Question? Why is it people choose the FJ to buy / modify / personalize it over buying a new bike? I have been debating for a while about wether to fix mine or move it on and update to something newer. Can't make up my mind. I'm interested in people's views. Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Read the Safe Money article in this online magazine. Page 25 and 26
http://RideMSTA.com/mstaforums/index.php?PHPSESSID=0d0c5e402ab1795a1470530127b41821&action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=54 (http://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/index.php?PHPSESSID=0d0c5e402ab1795a1470530127b41821&action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=54)
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on November 28, 2015, 08:19:02 PM
Hi Jeff,
Read the Safe Money article in this online magazine. Page 25 and 26
http://RideMSTA.com/mstaforums/index.php?PHPSESSID=0d0c5e402ab1795a1470530127b41821&action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=54 (http://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/index.php?PHPSESSID=0d0c5e402ab1795a1470530127b41821&action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=54)
Fred.
The link won't open fred
It opens in a PDF file. click on the link and you should get a prompt at the bottom your you computer screen.
Fred,
I think that article pretty well says it all! :good2:
Joe
I have asked myself on many occasions that very same question. There is no right or wrong answer. I have owned new bikes, and they are wonderful. You get on, turn the key and off you go. No waiting for it to warm up blah, blah, blah. But the FJ has a soul. They are easy to work on, and with the right lovin are good for another 30 years. I think i also love my FJ because i can sit on it all day and get off feeling fine. My Triumph Daytona 675 was a pure rocket, but after a few hundred km i needed to stop and find a nice bit of dirt to lie down on. I also has a Triumph Sprint ST which it a great tour/sports bike and very FJish in its riding feel (except for the sound of the Triple - i love that sound), but was very expensive for parts.
The new bikes I feel have lost that certain something.
Mark
Quote from: Urban_Legend on November 28, 2015, 10:38:36 PM
I have asked myself on many occasions that very same question. There is no right or wrong answer. I have owned new bikes, and they are wonderful. You get on, turn the key and off you go. No waiting for it to warm up blah, blah, blah. But the FJ has a soul. They are easy to work on, and with the right lovin are good for another 30 years. I think i also love my FJ because i can sit on it all day and get off feeling fine. My Triumph Daytona 675 was a pure rocket, but after a few hundred km i needed to stop and find a nice bit of dirt to lie down on. I also has a Triumph Sprint ST which it a great tour/sports bike and very FJish in its riding feel (except for the sound of the Triple - i love that sound), but was very expensive for parts.
The new bikes I feel have lost that certain something.
Mark
I rode the BMW R1200RT. Ive always liked them. . Left a great impression, the $ to buy figure also did. . Im on the verge of either fix of forget it.
My wife wants me to upgrade it, as she feels its a money pit and i have to many issues with it. I did explain that i haven't done the clutch yet as i was happy to nurse it until I'm ready to decide..... The time has come...... She reckons its uncomfortable as well. Yes I get sore arms from it but I'm looking seriously at the handlebar option from ABM (i think they call themselves.) The $ exchange rate and postage is a bitch from either the USA or UK. The carbs and vale shims have got to get done recushion the seat a flip screen visa and a couple of other cosmetic bits. In all its about $1600 maximum including the $ exchange. The club reg and insurance is way cheaper. approx $800 difference from full reg to club including insurance between the 2 bikes. The bike shop owner / repairer is saw on friday reckons the FJ all day. workability and cost of repairing. Also h thinks mines in great condition for its age. It has swayed me a bit. My other concern is will i get more use out of a new bike than the FJ????? Don't know. DECISIONS!!!
Quote from: Jeff0308 on November 28, 2015, 07:55:43 PM
Question? Why is it people choose the FJ to buy / modify / personalize it over buying a new bike? I have been debating for a while about wether to fix mine or move it on and update to something newer. Can't make up my mind. I'm interested in people's views. Jeff
In my case there are a lot of reasons. First I think it is a very nice looking bike. The design does not look out dated. The younger riders always gather round to see what it is and I THOROUGHLY enjoy telling most of them that the FJ is older than they are. It goes way faster than I need to and I love the acceleration. It is easy to work on and most parts are still available. With Randy's suspension upgrades front and rear it handles very well for the speeds I ride at. I have spent over twice what I paid for the bike on mods but that is still way below what I would have spent on a new bike. Lastly the FJ owners (some of whom I have met) seem to be a great group of guys. Dave
I've ridden and ride a lot of motorbikes because people think I'm a kind of guru and can improve their bikes performance with my advices (silly people :rofl2: )
My reasons are clearly exposed in my web. Take a look http://www.fj1200.info/Home.htm (http://www.fj1200.info/Home.htm)
Simply I cant find a bike that do everything AND with that superb reliability in my summer travels that I can trust without no hitch of doubt. Only 1 time in more than 500.000 kms. I've had to phone to my road assistance for a tow: my actual FJ broke the pull throttle cable
I've probably spent the most on my fj1350r so far( $7800). And now I'm building the Turbo probably going to be a 1380 Turbo inverted forks r1 Swingarm 86 midnight blue with stock graphics in red and so far have about $4500 into it wil probably be about $6500 done.
I'll have a pretty much all new bike... That'll smoke a busa and has a collector plate.($19 registered and never have to pay again)
Quote from: Alf on November 29, 2015, 03:49:14 AM
Only 1 time in more than 500.000 kms. I've had to phone to my road assistance for a tow:
Holy crap! 500,000 km?! Judging by a map of the island that's like a thousand times around it! :mocking:
Anyway... why an FJ? (see all of the above) My reason to get one was it ticked all the boxes on my list of criteria, some of which were....
- bulletproof mechanics
- "low tech" (relative to new bikes)
- comfortable
- parts availability
- commonality of production runs
- ease of maintenance/running costs
- Oxford dictionary "Sport Touring" : Yamaha FJ
:good2:
etc......
I researched for a couple of years (having been off the road for a while) and the FJ kept popping up. My previous bike was a 97 R1100GS which was demo'd in an accident. At the time I thought it was the near perfect bike for my needs, but life changes. Even then it was too high tech. Any glitches that came up had to be repaired by the dealer. My other bikes I owned (82 750 Seca, 81 KZ 750, 78 R80/7) were all simple bikes to work on and I did a lot of my own maintenance on them. I wanted to return to a bike like that. I didn't want something sparkling new (though there are times.... :blush:). I actually missed that sensation of pulling something apart and fixing it then amaze myself that I actually did it right - sometimes the first time too! But since this FJ has been so reliable (despite my efforts) I haven't had to do much of anything to it, once I got it sorted after I bought it.
I've pondered whether to keep it or pass it on, but the basic fact is there isn't another bike out there that could replace it. The "sport tourers" of today are more like farkle tourers (IMHO). Yes, possibly more reliable, but more like touring bikes with a smaller seat, luggage, and windscreen. The pendulum has swung too far to the touring side. And to be blunt - too fucking expensive!
Pardon moi Francais terrible Plus.... BMW has managed to really uglify the R series street bikes too.... :pardon:
That being said... If I could afford a new/newer bike AND keep the FJ that would be great. I just can't see me dumping the old girl for something newer though. I've also probably sunk more money into it than what I paid for it, and I have minimal mods (so far). But just based on a cost comparison, that's still a hell of a lot cheaper than payments and insurance for a new one.
So just another 2 cents worth. Good luck! :drinks:
I invite any "corrections" to my opinions, but I've given this a lot of thought since taking ownership in 2012 of a 1984 with no mods that I can identify. Myself, I'm a wiring guy so I have done relays for the coils and headlight, same as I did for my previous XS750 Special.
To me the FJ is like owning and working on your own 30 year old 350 Mustang or Camaro. They haul the mail, they make noise, they are relatively comfortable and relatively crude by today's standards. They are not as slick or technically sophisticated as the current models (getting to be like laptop computers on wheels), and I never forget for a second that I'm on a potentially hairy machine that exceeds anything I have in mind yet it can be docile all day. If I didn't have to refuel three times on a good day I would rarely need to even get off for a break.
I don't cry or freak out if it gets some dings or a plastic part snaps from age. There is a wealth of information about mods and sourcing parts. Much of that becomes a source of conversation even if I have no intention of following through on them.
I keep an eye on what's coming out each year and I've yet to see anything under $15,000 that has the looks, tractable power, classic style with at least a third of the body under fairings; and the one piece seating for rider and passenger I insist on. Some of us just like "ol' skool" and grin when we get compliments on the looks, especially when admirers are told how old it is.
A Friend of mine bought a brand new 84 FJ1100 back in the day. He let me take it for a spin, WOW!!!!.
The following year, a Dealer had an 85 in stock. $4400 with a jacket and Helmet thrown in. The bike has been across Canada to both Oceans, down through the States several times, put in multiple thousand mile days, never let me down. My Wife, altho supportive of my riding, never sat on or rode with me on that bike.
Time marches on, the FJ was starting to show it's age. Some scuffs here and there, harder to start, suspension sagged,etc.
When Yamaha introduced the FJR 1300, I began reading about it and all the positive feedback it generated. In 2005, I bought a new FJR 1300 as a stable mate to the FJ.
The second day I had it, the Wife walked into the garage and said," Aren't you going to take me for a ride?" After getting her the appropriate gear, off We went, She loved it. ( except for the seat. A Russel Day long seat later...) The FJR became the main bike, the FJ sat in the corner.
I debated about what to do with the FJ, to sell it would bring virtually nothing, so I stripped it down and rebuilt it with a 1250 big bore kit, redid the bodywork, Handlebar risers, Corbin seat, Upgraded the suspension, converted to radial tires. And it is basically a brand new bike again.
I use it as a local run around bike, (Hooligan Bike) It is a blast to ride, pulls like a freight train and surprises a lot of the younger Sport Bike crowd. Now the FJR sits until I want to go on a longer trip.
Quote from: PaulG on November 29, 2015, 09:12:48 AM
Quote from: Alf on November 29, 2015, 03:49:14 AM
Only 1 time in more than 500.000 kms. I've had to phone to my road assistance for a tow:
Holy crap! 500,000 km?! Judging by a map of the island that's like a thousand times around it! :mocking:
:biggrin:
Everyweek I ride around on the twisty roads of the island (250-300 kms). (Seriously, the effort is like to ride 800 kms. by 2nd order roads in Europe. Anyway, I dont count double :biggrin: ). And every summer I travel to mainland Spain to ride in Europe. I born in Madrid. I rode 165.000 kms. in 5 years with my firts FJ 1100, since track days to North Cape in Norway. My 4th FJ mark now 148.000 miles.
After my 2nd baby this past summer is more difficult for me to take the ferry and lost 6 days going and coming home, so I bought 1 FZ 750 in Madrid and I rode it 7.000 kms. I´m trying to sell it to buy my 5th FJ in order to leave it in Madrid and ride it all summers
Alf, we are most fortunate to have you here with us on our forum. :good2:
Through the years, your Fast Jota website has helped hundreds of FJ owners, myself included. Thank you Alf!
For me, Why an FJ? Simple. I've always been a fan of the UJM since the CB750 days and when this new bike from Yamaha came out, it was the best bike made in 1984. I almost went the Honda VFR route but glad I didn't. One ride on the mighty '84 1100 and a visit into the kookaloo zone sold me. I've had my bike since.
If you do not work on motorcycles, then an FJ is not for you. You're better off with a newer bike and spend your $$ at the service dealer.
If you don't mind working on your bike (saving $$) FJ is not a bad choice. I find it kinda fun modifying the FJ. Seeing what works, what doesn't.
It's a hobby.
In the modern era of $30,000 motorcycles, I believe buying a good, well maintained, used FJ is still one of the best values in motorcycling....
..... but not for everyone.
i couldn't afford a harley.
Jeff, it's a great question that you pose. It crosses my mind from time to time.
I've got 3 questions that I'd need to know before answering your question: 1.) What mods have you got on it so far? 2.) You mentioned that your wife finds it uncomfortable...Are you looking for a 2-up bike that you enjoy riding solo as well? To the point, what percentage off the time are you riding 2-up ? 3.) How many km's on your FJ?
Thanks.
Mark
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 29, 2015, 12:37:21 PM
Alf, we are most fortunate to have you here with us on our forum. :good2:
Through the years, your Fast Jota website has helped hundreds of FJ owners, myself included. Thank you Alf!
Sorry, but I dont agree with you at all
I´m the fortunate. When I started my site I couldn´t imaging all the excellent people that I´ve known or be in touch with. In fact, my 2 best friends are FJ owners, Mingo even has made me the honour to be my new son Godfather
You have helped a lot of FJ owners too. Including myself. So in fact, I´m the lucky men here :good2:
Its a no brainer for me because its one of the best looking bikes still on the road, has a load of torque, fairly cheap and easy to work on. The new bikes are down right ugly and all look the same. pick a model, like adventure bikes, then look at all the top manufactures that produce adventure bikes and they all pretty much look the same. The FJ has a history, it has street cred, and like they said about Russian Migs, you can fix them with a ballpeen hammer! After the apocalypse FJ's will still turn up! Cheers to Yamaha and the FJ! The new bikes maybe more efficient and do everything better, they look sick and have no character, and the eighties did have some great flipping music, dont let people tell ya otherwise! :sarcastic:
I will never sell my '85 FJ, it's just too much a part of me.
If you are considering newer bikes, I'd recommend a first generation FZ1. They are very FJ-like in ergos. Not quite as much low end torque but makes up for it quickly. It is also a very good bike in the "bang for buck" category as low mileage examples are nicely priced.
The FZ is also easy to work on. Not as easy as the FJ, but valve adjustments, carb and other routine maintenance are doable.
Plus, they already have the monobloc calipers and 17 inch wheels.
If you look at this thread ( http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14208.msg149972;topicseen#msg149972 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14208.msg149972;topicseen#msg149972) ) from the mens shed day at Nowra post. This dyno chart is an excellant reason to stick with the FJ. Not many new bikes come close to these figures still.
Character and soul.
Quote from: markmartin on November 29, 2015, 01:19:34 PM
Jeff, it's a great question that you pose. It crosses my mind from time to time.
I've got 3 questions that I'd need to know before answering your question: 1.) What mods have you got on it so far? 2.) You mentioned that your wife finds it uncomfortable...Are you looking for a 2-up bike that you enjoy riding solo as well? To the point, what percentage off the time are you riding 2-up ? 3.) How many km's on your FJ?
Thanks.
Mark
Mark. (1) My FJ is pretty much stock except for the exhaust. (2)My wife finds it uncomfortable mainly because she has back issues also i do agree with her that the cushioning could be redone as it is 28 years old, also the suspension may be a bit hard. Odd though as its stock. (3) She used to come out a lot on my old FJ.Not much on this bike. (4) The FJ has done 85500km. Oil usage is stuff all. About half to 1 litre every 5000km. However, things like shims i can't do. Not got the tools. My work commitments stop me from doing a a lot as my shifts constantly change. I do my own servicing. Im about to have a go at doing the clutch, brakes, the clutch bleeding issue is sorted. I don't thrash it, occasionally give it an open up but have to pick the moment. I am very fussy who i let work on the bike. Noel has had the honours of helping me out. Other than him, no one else has touched it.
I don't get to ride as much as i would like. There is a lot of valuable views on here. Has been interesting reading the responses. The pressure is mounting to keep the FJ and ( MODIFY) it to the way i would like it. Yes the new bikes are nice but no necessarily better. . Im one who enjoys the older bikes. I get enjoyment / satisfaction out of seeing the finished product. I have built a few show/ muscle cars over the years.I do my own panelbeating spray painting and vinyl signs. however I did cheat and a friend painted the tank for me. Im not properly set up for2 pak but thats about to change soon. I Did that at tafe for 4 years.
Time as I said is my issue, so I think a bit of planning is needed.The clutch is 1st . the rest will happen slowly.
Jeff, I've contemplated buying a new sport-tourer but keep going back to upgrading the FJ. I throw $600-$1000 in up grades and modifications every year to make it what I want it to be. I've got about $7000 into it including the price of purchase and I've ridden it for 7 seasons. Double that cost and I can buy a slightly used FJR, or triple that cost and I can buy a new one. Quadruple it and I can buy most of a BMW 1600 GTL Exclusive. But for about $1000/ year I've built a bike that I love to ride and still afford kids. :)
As for your oil consumption and current mileage, I'm getting about the same kilometer/litre as you are. I'd love to have the valve guides replaced, but for now, I top it off and ride it.
Comfort for you and your wife is going to cost you about $2500. I sent a seat pan and modified backrest to these people http://www.day-long.com/gallery/yamaha/ (http://www.day-long.com/gallery/yamaha/) The seat pictured on the FJ1200 is mine and cost me $1000 not including the pan. Keep your solo seat as the Day Long seat is ugly and best kept for what it is intended for IMHO. My wife does love the seat. We used a Corbin Gunfighter and Lady for a few years and she'd get saddle sore when riding all day but not anymore, and after putting 1000 miles on a rented Gold Wing last summer and about 2000 miles on the FJ this summer, she still prefers the FJ.
A modern rear shock and some cartridge fork emulators will cost you another $1000 + but you'll be glad you upgraded from stock. BTDT. Some bar risers and a peg lowering kit will make you more comfortable when riding all day. All these modifications are pretty easy and the labor shouldn't be too bad if you don't have the time to do them yourself.
And at the end of the day, you still have a classic bike that looks good, handles well, and pulls like a truck. One of the best quotes I've heard came from this site...I can't remember who said it but to paraphrase, 'when you park your bike and don't turn to look at it as your walking away, you probably don't own the right bike'. That's what the FJ does for me. I always look.
For me the fj is a great fit. My 86 looks like a hot rod and can go rip thru the corners or cruise the highway. Nice all around bike.
Insurance is cheap.
After reading all the replies I figure to have spent 3 times what it is worth .
It has never left me stranded and always fires up even after sitting for months.
I enjoy being able to work on it .
So if you are willing to drop some money into it to smooth it out ,then keep it. If not then move onto another bike and find yourself wishing you still had your FJ.
When I was younger it was the 2nd gear that sold me --- the pull - torque and overall speed was just plain fun. Back then I thought I wouldn't enter the danger zone too often --just sometimes. And now it still is fast and its just enough fun -Danger zone entry is more often as you get used to the power -- i know the more modern stuff has more Hp's but there comes a time where it gets too scary and not really usable unless you are a racer.
Most has be said as it is a good all around bike -- I agree with it all but add to say it majors in handling speed very well. Top speep cruiser - stability is awesome.
When my 86 had a tranny issue in 2010 -- I already had a Gpz900 in the garage so you would think another bike wasn't immediately necessary --- well 2 weeks later I bought another FJ --because well I needed to have a FJ. In 2012 I fixed my 86 -- because it needed to a working bike again after all its been in my stable since the beginning, Why an FJ --- its a very easy bike to love.
sc2
Like Mark said "It fits".. Bikes are like shoes either they fit or don't. For me it is the best all around bike I have ever owned. Many of the members have other bikes but seem to keep the FJ in there stable.
George
At 17 I rode my fathers 750 virago,shaft drive,loved the bike,this was in 1987,my graduation.present was gonna be a fj1200,test rode it a few day,then got the opportunity to drive the Yamaha v max.I never got the fj or vmax both bikes are treasures to me.but the fjs power curved blew me away .its very competitve still and I like the versatility of what you can do with it.plus 130 house power is nice to brag about especially for a stock bike.
, 'when you park your bike and don't turn to look at it as your walking away, you probably don't own the right bike'. That's what the FJ does for me. I always look.
That's how I feel
I drive a forklift at work. And I park my fjs by the gl door that is always open in the summer. So when I drive down the aisle I can look out and see it...makes me happy.
Helps alot when you work 12hr shifts. Only problem is, then the moditis kicks in. And I'm spending 12hrs dreaming of new things to do to them
After reading the posts I got thinking.
1. Yes it's fun to ride
2. I own it outright.
3. If I spend $1500 on moditis it's still cheap.
4. Reg and insurance are cheap. Club permit and insurance about $350 a year. New bike about $1200 plus loan.
5. I enjoy working on cars and bikes despite the magical stuff up fairy appearing occasionally waving her magic wand.
6. Still gets the looks.
7. Goes like hell.
So after all this. I have ordered all the bits I think I will need plus extras to make it (" PERSONALISED ") to my way.
I have for the most part remained with stock parts as that's how I like it.
For now anyway.
Having said that I have ordered the ABM handlebar option from overseas.
With a bit of luck it will work out fine.
I'm now patiently waiting for the bits to arrive.
+1 :good2:
Quote from: Jeff0308 on December 14, 2015, 05:45:24 PM
After reading the posts I got thinking.
Yes it's fun to ride
If I spend $1500 on moditis it's still cheap.
So after all this. I have ordered all the bits I think I will need plus extras to make it (" PERSONALISED ") to my way.
I have for the most part remained with stock parts as that's how I like it.
For now anyway.
Having said that I have ordered the ABM handlebar option from overseas.
With a bit of luck it will work out fine.
I'm now patiently waiting for the bits to arrive.
You'll never regret all the money you've spent on it, and that you'll never again see when you sell it.
Spent the money. Will enjoy riding the improved bike. Not selling. :biggrin: Dave
+1 on spent the money (still spending actually) and ever little change is an improvement. Love it not selling.
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on December 14, 2015, 06:16:59 PM
You'll never regret all the money you've spent on it, and that you'll never again see when you sell it.
Correction: IF, you ever sell it.
Quote from: Jeff0308 on December 14, 2015, 05:45:24 PM
After reading the posts I got thinking.
1. Yes it's fun to ride
2. I own it outright.
3. If I spend $1500 on moditis it's still cheap.
4. Reg and insurance are cheap. Club permit and insurance about $350 a year. New bike about $1200 plus loan.
5. I enjoy working on cars and bikes despite the magical stuff up fairy appearing occasionally waving her magic wand.
6. Still gets the looks.
7. Goes like hell.
So after all this. I have ordered all the bits I think I will need plus extras to make it (" PERSONALISED ") to my way.
I have for the most part remained with stock parts as that's how I like it.
For now anyway.
Having said that I have ordered the ABM handlebar option from overseas.
With a bit of luck it will work out fine.
I'm now patiently waiting for the bits to arrive.
Jeff, I have one very clear memory of riding your bike (other than the slipping clutch) and that is a stiff throttle. Having a light throttle makes it feel like you just found another 50hp and gives you much smoother gear changes and better low speed control.
You should be able to
easily twist the throttle all the way with your thumb and index finger when standing beside the bike and have it snap back on the idle stops when you let go.
Throttle cables are cheap and even if they weren't, you still need them. Don't oil them and "see how they go", ditch them. Also, remove the twist grip and clean up in there (between the rotating parts) with a bit of solvent, to get rid of all the gunk.
Noel
A dozen years ago, a friend asked me "If you could have any bike, what would it be?" I thought about it and realized what I wanted was "my FJ, but with all the typical FJ Owner upgrades to the power, braking, handling, and comfort."
Since then I have done a few of those things - Penske shock, Race Tech cartridge-emulator fork valves and stiffer springs, 17x5 YZF600R rear wheel, aluminum "blue-spot" brake calipers and matching master cylinder (just put on the matching adjustable clutch master cyl assembly last spring.) It's a joy, although it burns a lot of oil with 112,000 miles on it. So, I'll pull the motor one of these months and send it off for a rebuild, and probably send my spare seat to Sargent. That would be a good time to take it apart and clean / paint things, replace suspension bushings, etc.
I just got a 998 and I really like it a lot, it was worth the wait / I wonder why I waited so long. (This generation of Ducati really fits me; I rode my son's 916 a thousand miles in basically one sitting, and it's tempting to ride the 998 across the US next year.) But something about the FJ just feels right to me, everything from "how it pulls with the tiniest bit of throtttle" to "how it pulls with a whole handful of throttle" to "how it leans into a corner."
Quote from: mst3kguy on November 29, 2015, 01:18:15 PM
i couldn't afford a harley.
and the associated wardrobe....
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on December 14, 2015, 06:16:59 PM
Quote from: Jeff0308 on December 14, 2015, 05:45:24 PM
After reading the posts I got thinking.
Yes it's fun to ride
If I spend $1500 on moditis it's still cheap.
So after all this. I have ordered all the bits I think I will need plus extras to make it (" PERSONALISED ") to my way.
I have for the most part remained with stock parts as that's how I like it.
For now anyway.
Having said that I have ordered the ABM handlebar option from overseas.
With a bit of luck it will work out fine.
I'm now patiently waiting for the bits to arrive.
You'll never regret all the money you've spent on it, and that you'll never again see when you sell it.
I'm not regretting the money I'm spending on it, I'm looking forward to the many hours of enjoyment "repairing / modifying " and riding it. The way I am looking at it is, any improvement on the FJ is money well spent. If it doesn't workout, then try again. If it works then I've got one hell of a bike that will still suck the doors / handlebars off a lot of cars and bikes out there. Best part is, she's 27 years old and didn't cost an arm and a leg. The cost outlay is minimal so far compared to buying new. Best part is my labour time is also time in the man shed getting some much needed therapy. I'm not ruling out buying a new bike however, If i don't " give it a go I'll never know". Then I'll always be thinking, " I wonder if?"
Cause i got it for free, and turned it into a street machine that is 200kg with no fuel. Love my version of the fj1100.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/3982_14_03_14_6_23_57.jpeg)
Quote from: Fj.itis on December 18, 2015, 06:53:05 AM
Cause i got it for free, and turned it into a street machine that is 200kg with no fuel. Love my version of the fj1100.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/6/3982_14_03_14_6_23_57.jpeg)
A work of art that you have there. Really nice looking.
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on December 18, 2015, 07:48:04 AM
A work of art that you have there. Really nice looking.
+1. Nicely done. It's tough to make an FJ look good naked.
Holy Shit.....You cut the front of the perimeter frame off....What's holding it together?
Duct tape! Lol.
I like the blue tube for the rear brake reservoir. What did you use for the breather/ cap on the hose?
Nothin fancy, just a bolt that fitted in there nice and tight.
Clutch is done. Fibres were knackered. Everything else perfect. Was going to completely redo the Carbis but a mate said " we will check the balancing first, then if needed redo them. I could not believe how far out of adjustment they were. 1 @ 4 total opposites. 2 & 3 were out but not quite as bad. Used (Mercury gauges) unbelievable as to how smooth it runs now. However what was really concerning is when we took the tank off the fuel hose attached to the filter dropped down and out came black bits and rusty water. About a half a cup full once we drained the tank. Sorry no photos. Didn't think of that at the time. Now the tank was only off the bike 4 weeks previous removing the buggered tank Kreme liner and was totally cleaned out using 8 litres of pure acetone and a scrubbing brush as well as being left to dry for a couple of days. Mate said shit fuel. Odd part is I've only put 2 tanks of fuel in since then. 1 was an independant the other was Shell. Apparently 2 of the worst places to get fuel from. Anyway, a lesson learnt. The fuel filter did its job perfectly. Took a carbi apart and nothing. Clean as. Small pinhole in the diaphragm but so minute. Ordering ring 4 new ones. Next was the shims, expecting the worst. All were perfect. I'm wrapped. All in spec. So after the course of 2 weeks fixing and a few test rides its back to the garage and more modifications. I'm patiently waiting for all the bits from overseas now
Quote from: Jeff0308 on January 01, 2016, 11:54:17 PM
Clutch is done. Fibres were knackered. Everything else perfect..............
That's fantastic Jeff, you have a very sweet bike and now the bugs are out of it there's nothing to do but enjoy it. It sounds like there is only minor tweaking left to do (and mods of course).
Have you ordered throttle cables?
Roll on March!
Noel
Not yet Noel. I am waiting on a new set of handlebars. The rider positioning will change so I'm tipping all the cables and hoses will be needing to change as well. Just got to work out what accelerator cable will work? Am stuck for now for a week or 2 due to Christmas closures. Got bits coming from everywhere. Bikes in bits at the moment. Patiently waiting. must be coffee time again soon. Have you worked out your colour scheme yet?
Quote from: Jeff0308 on January 02, 2016, 04:19:53 PM
........ must be coffee time again soon. Have you worked out your colour scheme yet?
Yes it is and no I haven't.
Excellent idea Jeff, PM when you bike is back on the road and we will catch up.
Noel
Quote from: Fj.itis on December 19, 2015, 11:57:12 PM
Nothin fancy, just a bolt that fitted in there nice and tight.
Could cause a problem, IF you use the rr brake a lot. It needs to breathe, but keep the fluid sealed from atmosphere, hence the accordion seal in the mc...
Quote from: RichBaker on January 03, 2016, 03:50:55 PM
Quote from: Fj.itis on December 19, 2015, 11:57:12 PM
Nothin fancy, just a bolt that fitted in there nice and tight.
Could cause a problem, IF you use the rr brake a lot. It needs to breathe, but keep the fluid sealed from atmosphere, hence the accordion seal in the mc...
That's why I asked. But I figured he probably won't be riding it for long rides. Probably just ripping around town. But still liked the idea. And maybe the tube is long enough to be flexible enough to be OK.
That tube has been there for over 5 thou now and still seems to work ok, just came back from 3 hr ride last weekend didn't notice anything weird, but cheers for the heads up, ill keep an eye on it.