Greetings! I am a lunatic. Let's just get that out of the way. I've been riding for near 30 years now, and have had one of just about everything other than a Harley (just didn't appeal to me yet) In the past 15 years I've had 17 different bikes, all using the same money I paid for the first one. I buy a bike, fix it up and keep it a year or so, then sell/trade it for something else. Cheaper than girlfriends (according to my wife) and keeps me entertained. I've wanted an FJ since 1986 when I was just a wee lad and they were new. Time passed, and I continued to want one, but life got in the way. Finally I got to the point where I could afford one if I wanted it, and I kept refusing to buy one because of the phrase 'never meet your heroes.'
I knew there was no possible way the bike could be as good as I had made it out to be, especially after all these years. A handful of months ago one popped up for smallish money when I had just sold some other stuff and had the money just sitting there looking at me so I jumped on it. 1987 FJ12, 10K miles, new tires, new battery, Cobra F1 exhaust, awesome shape. It had sat in somebody's garage for years and years before something fell on it and broke the windshield and one of the mirrors, and the wife/mother finally said 'get rid of that thing'. When I got it it kind of ran, but not really. I gladly paid the money and took it home. Yanked the carbs out (which are by far the easiest I4 carbs I've ever had to take out) and found that someone had performed carb atrocities to get it started. I ordered kits from Randy, yanked the carbs completely apart and gave each one a couple hours in the ultrasonic cleaner. Put it all back together and fired it up, ran greatish albeit crazy lean because of the pipes which are as loud as an erupting volcano. Not sure I'm keeping those. Took it to a surprise dyno run the other day, it made 101hp and 70ft/lb in that condition, 90* temp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j47n7hSiHO0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j47n7hSiHO0)
You can hear it popping and angering as it winds down from being so lean. Ordered a dynojet kit and installed that as well as putting a bunch of holes in the airbox, it now runs much better. Ordered a hepco rack off ebay which turned out to be for a different model year, so I cut it apart and rewelded it back together to fit mine, as well as strengthening it quite a bit. Most recently I've added the majority of my electrical mods, to include heated grips, GPS, front and side powerlet, all fused, all but the side powerlet switched with the ignition. Side powerlet is straight to the battery for heated gear/battery tender use. Still have to wire up the trunk (cheap bestem) to add brake, turn, running lights the way I have on the other bikes.
Oh yeah, other bikes in the barn right now are a vfr800, buell blast, cm400c, and a versys 650. There are others that don't run and are more long term projects (gl1000 and MT-16) The versys is the bike I've kept the longest, and it'll take something amazing to knock it out of it's place as primary bike. When the FJ gets replaced it may be with a sportster, or I may go back to a first gen FZ1.
Awesome intro, welcome to the FJ world. It will be really good to hear your opinion of it, knowing you have owned and ridden so many other bikes. And they are easy to work on so keeping one in the Kookalooo zone is more about the twist of the wrist than tinkering with it.
Thanks. Had a long reply but the system logged me out. Anyway one fun bit is that I had by far the oldest bike at that dyno pull, and even though I was way down compared to the kzxfzgsx1400 and whatnot, the FJ got lots of attention from the older crowd. Everyone had a story, everyone had one or knew someone who had one, and the dyno guys were amazed that it had bias ply tires. Honestly I've had more people stop and talk to me on this bike than any bike other than the Mt-16. Seems that I'm not the only one who loved it since it came out.
The FJ has a classic look that still turns heads after all these years. Yamaha nailed it in 1984 as well as the following years. And you can upgrade nearly every outdated performance issues like bias ply tires. My '86 and then my '89 has been upgraded to 17" front and rear (the '89 was already 17" in the front). With bolt on upgrades you can run modern radials, brakes, shock, fork internals, the list goes on. We call this Moditus and it is not unlike the bike being your mistress that you keep spending on to make better for you. Not cheaper than girlfriends according to my wife but accepted. Father Pat tells the best story about his FJ extra marital affair.
Welcome to the forum :hi:. Great intro story. :good:
I would not be surprised, if after a few more personal tweeks. That the FJ may overtake the Versys as the go to bike.
You mentioned not liking the Cobra F1's. I use the RPM 4-2-1 full exhuast. It is pleasantly mellow and does not get loud until up over 5000 rpm's. A side effect would be an instant loss of 25lbs.
The Cobra's are much sought after and you could easily sell them here on the forum.
Fred
I am going to do some cheap mods to the bike, but otherwise leave it as stock as I can. I understand moditis, but honestly if you look at how much it costs to put better brakes, suspension, tires, wheels, etc. on the bike, you could just put that money plus the money from selling the FJ into an FZ1 and get all of it standard. I love the FJ for what it is, not what I could make it. Not much chance of the FJ becoming the primary bike, I like my gravel roads too much! The versys is truly a redneck ninja, it's a ninja 650 with a lift kit and mud tires.
And here's how she looked after I first got it home and cleaned it up. I recovered the seat with a chunk of vinyl after buying a seat cover that didn't fit.
Quote from: fudge12 on August 18, 2016, 09:54:34 AM
Had a long reply but the system logged me out.
When that happens, hit the "back arrow" to return to the previous page and your post will still be there. "Copy" it, log out and in again, open up the posting area again and "paste"
No need to ever lose a post because you've timed out.
Noel
Quote from: fudge12 on August 18, 2016, 09:54:34 AM
Thanks. Had a long reply but the system logged me out. Anyway one fun bit is that I had by far the oldest bike at that dyno pull, and even though I was way down compared to the kzxfzgsx1400 and whatnot, the FJ got lots of attention from the older crowd. Everyone had a story, everyone had one or knew someone who had one, and the dyno guys were amazed that it had bias ply tires. Honestly I've had more people stop and talk to me on this bike than any bike other than the Mt-16. Seems that I'm not the only one who loved it since it came out.
Over the last few years I've noticed when you talk to someone about an FJ it has gone from "I had on of those..." to "my Dad had one of those..." But still a lot of FJ memories out there in peoples minds
Quote from: fudge12 on August 18, 2016, 09:02:50 AM
When the FJ gets replaced it may be with a sportster......
Welcome Fudge, you do know you will be taking a big step down on the ladder of evolution, but if your goal is to experience as many different bikes as possible, so be it.
Thanks all. The FJ is a gorgeous bike, and I get quite a few compliments on it, plus it really does have a timeless (which probably means I'm old) look to it. I'm not a fan of the new styles of bikes, and I've never really been a sportbike guy. Then again I think the MT-01 is gorgeous, so my taste is rather suspect. I know that a sportster would be a step sideways from everything I've had till now. However, if I get one it'd be as the base for making a dual sportster, which can be done pretty cheaply and are pretty nice bikes. Good thing about the sportster is that they're pretty cheap since the bandana crowd generally consider them girl's bikes, and most of the parts I'd need for the modification are stock parts from other Harleys which are usually replaced for shinier ones so they're available on ebay for cheap. Fork legs and shocks from the baggers are straight swaps and make the sportster 4" taller. Flat seat, high pipes, knobbies, and there you go.
I used to be militantly anti-harley, but I used to be a lot of stupid things. Having the blast I can definitely see the appeal of a bike for whom 'performance' has never been a forethought. It's by all standards a horrible motorcycle. Every time I ride it I giggle like a toddler listening to a poop joke, because it hammers home so clearly that HP:fun is not a 1:1 ratio. The FJ is the largest bike I've had in a very long time, closest within the last 15 years has been the FZ1 and a V-strom 1000. The FZ1 I had to get rid of because apparently at that age I couldn't be trusted with 140RWHP. As I get older my bikes get smaller, and I have just as much fun. Honestly the biggest blip on my bike radar right now is the KTM Duke 390.
Quote from: fj1289 on August 19, 2016, 11:34:37 AM
Over the last few years I've noticed when you talk to someone about an FJ it has gone from "I had on of those..." to "my Dad had one of those..." But still a lot of FJ memories out there in peoples minds
That first line is usually followed with; "I should have never sold it...(SIGH)"
Quote from: fudge12 on August 19, 2016, 12:57:19 PM
I used to be militantly anti-harley, but I used to be a lot of stupid things.
:empathy3: Me too.
I finally had a decent run on a very nice Harley to see what all the noise was about.
That was about the sum of it, lots o noise.
To me, Harleys are for those who wish to be seen.
Quote from: Troyskie on August 22, 2016, 09:29:21 PM
......To me, Harleys are for those who wish to be seen.
....and heard.
Noel
That looks like the best Harley that Harley never made. Careful though - they may "appropriate" your design and sell a million of them to the squeaky leather and latte crowd. Might even convince me to buy one, 'cept I don't have leathers or drink lattes, so they may not finance me. :cray:
Have you added any gusseting to the frame or reinforced the swing-arm? The street frame may not handle the added stress of back road riding. If you plan on keeping this long term, it might be something to think about, especially the subframe. Wouldn't want a frame rail snapping in the middle of a drift in the middle of nowhere.
Sorry, I think I just added another 200 hrs to your project.... :pardon:
Quote from: ribbert on August 23, 2016, 06:07:32 AM
Quote from: Troyskie on August 22, 2016, 09:29:21 PM
......To me, Harleys are for those who wish to be seen.
....and heard.
Noel
Turning gasoline into noise for over 100 years.....
Don't misunderstand, that's just a pic of a dual sportster I found on the net. From what I understand that swingarm is all custom milled from billet, hand built-tig welded pipe, etc. Assuming I were to take on such a project, it'd be much more low-budget. Granted I've never had a harley so I can't justify defending them, but I will relate this quick story. When I was at the dragon, my first run the guy I was with and I passed numerous harleys, a couple sports cars, one sportbike. We were, however, unable to cleanly and safely pass a guy on a full dress bagger harley, who had his wife on the back. He wasn't dragging pegs, he was wearing holes in the bags he was riding it so hard. Met up with him later, nice guy. Point is, on the street at least it's much more about the rider than the bike. The harley is to the FJ as the FJ is to an R1. Just because it's not the most amazing thing out there doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had on it. (note, I also don't have and don't want a ridiculously powerful superbike; 100HP seems to be my max happy spot for street use) By the same token, I have a buddy with an Aprilia RSV1000R which he let me play on for a day. Ridiculous bike, nearly perfect in every way from engine to suspension. I felt like an idiot on it. However, if I was on that and he was on a decently maintained moped, he'd wipe the track with me. It's all about the rider. I'm pretty good, but I don't fool myself into believing I'm a better rider than my bike (any of my bikes) can handle.
Amen to that. I have been schooled by a Honda Goldwing, bags and all. The rider was smooth, knew exactly how to take each corner and made it look like child's play. I finally caught up to where he pulled off and removed his helmet, long gray beard and gray hair to match. He knew his bike, the road and how to keep a humble old fart like me in genuine respect of good riders.
Just my .02, but this is the best Harley ever made.
(http://www.cycleworld.com/sites/cycleworld.com/files/styles/large_1x_/public/import/embedded/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Harley-Davidson-XR1200-Best-Used-Bikes-590x393.jpg?itok=NBP0NiT2) (http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/02/19/harley-davidson-xr1200-sportster-best-used-motorcycles-sport-standard-bike-review)
XR1200
Quote from: FeralRdr on August 23, 2016, 01:40:49 PM
Just my .02, but this is the best Harley ever made.
(http://www.cycleworld.com/sites/cycleworld.com/files/styles/large_1x_/public/import/embedded/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Harley-Davidson-XR1200-Best-Used-Bikes-590x393.jpg?itok=NBP0NiT2) (http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/02/19/harley-davidson-xr1200-sportster-best-used-motorcycles-sport-standard-bike-review)
XR1200
Maybe best one made, but second best looking!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/10/171_23_08_16_2_19_14.jpeg)
Quote from: fudge12 on August 23, 2016, 12:49:44 PM
Don't misunderstand, that's just a pic of a dual sportster I found on the net.
Well at least you have something to model yours after. I still think it would be an awseome project to do. If you want to ease the budget to start with, Viragos are very popular customs now. There's plenty out there, dirt cheap, and bullet proof engines.
custom Viragos (https://www.google.ca/search?q=custom+virago&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHva66n9rOAhVLKh4KHZQVD8IQ_AUICCgB&biw=1366&bih=648)
I've never been a fan of the aesthetics of the virago. Shallow, I know. However, the engines on them always looked too cartoonish. The same way that the first gen of Victory engines looked like they were taken straight from a tractor, the virago engines look like they were taken from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I'd still buy one if it came up cheap just for the experience. Actually, for me (although I admit that it'd really come down more to availability when I'm shopping than anything else) the big question is: Get a 2004+ sportster with injection and a rubber mounted engine, and enjoy the ride, or get a 1970s with leaks, vibrations, etc. and enjoy the experience? The question is actually less facetious than it sounds. Presuming that it wouldn't be an only bike (which it wouldn't) would you go for a modern bike with all the good bits and the result of evolution? Or would you go for a nasty, oil leaking, vibrating, kick start bike from the 70s that gives you the experience of riding a harley that us old guys grew up believing? The fact that I have new and old bikes shows how on the fence I am about this. Enjoying the FJ for how awesome it was 30 years ago really shows how great bikes have become, but doesn't take anything away from the experience of riding the fj. I'm not as awesome as I was 30 years ago, or as awesome as the newer model (17 year old son) is now, which often just goes to show that you must respect your past to appreciate your present.
Quote from: fudge12 on August 24, 2016, 02:30:46 PM
The same way that the first gen of Victory engines looked like they were taken straight from a tractor, the virago engines look like they were taken from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
:lol:
Quote...the big question is: Get a 2004+ sportster with injection and a rubber mounted engine, and enjoy the ride, or get a 1970s with leaks, vibrations, etc. and enjoy the experience?
If you were to pursue the "dual purpose" project I would go for the more recent year model FWIW. Better (?) reliability and F/I would just make things easier to deal with I think. But then again, the only bikes I see on the side of the road on a regular basis these days are always HD's... :blush:
The shake-rattle-& roll of a 70's version does have the nostalgia, and it seems you are competent enough to keep up with their idiosynchrosies. Also have you thought whether it would be pre-AMF, AMF/HD, or post AMF? Whatever path you take it would be neat to see the progress. :good2:
Hmmmm... you might need to start an HD Dual Purpose Forum now.