I'm new to FJ's - What is this bike all about?

[dma251]

I'm Damon aka dma251 from Arlington, Wa and I've had I have a thread going over in the projects-section for a bit.

I realized tonight I don't really know much about these motorcycles at all.

I bought sight-unseen a 1990 FJ1200 from a friend for $500.  When I received it it had a damaged, rattle-can painted, and fake CF-wrapped fairing, and didn't start.   This was quite literally an abortion.  It had once been someone's pride-and-joy, but it became a half-ass streetfighter project that never even left the garage.  I've never even ridden a fully assembled FJ1200 (although I did ride this mess a few miles without bodywork last October when I picked it up).

I am stunned by the rabid enthusiast-base these bikes have, which is good to know, because it means I have a good foundation for a low-budget cafe-racer project bike.

What is this bike all about?  I've had many different motorcycles over the years, but what would you all compare this thing to and what is so good about it? 

Also, I hope none of you take offense at the seemingly brutal treatment I am giving my bike over in the "projects" section.  I love machinery and recognize that this is a machine to be appreciated and respected.

[Steve_in_Florida]

...I don't really know much about these motorcycles at all.

I've never even ridden a fully assembled FJ1200 (although I did ride this mess a few miles without bodywork last October when I picked it up).

What is this bike all about?  ...and what is so good about it? 

I'm guessing that you didn't get a chance to open the throttle at all, did you?

...this is a machine to be appreciated and respected.

Yeppers, you'll see!  (BE CAREFUL!!!)

[Bminder]

you are right about this board being great. Last summer when I was looking for a motorcycle I had never heard of an FJ. I did some research and found this board and once I saw all the resources and great guys that are here so I bought it. That bike would not be on the road if it wasn't for these guys.

[Dads_FJ]

I'm Damon aka dma251 from Arlington, Wa and I've had I have a thread going over in the projects-section for a bit.

I realized tonight I don't really know much about these motorcycles at all.

I bought sight-unseen a 1990 FJ1200 from a friend for $500.  When I received it it had a damaged, rattle-can painted, and fake CF-wrapped fairing, and didn't start.   This was quite literally an abortion.  It had once been someone's pride-and-joy, but it became a half-ass streetfighter project that never even left the garage.  I've never even ridden a fully assembled FJ1200 (although I did ride this mess a few miles without bodywork last October when I picked it up).

I am stunned by the rabid enthusiast-base these bikes have, which is good to know, because it means I have a good foundation for a low-budget cafe-racer project bike.

What is this bike all about?  I've had many different motorcycles over the years, but what would you all compare this thing to and what is so good about it? 

Also, I hope none of you take offense at the seemingly brutal treatment I am giving my bike over in the "projects" section.  I love machinery and recognize that this is a machine to be appreciated and respected.

It's like a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 but with better handling.  Keep us posted on your progress, I like your bike!