FJowners.com

General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: reggit on April 22, 2013, 06:52:26 AM

Title: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on April 22, 2013, 06:52:26 AM
Just thought I'd introduce myself.  I'm Dave from England and have a motorbike addiction....

I've just bought a cosmetically challenged, non-running, FJ1200 outfit (1991 ish), I needed 3 seats as we have a sprog on the way.  I've been assured the engine is sound by the seller - he took it apart to service it, but lost heart at all the obsitcles the authorities put up when trying to register it in the mainland UK - it is currently registered in Northern Ireland.
The bike has been modified for a disabled rider at somepoint in it's recent life with 2 front brake levers (one operates the rear) and a thumb gear change.

Not got any good photos at the moment, just a couple from my phone.

Loaded up yesterday ready for a 330 mile trip to it's new home.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/photo_zps090da514.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/photo_zps090da514.jpg.html)

Parked in my garage awaiting some TLC
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/photo_zps0fe45fa8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/photo_zps0fe45fa8.jpg.html)

The other 2 bikes are a 1996 CB1000 and a 1982 Yamaha RD350LC
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: FJmonkey on April 22, 2013, 07:04:18 AM
Welcome reggit, looking forward to seeing more pictures of what you brought home.
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: yamaha fj rider on April 22, 2013, 08:44:45 AM
Welcome Dave, good job rescuing that FJ. Keep us informed on how it goes.

Kurt
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: movenon on April 22, 2013, 08:45:54 AM
Welcome ! Another member to the Motorcycles Anonymous Association. I to am addicted. The 12 step plan just doesn't work ! :rofl: :rofl:  Alcohol I can deal with but the motorcycle thing has never went away.

Looks like a fine project you have brought home. It will be interesting. The best thing about FJ's is there are plenty of them around, information after 20 plus years is abundant, most parts are still available, and lots of on line help. Take some time and explore the site. In the "Files" section I think has a PDF of the service manual plus lots of information. The "Gallery" has lots of photo's to look through. Keep us posted as you get into your project, we are a nosy bunch (but helpful).. :rofl2: :drinks:
George
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: Steve_in_Florida on April 22, 2013, 09:07:52 AM

Nice find!

Interesting, all the FJ "Side-hack" jobs I've ever seen have the carrier on the right-hand side of the bike. Makes sense, though, being that you drive on the wrong side of the road and all!

Welcome to the best site around.

Steve

Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: racerman_27410 on April 22, 2013, 10:49:29 AM
Welcome to the group!


KOokaloo!



Frank
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: The General on April 22, 2013, 12:45:02 PM
 :hi:Welcome Reggit. Sure looks tidy. Be interesting to know if that's an original steering yolk set up for a sidecar and how she handles. It`s my dream to own an FJ outfit. Would love some detailed pics on how the chair is attached. Do they require a brake to the third wheel for registration over there? Looking forward to hearing of your progress. Here`s one of my favourite pics:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/630_22_04_13_11_42_35.jpeg)
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: racerrad8 on April 22, 2013, 12:50:03 PM
I am interested in the dual brake levers and push button shifting as well.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on April 22, 2013, 02:17:43 PM
The bike is on standard suspension - the guy I got it from says it shakes its front end at low speeds, up to 15mph and really needs a damper.  It'll be a while before I can use it due to the work I need to do.

Just taken a few pics of the various modifications as people wanted.

The twin lever brake set up - this fowls the fairing at full lock, so don't know if it will be staying.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0001_zps17bed74e.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0001_zps17bed74e.jpg.html)

Gear change - the choke has been moved next to the fuel switch.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0002_zps2e5819ed.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0002_zps2e5819ed.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0007_zps626e61dd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0007_zps626e61dd.jpg.html)

Sidecar mounts
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0005_zpsf2d65be6.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0005_zpsf2d65be6.jpg.html)

Pic under tank - this is exactly as I bought the bike, the airbox and rubbers are with it fortunately.  All I've done is connect a charger in the vain hope that I can rescue the battery which was at 6v yesterday.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0003_zps5e097bc5.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0003_zps5e097bc5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on April 22, 2013, 04:32:49 PM
OK, I've got a question already...

I need to find the frame number, but can't find one stamped into the headstock - there is a sticker of somesorts with several numbers on, could this be the number?

It says
Yamaha Motor Co LTD
DGM 53057-OM
3XW (FJ1200)
3XW-21188-00

I suspect the bike to be possibly a Japanese market bike owning to the headlight been set up for driving on the left and a kmh speedo.
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: movenon on April 22, 2013, 07:14:08 PM
Quote from: reggit on April 22, 2013, 04:32:49 PM
OK, I've got a question already...

I need to find the frame number, but can't find one stamped into the headstock - there is a sticker of somesorts with several numbers on, could this be the number?

It says
Yamaha Motor Co LTD
DGM 53057-OM
3XW (FJ1200)
3XW-21188-00

I suspect the bike to be possibly a Japanese market bike owning to the headlight been set up for driving on the left and a kmh speedo.

I have a 1990 and there is a stamped frame number under the right dash panel (you have to remove the panel) on the frame up toward the front. You will need to remove the right scoop to get to all the screws. It's easy to do.
Hope it helps.
George
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: fj11.5 on April 22, 2013, 07:16:44 PM
Exactly what I was going to say,,, welcome mate,,
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: Jakester on April 23, 2013, 12:29:05 AM
Howdy and welcome, from one new FJ owner to another. :hi: I think a sidecar is cool especially since you have a need for it.  So...is it required to install a child safety seat in the UK?

Sorry, just my twisted attempt at humor.

I'm a bit confused, you mentioned the previous owner "took it apart to service it" but it looks intact in the photos in your first post.  He must not have taken down very far or put it all back before you picked it up?  Just removed the air box to sync the carbs?
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on April 23, 2013, 01:35:46 AM
Found it!  I'd never have located it without the help of you knowledgeable people.  I should be able to start to get the authorities to register it at least now :)

Quote
I think a sidecar is cool especially since you have a need for it.  So...is it required to install a child safety seat in the UK?

Sorry, just my twisted attempt at humor.

I didn't take this as twisted humour, it's exactly what I intend trying to do! - OK slightly tongue in cheek maybe.

The fuel tank and seat where just wedged on in the first picture as I didn't want fuel vapours in the car.

Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: baldy3853 on April 23, 2013, 03:18:50 AM
 :hi: welcome aboard enjoy its a fabulous place lots of great info here  :good2:
Baldy
Title: Can't get the seat to fit!
Post by: reggit on May 23, 2013, 05:37:24 PM
OK, this is going to sound silly, but I can't get the bike seat to fit at the front.  I assume the plastic tab on the seat is supposed to fit under the bracket just forward of the battery - there doesn't seem to be enough room on mine without undertaking a little surgery!

I've put a couple of pics on of the battery area, could someone please let me know if it appears to be assembled correctly.  I've never had the seat fitted up, so have no reference as to how is should look underneath.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0282_zpsd159d1bb.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0282_zpsd159d1bb.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0284_zpsba8c4fdd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0284_zpsba8c4fdd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: baldy3853 on May 23, 2013, 05:48:24 PM
Goes under the tab next to the fuel overflow
Title: Re: Can't get the seat to fit!
Post by: racerrad8 on May 23, 2013, 05:53:01 PM
Quote from: reggit on May 23, 2013, 05:37:24 PM
OK, this is going to sound silly, but I can't get the bike seat to fit at the front.  I assume the plastic tab on the seat is supposed to fit under the bracket just forward of the battery - there doesn't seem to be enough room on mine without undertaking a little surgery!

I've put a couple of pics on of the battery area, could someone please let me know if it appears to be assembled correctly.  I've never had the seat fitted up, so have no reference as to how is should look underneath.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0282_zpsd159d1bb.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0282_zpsd159d1bb.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/David56/DSC_0284_zpsba8c4fdd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/David56/media/DSC_0284_zpsba8c4fdd.jpg.html)

Looks like the wrong battery to me...

It is too tall to allow the seat tab to fit.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: yamaha fj rider on May 23, 2013, 06:01:42 PM
Yes battery should be a YB14L-A2 or a 12N14-3A. Is the battery sitting all the way down in the battery box?

Kurt
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: BSI on May 23, 2013, 08:43:32 PM
it does look too tall and aren't the positive and negative posts on the wrong side?
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: aviationfred on May 23, 2013, 09:17:27 PM
Quote from: BSI on May 23, 2013, 08:43:32 PM
it does look too tall and aren't the positive and negative posts on the wrong side?

At least on my bike. The + post is on the rear brake pedal side and + and - posts are facing the rear of the bike.

Fred
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: BSI on May 23, 2013, 09:28:23 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on May 23, 2013, 09:17:27 PM
Quote from: BSI on May 23, 2013, 08:43:32 PM
it does look too tall and aren't the positive and negative posts on the wrong side?

At least on my bike. The + post is on the rear brake pedal side and + and - posts are facing the rear of the bike.

Fred

yes Fred, I didn't specify that very well, thank you for doing that...my Pos + is on the rear brake pedal side like yours and that is what I was refering to in my intial comment...but after you mention the front/rear facing of the battery posts, I believe my posts are opposite of yours and face the front of the bike?
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: BSI on May 23, 2013, 11:49:22 PM
Quote from: BSI on May 23, 2013, 09:28:23 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on May 23, 2013, 09:17:27 PM
Quote from: BSI on May 23, 2013, 08:43:32 PM
it does look too tall and aren't the positive and negative posts on the wrong side?

At least on my bike. The + post is on the rear brake pedal side and + and - posts are facing the rear of the bike.

Fred

yes Fred, I didn't specify that very well, thank you for doing that...my Pos + is on the rear brake pedal side like yours and that is what I was refering to in my intial comment...but after you mention the front/rear facing of the battery posts, I believe my posts are opposite of yours and face the front of the bike?

Fred, you enlightening me to the front/rear difference got me curious, so I looked...and there is a difference in the years of manf...(I'm sure this is probably old news!!!)

my 86' has the Pos+ battery post on rear brake pedal side & the battery posts are facing towards front of bike

my 92' has the Pos+ battery post on gear shift side & the battery posts are facing towards rear of bike

Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on May 24, 2013, 02:13:06 AM
Thanks guys, the battery I have fitted is a YB14-A2.

Looking at the bike this morning, I think the easiest solution will be to slot the mounting box holes a little to allow it to sit a little lower in the frame.
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: reggit on May 24, 2013, 02:47:38 AM
On a 2nd look, thinking the files was a little harsh, I've just noticed that the battery box appears to be height adjustable!    DOH!

Just waiting for some penetrating oil to work its magic on a seriously corroded fastener and should be in business later today :)
Title: Re: New member - introduction
Post by: bartha32 on February 03, 2025, 11:55:34 AM
Welcome. I have had two bikes with the same DGM... identification numbers.
The exhaust had the same numbers on a riveted plaque. They were carbon silencers.
The number is proof of homologation. The sticker on the frame is the same.
Both of these engines came from Italy and were open bikes.1100- 36y and 3xw-1200.