If you are on a budget I bought a set of 2000 model 37mm FZ1 carbies for my FJ with some engine works, they fit direct just require jets. They have bell mouths and a much better setup than the standard carbies. Depends on the day I got mine for A$250 delivered - BARGAIN.

A huge improvement on the standard

Quote from: Gearbox Paul on August 15, 2025, 02:36:32 PMOther than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

The alternator plug melts itself together.

Welcome Paul. If you are looking for a more budget friendly tire option I purchased Shinko Verge tires and I am very happy with them. I think I paid a little over $100 for each. I purchased my rear tire from Amazon and my front tire off ebay, and funny enough they both shipped from the same place! Remember not to mix and match tires.

Based on what you describe there was already a lot of quality work done to the bike so you should have a good set of wheels to enjoy.

Welcome Tomek!

If you're having to add oil every 1k km at least you don't have to worry about oil changes!

Cheers lad.

Pat

Quote from: Gearbox Paul on August 15, 2025, 02:36:32 PMOther than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

Welcome Paul...here's a couple of my favorites:

1) check your valve clearances, adjust as necessary, replace the valve cover bolt grommets.
2) keep your carbs balanced.
3) check your RED plug: https://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=19557.0
4) safety wire your fuel tank petcock (see below)
5) route your fuel line correctly (see below)
6) Replace your stock oem rubber brake lines, they are beyond past due.

Regardless of tread, Your 8 and 10 year old tires are too old and need to be replaced right now.
Flush and replace all your brake fluids, front, back brake and clutch.
Pay close attention to brake fluid leaks at your clutch slave...it's very common.
Red's got you squared away on locating the oil leak...

This will get you started....

Cheers  Pat

Other than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

Thanks Red.  Good ideas and thoughts. 

Paul,

Welcome to the evening campfire.  Pull up a seat, and be among friends.

New tires are a priority item, before you unleash the beast, especially with the big bore kit.  While you are at it, I'd recommend a valve-cap TPMS, with metal Tee-type valve stems for the new tires.  I run on USA 16" (40,6 cm) Pirelli Sport Demons, and I assume Pirelli has tires there to fit your FJ. The old, hard tires on my bike (when I bought it) had plenty of tread, but they would easily lock and skid even on dry pavement.  The FJ is too big and strong to allow using such old rubber.  The Tee valve stems allow you to add air pressure while watching the TPMS display, and you never have to remove the valve-cap sensor.  TPMS sensor batteries last for years, but get the sensors with replaceable batteries.

Bouncing fuel gauge needles can be caused by flakey electrical grounds. You want shiny metal secured to shiny metal, at those connections.  Dull metal is corroded metal.  If in doubt, run an extra (dedicated) ground wire to all of the ground points on the bottom of the instrument panel.  Check at the sender unit; that thing needs a clean ground connection also.

Clean and dry the area of the oil leak, and spray around there with aerosol body powder.  The powder will show you the source of the leak, before the oil goes all over everywhere.

Welcome, sounds like some real Kookaloo when you get it running properly.