New Member here..
I worked in Parts at a dealer when the FJ1200's were delivered. I was lucky enough to have access to a demo (when I begged). Now I want one! I am VERY interested in finding that perfect FJ12.
Jeff Giannina
Charlotte, N.C.
Quote from: JeffGian on May 26, 2011, 03:41:40 PM
New Member here..
I worked in Parts at a dealer when the FJ1200's were delivered. I was lucky enough to have access to a demo (when I begged). Now I want one! I am VERY interested in finding that perfect FJ12.
Jeff Giannina
Charlotte, N.C.
Welcome to the group!
I know there are still some very nice FJ's out there.
Good luck with your search!
Kookaloo! (may you find yours soon)
Hey Welcome Jeff, no worries, hang out here with us...we will find you a keeper. Cheers! Pat
As long as you are not penny-less then you will find a great FJ to fit you. What year bike did you get to take for that short ride?
Do you still have access to all those parts? You have them hidden away somewhere, don't you? Sure you do! :biggrin:
Hmm... I think the demo I rode was an 86 or 87, the first year the FJ12 was released? What ever year that was? I remember the Sales guy layed it down the next weekend, he was SUPER lucky, it only scratched the clutch plate.
I am not hiding any parts, but some of those part numbers are still in my head (such as XXX-11351-01 being a head gasket).
Speaking about parts, what am I getting into here, how available are the parts? After almost 30 years how much maintence do these bikes require. I am sure buying the bike is the cheap part...
I see one for sale in Florida for $2,400, by Chris, guess I will give him a call. I bet you guys have a list of things I need to ask about, I will check around the forum...
http://smd.craigslist.org/mcy/2399618588.html (http://smd.craigslist.org/mcy/2399618588.html)
89 fj1200 - $2500 (Charles county md)
Date: 2011-05-24, 10:33AM EDT
Reply to: sale-cfune-2399618588@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
1989 fj1200 ,3500 miles good condition ,fast and runs great all original
Location: Charles county md
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Just saw this, I don't know anthing else about it. The low miles just jumped out at me.
I spoke to the person listing that FJ12 with 3,500 miles. The miles are correct, not a typo. He is a home builder and acquired the bike from the original owner as part of a payment. The original owner put 2,900 miles on it, then it sat in his garage covered for 20 years, because he was scared of it. It had rust in the gas tank and a liner was installed. The Carbs were recently cleaned and synced. He recently put 500 miles on it and says it runs great. I like it, but almost sounds too good to be true.
I am in South Carolina and the bike is in Maryland (6 hour drive). What do you guys recommend? I guess i could find a bike shop to take it to and have it inspected before purchasing?
buy it.
Go get it.
Do it now.
Call uHaul in Charles county and arrange a 1 way trailer to bring the bike home.
The '89's were good FJ's. First year for the 17"front wheels, etc... I'm partial to the white and silver '89's but the shiny black '89's are beautiful.
Are you still here? WTF? Get your ass moving.... GO!!!!
Quote from: JeffGian on May 27, 2011, 12:34:53 PM
I like it, but almost sounds too good to be true.
What do you guys recommend?
6 hours one way? I might want some pictures - preferably of the bike, AND him holding a copy of today's USA Today in the same picture.
There was someone on craigslist selling an FJ this winter (or running some scam) with a FJ forum member's bike in the picture.
To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, "I trust everybody, but cut the cards"
If it's true, it's worth the drive.
My opinion.
Wow, that's a pretty rare find if true. I was thinking it was a typo.
I'd sure want to see some pictures before making that drive though.
Here is a link to a picture of the bike: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HWcLTysVVsNi0c9rBmkC7VSVVwZ62fPaQiB9ZyRm3m0?feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HWcLTysVVsNi0c9rBmkC7VSVVwZ62fPaQiB9ZyRm3m0?feat=directlink)
He is sending me more close up pictures tonight... Good idea about taking the pic with a USA Today....Thank you!
Oh, this seems too easy, just started thinking about getting an FJ this week... Dang you guys don't mess around....
Don't bother with a shop. (Like teaching a pig to sing). Make sure the slave cylinder isn't leaking. Is the chin fairing OK? Does it pop out of 2nd gear? How's the bodywork? Paint? Tires, brakes, suspension are all crap anyway. If the frame is straight and it doesn't smoke, it's worth buying!
I dunno, looks like Travis's bike to me. :sarcastic: Buy it! - keeping in mind that it will need some maintenance due to disuse. You'll know when you see it if the miles are for real. A bike with that history should look like it just came out of the box. I'd expect some brake issues with all that sitting, but we'll convince you to swap 'em out anyway. If the tires are original they'll be dangerously shitty, so no roaring test rides. And yes, I'm envious of your prospective purchase of the Shiny Black.
Doug
Can you fly there...? Grab your sac (of riding gear of course) and get on a plane!
Quote from: Flynt on May 27, 2011, 08:57:26 PM
Can you fly there...? Grab your sac (of riding gear of course) and get on a plane!
No NO NO! Never assume someone else's used bike will get you home, especially a 23 year old bike with oem rubber brake lines and hard tires and most especially, riding back solo.
Trailer the bike back and don't ride it until you personally go through the bike, at home, in your workshop at your leisure. Check everything.
Reminds me...One time in band camp......I Picked up a CB500 for a steal and I was riding it home (solo) and the chain came off and jammed the back tire...on the LA freeway in rush hour. That was exciting.
I checked out the bike the best I could before I forked over my $400 but evidently I missed something..:dash2:
Lesson learned. Trailers are cheap. Never trust the PO's work or lack of work. Your life may depend on it.
great advice pat , BTDT.
jump on the deal and trailer it home.
You guys miss the point IMHO... the Epic adventure frequently defines the bike/car/horse/etc. Fly down there and ride it home or there's not a hair on your ass**!
(**this is an old Navy rant that I love... WCR folks may hear it once or twice next week)
Frank
if there was any motorcycle on the road i would trust to get me home it would be the FJ.
if it runs good,clutch works (not leaking) and the tires hold air i would ride it home if i had to.
mine had 3500 miles on it when i got it back in 99 and i rode it home..... the tires seemed to have enough pressure when i kicked them before taking off.... handling was kind of funny so i actually put a gauge on them when i got home..... 5psi front and 8psi rear! the tires were so old they were holding the bike up with no air! LOL
nothing like some new (old) KOokaloo!
I actually rode my '90 home as well... only 1 hour (although I stretched it to 3) and I did have a test ride the week before. I just think you need to dive into certain things.
Seriously, a difficult ride can be a chance to see what you're made of and the subject of many an interesting conversation. Mine led to the realization that the carbs were not working right (really scary low end pulling through some VERY sharp and slow corners for 30+ miles) and the quest that took me to Modesto and RPM (Randy has moved). Something to be said for committing yourself to a project.
Frank
You 2 Franks crack me up......
OH What the hell...Life's an adventure... I hope Jeff is not reading this...I hope he has already left.
You guys are funny!! If The closeup pics look good I will be heading out to see the bike next weekend. I cannot thank you guys enough for the advise (and bantering).
Jeff
Well, it appears this bike with 3,500 miles is a scam, because the guy will not send me pictures with a copy of the paper showing the current date. He agreed to send me the pictures, but has not done so. I am not driving 7.5 hours 1 way, unless feel confident this is a legitimate deal.
Any members in the Maryland Area that can check out this ad and look at the bike (see previous posting in this thread for details)?
Jeff
Well...I FINALLY received some pictures. He is indicating the bike does have some cosmetic issues, such as scratches and cracks. the cracks were repaired (hmm). Going to speak to him again today to ask some more questions. I see some pitting on the brake master cylinders and appears to be similar pitting on the frame. Please check out these pictures and let me know your thoughts:
https://picasaweb.google.com/JeffGian2009/RecentlyUpdated?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyCqdyEgKO2mQE&feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/JeffGian2009/RecentlyUpdated?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyCqdyEgKO2mQE&feat=directlink)
The paint looks excellent, the engine looks good, new rear tire, pretty much stock. $2,500 would be for a bike in excellent condition, I think more like $1,500...
Jeff
Jeff,
I'd be cautious. The amount of paint wear on the top triple near the ignition looks like a lot more than 3800miles worth. The odometer numbers are not lining up very well - this could be nothing, or it could be that its been "reset".
The (lack of) paint on the master cylinder covers and reservoir bodies seems to say many sloppy brake fluid changes.
The rest of the pics are not detailed enough to really tell much about condition.
FJ's continue to look good long after most bikes start looking tatty.
I even got a complement on how nice my 20yr old FJ looks and its got 130,000 kms on it.
Were it me shopping, I'd go over it with a fine tooth comb.
What you have to decide now is; Is the trip to inspect it worthwhile?
Cheers,
Arnie
I decided what the heck, the wife and I are taking a road trip to Check it out. Spend a night in d.c. Have some dinner. I would love if I could call and talk to one of you before then, maybe even call and talk when I am looking at the bike? I am not too experienced at this, it would just be nice to have some reassurance from a expert.
Thanks,
Jeff
personally i think that bike has many more miles than the odo shows.... there are many nicer examples to be had with a bit of patience and searching.
KOokaloo!
If I squint a bit looks like the clearcoat is peeling on the clutch cover and peg brackets. The bar ends also look to have some wear. Non stock grips. Maybe it's 103771?
Worth buying if it were closer to you and much cheaper.
Looks like the engine (fins anyway) has been painted.
I agree with the latest comments, I will hold out for a better FJ. Too many uncertainty's to this one.
Jeff