Fj owners,
I have recently picked up my first fj, there is a lot of work to do to this thing.
My question is, are these bikes worth it.
I'm a big fan of yamaha, but I know nothing about FJs. I'm having a hard time convincing myself it's worth it.
In theory they seam like awesome bikes.
The other Yamahas I own are way easier to work on 81xj550 and 85rz350.
Worth it as in how? Are you trying to put some cash in and get a quick flip? If so absolutely not.
On the other hand if you want a great sporty bike than can keep up with alot of newer bikes, but also tours very well. Then, yes. These bikes make great torque, top end power, can pull almost any gear anywhere and are comfortable to ride for hours on end.
In the end it is what it is worth to "you". I wouldn't spend $30,000 on a VW beetle but there are people out there that would.
Well done Robert! :good2:
Chrisdzu,
"Worth it?" is a question that each owner has to answer inside themselves. To me, the FJ is like owning an XK-E Jaguar; not the easiest to service, and some things can do with an upgrade, but it IS a classic, in its' own right. It turns heads even today - some because they know what it is, and some because they don't.
You can add upgrades to almost everything on the FJ, but mine is fairly stock, and it still turns my key every time. If you have the skills and coinage, you can enjoy doing the work when the weather is bad, and enjoy the results when the weather is good, as well.
I'm a buy high sell low kind of guy, don't do well at flipping
At least the FJ parts are cheaper then RZ parts.
I want to say thanks to the RPM guys. I ordered parts Friday and got them today.
I'm surprised you think the FJ will be harder to work on than your XJ 550.
In principle they are basically the same, across the frame, air cooled, double overhead cam, in line 4 cylinder, 4 carburettor, 4 stroke engines, telescopic forks, alloy wheels, hydraulic disc brakes etc etc. In many ways, with its perimeter frame, top end access, carb access etc, it's easier :good2:
I find mine incredibly easy to work on (and I'm no bike mechanic), and I've also done a lot of upgrades and modifications to it myself (to keep costs down). All I have is a garage, a few tools, a lift table, a Haynes Manual, and a wealth of knowledge from both here and RPM, but as I'm in the UK, I also use our FJ Owners Club for advice and parts.
There's a huge community out there to help us all. :good2:
For my money, a FJ is definitely worth it - every time I've overtaken a GSXR /R1 in the corners it's worth it; every time I've shocked a super car driver on a bike over 30 years old it's worth it; every time someone says "it's how old" it's worth it; and every time I get back from a nice ride it's worth it, especially when my pals on bikes no more than 2 years old get off with more aches and pains than me. :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
If you'll ride it, and join the community, it's definitely worth it..........but if you want a bike to fix up cheap and sell for a profit, then no, it's not worth it !
So far, it seems you might fall for the bike, especially as you're already buying parts from RPM - great first move :good2:
I've found my FJ easy to work on. I've owned a few bikes. I'm just over the border in Illinois.