I just picked up a mint mint mint 88 FJ1200. Only 6160 kms on it. Got it from the original owner, who only put those few km's on it over the first 10 years of its life, then stored it for the next 20. The bike has not been started in 5 years, but I plan on getting it going in a few days, and giving the bike a complete go over this winter....though there is little more to do than swap tires, and clean off 20 years worth of storage grime.
Very nice!
Carbs will need cleaning and tank could be rusted from the inside, that was the case on my FJ bought with 43500 km on clock and looking very good....
TomJK.
Another beauty. Welcome aboard.
Oh my... I thought I had the best luck ever. Nice find. Welcome aboard!
Quotethough there is little more to do than swap tires, and clean off 20 years worth of storage grime.
LOL, boy, are you in for an awakening... :drinks:
Welcome Coolhand, your bike looks to be in great shape. These bikes were awesome 30 years ago, compared to the bikes at that time. Imagine what adding current technology can do to it. Change the tires... Keep the old 16" bias ply rear tire or upgrade to 17" radial. Just fresh oil and seals in them old damper rod forks, or change the damper rod parts for an RPM cartridge valve custom designed for the FJ? The list goes on. We are here to help (enable) you get the most fun out of your FJ.
Welcome, coolhand,
Looks great! Should be a winner. We have lots of tech help here, if you need a hand.
The world went away from 16" tires, since then. There are two choices left that I know, for tires. I run my FJ1100 on Pirelli Sport Demons (bias ply, and great). Avon radials may be an option, maybe a little bit better, but I have not tried them. Remember to change out the old rubber valve stems, too.
RPM here can set you up with braided stainless steel front brake lines, to replace the ancient rubber brake hoses. Depending on your riding style, you may also want an RPM front fork brace. They also have a rear shock that works, if needed. After that much, the list gets long, but maybe not a big deal for anything else right now. :yes:
Will be interested to see an update on how hard it was to get it started.... and what problems that showed, if any. Amazing bike though.
Definitely an amazing find!!! Welcome to the forum. :good:
What a piece of luck, those bodywork panels look absolutely unmarked !!!. Looks like you almost have a piece of "history" there.
It would almost be a shame to modernise it, or even to risk getting any of it damaged !
I suppose I'd update the back wheel (to 17"), change the tyres and the rear shock, get the RPM cartridge fork kit and put on a different set of silencers (or a 4 into 1 exhaust). Then give it a thorough service and carb overhaul and you should have a bike to use for many years to come.
BUT - I'd keep all of the original parts (for "posterity") and I think I'd really be tempted to scour the forums and eBay for another set of body panels and put the originals in storage. In that condition with original paint, they must be almost unobtainable.
Best of luck with your bike, I'm sure you will absolutely love it - and yes, I am well jealous :smile:
Welcome! She is a real nice one!
I'm in Bragg Creek....where are you located?
Jeff