Hi everyone, new member here,
I am looking at a 1984 FJ1100 with 1200 actual miles for sale by the original owner. The motorcycle was riden up until 1987 and then not used anymore after that but the owner says it has always been stored and kept covered in a climate controlled garage. The engine was last started in 2007 but not anymore since. The owner reports the engine still turns over by pushing it in gear but the battery has long since been dead of course. He says the fuel tank is clean inside and there is no battery acid corrosion in or around the battery compartment. He wants me to make a fair offer which I am trying to figure out now. From what I can determine through searching around, good FJ1100s usually sell in the $2000 to $4000 range (is this right?). The cosmetic condition of this one is near mint and it still has all its original parts so might be worth more than $4000 but it is currently not running and has not run in a long time. Could there be some hidden problems involved with getting it operational again? Aside from new tires and battery and disassembling the entire fuel system for a good careful cleaning are these early FJ's known for having certain problems or issues associated with long term storage and many years of neglect? I need your expert opinions so I might be able to figure in advance what I am getting myself into here. I have all the tools and some experience with other vintage Japanese motorcycles but I don't know anything about Yamaha FJ1100's at this point.
Thanks in advance!
Rusty
Rusty,
The biggest consideration is something that you can't really know, unless the owner is willing to tell you now. These early FJs can pop out of second gear, if the transmission has ever been abused in the past, or if you abuse it in the future. Better shifter forks and undercutting the gear dogs will fix the problem, but that repair is not cheap, even if you DIY. I would expect the carbs and hydraulics to need attention, especially the rubber parts. The tires will be trash. You are getting 16" wheels, which seriously limits your tire choices (Pirelli Sport Demons, Avon radials, and few if any others). I run happy on the Pirellis, but you get more choices with a 17" front wheel. 17" front and rear wheels will give you every option, for tires. Around here, we call the unending list of FJ upgrades Mod-itis. This compulsion usually starts small, maybe bypassing the useless and troublesome Anti-Dive units on the forks, then goes to a spin-on oil filter adapter, then wheels, rear shock, and onwards into the stratosphere.
:biggrin:
If I change to a 17" front wheel, I will change the entire front fork assembly at the steering head for something newer, getting better brakes and suspension in the deal for junkyard prices. Oops . . .
That said, I would not pay much over US$2500 for a fully road-worthy FJ1100, and a fair bit less for one needing all the work needed for a garage-find to be safe. Feel free to spend what you will, but please fix the safety items first.
Hey there! :hi: I've outlined some things that may make you paranoid, but these are worst-case scenarios. Use them as a bargaining chip.
Quote from: Rusty34 on July 07, 2017, 07:56:33 AM
Hi everyone, new member here,
I am looking at a 1984 FJ1100 with 1200 actual miles for sale by the original owner. The motorcycle was riden up until 1987 and then not used anymore after that but the owner says it has always been stored and kept covered in a climate controlled garage. The engine was last started in 2007 but not anymore since. ...If the mileage is correct the engine will be barely broken in, if at all. If this has had the same oil in it all this time, then mineral/organic oil will break down with bacteria growth. (Synthetic won't grow bacteria, Semi-synth? don't know) The byproduct of this is the oil may liquify and turn acidic. It has the potential of etching any surface it is in contact with. Before you see it call the owner a few days in advance to make sure it's on the ctr stand and not to move it after that. Take off the filler cap and take a good sniff. If you puke then that's what happened (it will smell like a sewer) - if it still smells more like oil then it might be ok. Look in the sight glass (use a flashlight through the filler cap if req'd) and see if there is any evidence of separation (may/may not be visible). Take a piece of regular printer paper and fold it length-wise (tear in 1/2 if req'd) and use as a dipstick to wick up some oil on it. If it has the look of an oil drain pan left out in the rain then there could be separation or condensation. A certain level of condensation will always occur regardless of climate control unless theres a de-humidifier to lessen the chances. The fork oil will do the same! I bought my 92 in 07 and the fork oil had turned to a black sewer water (I dry-heaved! :bad:). Unscrew a fork cap (watch the spring recoil), if it hasn't been changed since storage I will bet you a paycheck it has done the same.
The owner reports the engine still turns over by pushing it in gear but the battery has long since been dead of course. He says the fuel tank is clean inside and there is no battery acid corrosion in or around the battery compartment. ... Has the bike has been stored with a full tank or is it only partially full? Full tank good - partial tank bad. If it's a partial tank shine a flashlight in and give the bike a shake. If you see brown sludge stir up then there is some rust. To what degeree? :unknown: A quick check for connectors is to remove the seat and pull apart some of them and inspect the male/female ends for oxidation. Remove the gas tank (seat and side covers removed first & disconnect the fuel level sensor). Check out the coils & connections. They are located at the steering head. Best scenario is no/nil oxidation. This may give you an overall answer as to the condition of at least most of the connections. If your good with a multimeter maybe you can check some other things. (Electrical not my strength - much better experts here who could advise on that). If you can bring a battery and some jumpers (if req'd). Don't attempt to start the bike yet. Just turn on the ignition and see if all the switches/lights work. Others here would be better off to advise whether hitting the starter button is a good idea to see if it turns over.
He wants me to make a fair offer which I am trying to figure out now. From what I can determine through searching around, good FJ1100s usually sell in the $2000 to $4000 range (is this right?). The cosmetic condition of this one is near mint and it still has all its original parts so might be worth more than $4000 but it is currently not running and has not run in a long time. .... Yes & No ... A mint running stock FJ of that year may fetch the upper end. In the general market most FJ's (IMO) are undervalued in comparison to other bikes of that vintage. Experienced FJ owners may be willing to pay a bit more if they feel it is good value for money. If he wants a fair price he should allow you to do a full-on autopsy on it. If he hums & haws, then your offer goes down. If he refuses for you to touch it - then the offer goes way down. If you have the experience/talent and are willing to do most of the work yourself then it will be a good project.
Could there be some hidden problems involved with getting it operational again? Aside from new tires and battery and disassembling the entire fuel system for a good careful cleaning are these early FJ's known for having certain problems or issues associated with long term storage and many years of neglect? ... You just answered most of your question with your question... Hidden problems are just that. Steering head/suspension/wheel bearings/bushings that haven't moved in decades may need replacing. This 84 may/will develop a 2nd gear issue with the shift forks if ridden hard. Look in the Files section regarding this. There are other members much more experienced with this who could give you more detailed advice, (not an issue on my 92).
I need your expert opinions so I might be able to figure in advance what I am getting myself into here. I have all the tools and some experience with other vintage Japanese motorcycles but I don't know anything about Yamaha FJ1100's at this point. Oh OK - you have experience and talent! (note to self: read all the way to the end of the post!). Mechanically you will find the FJ probably easier than most I-4's from Nippon (valve shim over buckets makes valve clearance adjustment a cinch :good:). Even for their time they were somewhat of a throwback. While everyone was shedding weight (incl. Yamaha) and going liquid cooling the FJ was built like a tank - hence it's durability and longevity. My 92 has 215,000 km now without opening it up. "Now I'm no expert but..." seriously I'm not, but I've been able to work/learn on this bike with a lot of help from this site and love it. You never know when you come upon these. A carb cleaning - change of all fluids - tires & chain - and you could be on the road. Or a little patience may be in order.
Thanks in advance!
Rusty
That's my 2c worth. If you can get it at a price you can live with then it would be a good find I think. :good2:
Many thanks guys, you are a huge help! Here's a few pictures:
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3WMAAOSw~XpZUJ0P/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gO4AAOSwPK1ZUJ0i/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6XkAAOSwnK9ZUJ04/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zaMAAOSw-89ZUJ1D/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-JEAAOSw3YJZUJ1O/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6rYAAOSwnK9ZUJ1e/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sUYAAOSwwvZZUJ10/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sZMAAOSwOMdZUJ2G/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oW4AAOSwd~RZUJ2p/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/25UAAOSwq~tZUJ4R/s-l1600.jpg)
Purchasing this FJ begs for a serious inspection from a very knowledgeable FJ person. Everything mentioned above is very important. Also IMO, if you intend to use this as a running often ridden motorcycle. I would immediately replace every single rubber item on the motorcycle. Fork seals, intake boots, valve cover gasket, valve cover grommets, brake lines, every external engine cover gasket, intake boot O-rings, Front/rear brake master cylinder internal rebuild, clutch master/slave cylinder rebuilds.
Also keep in mind that many of these parts can and may be discontinued by Yamaha. An example would be the clutch master cylinder. An easy remedy is the use of a FJ1200 clutch master cylinder. The external appearance is the same, but the internals are different. The FJ1200 parts are available, the FJ1100 parts are not.
Fred
The turn signals appear to be fj1200 not the square fj1100 from the factory
Is this the Nevada bike Fred posted about? http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17055.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17055.0)
If so, I see the listing ended @ $10k Did you buy it Rusty?
Pat, it is the Nevada bike Fred posted about but I have not yet purchased it because of the high price. Actually it did not sell, the listing just ended while the seller was cutting the price a little at a time from his original $10.7K. I have wanted a blue chip quality FJ1100 for quite some time now, kept looking and waiting for the right one and then this one comes along... but the price! With that said, and it may be a new FJ1100 record, he does have a current outstanding offer of $8K. The seller has given me a couple of days to think it over and make an offer. I really like vintage Japanese motorcycles and I currently have a red 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750 2-stroke triple, complete original and would really like to park an equally nice FJ1100 in the garage next to it. Can you imagine the difference in the personalities between the two? If I buy it I will be bringing all systems back to working order and my wife will be watching how much money I spend on eBay buying parts to make it better!
Quote from: FJ120086 on July 07, 2017, 12:17:11 PM
The turn signals appear to be fj1200 not the square fj1100 from the factory
Looks like you are right, thank you for mentioning your observation!
Picture of another 84 I looked at:
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zm0AAOSwn-tZN1c0/s-l1600.jpg)
Another nit: the bolts holding the lower fairing on are also not original.
Unless you're looking for a museum piece, save your money and continue looking for a more reasonably priced FJ.
As nice as that '84 is, I'd MUCH rather have my '85 with 60Kmiles and all the suspension and wheel upgrades in place.
There are good deals to be had if you are willing to wait. Right Joe Berk?
DavidR.
If you are looking for a display model, this is it. At this price level I would get a professional opinion if you are unfamiliar with these bikes. You know that odometers can be rolled back, correct? Before investing $8-10k I would insist it be in running condition to thoroughly check out the engine.
If you are looking for a FJ to ride, this is not what you want. As David said above, FJ's start off as reasonably good bikes, but made better with mods.
One of the things that makes FJ's reasonable, is the low buy in cost ($2-4k) allowing you ample $$ for mods.
A $10k FJ is not reasonable for a 33 year old bike that you will want to ride any significant distance, and FJ's are meant to be ridden.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 07, 2017, 03:01:13 PM
Before investing $8-10k I would insist it be in running condition to thoroughly check out the engine.
Here is an '84 for sale that is in the same
running condition as the $10,000.00 FJ that you are looking at. https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/6161958013.html
Invest $2000.00-$3500.00 into this one and you would have an FJ that you would be proud to park next to your H2, and in the end you will have a smile on your face and a fatter wallet to take the wife out for dinner a few times.
Fred
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 07, 2017, 01:44:28 PM
Another nit: the bolts holding the lower fairing on are also not original.
Unless you're looking for a museum piece, save your money and continue looking for a more reasonably priced FJ.
As nice as that '84 is, I'd MUCH rather have my '85 with 60Kmiles and all the suspension and wheel upgrades in place.
There are good deals to be had if you are willing to wait. Right Joe Berk?
DavidR.
Absolutely correct! :good:
I would certainly be looking for a later model, primarily due to the stronger shift forks, a 17" front wheel and the rubber mounted motor of the 3XW. I think the trapezoidal headlight of the 3XW also throws a better beam than the square headlight, but that could be debated.
Joe
Rusty,
Pat, Fred and David have each posted SOUND advice. Whether you buy an FJ for $500 or one for $8000, they will both require upgrades and replacement parts. In my opinion, I would rather buy one very reasonable and then put some money into it. My latest acquisition cost me $700 CAD and then I put in another $1000. I went through the bike from stem to stern and I know what I have...
Dean
THAT ^^^ is what I'm talking about! You scored Dean!
He was asking $10K USD???!!!! :shok: Initially you didn't say the asking price so I just assumed it was in the high range of what you were comparing - like around $4-5K. I'm guessing because it's Vegas he's hoping someone had a windfall to spend. Don't be that guy.
As Pat said for that price it should be in a certified perfect running order. You could always ask if you are willing to spend that much. He might go for it. (They always say they have someone else interested). Or maybe offer him $4K and tell him to call you when he's ready to sell. If you explain some of the reasons outlined here why it's not worth what he thinks, he might see the light. If he's stuck on that price then shake your head in dismay and walk. :bye2:
Like the guys said for the price it could cost just to get this one running safely, you could buy one - spend probably <$2K in upgrades and have a much better bike.
Add another 2c to may tab. :drinks: and good luck in your search.
Rusty,
You've seen some really good advice with the posts to your question but I'll throw in my experience since it's somewhat applicable to what you are contemplating. I bought an 84 that had been sitting in a climate controlled environment for 8 years and in nearly as good condition as the one you are looking at - with two differences: my bike had 25,000 miles when it was parked and the engine was out of the frame and the top end dissembled while sitting in storage. That said, based on my experience, this is what I believe your bike will require: front forks seals will start to leak immediately with use, anything in contact with brake fluid will need to be cleaned, new seals installed, and/or rebuilt or replaced including brake and clutch master cylinders, clutch slave cylinder, and brake calipers. Anything rubber will be suspect including the brake and clutch lines. The worries about engine transmission problems only occur with bikes that were abused and this bike certainly doesn't look like it would have been subject to that kind of treatment. Other things I've had to repair/replace with my bike over the past 11 years have to do with age and use. My only other question about your bike's storage is that the engine was stored for so long in one position. Seems to me that would put a lot of pressure on some of the valve springs that were sitting all these years in a compressed position... but maybe that's not an issue. Oh, and then there is cost. I purchased my bike for $1000.... not $10,000.
Many thanks to you all!! I just didn't know because my experience has mainly come from the big Kawasaki 2-stroke triples and the 750's often do sell in the $10 to $12k range. I didn't think I could afford a good 750 several years ago so I found one in rather average condition for $6500 from another enthusiast. I rode it for a few hundred miles at first and then having been *bitten by the bug again I thought I should try to make it better. So I settled in with my parts list searching and finding sources for NOS parts and as they began showing up, I was hooked... just like being a kid again, opening presents at Christmas.
I know I received the best advice here and my own gut feeling told me nearly the same thing, no more than $4K to $5K for this one because it doesn't run so you just can't know for sure exactly what it is. I will talk with the seller again and see how it goes now that I know more than I did.
Thanks again!!
Rusty
*In the Seventies and my hometown of Clearwater, FL , myself and the guys I hung out with then all rode Japanese motorcycles. Our lives were all about motorcycles and trying to find out who made the best one. We were always visiting the local dealers ogling and discussing the new models when we weren't trying to be cool hanging at the Steak-n-Shake. Another of our regular highlights back then was scanning the latest issue of Cycle Trader for bargains or other otherwise interesting motorcycles. Nearly always there was at least one of us in the process of either buying something new or trying to sell our old one. It was also great fun to swap rides around so we could each experience the differences among makes and models. My first taste of a two-stroke Kawasaki triple was when I swapped rides with one of my close friends, his new 1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach-III for my new 1972 Honda 500-Four. On his the mirrors stopped working as soon as you kick started the engine to life; on mine you couldn't tell the engine had started if you weren't watching the tach. I'll never forget the first time I pulled out on the Kawasaki. A full handfull of throttle had me thinking right away, there's not much in this one... but then it got up on the pipe and the front wheel came up and the thing was flat trying to pull out from under me. I didn't know you could buy something like that! Not long afterwards a group of like minded fellows from another nearby town (the Largo gang) pulled in while we were stopped for a few minutes at a 7-Eleven. One of them was riding a brand new FJ1100 which I had only seen and read about in Cycle magazine and that thing was gorgeous! I can still see the memories of that experience... it has stayed with me all these years and it looked exactly like that red one that is way too expensive right now.
Well all right Rusty! If you can get this bike at the right price, go for it. Trust your instincts.
I can tell you are not the kind of guy that buys a bike, only to look at it, or put it in storage.
If the sale does not happen, so be it, but let's find you a good clean FJ for you to ride to our rallies.
I'll keep an eye out for you, as other guys on this forum will...we are kind of like family here.
I know you will fit in with our group. Any guy who loves those crazy/scary ass H2's is ok with me.
I've been reading this thread with interest. I too am searching for an FJ. I found this forum and have been reading a bunch of posts. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before getting my own fj. One thing I have thought of doing when I find one is see if I can find a member close to look at it with me. In your case you might have an opportunity to have RPM look at the bike for you. Based in the eBay as it looks like it is three hours away from them. After a bunch of my reading RPM would be who I would want to look for if I find one if I find one close to them.
One question,in the bikes for sale section there is more marked sold than for sale. What is the reason those are still listed?
Low mileage barn finds are a mixed blessing in my experience, a trade off between pristine cosmetics and mechanical neglect. They have way too much value added by sellers and way too much importance placed on them by buyers. Great paint, plastics and cosmetics in general are indeed a rare and valuable find but it is offset by the mechanical issues that plague them all and the money that will need to be spent to make it rideable.
As a mechanic I have had many brought to me over the years to refurbish. If you intend to ride it, a low mileage bike that has been used regularly, serviced and well kept will be a much better bike. Any lowish miles FJ will have more life left in it than most owners here are likely to put on it in their lifetime.
However, if you want a conversation piece or can buy it for a reasonable price, go for it. Just be realistic about what you will need to spend on it. For example, a well used bike with 50k on the clock and in average condition would probably need way less spending on it than this barn find to make it 100% rideable.
As Hooli said, he would rather have his 60K bike with mods than an original low mileage barn find. I agree. I have spent $11k on mods on mine, excluding the engine, and wouldn't even be remotely tempted to swap it for one still in the crate (unless it was cheap).
Low mileage, well cared for clean bikes might be uncommon, but they're not that rare and in my experience, they are the best buy.
IMO
Noel
When I was looking for my '84 a couple years back, this guy had listed this bike (for his dad). I was also putting a high priority on cosmetics since the plastic bits can add up quickly if you need to replace. I talked with this guy, made an appointment to go look at it, then had him cancel on me and tell me he decided the bike was underpriced and wanted to know if I'd pay more if it looked good... he was at $8,500 if I remember right.
Flakey story, prick attitude, and a good look at the pictures to indicate his story wasn't complete (non-stock parts... why?) caused me to skip. I found an '84 in pretty exceptional shape, but that was ridden and maintained well. I paid what I'd consider top $$ for an '84 ($4K) and shortly after dumped ~$4K into suspension, brakes, and exhaust since even a brand new '84 needs some updating at this point due to technology's progress.
Tell this guy to get a clue and keep looking... IMHO of course.
Frank
PS - here's what $4K got me...
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8724/16734801327_27b1ba15cf_z.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16755932069_a895cba461_z.jpg)
Well done Frank!
What about the FJ1200? Is it better than the FJ1100 in some ways or no? Seems like you see more FJ1100s.
Quote from: Rusty34 on July 08, 2017, 06:22:53 PM
What about the FJ1200? Is it better than the FJ1100 in some ways or no? Seems like you see more FJ1100s.
There is not a straight forward answer to your question. Each generation of the 1200 (3) had changes. Mostly for the move from pure sport bike to Sport-Touring. The '86/'87 1200's are closest to the 1100. Basically the same bike with fairing mount turn signals and mirrors. The 1989/1990 got a 17" front wheel, A 2" taller and 2" wider main fairing, an upgraded ignition system, and dog bone style rear suspension. The '91-'93 got a whole new frame with rubber motor mounts (eliminates almost all engine vibrations) The main fairing grew even larger and on some '92's and all of the '93's you get Anti-Lock brakes (most of the ABS computers have failed by now and the systems have been deactivated by many owners).
Basically which generation an owner chooses is for various reasons. Paint job, Rubber engine mounts, 17" front wheel, wanting to own the original 1100, etc. etc.
Here is a nice example of a 2nd gen 1200. 1989 model in Charlotte. I personally would not pay more than $2500.00 and would try and get it closer to $2000.00.
https://greensboro.craigslist.org/mcy/6126164140.html
I have had a 1989 1200 for 5 years. It has very recently been stolen. The following 2 photos are from the day I purchased it and about a month before it was stolen.
My purchase price was $1500.00, I should have paid no more than $1000.00. The second photo is what it looked like when it was stolen. Over $10,000.00 have been invested in it. This bike was a daily rider, A regular Rally attendee, An Iron Butt participant and over all better motorcycle than it was when it rolled off the showroom floor. Maybe the question we should be asking you is..... Do you want the pristine, low mileage, high priced 1100 to sit in your garage to look awesome next to your H2 and as a conversation piece, or purchase a running and nice looking FJ to look good in the garage and ride it regularly?
Fred
Thanks Fred!
I'm drawn toward the FJ1100's striking appearance of its first year colors and graphics and the awesome overall design of the package; Yamaha got it right with their first try in 84 and created quite a stir in the motorcycle community at the time. Also, because I remember how awestruck I felt when I saw my first FJ and knew someday I would have to have one.
What I am looking for does not have to be a mint museum piece but I would like the cosmetics to be pretty good because I'm so anal about overall appearance that I will start buying NOS parts till I get it looking like I want which gets expensive in a hurry. I would like the miles to be under 12K if possible and I would like it to be completely original because I'm not sure yet what I will want to upgrade. I'm OK with the lack of refinements and updates of a first year model because my goal is for the ride to be what I would have had if I could go back to 1984.
Quote from: Rusty34 on July 08, 2017, 06:22:53 PM
What about the FJ1200?
I have a friend that bought an '86, put ~$3500 of RPM stuff on including F and R suspension, then took it to the 2015 WCR rally and downed it. He has since worked through all damage (mostly cosmetic), but has real pressure from his wife to let the bike go. He hasn't really actively tried to sell yet, but ran a CL ad once with a few bites at $3,250. I'm sure he'll go lower. High bang for the buck, but might need a little more fine tuning (like carb cleaning at this point).
I'll get the CL ad from him and send to you if interested? He's in San Jose CA.
Frank
PS - I see your statement about wanting your '84 to ride like it would have... I had the same thoughts and stuck to it for some time, tweaking and tuning suspension including the AD crap. I had a few occasions to appreciate how much nicer it is to have your tires in contact with the ground over bad pavement, especially when coming into a corner a bit hot. You may think you want to time travel to '84, but I doubt you'll stay there long... the suspension technology of the day, at least on the FJ, was really crap and the stock brakes are barely adequate for the power and weight of the FJ... IMHO of course.
This might fit the bill http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17083.0;topicseen (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17083.0;topicseen)
https://richmond.craigslist.org/mcy/6194645877.html (https://richmond.craigslist.org/mcy/6194645877.html)
Quote from: Rusty34 on July 09, 2017, 08:55:51 AM
.....I'm OK with the lack of refinements and updates of a first year model because my goal is for the ride to be what I would have had if I could go back to 1984.
Ha! I remember thinking that.... I bought my '84 new and resisted changing anything for years (except brake lines and fork springs)....
Until I started hanging around these guys.
In the mid '90's I got a chance for an all day ride on a '85 with modern upgrades, cartridge emulators, Penske shock, 17" rims and modern radial tires, R-1 brakes, etc, etc... It changed my mind. I was bitten.
So, Beware, it's a slippery slope.
The '84 I have today is a much, much better bike than the day I bought it.
Everything I have done is reversible (except the 1380 engine mods) but I don't think I will ever go back.
You have a good eye Rusty, There is something special about those sleek '84's.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 09, 2017, 11:28:29 AM
You have a good eye Rusty, There is something special about those sleek '84's.
Yeah, it was a good year.
Yamaha worked all the bugs out of the design and went on to produce the perfect '85!
DavidR.
Frank can you PM my the info on your friends bike please, I am looking for an 86. It is currently a little out of my price range but with modifications I might have to find a way. :wacko2: + :wacko1: + :dash1: = :wacko3:
Perhaps not the best advice, but BUY THE BIKE AND LOVE IT!!
If you are anal about little cosmetic problems, you will never find a better bike than this one. Cosmetic it it one of the best I have ever seen. Give it a good service, replace the rubbers and enjoy it. Perhaps it is not the cheapest bike, but it is a unique one because of the low milage and new looks. You can buy a very cheap second FJ1200 (in Holland you can buy a good one voor 600 euro) and mod the hell out of it and use it to drive a lot. And use the FJ1100 as a show/sunday bike. Spend the money (perhaps too much) and enjoy the unique bike
Quote from: bartzld on July 10, 2017, 01:02:44 AM
Perhaps not the best advice, but BUY THE BIKE AND LOVE IT!!
If you are anal about little cosmetic problems, you will never find a better bike than this one. Cosmetic it it one of the best I have ever seen. Give it a good service, replace the rubbers and enjoy it. Perhaps it is not the cheapest bike, but it is a unique one because of the low milage and new looks. You can buy a very cheap second FJ1200 (in Holland you can buy a good one voor 600 euro) and mod the hell out of it and use it to drive a lot. And use the FJ1100 as a show/sunday bike. Spend the money (perhaps too much) and enjoy the unique bike
This gives me something to think about! I might actually need FJ1100s, a stock one and another with all the recommended update mods. Now if I can just get the CEO of Home Federal to see that.
I bought a really low mile RD400 once. It looked perfect because it was never ridden and I bought it with emotion not wisdom. I wanted to ride it and not use it for a display. I had more problems with that bike then any other I owned. Tons of rotten rubber issues and electrical problems. I would rather make a perfect mechanical bike look like new when it is sorted out. Paint is easy to do and makes any bike look like a museum piece at that point. There are nice riding bikes out there for 2K or less if you are patient and look. I found my 87FJ for 2K. I looked for several months and two days after I bought mine, a bike with all the RPM mods was offered for sale at 1500 and looked really nice. These were mass produced and there are still a lot out there if you can take the time to look. I have been tracking bike prices for the mid 80's bikes for a while. There are only a small handful of mid 80's bikes that will command that price and an FJ1100 is not one of them unless it is SN#1.