Hi, FJowners!
I'm Carlos [spelled "car-loosh"], new here, and I'm from the outskirts of Porto, sunny Portugal, south-western Europe; but currently living in Dublin/Ireland.
I recently acquired a Yamaha FJ 1100 (36Y-under the first 2 000 units produced) from May.1984 so I'm very new to it, despite been riding bikes since 1999.
As soon as I got my license I entered the world of motorcycles with a scooter: Suzuki AY W50 Katana R - the only bike I bought new to this day - fabulous until I outgrew it.
Then I upgraded into a Suzuki GN 125, nice frugal utilitarian bike but riddled with gremlins; so I got tired of it.
Afterwards I upgraded into a Suzuki GS 500 E, another frugal utilitarian bike which I quickly outgrew once more.
Then I upgraded once again to a Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion S, nice bike with a bit more touring aspect, but seemed to lack personality, like when you're eating some nice food but someone forgot the salt.
Finally I upgraded to a BMW K100 RT and this was the very best bike I ever had in my life so far: phenomenal and glorious in every aspect, despite its age.
Then I met my first girlfriend (now wife) and my riding days came to an end by self-choice: I simply couldn't afford both a bike and a car; so since on rainy days I couldn't take my girl out on dates I decided to upgrade to a Mercedes-Benz 200D (W124) - fabulous car, the best car I had in my life so far.
Then I sold it to my father-in-law; and later bought a Renault Clio 1.9 D Societé because the wife preferred a smaller car to get around - very economical and robust car.
Afterwards, we both outgrew the Clio (2-seater) so upgraded into a Renault 19 Scala 1.9dT - still robust but riddled with gremlins.
Then the final upgrade was for a Mercedes-Benz 190 D 2.0 (W201) - very tight car in the inside and riddled with gremlins once more; so we sold it.
Then the hiatus came, with no cars or bikes (other than borrowed/rented) when both me + wife emigrated to sunny (not) Dublin, Ireland; where we still live and work.
But during my "car phase" + hiatus I always rented motorcycles - on vacation in different countries (Portugal, Spain, Greece...), so not to loose my riding abilities... but the little bike bug grew and grew.
Until I decided I wanted to go back to my "motorcycle phase" i.e. to have a bike in Portugal to ride it (me + wife) whenever we're there... I looked for BMW Ks but the good ones (RT/LT) are extremely expensive and rare in Portugal, so I decided I'll buy one later and settled with the next best thing (by pure chance, actually): a 1984 Yamaha FJ 1100 (36Y)!
I only rode it a few meters around my inlaws Condo in Portugal so far; but the first impressions are good, despite some obvious things to fix.
The next "to do" in the list (since I hadn't got the time when I bought it) is to take it to a local mechanic to do a full review and change oils/filters; as well as to fix a leak (if not too expensive/time-consuming).
I do hope this bike isn't riddled with gremlins (I know, I know, it's from 1984... you should expect them); as I want a bike to tour during our vacation time in Portugal (will only ride it in Spring/Summer) - but if it is, I'll have no choice to get rid of it and buy another one (hope not).
I'm here to learn and to get good tips; and whatever humble advice I can give I will do so as well.
Thanks & regards,
Carlos.
Congratulations Carlos you bought the best year of FJ. I have two 84 FJ's that were manufactured in April of 84. When running right your FJ would smoke your old BMW. I do spend a lot of time wrenching (maybe you guys would call it spannering) on my bikes but they are simple and pleasant to work on. Over all they have been dependable and never left me stranded any where although I do carry a good tool kit and bits and pieces to make on the road repairs. I don't think there is a problem you could have that somebody on this site won't have experienced expert advice on. Good luck getting it roadworthy. I hope your riding soon.
hi, Mr. T
thanks for the welcoming - I hope to learn a lot from all of you experienced guys, as I'm a FJ-newbie
I don't like speeding on bikes - I prefer smooth, relaxed riding, hence why I love touring bikes
I too would like to learn how to fix and maintain my bikes but I have neither the knowledge, time, garage... and I'm not even in the same country than my bike :-) So maybe one day when I'm older I can do that, who knows; but for now I have to settle paying someone to do it for me
I got tired of renting bikes and wanted something I owned, to ride in Portugal with my wife
I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a bike because it will be stored 10-11 months out of 12; as I don't know anyone who could ride/maintain it while I'm not there in Portugal... that's why I didn't buy a BMW RT/LT, Pan European or Goldwing - maybe I can buy one of those when I'm back for good in Portugal
So the idea would be a cheap, straight-forward easy to fix, comfortable bike that could tour easily with 2 people for medium-long trips on Spring/Summer in Portugal and bordering cities of Spain
in Portugal you also have to pay road tax depending on the bike engine size and year; but all bikes before 1991 are exempt of this tax, so since the bike will be stored 10-11 months out of 12 I wanted a pre-1991 bike (if this FJ 1100 was 19991 or after I could be paying $70.82 a year, which would be a waste of money actually)
I also wanted a 4 cylinder bike because 1 or 2 cyclinders aren't smooth enough for me; and also with enough power so not to keep "dragging" and pushing the engine too much; as well as low maintenance
I knew the existence of FJs because I had 1 or 2 friends of friends that used to have one (I was part of a local motorcycle club back in the day); and from looking into it I can see in paper it's a smooth and dependable bike - it can also go fast, but as per above that's not what I'm looking in a bike - I prefer smooth, relaxed riding... typically I'll be riding mainly in back/coastal roads and the occasional highway - but cruising between 56 to 75 mph only - that's how I cruise on cars too - easy riding, not pressed for time, not a hurry to get anywhere, relax, relax, relax :-)
the other advantage is, because the bike is considered a "classic" I could do a "classic insurance" to it: which with the mandatory 3rd'party insurance and road-side assistance (tow truck) I got the good price of only $49 a year
so paying $49 a year, with no road tax expense (and no mandatory yearly inspection too), and the yearly maintenance I keep my expenses down at the bare minimum (except if there's major repairs/parts needed)
I expect doing anywhere from 1 200 to 2 400 miles per year on the bike, weather permitting... other than that the bike will be stored
this FJ has 18 641 miles on the odometer... but it's more than likely fake (I know the "works")... even the serial number could be fake too :-)
I can see some mild restoration had been done by someone... and as far as I can see it's all original... but again, it's most likely a mash up of parts of different FJ 1100/1200 put together
so let's see when I'm down there in Portugal what the mechanic will say about the bike and what it needs, starting from the extremely urgent to the "would be nice to have" things
what I don't want (nor can afford) is for the bike to be a money pit... because by experience that can absolutely ruiin you mentally not to mention your wallet - so I'd rather loose money and selling it dirt cheap than to invest a couple of grand to make it roadworthy
but let's see what the future holds
thanks again for the welcoming!
Hi Carlos,
Welcome to the Forum and the Group. There is a lot of advice and help here if you get stuck with problems, but the reliability and durability of the FJ is legendary, with many owners racking up comfortably over 200,000 kms without any major problems (mine has only done 130,000 kms).
I do know someone who has a house and spends a lot of time in Portugal, who also happens to be a keen FJ owner/rider and fan - I've sent you a message (you should see a notification by the PM button at the top of the screen) with details - and maybe he can offer some help.
Good luck with your bike and your riding.
hi, Dean
thanks also for the welcoming + tip!
regards
For storing the FJ for 10-11 months at a time will be a little bit of a challenge.
Ensure you drain the fuel from the carburetor float bowls when done with the riding season. Also remove the battery and keep it on a trickle charger.
I do not know what to suggest for the fuel tank. Maybe drain the fuel and coat the inside of the tank with two-stroke motorcycle oil? Then rinse out the oil with fuel and pour it out when ready to begin riding again. Add fresh fuel and ready to go? Maybe other people have suggestions to get the bike running again easily when it is time.
Those three things are what usually cause issues when not riding for a while.
Good luck and WELCOME!
Welcome Carlos! It is cool that your only vehicle is an FJ. When I was 15 my only vehicle was a GN400, but I've collected a few more over the years.
hi, fj1289 + Waiex191
thanks both for your welcoming + tips as well
I know one could view buying a motorcycle to only ride in average 1 month out of 12 a waste of money; but I really wanted to have something i could call my own and got tired of renting bikes (and being extra careful not to damage them) - it's kind of a calculated risk, hence the reason why I kept my expenses down
the FJ 1100 will be a so-called "vacation bike"... let's see how long that will last without too many gremlins :-)
here's 2 pictures of the "archaeology finding" :-) ... as far as I can see it looks all "stock", but it's probably a mash-up of different FJ 1100/1200 parts put together :-)
(https://i.postimg.cc/52Hrf6Z4/2619275446-classica-yamaha-fj-1100-de-1984.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fLWjTPJc/2679430528-classica-yamaha-fj-1100-de-1984.jpg)
regards
Nope Carlos, from those photo's it doesn't particularly look like a mash up of 1100 and 1200 parts, at least certainly not in the bodywork and the running gear looks 1100 too. :good2:
Here's a link to an original Yamaha brochure photo.
https://images.app.goo.gl/hbnyxMSuYib1XmNF9
Welcome Carlos.
That's a great looking bike. If she runs as well as she looks you've got a winner. Most of us have "moditus" and change many facets of the bike to suit our taste but I'd be reluctant to alter that beauty. :good2:
hi, Dean + Motofun
thanks for your kind words
don't let the pictures fool you - there might be things "underneath" that are in need of an urgent fix/replacement (especially that leak) - that checkup hasn't been done yet
for me the most important thing is that the bike runs, and runs well without (too many) gremlins
I don't know if this FJ 1100 is 100% original or not - my past experience and local market knowledge tells me to be wary - but thanks anyway for your pre-analysis - you're the experts, not me
I personally don't like making modifications on either motorcycles or cars - I prefer to keep them "stock" and 100% original - not only because they look better that way but also not to "spoil" the looks of them - but I respect who think/does otherwise
having said that I don't intend to keep a museum and have the bike behind a plexiglas and charge an entrance fee :-) - I want to take it out on the road with my wife and tour in a relaxed cruising way
you guys got me scared with that petcock thing... I obviously don't want to become a fireball on the highway (it it does catches fire I'd rather prefer sitting back watching the bonfire safely at a distance) - I'll see if I can find a good local mechanic that can have a look for me and make that homemade fix to it (you guys never thought suing Yamaha on that?)
i have a lot of dumb questions regarding the FJ, which I'll try placing in the apropriate sections in this forum; and I also have a lot of stories to share from 21 years riding bikes :-)
please also let me know if I can somehow help out anyone with my humble experience
regards
Carlos, had a great time in Portugal 16 years ago.
Even made it to a bike rally.
Remember the Sandyman port.
Andy
hi, Andy
wow... you really went a long way to Mirandela in the north-east! Award well deserved - congrats!
that's the Region of Trás-os-Montes ("Behind-the-Hills"), famous for the traditional smoked and stuffed meats and sausages; and excellent wine - I hope they've spoiled you with nothing but the best over there
2004 was also the year we hosted the European Football Championship; to which we made it to the Final, but unfortunately lost with Greece
back then I was with my local motorcycle club; and had the previlege of riding the BMW K100 RT; but never took her to Trás-os-Montes
we have so many beautiful roads in Portugal, which you can choose depending on your taste: some almost empty highways where you can pretend you're on the Autobahn and give full gas; mountain twisties with good tar where you can have fun with friends; scenic back and coastal roads where you can relax cruising watching the sea/river; dirt, mountain and forest roads where you can take your dirt bike/Trail/overlander; participate in motorcycle clubs' gatherings, yearly meetings and events; participate in "off-the-record" nightly meets with speed junkies in empty Industrial Areas "a la Fast & Furious"; bikes-and-coffee on Sunday mornings; etc.; while at the same time enjoying the fine Mediterranean Portuguese cuisine and wines and beaches - I would recommend Portugal to everybody, actually!
(https://i.postimg.cc/0NMjJbpt/N222-Cover.jpg)
regards
Welcome and congratulations with a fantastic looking FJ1100 .There is no 1200 parts i can see 100% FJ 1100 classic original sample ! That is how a real FJ should look like .Don't be
tempted to ruin it looks by modifying it ( except replasing the brakelines with steelbraided ) that you can do with another not so good looking bike .
hi, Old Rider
thanks for your welcoming!
don't worry - regardless if this FJ 1100 is 'legit' or not I don't like modding either bikes or cars; so it will remain as it is in the looks department
now, if the bike needs parts replaced and I'm not able to source original OEM ones (either because there aren't any or they're a King's ramson) then I'll have to ask the mechanic to put some generic ones - after all, this isn't an investment bike - I came to it by pure chance actually - this is a bike intended to make kilometers on the road, where it belongs
last year on a 2-week vacation period only driving around and touring Portugal + a little bordering Spain I totalled ~ 1 900 kms/1 180 mi on my Father-in-Law's 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.0D; so if can now start doing half of that by 190 (I do sometimes have to take the Inlaws...) + half by FJ 1100 I'll be happy ;-)
regards
Here's a picture of my 1985 FJ1100 with 60,000 miles on it.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/3438_14_07_20_5_03_45.jpeg)
How many "upgrades" can you spot? Do they detract from the bike's look?
The modifications that you can see in this picture make the FJ an infinitely better performing bike over the stock components.
The mods you cannot see make it even better still.
Lets let Carlos answer first on this.
hi, FJ_Hooligan
for my "FJ-newbie" eyes your FJ 1100 looks very "clean"/"stock"/original :-)
your "modding" is my kind of style to be honest - the only thing I personally perhaps wouldn't do would be the painted wheels (red) and brake (rotors?) (blue) as they both don't look "stock"/"period" enough - other than that it's fantastic - congratulations! I wish my FJ 1100 will be like yours when it "grows up" :-)
I also see you have the facilities (garage) and most likely enough know-how to upgrade your bike to better performant parts; which I unfortunately don't have (neither); also, my funds aren't exactly unlimited
regards
Start small and do what you can afford.
What you can see, starting from the front:
17 inch Michelin Pilot Power tire on a 1989 FJ 17 inch front wheel
!989 FJ brake rotors, painted black instead of the stock gold color
1989 FJ fork sliders (powdercoated)
No anti-dive valves (more of a deletion but still an improvement mod)
Yamaha monoblock brake calipers
Russell stainless steel brake lines
Triumph fork protectors
RPM oil cooler
Rentec engine bars
Stainless steel allen-head engine bolts
Corbin Gunfighter and Lady seat
17 inch Michelin Road 5 tire on a YZF 600 rear wheel
Hyperlites. Flashing LED brake lights
What you can't see, again starting from the front:
RPM fork valves
Straight rate fork springs
Headlight relay mod
Dyna ignition, coils and plug wires
Wiseco 1188cc piston kit
Falicon slotted cam sprockets (to degree the cams)
Kibblewhite stainless steel valves
RPM ND solid state voltage regulator
DynoJet carb kit
UNI stock replacement air filter
Power distribution panel
Ground block
Penske Sport Shock
Petcock safety wired (check yours NOW)
Alternator "red" connector replaced (check yours NOW)
As for the powdercoated wheels. I don't care for preserving a "period look" as I think the FJ has a timeless beauty that rivals any "modern" bike.
You appear to have found a gem of an FJ. Good luck with it and don't hesitate to ask these guys for help.
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 15, 2020, 12:26:13 PM
.....I think the FJ has a timeless beauty that rivals any "modern" bike.....
Very true!
Beautiful 1100 Carlos, you will enjoy this bike.
I finally got a nice 1100 from a mate here in Australia, has had all the bodywork painted, although I have to paint the frame/engine/swingarm/wheels etc. Will be keeping this one original apart from putting on the braided lines that came with the bike. Actually you reminded me I have not put up any details of this bike on the forum yet, will have to do that. :good2:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 15, 2020, 01:10:29 PM
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 15, 2020, 12:26:13 PM
.....I think the FJ has a timeless beauty that rivals any "modern" bike.....
Very true!
I don't care for the looks of the modern bikes. And though I like my '89, I like the look of the old red and white FJ1100s better. I tend to like to keep my bikes (and cars) stock, but I can see the appeal of upgrading an old 1100 with '89 an front end. And I love the new blue spots I've got.
All you guys putting on USD forks and bigger wheels, that's cool and all but for myself I don't see the need. Especially here in Illinois where we don't have corners.
hi, X-Ray
thanks
yours looks pretty cool too - they're probably in better shape "down there" because of the dry weather
in Portugal - in my coastal area, however it's very humid and the the air has the "sea salt in it", sort to speak - so rust is a public enemy here
Waiex191: I agree with you, although I would define a clear line between "show-off"/all-out modding and "hidden"/mechanical modding - I of course, respect everyone and beauty is subjective, as we all know
for example, taking the original decals and paint off a Ducati 900 SS and applying the decals and paint of a Ducati Panigale V4 R
or putting a BMW R1200GS headlight into a BMW R80 GS Paris Dakar
or taking a vintage bike and transforming it into a so-called "cafe racer"
that doesn't fit into my personal taste, but each to their own
regards
Quote from: Waiex191 on July 15, 2020, 10:35:20 PM
Especially here in Illinois where we don't have corners.
You're not looking hard enough. Come downstate a couple miles - I'm just south of Princeton. Plenty of curves if you know where to look.
Of course, the road surfaces suck, but you can't have everything (at least, not around here...)
rossi
Quote from: rlucas on July 16, 2020, 07:57:21 AM
Quote from: Waiex191 on July 15, 2020, 10:35:20 PM
Especially here in Illinois where we don't have corners.
You're not looking hard enough. Come downstate a couple miles - I'm just south of Princeton. Plenty of curves if you know where to look.
Of course, the road surfaces suck, but you can't have everything (at least, not around here...)
rossi
Interesting! I grew up in Connecticut where the roads were designed by livestock, and then paved over later. When a road is designated north, south, east, or west it is just an indication of the general direction over a hundred miles or so - even the highways.
I've been spending around 3-4 months of each year in Connecticut and must admit that I think the roads around there are generally superb.......as long as they're not wet !!!!
Lots of twisty bits and hills and valleys :good2:
Quote from: vertigobike on July 16, 2020, 04:48:55 AM
hi, X-Ray
thanks
yours looks pretty cool too - they're probably in better shape "down there" because of the dry weather
in Portugal - in my coastal area, however it's very humid and the the air has the "sea salt in it", sort to speak - so rust is a public enemy here
Waiex191: I agree with you, although I would define a clear line between "show-off"/all-out modding and "hidden"/mechanical modding - I of course, respect everyone and beauty is subjective, as we all know
for example, taking the original decals and paint off a Ducati 900 SS and applying the decals and paint of a Ducati Panigale V4 R
or putting a BMW R1200GS headlight into a BMW R80 GS Paris Dakar
or taking a vintage bike and transforming it into a so-called "cafe racer"
that doesn't fit into my personal taste, but each to their own
regards
I agree in general Carlos.........It pleases me no end that mostr people don't even notice that it's been modified.....if they think it looks like it came from the factory that way, then I'm happy.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_10_08_19_2_20_29.jpeg)
Millietant: here, here :-)
your FJ 1200 looks amazing btw
in Portugal there's at least 2 private institutions (https://fiva.org/en/ (https://fiva.org/en/) members) that are Government-sanctioned to certify historical/classical cars and motorcycles
you contact them, pay their fee ($69) and they'll schedule a full inspection to your classical car or motorcycle, certifying its originality and state of conservation - the perks being a proper Certificate and an certification plate (valid between 4 and 10 years, depending on the age of the vehicle), as well as being exempt from Government yearly inspections (bikes are exempt anyway) and being able to drive/ride in city center areas which are "hands-off" for cars/bikes over a certain age (anti-pollution laws)
I think on such certification inspections, depending on the strictness of the technicians, they could easily "flunk" your bike if it clearly has parts that shouldn't belong (those guys aren't regular Joes but rather true Connoisseurs)
I don't intend to do that certification because I don't see any real benefits for me, so I'm good to upgrade "hidden" mechanical parts with non-OEM if it needs to be :-)
regards
Thanks Carlos - she's not perfect (the photo makes her look better than she is), with a few signs of 30 years and 80,000 miles (130,000 kms) of use......but I do love her :good2:
We have annual Govt Safety tests and inspections every year here for bikes once they are over 3 years old. They're mandatory, we can't choose not to have them. Every tester has noted the changes I've made to the bike and every one of them has commented on the improvement over standard (especially the brakes) - and as required by our laws, I've notified and had approval for all of my modifications from my insurance company before they issued cover. There's no sense in taking unnecessary risks :sarcastic:
Millietant: when it's the law, it's the law :-)
I remember back in the day when I was part of a local motorcycle club - when we went out on group rides some guys would put a Portuguese flag on the back, to cover some numbers of the license plate; others would bend the license plate in half (upwards) to completely cover the numbers; while one "Mr. Gadget" had a power system made with a windshield wiper motor on the license plate to which at a push of a button on the handlebar the license plate would go up (and then down if the cops were in the proximity)
all of that to be able to speed on the highway beyond the speed limit (75 mph)... some 161+ mph; and also not to pay the highway toll (we have special gateless corridors on tolls so you don't have to stop, but you need to have an electronic transponder that's connected to your debit card, so everytime you make a pass it automatically deducts the toll fee on your card; nevertheless you need to reduce your speed to 37 mph, while they passed the corridor at 124+ mph...)
I was never like that nor liked to be an "outlaw"... I was always one of the last guys in the group ride, always abidding by the speed limits and cruising in a relaxed way; always paid my tolls and my license plate was fully visible
our Government has been threatning to introduce mandatory yearly inspections for motorcycles since 2016, but so far it hasn't made into law yet, as the test centers (the same ones that cars go) aren't yet prepared for bikes... but I think sooner or later they will make it mandatory for bikes, not for the safety but for the extra income €€€€
so right now for bikes you only need:
- your driver's license
- bike registration
- mandatory 3rd-party insurance
- road tax (bikes pre-1991 are exempt)
regards
Judging by some of the bikes my friend (who runs a test centre) gets in, and then has to repair before they can pass the test, there's a very good case for annual safety checks here.
I also see it at almost any bike hangout.....a few machines that are death-traps which have been taken to a "friendly" tester. :Facepalm:
He'll still be their friend when they die !!!!