Hello, I'm the proud new owner of an 86' FJ1200. I've owned a bunch of different bikes over the years but I've always thought the FJ was a beautiful bike. Thumbing through the local classifieds, I saw this bike and I decided I had to have it. Iota's a bone stock 86', 14k original miles. Just a couple tiny cosmetic flaws. Iota's been garage kept for iota's entirety and not driven much. Looking forward to being a member of this group while I get it ready for spring. Iota's snowing and -1 this morning so I got time!
Cheers,
Todd
Stupid autocorrect! "Iota"? What the heck? Sorry.
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 09:17:41 AMHello, I'm the proud new owner of an 86' FJ1200. I've owned a bunch of different bikes over the years but I've always thought the FJ was a beautiful bike. Thumbing through the local classifieds, I saw this bike and I decided I had to have it. Iota's a bone stock 86', 14k original miles. Just a couple tiny cosmetic flaws. Iota's been garage kept for iota's entirety and not driven much. Looking forward to being a member of this group while I get it ready for spring. Iota's snowing and -1 this morning so I got time!
Cheers,
Todd
Todd,
Welcome to the sandbox! Pull up a seat, relax, and be among friends.
We will have lots of advice, especially for long-neglected bikes. Check the Date Codes on the tires, replace the hydraulic fluids (clutch and brake) with fresh, and very important, check that the fuel petcock outlet elbow has been safety-wired into place. We have links here for almost any issue you may find. :yes:
Here is one (click and scroll down).
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11 (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11)
Thank you for the welcome. That sounds like sage advice for sure. Is there a preferred tire for general purpose use? I do plan on using it for touring. Here in Colorado, it doesn't rain much.
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 11:57:54 AMThank you for the welcome. That sounds like sage advice for sure. Is there a preferred tire for general purpose use? I do plan on using it for touring. Here in Colorado, it doesn't rain much.
Toddr,
If you have the stock 16 inch rims, your tire choices lately are really limited. I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, and they are fine by me. It's a popular mod here to switch to 17 inch rims. Even just the front wheel being a 17 inch rim will give you more tire choices, if you like to run both tires from the same manufacturer, & same model. You can find a lot of posts about the 17 inch wheel mods. If I wanted to get a 17 inch front wheel, I would replace the entire front end (fork tree, forks, brakes, wheel and all) from a newer Yamaha. You can often find a complete front end like that on eBay, for less money than you might spend for one new part. The 16 inch rear wheel is not so much of a limit on tires, so you may or may not want a 17 inch rear wheel.
Like I said, though, the Pirellis are all I really need. Happy hunting . . .
P.S. Speedbleeders.com can make the hydraulics much easier to bleed. They have a nifty fluid-catch bag that helps a lot, too.
Quote from: red on February 03, 2022, 12:27:13 PM
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 11:57:54 AMThank you for the welcome. That sounds like sage advice for sure. Is there a preferred tire for general purpose use? I do plan on using it for touring. Here in Colorado, it doesn't rain much.
Toddr,
If you have the stock 16 inch rims, your tire choices lately are really limited. I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, and they are fine by me. It's a popular mod here to switch to 17 inch rims. Even just the front wheel being a 17 inch rim will give you more tire choices, if you like to run both tires from the same manufacturer, & same model. You can find a lot of posts about the 17 inch wheel mods. If I wanted to get a 17 inch front wheel, I would replace the entire front end (fork tree, forks, brakes, wheel and all) from a newer Yamaha. You can often find a complete front end like that on eBay, for less money than you might spend for one new part. The 16 inch rear wheel is not so much of a limit on tires, so you may or may not want a 17 inch rear wheel.
Like I said, though, the Pirellis are all I really need. Happy hunting . . .
P.S. Speedbleeders.com can make the hydraulics much easier to bleed. They have a nifty fluid-catch bag that helps a lot, too.
Thanks again Red!
Welcome Todd, you have a beauty for sure. Kudos!
I agree with you that the Lines on the FJ are beautiful.
Cheers.
Pat
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 09:17:41 AM
Hello, I'm the proud new owner of an 86' FJ1200. I've owned a bunch of different bikes over the years but I've always thought the FJ was a beautiful bike. Thumbing through the local classifieds, I saw this bike and I decided I had to have it. Iota's a bone stock 86', 14k original miles. Just a couple tiny cosmetic flaws. Iota's been garage kept for iota's entirety and not driven much. Looking forward to being a member of this group while I get it ready for spring. Iota's snowing and -1 this morning so I got time!
Cheers,
Todd
Isn't that 87 colors?
Quote from: giantkiller on February 03, 2022, 01:56:30 PM
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 09:17:41 AM
Hello, I'm the proud new owner of an 86' FJ1200. I've owned a bunch of different bikes over the years but I've always thought the FJ was a beautiful bike. Thumbing through the local classifieds, I saw this bike and I decided I had to have it. Iota's a bone stock 86', 14k original miles. Just a couple tiny cosmetic flaws. Iota's been garage kept for iota's entirety and not driven much. Looking forward to being a member of this group while I get it ready for spring. Iota's snowing and -1 this morning so I got time!
Cheers,
Todd
Isn't that 87 colors?
Yes.
Welcome Todd, that is a clean looking 87' you have. The 86/87 are the same bike but the colors are switched. The Red wheels are black on the 86'. Looking forward to seeing you at a rally once you have confidence in the road worthy status. My first FJ is an 86', I love them ambulance colors. Makes the bike look faster than the newer FJs.
You're right, I totally fat fingered it. It is an 87.
Welcome to the forum :hi:
We are kind of neighbors. I am in South Central Kansas. I usually get over to Colorado for a week of riding once a year. I ride with a few guys that are retired, unfortunately, I am not. This year we have our ride dates set for the 11th-14th of July. Home base for the trip will be in Cortez. You are more than welcome to join us. Anyone else that would be interested is invited..... an unofficial Southwest Colorado FJ Rally could be had.
Fred
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 03, 2022, 11:57:54 AM
Thank you for the welcome. That sounds like sage advice for sure. Is there a preferred tire for general purpose use? I do plan on using it for touring. Here in Colorado, it doesn't rain much.
I have 17" wheels front and rear on all 3 of my FJ's. I don't have personal experience with any of the current 16" tire combos. I know of 5 brands that offer a matched set. There may be more.
Pirelli Sport Demons
Metzeler Lasertec
Continental TKV11/TKV12
Bridgestone Battlax BT46
Avon Roadrider
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on February 03, 2022, 09:27:28 PM
Welcome to the forum :hi:
We are kind of neighbors. I am in South Central Kansas. I usually get over to Colorado for a week of riding once a year. I ride with a few guys that are retired, unfortunately, I am not. This year we have our ride dates set for the 11th-14th of July. Home base for the trip will be in Cortez. You are more than welcome to join us. Anyone else that would be interested is invited..... an unofficial Southwest Colorado FJ Rally could be had.
Fred
Good Morning Fred,
That would be fantastic! Please keep me in the loop. I'll be working on getting it ready.
Welcome Todd, from a fellow Colorado resident (I'm in Denver area)
During the warmer months I fancy a ride down the foothills for a "Rudy's Run" to get some BBQ.
There's a few FJ-Owners sprinkled around Colorado, that you might get to meet one day.
Heck yeah. Rudy's is pretty darn good. Not much of a ride for me (10 minutes) but I'd meet you guys anytime. Let me know!
Welcome! Not too far from Franktown! Beautiful bike! I really prefer the red over white vs the white over red (that combo never seemed right to me). Amazing how many pristine examples are starting to show up. Really makes me want to do a resto-modded FJ...I've always had a hard time spelling "stock" when it comes to motorcycles....
I really need to just get the street bike back on the road again ... but after the race bike!
There's quite a few FJ's in the area - we should shoot for a group Pikes Peak ride (at the end of summer) :drinks:
I'm in!
Quote from: fj1289 on February 04, 2022, 08:43:10 PM
There's quite a few FJ's in the area - we should shoot for a group Pikes Peak ride (at the end of summer) :drinks:
I'm in for that. I have a 3 day weekend every other week. I can ride out to Colorado Springs on a Friday, ride on Saturday and spend some time with a few fellow FJ owners. Then ride home on Sunday. I have nothing planned for late August or early September.
Fred
Quote from: fj1289 on February 04, 2022, 08:43:10 PM
we should shoot for a group Pikes Peak ride (at the end of summer) :drinks:
I'm down for that as well!
We can check out the brand-new "Summit House"
Alan - what's the latest in the summer you think we could have some reliable weather for Pikes Peak? I need to put a public deadline over my head to get the street bike running again!
Quote from: fj1289 on February 05, 2022, 01:23:20 PM
Alan - what's the latest in the summer you think we could have some reliable weather for Pikes Peak? I need to put a public deadline over my head to get the street bike running again!
I would say: most years, probably mid-September.
I've been up there late October on a warm fall day............Although it could snow up there at any time, even mid-summer.
The weekends that I can do this are.....
August 19-21
September 2-4
September 16-18
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on February 05, 2022, 02:27:39 PM
The weekends that I can do this are.....
August 19-21
September 2-4
September 16-18
Fred
I vote for the Aug 19-21 weekend
I can be pretty flexible assuming I don't run into any major issues getting the bike freshened up. It's in really nice original condition but it hasn't been ridden in a while so I hope I don't unearth any issues. While I'm at it, do you guys have any suggestions for a good tech in the area to have it looked at? The previous owner says everything is good other than a slight rough idle and that the front brakes may need to be bled. I'd rather find a good independent tech with knowledge of these bikes.
Cheers,
Todd
Alan (Firehawk) would be my choice. He did a top notch job on an '84, he absolutely knows his stuff.
If Alan is up for it - definitely! If not, then MAYBE Moto Works in Denver. I've gone by and talked to them previously, but haven't gotten work done there personally - they seem versed in older bikes. Another idea would be to go by Woodys Wheel Works in Denver and get their advice - they've been part of the Colorado motorcycle scene forever.
Also consider doing the work yourself. Randy and Robert at RPM (the banner at the top of the page) are awesome and if you need something you don't see on the website just shoot them an email. They are a Yamaha parts dealer and import conexes full of Yamaha goodies (quarterly?). They have even been able to get Yamaha to un-discontinue a few items for the FJ. Also LOTS of advice and help available here - both online and in-person if you get in a bit deep. The FJ is not complex and people around here have just about seen, done, and fixed it all. Plus ... you build skills for when moditis hits!! :sarcastic:
Excellent advice, thank you guys. And "Un-discontinued" is my new favorite word!
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 05, 2022, 06:03:06 PMIt's in really nice original condition but it hasn't been ridden in a while so I hope I don't unearth any issues.
Cheers,
Todd
Todd,
Seafoam in the gas tank is magic, although it is not instant magic. Add the correct amount (per label directions) to the gas, and run the bike normally. You will probably fix that rough idle before the container is empty. Your carbs will soon look very new inside, maybe beyond what may be expected. When it comes to carbs, I would say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Any time you open a can of worms, you will probably need a bigger can to put them all away. :biggrin:
Great point! Thank you.
Quote from: red on February 05, 2022, 09:40:32 PM
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 05, 2022, 06:03:06 PMIt's in really nice original condition but it hasn't been ridden in a while so I hope I don't unearth any issues.
Cheers,
Todd
Todd,
Seafoam in the gas tank is magic, although it is not instant magic. Add the correct amount (per label directions) to the gas, and run the bike normally. You will probably fix that rough idle before the container is empty. Your carbs will soon look very new inside, maybe beyond what may be expected. When it comes to carbs, I would say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Any time you open a can of worms, you will probably need a bigger can to put them all away. :biggrin:
I've found amzoil quickshot. Works much better than seafoam. I just used it on a 2 stroke snowblower that sat for 8years. Was told gas tank was full when put away. Was empty when I got it just 2stroke oil left. Wouldn't fire even when on the electric starter. Put in about double the recommended dose. Cranked it over a few times. Left it sit till I got home from work. The next night. It fired right up. Did same with a weed whacker. I've never really noticed seafoam working. Just assumed it was working.
Anyway nice bike. Welcome. To the insanity :wacko3:
I have a sister who lives in Golden. I'll have to go visit her. Whenever you guys decide on a run.
Quote from: fj1289 on February 05, 2022, 05:43:54 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on February 05, 2022, 02:27:39 PM
The weekends that I can do this are.....
August 19-21
September 2-4
September 16-18
Fred
I vote for the Aug 19-21 weekend
I vote for August 19-21 also.
Pikes Peak Run, Just For Fun event has been created.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=20265.msg207400#new (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=20265.msg207400#new)
Fred
Quote from: Toddr44 on February 05, 2022, 06:03:06 PM
I can be pretty flexible assuming I don't run into any major issues getting the bike freshened up. It's in really nice original condition but it hasn't been ridden in a while so I hope I don't unearth any issues. While I'm at it, do you guys have any suggestions for a good tech in the area to have it looked at? The previous owner says everything is good other than a slight rough idle and that the front brakes may need to be bled. I'd rather find a good independent tech with knowledge of these bikes.
Cheers,
Todd
hi Todd, beautiful bike!
im over in Westcliffe, not too far from you
i would be happy to pull those carbs for you- you could just get some new pilot and main jets so you don have to worry about cleaning them-even go a size or 2 smaller on the mains to compensate for the altitude
you would have to get the bike to my little garage though
hope to catch a ride or few with you this summer either way, i just put new rubber on today! :good2: (i did the 17" conversion so i cant offer you anything for the stock wheels)
Cheers!
Eric
Eric - are you the same "gixxerfixer" on suzukihayabusa.org? Welcome! :drinks:
Yeah, come on Eric, introduce yourself :sarcastic: :good2:
Quote from: fj1289 on February 20, 2022, 08:18:35 AM
Eric - are you the same "gixxerfixer" on suzukihayabusa.org? Welcome! :drinks:
nope , some mechanically challenged folks i used to ride with started calling me that when i took care of some issues on their bikes for them
thanks for the welcome though, although not new here
Quote from: Millietant on February 20, 2022, 09:47:57 AM
Yeah, come on Eric, introduce yourself :sarcastic: :good2:
thank you , but i need to apologize for being accidentally misleading;
i moved , same state ,CO, last year and been remodeling the little cabin we moved into since
i lost my log in info during this time and just started a new account- not really too much info or input offered under my previous username "yaman" so it really was no loss to me
i have been inactive for quite sometime, i suppose i could "reintroduce" myself heh
thank you for the kind invite either way Millietant :good2:
Quote from: gixxerfixxer on February 20, 2022, 09:59:55 AM
Quote from: fj1289 on February 20, 2022, 08:18:35 AM
Eric - are you the same "gixxerfixer" on suzukihayabusa.org? Welcome! :drinks:
nope , some mechanically challenged folks i used to ride with started calling me that when i took care of some issues on their bikes for them
thanks for the welcome though, although not new here
Then welcome "again"!
Quote from: gixxerfixxer on February 20, 2022, 10:06:46 AM
Quote from: Millietant on February 20, 2022, 09:47:57 AM
Yeah, come on Eric, introduce yourself :sarcastic: :good2:
thank you , but i need to apologize for being accidentally misleading;
i moved , same state ,CO, last year and been remodeling the little cabin we moved into since
i lost my log in info during this time and just started a new account- not really too much info or input offered under my previous username "yaman" so it really was no loss to me
i have been inactive for quite sometime, i suppose i could "reintroduce" myself heh
thank you for the kind invite either way Millietant :good2:
I've been to Colorado a couple of times on holiday trips in a motorhome (and had a short stay in Denver, which I liked) - what a great place to be :good2:
You should be well set for riding buddies on here, I'm sure there are at least a couple of members who will be happy to meet up with you, whether it's for a ride out, or just meeting up for fixing stuff and coffee.
Keep us to speed on how things are going with the bike - and remember, we LOVE photographs :sarcastic:
A Pike's Peak run Aug. 19-21 sounds good to me & my wife Kris. We will see if we can swing out there to meet everyone. Does anyone have any recommendations for a campground nearby? I just hope her 390 Duke is up to climbing that hill. I know it can do a shorter 25% grade we found going up to The Lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park in North GA. We lived North of Denver and in Boulder from 1992-1995 and have driven up Pikes Peak in a car.
George & Kris D
gdfj12
Quote from: gdfj12 on February 21, 2022, 01:45:23 PM
A Pike's Peak run Aug. 19-21 sounds good to me & my wife Kris. We will see if we can swing out there to meet everyone. Does anyone have any recommendations for a campground nearby? I just hope her 390 Duke is up to climbing that hill. I know it can do a shorter 25% grade we found going up to The Lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park in North GA. We lived North of Denver and in Boulder from 1992-1995 and have driven up Pikes Peak in a car.
George & Kris D
gdfj12
You might be a bit disappointed - it's paved all the way to the top now
I generally prefer paved roads when riding my FJ. There have been incidents on gravel roads and harrowing 'adventures' up and down rutted storm ravaged gravel 2-tracks that make me cautious of riding on gravel roads. :shok: :dance:
George D