Hey Guys, Northern Chicagoland Area, Ill USA

[europe50]

My name is Dean and I'm I live in the Northwestern region of Chicago, Ill. I have had numerous new and used motorcycles in my past (Mostly street), Honda's, Yamaha's Kawasaki's, Suzuki's and so on. I sold my Yamaha Maxim-X two years ago and decided to get out of riding since we were having a baby (Wouldn't be riding for a while) and all my friends got rid of their bikes years ago due to family obligations. I recently got back into riding after my wife suggested getting a bike and of course I didn't argue. I really like just the sport/cruising type of riding at this point in my life.

I have been on this board only for the last 3 weeks asking many questions and learning as much as I can about my recent purchase, my 1986 Yamaha Fj1200. Thanks to all the guys that have been patient in helping me with my new purchase.
I have to tell you, my self imposed budget was low for a bike, I paid just over my budget for this bike after much debate with the previous owner. I have owned this bike for a very short period of time and it is by far my favorite bike I have ever owned. I don't know why, but I love this bike and can understand the following with this bike.

I have gone on a couple of short rides so far since I bought the bike (Total: 250 miles), but recently I went on a little longer ride for hours and hours and it was so much damn fun, I really missed riding. I have already done a few interesting things to make the bike custom to myself, I'll post some pictures later.  
I hope to see some FJ's on the road next summer, maybe someone on this site.
Thanks!
Dean

[higbonzo]

Dean,

Hello and Welcome     

Nice find.  That is a great deal on your bike.  I hope you have an Indian Summer so you can get some more riding in.

Later....   

[racerman_27410]

there is absolutely nothing wrong with a stock FJ..... they are fine machines that will transport you in comfort ,safety and style (especially the 86 models) 

i had about 30,000 miles on my FJ before i started modifying it.... by that time i had a clear picture of the bikes weak points and i damn good idea of specific changes.

with a little bit of luck (finding the complete crashed FZ1) i was able to pull it off.....

you want to get some real seat time before modding anything.... just so you better enjoy the changes when you do eventually modify.

the only real reason  for modifying  ?

cause we can make some thing good into something great! 

Kookaloo!

Frank

[thuber3040]

Welcome ,

I'm from your neck of the woods, I need to get my fj and my butt back there for keeps, right now I'm stinkin vegas.
Nice fj, same color as mine,  yours is just nicer !!! 
We will have to see about going for a ride sometime when I get back there !!

Good Luck with yours and Look forward to hearing your progress

[FJmonkey]

Dean, I visit my kids in Wonder Lake 3 or 4 times a year. How far are you from Woodstock/Wonder Lake?

[europe50]

thuber3040,
When you move back IM me, I'll meet you somewhere and we'll see how much tread we can take off the tires.

FJmonkey,
I actually live in McHenry, Ill, that's almost between Wonder Lake and Woodstock. IM me before heading out here and we'll meet up for lunch. If you bring the bike, I have a couple of great places to ride somewhat locally.



Thanks!
Dean

[andyoutandabout]

Dean,
Nice 86 - looks just like mine. We've even both got supertrapps. Like you, I found the group early on in ownership, and the expert advice really helped to get it running like a top. For a really awesome experience that will further your Fj enjoyment, pop along to a rally.
Andy

[europe50]

Andy,
I will defiantly go to one of the rallies next year. I can't explain why I like this bike so much?

[jvb_ca]

Hi Dean. Looks like you got yourself a "very" nice example of an 86 (the best year)..   I really like that Supertrapp...
Like you, I bought my 86 basically stock, and after lurking around the old Yahoo site and the FJ Rally site and with the help of the great people here, have modified wheels, brakes and suspension along with a few other things.  This has basically modernized my 23 year old FJ. You are going to love your new bike.
All thanks to the great bunch here.

Cheers...Jake

[TRoy]

I can't explain why I like this bike so much?

..we know 

Kookaloo!!

[andyb]

I'm out in Dekalb, there's another gent with an FJ in Elgin.  I think Rock is in the area as well.  Lots of locals to go play with

[europe50]

I didn't realize that there were so many locals. Now I can't wait for summer, but I'm starting to get excited about snowmobiling, what to do..... what to do.  

Who else is in Elgin and who is "Rock"?
Dean

[SlowOldGuy]

I recall at least 3  people who bought FJs in the Chicagoland area, me included!  I bought my '93 from Mark Gallagher in a northwest suburb, something that began with a W (Wheaton I think).  

I haven't seen anything from Rock in quite a while.  I hope everything is okay with him.  Pipe up Rock or we'll send Tiny Tim over there to check up on you.  :-)

DavidR.