
Garth, simply having a bike with USD's is not what I'm talking about....having a
FJ with USD's is the ticket.
Quote from: pdxfj on July 06, 2015, 09:43:26 PM
...... Although if one does notice, that individual must realize it that moment and not 20 miles down the road...
^^ it's called "situational awareness", a good thing to have as a motorcyclist.
Quote from: simi_ed on July 06, 2015, 09:06:05 PM
There's something funny about the exhaust on this bike...
I asked the seller some questions on email, no answer yet. I'm not interested, but curios and willing to share what I find out.
Frank
Quote from: Flynt on July 06, 2015, 10:53:42 PM
Quote from: simi_ed on July 06, 2015, 09:06:05 PM
There's something funny about the exhaust on this bike...
I asked the seller some questions on email, no answer yet. I'm not interested, but curios and willing to share what I find out.
Frank
He (Kong) didn't say anything about the exhaust, but the front and rear are '94 FZR1000 and he still has the stock rear shock. The bike comes with a spare '90 FJ1200 for parts.
Frank