Hi there all, I am new to the forum as well as to the FJ1200 series of bike. I ride a Yamaha XJ900 all the time, but right at the moment I am looking at a 1986 FJ1200 that is for sale couple of hours from me. It only has 15k+ miles on it and is in running condition. I am just not sure what to look for in this bike to know a good value when I see it. So if you have any suggestions I would like to see them.
Regards,
W. D.
Welcome W.D.
sounds like you found a good one. Only 15K miles :yahoo:
overall they are a rock solid motorcycle, you may want to read this for some pointers to look for
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3151.msg25996#msg25996 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3151.msg25996#msg25996)
Good luck :drinks:
Cool, thanks for the information. I am very comfortable with my XJ900, but I suddenly had an itch and this bike just might be the thing to scratch it with who knows. I am somewhat concerned with this model year though, as I have read this is the first year of production and usually that means that the bugs are still there. Any thoughts on this???
Regards,
W. D.
Quote from: wonderdawg on February 12, 2011, 08:11:28 PM
I am somewhat concerned with this model year though, as I have read this is the first year of production and usually that means that the bugs are still there. Any thoughts on this???
Regards,
W. D.
I'll let the guys that own an 86 speak up about the bugs.
Although it is the first year for the 1200, it still has a lot of similarities to the 85.
So it's not like a complete new bike from the ground up, and we don't expect it to be as good as the originals (1100s)
(popcorn)
Ummmm well... listen for a nice rattle in the middle of the engine... could be either your primary chain or your cam chain.... I had my cam chain and guides done... still a bit rattly... also when you disengage the clutch mine also has a rattle which could be main shaft bearings or I have had it said to me the cush drive in the clutch is worn.. either way I havnt looked into it. So with it running let the clutch in /out to see...check discs if they are original... mine were thinner than I thought.. check for paint and leak marks on the l/h side of the engine above the oil filter housing.... clutch slave seals could be on thier way out, I think randy ( racerrad) is the man to speak to about that if that is the case..apart from that thats all my experience with mine anyway... mine had 98...k's on the clock and its now at 144....k's and thats all I've done to the engine .. I'm down on compression its rattly and I love it. They are the most bullet proof bike I have ever come across ( I'm hoping I dont jinx myself) I havn't had any second gear issues like the 1100's had, occasionally just lazy foot and neutral between 3rd to 4th...mine is all original apart from Krauser racks and a new plastic wind screen. Keep it all oiled and fresh filters it will just keep going and going I reckon. IMHO... O! and I have to replace my gear selector shaft seals still, but I have ordered them... :good2: this is her when i pretended she was a "new" bike... clock ticked over from 99,999.9 to ... welll... 3000 odd :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/546_13_01_10_12_28_39.jpeg)
Hey WD, happy owner of an 86' here, it had less than 30K when I bought it and now has about 60K on her. No major issues with my bike. Just many things to upgrade to make her more modern. For over a year I commuted from SoCal to Sac and or San Jose, depending on where my Ex had the kids at the time. I had the fuel starvation problem from sealing the fuel cap with a tank bag. Remove the flapper valves and watch for neoprene bottoms on tank bags. I rebuilt the clutch slave and master. Changed many batteries. The stock system cooks em' like a hot BBQ, look into upgrading if you are going to commute or engage in long rides. Good rubber will be hard to find, I run the Avon's AV45/46 radials. i like them, others have bad reviews on them. Think of upgrading to 17" front and rear if you like it leaned over in the corners, I have most of the rear pieces for 17". I am currently getting three front tires to one rear, lots of twisty roads near my house. I got the spin-on adapter for the oil filter, oil changes are easier now. Other than that, just wear items like brakes, fork seals, and blinker fluid. Oh, the speedo went bad, I jimmied one from an 85' and all is well now. The clutch slips under hard acceleration so a second clutch spring is in the picture. They are great dependable bikes. Join the 86/87 club, same bike different color scheme.
the 86/7 's also had the new electronic "reserve" feature that never worked properly but is easily defeated.
need to watch for jumping out of second gear also.
KOokaloo!
Frank
the 86 was the best year with the fastest 1/4 mile time.
problems have been listed by others already.
the brakes are shit
the forks are soft
tires are crap
vapor locks all the time
you are gonna love this bike. :yahoo:
P.S. all that other stuff you can fix in a weekend.
Quote from: Mark Olson on February 12, 2011, 11:26:37 PM
the 86 was the best year with the fastest 1/4 mile time.
problems have been listed by others already.
the brakes are shit
the forks are soft
tires are crap
vapor locks all the time
you are gonna love this bike. :yahoo:
P.S. all that other stuff you can fix in a weekend.
I like the 85 then the 86.
By the way what was the 1/4 mile time for the 85 and 86 ?
The 85 is a prety dam good bike it realy has no faults.It can be upgraded to make it better or to suit your style.And its sexy looking Red and White if you want a nice looking bike go Red and White 85 or 86. :hi:
Some good info here-FJ1100-1200 Used Bike Buyer's Guide
Copyright 1997 Motorcycle Consumer News
http://www.mcnews.com/mcnews/articles/fj1100.htm (http://www.mcnews.com/mcnews/articles/fj1100.htm)
It says:
"Desires:
What do FJ owners want? The most popular request was a switch to shaft drive... "
Huh? The only bike I ever owned with shaft was a BMW K75, and that pig would raise up it's rear under hard acceleration. The feeling was really was odd at best and unsettling at worst.
An FJ with shaft drive?: don't think so. Yeah, it's lower maintenance, but it does not seem worth it to me. Curious though, would others actually want shaft?
Dan
" Curious though, would others actually want shaft? "
In a word, Nope....
Eric M
Quote from: Dan Filetti on February 13, 2011, 04:00:09 PM
It says:
"Desires:
What do FJ owners want? The most popular request was a switch to shaft drive... "
Huh? The only bike I ever owned with shaft was a BMW K75, and that pig would raise up it's rear under hard acceleration. The feeling was really was odd at best and unsettling at worst.
An FJ with shaft drive?: don't think so. Yeah, it's lower maintenance, but it does not seem worth it to me. Curious though, would others actually want shaft?
Dan
I had a Honda 700 Night Hawk S (shaft drive), it did not have that problem. I think they solved it or at least compensated for the tail lift under acceleration. A shaft drive option might be nice, along with a single side swing arm for the mechanically declined. I am fine with the chain, if I loose a master link or break a chain, then fixing it is easy (if the case is free from holes). Break a shaft and you are hosed, call the flat bed cuz you are getting towed home. My $.02.
First off if you can find a really good 86/87 at a really good price, snatch it up. They rule, and they never came in purple for gods sake. :diablo:
1. Make sure the petcock doesnt leak.
2. Make sure the carbs don't leak when the motor is off. This is an indication the petcocks rubber internal diaphram(sic) is shot.
How much can a fj petcock set you back? No big deal you say? A fucking fortune if you can find one. And no there is NOT a rebuild kit available for it believe it or not.
3. Second gear.
4. If you like the lower fairing or any fairing make sure they're serviceable or live without em because those also cost a ton.
5. Look for oil leaks at the valve cover. Easy fix but look anyway.
6. Look for paint missing at the clutch cylinder.
Keep in mind IF the carbs leak you're gonna get to know this forum REAL well. I'm just sayin.
Quotelook into upgrading if you are going to commute or engage in long rides
What did you upgrade? Battery or charging system? How?
Take a XS1100 for a spin some day. That thing would really rise up in the rear when you took off from a standing start. Also it pogo'ed when you went up through the gears. And don't get caught out on a decreasing radius corner. When at angle, closing the throttle will just pull the hard parts to the ground.
When Yamaha built the FJ1100, the smartest thing they did was take the shaft off that XS1100 engine and put it in that FJ frame. The motor is, as we all know, breathtaking.
Shaft drive, not a chance in hell will I ever own another shaft driven bike again.
Just my opinion,
CraigO
90FJ1200
The battery is mute, the charging system is what is important. I don't drive much except for short Kookaloo rides in the SoCal . The search function for electrical upgrades/charging/batteries ect... I am still on old 86' age tech with old suspension, 17" coming soon.
Quote from: craigo on February 13, 2011, 09:03:20 PM
Shaft drive, not a chance in hell will I ever own another shaft driven bike again.
Just my opinion,
CraigO
90FJ1200
+1 on that! Mine shaft experience was on a V-45 Sabre. I always wondered why it handled so
EVIL, until I sold it to a friend. That POS would twist the swingarm +/- 15* when it hit a bump heeled over. Plus it had all the benefits of shaft jacking, up & down.
No, I was shafted once, never again! And that includes an FJR (apologies to all the FJR guys out there)
It seems to me that more people use the FJ for touring rather than sport riding. And a shaft is great for going long distance without adjustment and lube checks at every fuel stop. Quiet, too. The little SuperMagna that I've got has a shaft, and it's great. Lovely low maintenance commuter.
For riding in a sporty fashion? Don't be ridiculous. Chains are better in every way. But look at how few, how rarely, as a group, we do that.
I don't know about the FJR but the recent BMW's have eliminated the shaft jacking completely. I ride a an R1200GS (2009) occasionally and there is absolutely nothing while riding it that would hint at it being shaft drive, even when ridden hard, and they're surprisingly fast and torquey. I have also been down the R90s and XS1100 trail and you're right, you can't fang them.
Quote from: andyb on February 14, 2011, 02:52:47 AM
It seems to me that more people use the FJ for touring rather than sport riding. And a shaft is great for going long distance without adjustment and lube checks at every fuel stop. Quiet, too. The little SuperMagna that I've got has a shaft, and it's great. Lovely low maintenance commuter.
For riding in a sporty fashion? Don't be ridiculous. Chains are better in every way. But look at how few, how rarely, as a group, we do that.
well I for one don't get the chance to ride much during the week , so when the weekend comes it is all about sport riding and wringing it out. :gamer:
When they make a shaft drive that robs less power than a chain it might be the way to go but untill then you couldnt get me to buy a bike with shaft drive.
I am buying a EK ZZZ chain either chrome or gold.
welll yeah touring maybe... ATM i have all my tools loaded into my panniers and my toolobox ocky strapped to the rear seat..... but on the weekend im going to set some good times if the local constabulary are busy else where :biggrin:
Quotewell I for one don't get the chance to ride much during the week , so when the weekend comes it is all about sport riding and wringing it out. :gamer:
Amen, I do not tour much anymore. It's all about the weekend ride and pushing it in a safe manner. In other words, don't over drive the brakes. I know that I am slower than I was as a kid. Green bones know no fear and all. Use to be that I was equal to my old 1981 GS1100. Now, the FJ is better than I am.
In the vernacular of the FJ, Kookaloo
CraigO
90FJ1200
Quote from: andyb on February 14, 2011, 02:52:47 AM
For riding in a sporty fashion? Don't be ridiculous. Chains are better in every way. But look at how few, how rarely, as a group, we do that.
I think this statement rates a poll!!! On account its wrong!!! :yahoo:
Well, what I'd consider sporty riding means you wouldn't add hard luggage (weight) to a bike, yet it's one of the more common things people want to do to an FJ. A really sporty rider would probably prefer something much, much lighter in the first place, whereas a person more interested in racking up big distances would prefer more comfort. It's just a question of where the compromises are made.
A VFR750 is a sport-touring bike, but so is a ST1100, yet look how different they are. Just a different set of design compromises.
The other part to maybe consider is what we mean by sport riding. I consider it to be riding at a 50-70% pace on the street, myself, and it really doesn't matter what I'm riding when I do it. I mean, it's better if you've got something that isn't going to immediately ground out the frame/pegs/pipe/etc, but once you've gotten to a reasonable amount of clearance and comfort, there isn't anything to be gained by going to a full racebike instead of something more tuned for touring. Just so long as you're having fun and are mostly comfortable with the pace you're running, that's good enough.
Actually, one of my friends says that it's vastly more fun to sport ride on something like an old standard, because you feel like you're using all of the performance, riding the bike to the limit rather than having the bike giggle at you for not pushing harder. He might be right, I really don't mind riding a fairly heavy machine at a comfortable pace, though I could undoubtedly be a whole lot faster on something lighter and more nimble... but going fast isn't the point of sport-riding, having fun is, and I'm having plenty of fun when I do it!
Quote from: andyb on February 17, 2011, 07:52:18 AM
Well, what I'd consider sporty riding means you wouldn't add hard luggage (weight) to a bike.
In theory you are right.... but in practice the hard luggage on the FJ does not relegate it to touring only status.
it really depends on the rider.
Plenty of evidence that sport bike riders come to a FJ rally and wreck their "pure" sportbikes trying to keep up with our "tourers" in the twisty bits. :lol:
trust me when i tell you my 1349 engine does not care one bit how much luggage i have on the bike and when the lights turn green there is no better feeling than leaving a new sportbike in my luggage laden dust.
in the end it's street riding and at "sane" speeds the extra weight of unladen luggage is irrelevent. If laden then that leans you can tour to an area where the great riding is, setup camp then ride!
It's almost impossible to do that comfortably on a true sportbike IMO.
KOokaloo! (with luggage) :good2:
Quote from: Ratchet_72 on February 13, 2011, 07:51:42 PM
First off if you can find a really good 86/87 at a really good price, snatch it up. They rule, and they never came in purple for gods sake. :diablo:
1. Make sure the petcock doesnt leak.
2. Make sure the carbs don't leak when the motor is off. This is an indication the petcocks rubber internal diaphram(sic) is shot.
How much can a fj petcock set you back? No big deal you say? A fucking fortune if you can find one. And no there is NOT a rebuild kit available for it believe it or not.
3. Second gear.
4. If you like the lower fairing or any fairing make sure they're serviceable or live without em because those also cost a ton.
5. Look for oil leaks at the valve cover. Easy fix but look anyway.
6. Look for paint missing at the clutch cylinder.
Keep in mind IF the carbs leak you're gonna get to know this forum REAL well. I'm just sayin.
Jason hits the issues bang on -- just a few additional comments I had a 86 and love it but at 80k my second gear issue finally went arai - it locked up and fell over -- the next day I went out and bought my 90.
1. Had the petcock leak -86 have a funny system for the reserve -- I have a theory ( it simulates you running out of gas by turning the vacuum off - hitting the reserve switch turns the vacuum to the mechanism back on).. but to make all this short I have one I bought but later found out all I needed to do was to replace the small " O - ring " that can be found once you take it apart. Be sure to be carefull with the gaskets as they are not available.
2. I also had the carbs done the diaphrams in the carbs had worn -- keep in mind this is the first real work at 80k. The job cost about 700 bucks including - the kits with diaphrams were 100 bones each x4 -- so most of the cost right there.
3. This is the big one for me -- I am told later in the 86 year the problem was fixed but do more research. My issue didn't start until about 50-60k but when it did it slowly got worst - popped out at first at high RPM -- then lower RPM then I avoided all together.
4. The wings on the lower fairing are week -- if you have yours get some JB weld and reinforce now before it breaks it doesn't have to look pretty as you don't see it --I used popsicle sticks and JB worked great. -- I think the bike doesn't look right without it.
5.6. --no issues for me
The paint scheme is the best in 86 ( my opinion) although I love the red wheels of the 87. I have a set of those as well -- I had big plans for the 86 until she went.
I would definitely buy it if you can .. it is a great bike. PS you can get rubber for the 16in - radials too -AVON like they said -- you just don't have the biggest selection anymore. I used to run Metzler all the time ME99 --ME55 -- ME33 for the fronts etc they worked great too.
steve
Quote from: wonderdawg on February 12, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
Hi there all, I am new to the forum as well as to the FJ1200 series of bike. I ride a Yamaha XJ900 all the time, but right at the moment I am looking at a 1986 FJ1200 that is for sale couple of hours from me. It only has 15k+ miles on it and is in running condition. I am just not sure what to look for in this bike to know a good value when I see it. So if you have any suggestions I would like to see them.
Regards,
W. D.
I forgot to mention two other little things -- the fuel lines going to the tank are wrapped in a certain way that is very important -- get it right when putting the tank back on. Due to the curves it makes and the last kink before the petcock they can crack right at the petcock especially the OEM type -- if you have a fuel leak I suggest you replace the lines to eliminate them as a possibility.
There is a fix for the vapor lock -- search this sight. Before I knew of it I just put a little slit in the gasket and it worked well too -- you decide.
Steve
Quote from: racerman_27410 on February 17, 2011, 09:24:13 AM
In theory you are right.... but in practice the hard luggage on the FJ does not relegate it to touring only status.
it really depends on the rider.
No, not at all, I agree. A really good rider on a goldwing would likely decimate the rest of us no matter what we were on. But there's a good reason that you don't see racers using luggage on their racing machines. It doesn't make it impossible to have fun and ride well, but it does make it less sporty feeling, with the additional weight to throw around. It's a little like carrying a passenger, it's still fun, but you're going to feel that you could be going quicker, more easily, if it/they weren't there, that's all. Same with a shaft drive. Some mods, like luggage, make things a bit less sporty, and some make it more so, like a different suspension or motor work.
All I'm really saying is that the more sport-oriented a bike is, the more sporting it feels to ride, really. It's less work to keep up the pace you want and it's more comfortable when you're going that pace. It's a compromise though, as the more sporting it is, the less good it's going to be for riding the slab a few hours to get to that magical road, and it'll have less practicality in terms of luggage space and such. A Miata feels more sporting on a twisty road than a minivan does, but I would certainly prefer to sleep in the van, etc.
QuotePlenty of evidence that sport bike riders come to a FJ rally and wreck their "pure" sportbikes trying to keep up with our "tourers" in the twisty bits.
They're running well past their 50-70% comfort limit then, yes? Maybe I'm alone in thinking it, but I'm more comfortable on a sportbike than I am on a standard at 60mph in a given corner. On the sportbike I might feel like that's 60% of my ability, but on the standard I might feel like I'm at 95% of my (and the bike's) ability.
Safety wire that fucking petcock! (stifle yourself Klavdy) http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3265.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3265.0)
Yeppers...Steve is right on...
Quote from: moparman70 on February 17, 2011, 11:23:04 AM
I forgot to mention two other little things -- the fuel lines going to the tank are wrapped in a certain way that is very important -- get it right when putting the tank back on. Due to the curves it makes and the last kink before the petcock they can crack right at the petcock especially the OEM type -- if you have a fuel leak I suggest you replace the lines to eliminate them as a possibility.
My three hepco becker hard bags (and supporting racks) fully loaded with all my camping gear only weigh 80 lbs combined. ....that would be a very small passenger!
most times i dont use the top case and with the sidecases mostly empty there is no mentionable handling difference between the FJ with luggage and without luggage..... i can say at least three of my sportbike riding buddies were happy as hell i always carry my flat tire repair kit in my side bag.
on a racetrack where every tenth counts the less weight the better but on the street being able to ride somewhere and have some fun without having to schedule a visit to the chiropractor afterwards is true versatility!
KOokaloo!
Quote from: andyb on February 17, 2011, 11:39:49 AM
The more sport-oriented a bike is, the more sporting it feels to ride, really. It's less work to keep up the pace you want and it's more comfortable when you're going that pace. It's a compromise though, as the more sporting it is, the less good it's going to be for riding the slab a few hours to get to that magical road, and it'll have less practicality in terms of luggage space and such. A Miata feels more sporting on a twisty road than a minivan does, but I would certainly prefer to sleep in the van, etc.
I currently ride a GSX-R750 which I feel comfortable saying is more sporting than the FJ. The interesting thing about this bike is that to have fun, you really need to be traveling at a higher rate of speed than other bikes.
Last fall I was up riding in the Adirondacks with some buds. I had lent my Ninjette 250 to a buddy who flew in from ID to make the ride. That area of the country has an awful lot of large radius sweepers, (and very few technical tight stuff), -so 'fun' on the Gixxer was 100mph+. On those same roads, all that was required for 'fun' on the Ninjette was considerably slower, maybe 70 mph. Switching back and forth between the two bikes, this really was a stark truism.
Quote from: andyb on February 17, 2011, 11:39:49 AM
They're running well past their 50-70% comfort limit then, yes? Maybe I'm alone in thinking it, but I'm more comfortable on a sportbike than I am on a standard at 60mph in a given corner. On the sportbike I might feel like that's 60% of my ability, but on the standard I might feel like I'm at 95% of my (and the bike's) ability.
I just don't see rider ability as much of a factor. In my case, it's fairly easy to tease out the difference between the bike's and the rider's abilities. The same rider switching back and forth between my two bikes, on the same day, roads, weather, mood... essentially eliminates rider ability as a variable. So, as above, depending on the corner and speed, one bike was more 'fun' than another. Or more precisely, there are, it seems, minimum speeds to attain that 'fun' for a given bike.
So, 'fun' in this context, speaks to the awareness of approaching the
bike's limitations. The visceral thrill of
feeling the raw physics of the situation you're in. The
feel of the flex of the chassis; the
feel of the applied g-forces driving down and away through your wrists, spine, seat and foot pegs. As you pilot a more sporting machine, you take for granted machine abilities that you can not on a 'lesser' bike. In doing so, you are required to notch it up to
feel that thrill. For a myriad of reasons, this effectively narrows the 'fun window' on the sportier bike. So the compromises you make riding a sportier bike extend beyond rider comfort and ergonomics...
And yet, and yet, there is really nothing quite like the feel of grabbing a fistful of throttle, while leaned over steep, just as the bike strafes the apex, and driving hard, out to that white line as the bike stands back up, motor howling. It is at these moments that I realize that the Ninjette, while fun in many circumstances, will never approach the thrill of what that Gixxer can do, in that more narrow 'fun zone'.
Dan