Hi guys, just wondered what you think is the better bike 3CV or 3XW? I love my 3XW to bits but ive never owned a 3CV, im on my 3rd 3XW and wouldn't dream of parting with it :biggrin:
Quote from: peteh on November 25, 2012, 05:38:14 AM
Hi guys, just wondered what you think is the better bike 3CV or 3XW? I love my 3XW to bits but ive never owned a 3CV, im on my 3rd 3XW and wouldn't dream of parting with it :biggrin:
You may as well have just gone and asked the oil question!
I like my 3XW, being the evolved model it has many improvements over the earlier bikes, I won't bother listing them, but it's quite a list, and I prefer the styling.
However, the one feature that does it for me is the rubber mounted motor, which is about the only thing that can't be upgraded on the earlier bikes. I would not trade that smoothness for anything.
A few guys here have both.
It appears that everyone here loves whatever model they own, and I don't believe I have ever heard one person say, in hindsight, they would have sought out a different model from the one they own and I've never heard of anyone "upgrading"
Just don't believe anyone telling you the earlier bikes are faster.
As semi-classic cars and bikes age a particular year or model often comes to the fore as "the one to have"
With the FJ's I have seen none of that and all models enjoy the same popularity and desireability
I do believe that secretly, they all wish they had 3XW's, if only for that lovely Aqua stripe.
Noel
Why 'either', collect them all!
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7930.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7930.0)
Quote from: ribbert on November 25, 2012, 06:39:43 AM
I do believe that secretly, they all wish they had 3XW's, if only for that lovely Aqua pink stripe.
Noel
Fixed that for you! :drinks: :yahoo:
I dont think either is "better" they are both great bikes . I own a 3CV only because it`s the one that I found on offer at the time . Any of them would have done . I wanted an FJ , I got an FJ , the model REALLy doesnt matter (unless you are very very anal, which i`m not) . The really early ones have a gravity fed fuel system , I prefer the fuel pump , only because it`s easier to start after a tinkering , other than that who cares ?
Why are you on Number 3 ? You keep breaking them or selling them ? I`m keeping mine period and will NEVER sell it !
If you like and are happy with it, that is all that maters. Everybody has different reasons for the year FJ they like or own.
Kurt
the 3CV is a girls bike the 3XW is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
Quote from: FJSpringy on November 25, 2012, 02:45:06 PM
the 3CV is a girls bike the 3XW is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
fixed :drinks:
the 3XW is a girls bike the 3VC is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
[/quote]
I have had an 85 FJ1100 and currently own a 3CV. When the 1200's came out, I lusted after one due to the larger intake scoops, fairing mounted mirrors and over all different look of the fairing. I do like the idea of rubber engine mounts on the 3CW's, but i don't know about the pink stripe. I do like the stealth coloring of the White and Silver on the 3CV. I would say that I would be happy with any of the 3 generations of the 1200.
Fred
Quote from: Dads_FJ on November 25, 2012, 03:30:41 PM
Quote from: FJSpringy on November 25, 2012, 02:45:06 PM
the 3CV is a girls bike the 3XW is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
fixed :drinks:
the 3XW is a girls bike the 3VC is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
fixed your attempted fix and re-fixed :good2:
the 3CV is a girls bike the 3XW is a mans bike, goodness knows what FJR's are for :drinks:
BTW i really like my 92 3xw, a very manly motorcycle :rofl:
Haha... One of my favorite topics... ;)
If I had to pick, I'd take the 3CV in a heartbeat. No question for me. I respect Noel's opinions, and certainly to each their own--we all love the bike we have and have the bike we have for a reason--but that "lovely" stripe and styling is a matter of taste that varies across generations and individuals. As for vibration, the FJ11, which I still really want, and think I'd prefer, supposedly had a lot less vibration than the 2nd and 3rd gen FJ's, and with vibranators and good grips, I imagine it'd be just about unnoticeable. Personally, even on the my last trip with the 1TX, which was one of the models known to vibrate so much it damaged its own fairing bits if care isn't taken, I didn't mind the vibration. I did get a tiny bit of numbness in my thumb and pointer finger on my right hand (same as my old XJ650, actually, oddly enough) once or twice on longer rides without gloves, but using the throttle rocker that came with my bike completely alleviated that issue for me. Further, the numbness stops bothering you if you just ignore it and drive on after a while, as I found with my old XJ. Gloves also help. My bike also has 70k miles, and no fairing damage from vibration as far as I can tell, making me think that that issue is related to state of tune...
All that to say, what is a deal breaker to Noel is a non-issue for me. Everyone has their own priorities. I value lightness, and like the styling of the older bikes, and like the idea of an aluminum swingarm, and the vibration is an almost-non-issue for me. Noel prefers smoothness, the more modern styling, and weight is a non issue for him.
Still, I love the 1TX I have, and can't imagine letting it go. I think I might just start a collection of ambulances, one of each of the two first generations. Only advantage for the 3CV over the previous two generations for me would be easier-to-upgrade front end, and the loss of the ridiculous electronic reserve petcock that only the 1TX had; weight increase is a disadvantage for me with the 3CV. Also, while the black/gold and the white/gray 3CV's are good looking, the Red/White really is the best styling in my eyes. The 3XW doesn't really have anything I want, and has a few things I don't--and while a few people here have made the 3XW look damn good, in general, I find the last generation's stock look the least attractive.
So you're really going to have to make a pro/con list for yourself, because this is truly a to-each-their-own issue! :P
As for what a man's bike is... I think we really all know that the XJR 1300 is the real man's bike. Everything else is just for fun. ;)
:flag_of_truce:
Edit: On second thought, the most manly FJ ever is probably Doc's FJ11. That has to be one of the finest carbureted bikes in existence... Now that's a bike I'd be interested in collecting.
+1 Kyle, all well said.
Fred
Peteh, you have to take these replies in their context, these poor guys wake every morning and head out to look at their 1tx's or 3cv's and and they just feel sad and the jealousy of us 3XW owners must consume them. You and I just hop on and ride these guys have to hitch up their petticoats and pinks dresses before even getting on the bike.
All I can say is that jealousy is a terrible thing and we must strive to support our less fortunate brothers ( I was going to say sisters but this paragraph is all about manly support )
We are all FJ riders and must stick together or at least wait at the coffee shop for the 3cv's to turn up :good2:
3CVs all the way, so long as the correct mods are in place.
CraigO
Quote from: FJSpringy on November 25, 2012, 07:12:48 PM
Peteh, you have to take these replies in their context, these poor guys wake every morning and head out to look at their 1tx's or 3cv's and and they just feel sad and the jealousy of us 3XW owners must consume them. You and I just hop on and ride these guys have to hitch up their petticoats and pinks dresses before even getting on the bike.
All I can say is that jealousy is a terrible thing and we must strive to support our less fortunate brothers ( I was going to say sisters but this paragraph is all about manly support )
We are all FJ riders and must stick together or at least wait at the coffee shop for the 3cv's to turn up :good2:
Good to see someone not constrained by political correctness and the balls to tell the truth.
Noel
Well said Kyle, they are all good bikes and the differences and preferences largely personal.
I have the fairing off my second bike and a recent ride of only 20k's or so at highway speed was enough to remind me of my youth and the 100's of 1000's of K's done without a wind protection.
I could not ride all day on a naked bike anymore.
Assuming you like to ride long distances I have never understood the whole naked bike thing. It's like going back to drum brakes and kick starts, a backward step. Retro might be cool with some things but the widespread use of some form of wind deflection is a wonderful thing on modern bikes.
That alone makes the XJR1300 undesirable to me as I like to ride long distances.
It may however suit a younger "man" with wrestlers arms and a bull neck that can hold himself against the wind all day long at speed.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on November 25, 2012, 07:40:01 PM
Well said Kyle, they are all good bikes and the differences and preferences largely personal.
I have the fairing off my second bike and a recent ride of only 20k's or so at highway speed was enough to remind me of my youth and the 100's of 1000's of K's done without a wind protection.
I could not ride all day on a naked bike anymore.
Assuming you like to ride long distances I have never understood the whole naked bike thing. It's like going back to drum brakes and kick starts, a backward step. Retro might be cool with some things but the widespread use of some form of wind deflection is a wonderful thing on modern bikes.
That alone makes the XJR1300 undesirable to me as I like to ride long distances.
It may however suit a younger "man" with wrestlers arms and a bull neck that can hold himself against the wind all day long at speed.
Noel
yeah I have to agree I just ordered a high flip screen for my FJ . Wind deflection is a must for me . I`m very happy with my Fj and not looking to replace it .
I've never ridden with a windscreen, and never would have thought to desire one if people hadn't made comments about it. I can definitely imagine that it makes the bike a lot more comfortable, but I don't find the lack of it uncomfortable... I must just be strong and young, maybe I'll get it when I'm older. But for me it's like trikes--I'm sure it makes cruising comfortable, but I feel like it would detract from the experience for me.
Springy over there sounds like he's projecting his own jealousy onto those around him. You see the emotional trauma a conversation like this can bring onto these insecure 3XW owners, who try and make up for the fact that their bike handles like a fat woman in a mud wrestling ring with unsubstantiated trash talk. :rofl:
As for who is waiting for who at the coffee shop, I direct any with questions to the hard numbers on horsepower, quarter mile times, and weight... There's a reason Doc picked an FJ11 for his FJracer, and I don't recall any other stock FJ model showing a 10.54 like Jay Gleason got on the '84....
Correction, Gleason turned 10.43. Just went back and checked the article. Fastest stock bike time ever recorded when it was recorded, by the way...
Quote from: fintip on November 25, 2012, 10:20:09 PM
Springy over there sounds like he's projecting his own jealousy onto those around him. You see the emotional trauma a conversation like this can bring onto these insecure 3XW owners, who try and make up for the fact that their bike handles like a fat woman in a mud wrestling ring with unsubstantiated trash talk. :rofl:
thats if one owns a stock FJ, which one doesn't :yahoo: and what is wrong with fat women mud wrestling :good2:
Haha, both points valid, if that's your thing... :lol:
But with a username like FJspringy, I have my doubts as to the handling on your FJ, lol.
Quote from: fintip on November 26, 2012, 02:26:05 AM
Haha, both points valid, if that's your thing... :lol:
But with a username like FJspringy, I have my doubts as to the handling on your FJ, lol.
one wonders why you object to my custom Wilbers/Technoflex shock with remote pre-load and remote rebound and compression damping, specifically setup for my T/Ace conversion (popcorn)
While out riding my 3XW a while back, I stopped for a piss in a quiet paddock, making sure no one was around.
Even before I had finished, all these bikes pulled up to look at the FJ.
Would it have happened on a 3CV? I doubt it.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8130584663_0e41924245_c.jpg)
Apparently they had been trying to catch me for miles.
There was only ever a bees dick in the weight / performance thing anyway and the by the time the bikes are as old and as fiddled around with as our FJ's it is pretty much irrelevant.
You could fill a page with the variables that effect performance and the weight issue could be evened out by the 3XW rider taking a dump just before the ride.
Who redlines their motor on every gear change at WOT whenever they ride anyway.
Most of these bikes are no longer standard and the ones that are would be the slowest and worst handling.
Pick a favourite for sure but I don't think you can realistically include speed and weight any more in the equation.
Noel
First i should clarify my side of the fence as it were. I have a 93 3xw. i didnt know too much about the model variants before i bought it, i was guided by a trusted colleague of its good pedigree. It was a good bike, with very good mileage at a very good price. I have since then learnt of its legend worthy status. I havnt riden any of the other model years so am in no way qualified to make any comparison.
But here goes my 10p worth (wont convert to other currencies as exchange rate may change by the time i have finished this reply!)
I have over the last few month pulled this bike about a bit and stuck my head into BABS's (as she is known-the B is for Bullshit, the ABS im sure you can work it out) dark and sacred places. i have noticed that these later bikes are a real hotch potch of different model years printed on the various parts. The motor is a 3XW, but there are panels, components all sorts with 3YA, 3CW, 3TX and loads of other variants on them. I will check the sticker when i get home but the frame is not a 3xw maybe 3CV. My point is that by the time we got to the late model bikes we are using the components from all the model years. The best bits from each model you could argue, or you could argue the left over bits from the back of the factory!
So it will be like debating which of your kids is the best and therefore you love the most. (the one that isnt moaning at the time i would say)
There are elements of all the model runs in there.
This could mean my bike has been totaled and rebuilt from loads of other model years, but given that it has a solid paperwork history only one owner who never took it out, it leads me to think it is far more likly that the later bikes used the best of all the fore runners and it is just a part of the natural progression and evolution of a model run.
The only safe conclusion we can draw is that: :blum1: Ner Nicky Ner Ner
My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike,My bikes better than you bike, My bikes better than you bike!
Quote from: ribbert on November 26, 2012, 03:54:52 AM
While out riding my 3XW a while back, I stopped for a piss in a quiet paddock, making sure no one was around.
Even before I had finished, all these bikes pulled up to look at the FJ.
Would it have happened on a 3CV? I doubt it.
Nope... they wouldn't have been close enough to catch up. :biggrin:
Parts that have the model prefix of previous versions simply indicate that the part didn't change from generation to generation. Not uncommon in the manufacturing business. The later models will show more model numbers for the parts that did not change.
No need to change something that works well. If you look closely, the suffix number will typically change to indicate a minor alteration like paint color.
This makes it easier for us to swap parts over the years, like seats, fenders, side covers and many other bits.
Also, Noel is correct. The weight change over the years is a total non-issue. I can't tell a bit of difference in weight between my '85 and '93. The '93 is definitely smoother, but I wouldn't call the vibration on the '85 bad. Both bikes are fun to ride.
DavidR.
I believe Nurse has pretty much summed everything up and hit the nail on the head. The differences between the 3 generations are negligable. I agree fully with Nurse that with the age of our rides, due to parts availability, slight performance diferrences and parts cost. Most of us have made changes and included parts from other generations to put on our own. 1TX owners put 3CV front forks on to get the 17" wheel and Blue Spot Brakes. 3CV owners swap the "Better" Sumitomo 4 piston calipers for blue/gold spot calipers. 3XW owners ditch the steel swing arm for the 3CV aluminum one, 3XW owners remove/deactivate the ABS and install a 3CV front wheel and blue/gold spot calipers. All generations toss the rear shock when they are able.
A personal case in point, not performance oriented, but a good example. I installed a Hepco & Becker Pannier and top box frame originally for a 3XW on my 3CV. It doesn't fit as designed, That was what was availble at the time and I made it work.
On top of all this nit picking between which model is better. Alot of us even have non FJ parts installed in the search of prolonging our rides lives and performance. FZ1, R1, R6 blue/gold spot calipers, FZR front wheels, FZR, FZ1 swingarms, FZR, GSXR rear wheels and brake componants, FZR, GSXR USD forks, CBR mirrors, CBR rear shock, and other more difficult one off mods.
All in all, we are a resilient bunch and we have the best all around bike that has ever been made. After almost 20 years since production has ceased, our bikes still draw admirers. Mine is nowhere as pristine as quite a few other owners bikes that belong to this group. A few times I have been asked if mine is a new 2013 model.
Fred
I love these nonsense no possible right answer threads (popcorn)
I like my FJ because I own it, when I don't like it I will sell it.
I have a team of 120 consultants who I keep telling, less is better, lots of words mean you have nothig to say, over anyalsis and lots of words give me a headache :nyam1:
Put your gear on, sit in it, turn on your mp3 or4 player, light the fire, and roll on with the biggest smile you can produce :). At speed they are all great. :good2:
Quote from: nurse on November 26, 2012, 09:20:15 AM
First i should clarify my side of the fence as it were...
Me too, although it is common knowledge I'm a '92 man...
I would have modified my '90 given time, but upgrades to suspension and brakes (as well as adding a big f'ing engine) will be more effective on a stiffer/stronger frame (otherwise your flexing frame is an uncontrolled part of the suspension). The xw frame has a bigger cross section for the "perimeter" piece and will provide the best mod platform hands down as well as having some engineering around the engine mounts. So if you want the best platform to start with, go with the '91-'93. If you want to fit in with 90% of the other bikes at a rally, get the '86/87 :bomb: (they must have built a shitload of those things is all I can figure...).
(popcorn) (popcorn)
These are fun threads!
Frank
Quote from: Flynt on November 26, 2012, 09:12:26 PM
If you want to fit in with 90% of the other bikes at a rally, get the '86/87 :bomb: (they must have built a shitload of those things is all I can figure...).
Yea, I am thinking the same thing....
Rather than trying to decide which FJ generation is best, work on getting one of each. Then the question will be which one to ride today. :unknown: :yahoo:
Kurt
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on November 28, 2012, 09:04:39 AM
Rather than trying to decide which FJ generation is best, work on getting one of each. Then the question will be which one to ride today. :unknown: :yahoo:
Kurt
I had the same thoughts on getting one of each year, plus an extra 89 and 90 since there is 2 color options. for someone who has a large garage, maybe try and acquire the European and Canadian colors that were not offered in the states
Fred
After my accident last year I had my '84's fairing repainted in the stock Stormy Red/ Silver colors. I had to remove the old FJ 1100 graphics on the side covers, so I thought, why not do something different?...so I replaced the them with new graphics that read, FJ 1400.....makes sense with a RPM big engine, right?
After this year's WCR, on the trip to Gunnison, the Cailf. Four, Andy, Ed, Paul and I stopped for gas somewhere in Utah. There were a group of BMW bikes at the gas stop and a couple guys came over to check out my '84, and one guy excitedly asked me....."Is that the new FJR1400?"
"No" I said, "That's the old FJ 1400...." A puzzled look crossed his face... I had to chuckle..
I have both FJ's... A 3CV and a 3XW and I love both, however (stock vs. stock) the rubber engine 3XW is a better motorcycle, but my 3CV is a better FJ.
Cheers
Lordy, what a wander. All this to justify to yourself buying another bike? (You know you're gonna - you'll never sell the one you have!) I should also like to point out the utility of redundancy and ease of maintenance if you have multiples of the same item. (Makes my life way easier.) Think of the helpless maiden you'll be saving from the ignorant squids on CL. Is there a such a thing as a less desireable FJ! Pah!!
Another beautiful Fj thread bump.
Do you think I'm right when I suppose my UK Fj 1991 ABS model is a 3wx. The main reason I ask is I'm curious if it has 17 inch wheels front and back.
Andy
Quote from: andyoutandabout on March 07, 2018, 08:40:13 PMThe main reason I ask is I'm curious if it has 17 inch wheels front and back.
Andy
Andy, no FJ was ever offered new with a 17" rear wheel.
The 17" was offered in the front beginning in 89 until the end of production.
Randy - RPM
That's that one then. It'll have to ride on what it comes with anyway, so it'll be interesting to see if I notice much difference.
Hmmm schoolboy error, my bad.
Quote from: ribbert on November 25, 2012, 07:20:01 PM
Quote from: FJSpringy on November 25, 2012, 07:12:48 PM
Peteh, you have to take these replies in their context, these poor guys wake every morning and head out to look at their 1tx's or 3cv's and and they just feel sad and the jealousy of us 3XW owners must consume them. You and I just hop on and ride these guys have to hitch up their petticoats and pinks dresses before even getting on the bike.
All I can say is that jealousy is a terrible thing and we must strive to support our less fortunate brothers ( I was going to say sisters but this paragraph is all about manly support )
We are all FJ riders and must stick together or at least wait at the coffee shop for the 3cv's to turn up :good2:
Good to see someone not constrained by political correctness and the balls to tell the truth.
Noel
Sounds like he just used sandpaper on his balls (cricket) the "3CV forever"