Thanks for this wonderful forum! I live in Mesa Arizona. I owned a FJ1200 ABS I bought new back in 1994. I sold it around 1998 and always regretted it!
A few years ago I started looking to buy another FJ just like it if possible. I've had my phone programmed to search local Craigslist ads to find another 92 FJ1200 for the last 3 years! A nice 1991 finally popped up on CL about 2 weeks ago and I bought it within 2 hours.
I'm planning to go through it top to bottom and lube and tune it up. I've been marveling at all the info and cool mods you guys are doing. I've already added the wider Emgo CBR mirrors mod...awesome improvement...thanks again guys!! Gary
"New" 1991 FJ1200 (The previous owner taped black and white pinstripes over the pink stripes)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/GDL264/1991FJ1200%20profile_zpsargj5hlh.jpg)
"Old" 1992 FJ1200 in 1998 photo (Are they still making Cobra F1s slip-ons? I miss the sound.)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/GDL264/1992FJ1200599_zpstsyebhtt.jpg)
welcome to the group :hi:
Oh yeah there are lots of mods to be done if you are so inclined and the group can help you thru it. :drinks:
Click on the RPM banner and look at all the goodies you can get for your FJ.
I don't think the cobras are available anymore , check Ebay.. but the Delkivic slip ons sound really nice and you can remove the baffle if you want,.
Quote from: Mark Olson on May 09, 2017, 11:35:21 PM
welcome to the group :hi:
Oh yeah there are lots of mods to be done if you are so inclined and the group can help you thru it. :drinks:
Click on the RPM banner and look at all the goodies you can get for your FJ.
I don't think the cobras are available anymore , check Ebay.. but the Delkivic slip ons sound really nice and you can remove the baffle if you want,.
Hello Mark,
Thanks for the tip on the Delkivic slip-ons, they look similar and are SS to boot. They look out of stock for the 91-96 FJ's, no big hurry though.
The bike came with a real neat like new RPM brand smoked tail light with intergral blinkers, I put the old stock tail light and blinkers back on to keep things like my old bike. It also came with a Ventura aerodynamic rack system. I plan to eventually sell them both in the classifieds once I build up some trust here.
The smoked tail light was all the rage for a bit ... but everyone has different tastes .
you are one of many who bought another FJ .
It is hard to find another bike that runs and rides like it does.
Be careful of the Moditis bug, you will start making changes and can't stop.
Like a 17" rear wheel .
oh , get a fork brace and you will be amazed at the difference. :good2:
:mail1: lets see.. some braided steel brake lines is a must. Fix the regulator wire connector near batt box. Fj's tend to overcharge and cook em.
If that doesn't work replace regulator. Make sure your choke cable is not laying on the valve cover or it will melt to it . Flush all fluids (brake and clutch as well , fork oil, unless previous owner has records.). Add an extra full size clutch fiber in place of the thin one . Oh this list could go on and on but those are the basics.
Have fun.
Welcome Gary, I have family in Mesa. I will look you up when I visit next.
Quote from: Mark Olson on May 10, 2017, 12:45:11 AM
The smoked tail light was all the rage for a bit ... but everyone has different tastes .
you are one of many who bought another FJ .
It is hard to find another bike that runs and rides like it does.
Be careful of the Moditis bug, you will start making changes and can't stop.
Like a 17" rear wheel .
oh , get a fork brace and you will be amazed at the difference. :good2:
:mail1: lets see.. some braided steel brake lines is a must. Fix the regulator wire connector near batt box. Fj's tend to overcharge and cook em.
If that doesn't work replace regulator. Make sure your choke cable is not laying on the valve cover or it will melt to it . Flush all fluids (brake and clutch as well , fork oil, unless previous owner has records.). Add an extra full size clutch fiber in place of the thin one . Oh this list could go on and on but those are the basics.
Have fun.
Thanks for the tips. The choke cable is already stiff It may already be melted, I thought it needed only lube. I cheap aftermarket replacement cables on Germany eBay, I wonder if they are any good?
The clutch disk mod sounds smart. The motor idles a little faster after it warms up fully and clunks into 1st gear if you are not precise. I was thinking about backing down a few RPM. I have a digital tach but I have not hooked it up yet, the tach on the cycle looks like 1100+. The service manual say 950-1050.
I found 2 guys parting out R1's on craigslist, I'm thinking about picking up a front caliper at the same time I change out the brake lines...I better move to a service category..
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 10, 2017, 12:57:10 AM
Welcome Gary, I have family in Mesa. I will look you up when I visit next.
Sounds good. I'm not sure how much riding I will do here in this summer until I fully trust this bike. A break down in the heat could be bad news. I suppose it's early AM's or the trailer.
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 02:06:00 AM
.....I'm not sure how much riding I will do here in this summer until I fully trust this bike. A break down in the heat could be bad news.
Gary, it either goes or it doesn't. Tentatively extending your rides will tell you nothing.
Don't waste the Summer, just ride it, if it breaks down, deal with it then.
Stories of FJ's not making it home are rare and there is no such thing as building up trust. If something is going to fail, it could do so tomorrow or in 10 years time or never and even if it was running right when you left home, something can always come without warning. Nothing you can do about that!
I ride a lot and much of it alone and in remote country (that's remote by Australian standards too) I carry a few spares and a few tools but most importantly I have a level of auto club membership that includes bike retrieval, hire car, accommodation etc.
So, even if I'm in the middle of nowhere, and as long as there's phone reception I'm good, and if I am out of phone range, I have a PLB if I think I'm at personal risk.
I have put a 136,000kms on my FJ over the last 8 years and it has never failed to get me home. They are inherently reliable and simple to fix when they're not.
If everything checks out on a short shakedown ride, just go for it and enjoy.
Noel
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 12:01:02 AM
Thanks for the tip on the Delkivic slip-ons, they look similar and are SS to boot.
Gary, I can't speak highly enough of the Delkevic mufflers, these photos were taken only a few weeks back and they have 100k on them.
They are solid and despite some road strikes the casings remain entirely tight and intact.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8628/30088150010_bfc11787ac.jpg) (https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/707/31228063314_f567bc5567.jpg)
Noel
After a break in period of probably 5k (they get louder) the sound has remained constant over all that time.
Great product and well priced.
Welcome Gary,
In terms of choke cables, go with the Yamaha one. I ordered one from UK, but the knob is not removable. You will see this is critical.
Regards,
Jeff
Do yourself a favor and get an OEM cable for a couple dollars more
86-93 Choke Cable Assy (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1TX-26330-00-00)
And being in Arizona it will only take a couple of days to get there.
Robert - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on May 10, 2017, 10:10:01 AM
Do yourself a favor and get an OEM cable for a couple dollars more
86-93 Choke Cable Assy (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1TX-26330-00-00)
And being in Arizona it will only take a couple of days to get there.
Robert - RPM
Hello Robert,
Thanks for the link, I did not realize a New OEM part would still be available. If lube does not fix it I will be ordering it and a cartload of other goodies soon. Gary
Quote from: ribbert on May 10, 2017, 06:55:20 AM
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 02:06:00 AM
.....I'm not sure how much riding I will do here in this summer until I fully trust this bike. A break down in the heat could be bad news.
Gary, it either goes or it doesn't. Tentatively extending your rides will tell you nothing.
Don't waste the Summer, just ride it, if it breaks down, deal with it then.
Stories of FJ's not making it home are rare and there is no such thing as building up trust. If something is going to fail, it could do so tomorrow or in 10 years time or never and even if it was running right when you left home, something can always come without warning. Nothing you can do about that!
I ride a lot and much of it alone and in remote country (that's remote by Australian standards too) I carry a few spares and a few tools but most importantly I have a level of auto club membership that includes bike retrieval, hire car, accommodation etc.
So, even if I'm in the middle of nowhere, and as long as there's phone reception I'm good, and if I am out of phone range, I have a PLB if I think I'm at personal risk.
I have put a 136,000kms on my FJ over the last 8 years and it has never failed to get me home. They are inherently reliable and simple to fix when they're not.
If everything checks out on a short shakedown ride, just go for it and enjoy.
Noel
Hello Noel,
Wow that sounds remote, but awesome, thanks for sharing! I have AAA auto club and will double check what they provide for motorcycle breakdowns and upgrade if necessary, good tip. I've already put about 500 mi on it without a hiccup. Gary
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 12:07:52 PM
I have AAA auto club and will double check what they provide for motorcycle breakdowns and upgrade if necessary.
Gary
I bought the Premier/RV Level AAA coverage, before embarking on long, out of the way, places. I don't think that you can go wrong for the price.
Triple A Premier Coverage Details (http://www.aaa.com/aaa/045/pioneer/membership/premier/comparison.htm)
Welcome Gary! Always, always carry a pair of soft ties. Tuck these away in your tail cowl.
In the unlikely event you have to tow your bike (via flat bed) these will save your front fairing.
The tow trucks do not carry these. They have a large 4" strap and hook they use which *will* damage the lower edge of the fairing.
(https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/98a442d9-4750-49a0-84d4-c1cdabf0a0f2_1.584eb97207ea9899e2aff5deb3e79299.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)
Tips on desert summer riding: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...start before your ride. Eat a banana.
If you wait until you're into the ride and thirsty, you will be behind the time curve and you will not catch up.
Your kidney's will thank you.
Take the #37.5 pilot jets out and throw them away. Install at least #40 pilots, or better #42.5
Your engine will thank you.
Cheers Pat
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 10, 2017, 02:26:53 PM
Welcome Gary! Always, always carry a pair of soft ties. Tuck these away in your tail cowl.
In the unlikely event you have to tow your bike (via flat bed) these will save your front fairing.
The tow trucks do not carry these. They have a large 4" strap and hook they use which *will* damage the lower edge of the fairing.
(https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/98a442d9-4750-49a0-84d4-c1cdabf0a0f2_1.584eb97207ea9899e2aff5deb3e79299.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF)
Tips on desert summer riding: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...start before your ride. Eat a banana.
If you wait until you're into the ride and thirsty, you will be behind the time curve and you will not catch up.
Your kidney's will thank you.
Take the #37.5 pilot jets out and throw them away. Install at least #40 pilots, or better #42.5
Your engine will thank you.
Cheers Pat
Hello Pat,
Thanks for the tips. I actually have the straps already and I'll stuff them in the trunk. Thanks for the carb jetting tips, I need to locate a good cheap set of carb synchronizer gauges as well.
Tonight I changed the oil and filter and disassembled almost the entire fairing to get to a loose turn signal screw that was causing it to rattle. When it was apart I remove the clear plastic cover cleaned an odd sticky film that was clouding up my gauges. Now they are crystal clear. Gary
Quote from: ribbert on May 10, 2017, 08:23:33 AM
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 12:01:02 AM
Thanks for the tip on the Delkivic slip-ons, they look similar and are SS to boot.
Gary, I can't speak highly enough of the Delkevic mufflers, these photos were taken only a few weeks back and they have 100k on them.
They are solid and despite some road strikes the casings remain entirely tight and intact.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8628/30088150010_bfc11787ac.jpg) (https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/707/31228063314_f567bc5567.jpg)
Noel
After a break in period of probably 5k (they get louder) the sound has remained constant over all that time.
Great product and well priced.
Hello,
Thanks for the photos. Just curious, are the road strikes on the bottom or on the sides from cornering? Does the motor gain any torque with the slip-ons or is it all for sound and top end?
I think I am definitely ordering some soon when they get them back in stock. I wear earplugs under my helmet and I cannot hear the exhaust or motor to catch the optimum shift points. On a long ride today (with the FJ's tractor like torque) I found myself forgetting to downshift and rolling up to stops in 5th... I guess I forgot I wasn't in my car.
Well everybody is sounding off with some tips for ya.
On the clunk into 1st gear , all FJ's do that and there is nothing to worry about. Keep the idle up where it is or the engine will start making other noises that will freak you out . like the starter chain ... will rattle with a low rpm.
Good advice from Pat on the pilot jets. With the heat you have there go with the 42.5 you can get them from the RPM webstore.
Quote from: Mark Olson on May 12, 2017, 01:17:50 AM
Well everybody is sounding off with some tips for ya.
On the clunk into 1st gear , all FJ's do that and there is nothing to worry about. Keep the idle up where it is or the engine will start making other noises that will freak you out . like the starter chain ... will rattle with a low rpm.
Good advice from Pat on the pilot jets. With the heat you have there go with the 42.5 you can get them from the RPM webstore.
Thanks for all the help and advice!! I did lower the idle slightly. I will raise it back.
I also lowered the shifter and that helped my shifting precision greatly. I have a 36" inseam and in the last 20 years I must have lost some range of motion in my ankles. I had it all the way down and it was still too high, I had move it on the shaft a few degrees to get it lower yet. I also lowered the brake pedal but the tail light quit so I put it back, I'll figure out how to adjust the brake light sensor later.
I'm assuming 42.5 is richer? I "think" the bike sounds and smells like it may be running a tad rich right now, I wonder If the previous owner may have changed it. Back in the 80's we used to change the jets in the snowmobiles for the mountain trips all the time so I kind of remember what you are talking about.
The next thing I will work on will be replacing the front brake lines. Would RPM know the lengths or will I need to measure? Also there are 2 guys parting out R1's on AZ Craigslist so I may swap the calipers at the same time. Gary
sounds good.
on the brake calipers , don't get the the radial mount ones. no worky
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 10, 2017, 01:54:26 AMThe clutch disk mod sounds smart. The motor idles a little faster after it warms up fully and clunks into 1st gear if you are not precise. I was thinking about backing down a few RPM. I have a digital tach but I have not hooked it up yet, the tach on the cycle looks like 1100+. The service manual say 950-1050.
Gary,
It's been said before, but shifting into First should not be a Clunk. It is not really a matter of "precision." When the motor is almost warmed up enough to ride (not when cold), pull the clutch handle and hold it. Rev the engine a few times, not too aggressively, still holding the clutch handle disengaged, and let the engine come back down to idle. Then shift into First.
The Clunk comes because the clutch plates are "stuck" together from sitting, and you are using the transmission gears to hammer them apart. Warm oil and blipping the throttle gently are 'way better options than hammering the gears.
Alternately, you can put the bike into First before you start the engine, pull the clutch handle, and "rock" the bike forward and back until the clutch plates separate and the bike rolls freely. Then shift to Neutral, and start the engine normally.
Either method should reduce the Clunk to a Click, which would be much nicer on the running gears. If not, you may have dirty or warped clutch plates that need maintenance, or maybe you need to bleed the clutch hydraulics. There is a bushing in the clutch handle that wears out, after a few decades of neglect, so lube or replace it, if needed. Index #4 here:
http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/1991-yamaha-fj1200b-front-master-cylinder-2-assembly.html (http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/1991-yamaha-fj1200b-front-master-cylinder-2-assembly.html)
Good luck with your "new" FJ! :biggrin:
Quote from: red on May 12, 2017, 11:54:26 AM
There is a bushing in the clutch handle that wears out, after a few decades of neglect, so lube or replace it, if needed...
On the shelf and ready to ship if needed;
86-93 Yamaha FJ Clutch Lever Brass Pivot (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AClutchLeverPivot)
Randy - RPM
Thanks for all the advice! I bled the clutch and did not notice any difference so I ordered the brass bushing and a new clutch lever from RPM (My lever had some noticeable up and down play in it). They seemed to help a little.
I then tried bleeding the clutch again and this time I put a 1/2" thick piece of wood under the left center stand leg to lean the bike to the right. I also lightly tapped on the slave and lines to knock any bubbles loose. This time I noticed some fizz bleeding out. Wow! between the new parts and the rebleed, my bike really improved on the shifting especially noticeable on the downshifts, just quiet little clicks now and all sponginess in the lever is gone.
When I first brought the bike home I went to Autozone and bought the only motorcycle oil they had, It was Lucas 20w-50 motorcycle synthetic. Are there better oils for clutch performance? Is 20w-50 too heavy? Or is oil oil. I was thinking about trying plain old Yamalube regular oil next time.
Also, I found a nice set of vintage Cobra F1s pipes for my FJ. I plan to remove the decals, polish and repack them before I put them on with new gaskets. This will be my first try at repacking so I need to figure what packing material to put in them. I bought them off a running 91' so I know how they sound now and fit. They seemed a little louder than I remember but I may be just getting old. Gary
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/GDL264/CobraF1sSlipOns91-96_zpssbk1zf4g.jpg)
Yep..The Cobra's get louder as the packing blows out. Randy @ RPM has some high quality packing material he used on my Cobra F1-R's.
Previously when I repacked them I used some fiberglass mat used on dirt bikes, which lasted about 4 months before it blew out.
The FJ sure pumps out a lot of air.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 26, 2017, 10:37:00 AM
Yep..The Cobra's get louder as the packing blows out. Randy @ RPM has some high quality packing material he used on my Cobra F1-R's.
Previously when I repacked them I used some fiberglass mat used on dirt bikes, which lasted about 4 months before it blew out.
The FJ sure pumps out a lot of air.
Do the Cobra's hold your center stand is a lower position? If so I think I may put a precision dent in the left can so the stand locks up in the stock position. Maybe it depends on the year of the bike too, mine is a 91'. Gary
Dunno, I don't have a center stand.
I use Pit Bull stands at home and a Snap Jack on the road.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-lift/snapjack-portable-jack-review/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-lift/snapjack-portable-jack-review/)
Hello,
Tonight I changed my fuel filter with a factory Yamaha. The one I removed was clear plastic and had a visible metal screen inside, not factory, possible high performance filter?
When I had the tank off I was shocked to see the condition of the Carbs...they look Brand new, top to bottom. I was told they had been serviced shortly before I bought it but I had no more details than that. I don't know what the jetting is but my instincts and nose tell me it's running rich right now. Also when I was under the bike today I noticed the collector hanger or stay was missing (I found a new one local). The fact it's missing makes me suspect it had 4 in 1's or something before I bought it. I doubt it just fell off.
Also it has what I suspect is an aftermarket fuel pump. I'm attaching a photo, does this look OK? It runs for about 3 seconds every time I turn the key on and seems to be running quieter after I put the new fuel filter on?
These are my last questions in intro, I will move to service etc. in the future. Thanks! Gary
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/GDL264/Fuel%20Pump%20CU_zpsbbcczfex.jpg)
Condition of carbs..
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/GDL264/Carb%20lh_zpssnphj8gr.jpg)
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 26, 2017, 11:05:06 PM
Dunno, I don't have a center stand.
I use Pit Bull stands at home and a Snap Jack on the road.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-lift/snapjack-portable-jack-review/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-lift/snapjack-portable-jack-review/)
The reason I originally bought my F1S's back in 92' on my 92' bike was it was parked in parking lot on the side stand and the stand punched through the black top and wrecked the factory pipe. :dash2: The Cobra's were at the time were the cheapest fix and I ended up loving the sound and look of them. That happened when I lived in North Dakota where it was always cool outside compared to here. So I'm scared of the side stands, maybe I could weld a bigger pad on it etc.
Gary, the fuel pump will run for a few seconds when you switch on the ignition. It stops pumping for safety reasons till the motor is running, then pumps as required. This is normal and good. Good catch on the collector fastener. A rich idle is not a bad thing, helps the cold starts and pisses off the tree huggers. Your plugs are the real tell if you are running rich.
Yes, that's an aftermarket fuel pump. The oem Yamaha pumps have the inlet and outlet on the same end of the pump, both of which face forward.
If the pump works, good, leave it alone. Just be aware that sometimes the fuel pump can fail. Your bike will run out of gas. Get used to listening to the tell tale clicking indicating the fuel pump is active. In the unlikely event the fuel pump fails all you need to do is to clamp the inlet fuel line (from the tank) then disconnect the inlet and outlet fuel lines at the pump and connect them together with a male/male coupling. Keep this coupling in your tool pouch. The bike will now run on gravity flow to the carbs and this will get you home. Don't buy cheap Chinese eBay fuel pumps. Buy quality.
You can't go wrong with an oem Yamaha fuel filter. The purpose is to filter, something a screen can not do...
Good idea on moving your future questions over to the appropriate section. I was going to suggest that.
Cheers. Pat
Quote from: GaryL22 on May 26, 2017, 11:49:14 PM
maybe I could weld a bigger pad on it etc.
Yes, when the rear is raised the side stand gets a bit short. Many have made 'KISS" boots to extend the side stand. Some cut and weld a longer side stand. I made a KISS boot for my side stand. I also keep a round piece of aluminum as a side stand puck when I think the ground is too soft.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 26, 2017, 11:55:37 PM
....Good idea on moving your future questions over to the appropriate section. I was going to suggest that.
Gary, I moved your additional questions over to the Maintence section for better exposure,
Follow this link: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=16925.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=16925.0)
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 27, 2017, 02:36:09 AM
[quote author=Pat Conlon link=topic=16844.msg170761#msg170761 date=1495860937
....Good idea on moving your future questions over to the appropriate section. I was going to suggest that.
Gary, I moved your additional questions over to the Maintence section for better exposure,
[/quote]
Sorry, they were topics started here earlier and to be honest I kind of Panicked when I saw that #3 plug, won't happen again. Gary