Two about to become one. :)

Bigfoot · May 25, 2014, 09:27:22 PM

A little history on this bike,

So, a few years ago, I picked up an 84 FJ1100J off of craigslist for $500. A battery and a can of seafoam later and I had a really good running bike. Previous owner said he couldn't get it running. LMAO.

The paint on it was rough so I attempted to paint it using a fairly cheap gun. It came out ok, from 10 feet away or so.

At the time, i had a couple bikes, and an acquaintance of mine really wanted the FJ so I sold it to him for $1000 plus he had a 86 concours 1000 that he threw in that needed some new plastics.

Fast forward a couple years and the new owner is wanting to get rid of the FJ. Asks if I would like it back. Not near as good of shape as when I sold it to him. I bought it back from him anyway. He dropped it on a trailer, punching the brake lever through the clutch cover. also, just beat the hell out of it cosmetically. Needs clutch cover, seat recovered, fairing fixed or replaced, front fender replaced. Everything else repainted. Basically he abused the bike, but i know it was still running well and most of it is cosmetic. So I bought it back from him for $500.

I started looking for parts on ebay and getting an idea of what all i need. Then I saw another one, sitting in a guys front yard. I knew it had been there for awhile. So, on a whim, i just knocked on his door and asked what the story with it was, and if he wanted to sell it. Turns out it has been sitting in that spot for at least 6 years, his brother in law or something like that owned it, parked it and moved out of town. Plastics and everything in really good shape on it, engine not seized up. Seems pretty good for a bike that has been sitting out for so long. I gave him my phone number and offered up some cash to make his lawn ornament go away. A couple days later he called me and accepted $400 of it. Maybe a little high for a parts bike with no title, but i would have spent more than that on Ebay just trying to find decent parts that I needed.

Here they are, sitting side by side, ready to become one. I have a guy set up to do a custom paint job on it now that I have all the parts. It will be a sweet looking ride once it is done.

Oh, and I will have lots of parts for sale soon as well.

novaraptor · May 26, 2014, 05:55:30 AM

Congrats on the project. It's always nice to hear about the FJs that return home.

Joe Sull · May 26, 2014, 07:06:36 AM

Even though your buddy drove it like you use to own it, I think it's pretty hard to hurt the engine unless he over-rev'd continuously or never changed the oil. Good for you! Your options are endless. You could even build the extra motor and keep a spare.

Bigfoot · July 31, 2014, 12:11:11 AM

Here is what I have come up with so far. Maybe not everyones cup o' tea, but I like it. Had the seat done locally here from a guy that does amazing work. A different guy did the paint job. Some orange peel going on in places, but i love the flames and graphics. Bike will be ready to ride soon. Sat too long, now i need to pull the carbs for a thorough clean out. I will start that tomorrow.

FJmonkey · July 31, 2014, 12:20:36 AM

Quite unique, I like it, keep showing it off....

Bigfoot · July 31, 2014, 12:29:51 AM

Thanks, as soon as I get the carbs cleaned and sorted out, I will take it somewhere more scenic than my carport for some better pics. Here is some of the detail in the paint. Love the Yamaha logo.

Thinking the big bulky turn signals gotta go too.

Pat Conlon · July 31, 2014, 02:31:35 AM

That is bad ass...I like it!

It's rare that I say that about custom paint on a FJ....but I do like that!

yamaha fj rider · July 31, 2014, 08:17:49 AM

Well done. Great job keeping the FJ on the road.

Kurt

novaraptor · July 31, 2014, 09:11:26 AM

If you don't go original colors, at least make what you do go with look good, and that does!

Bigfoot · August 02, 2014, 04:45:33 PM

I installed some RIM bar risers on it as well. Hoping it makes long distance rides more comfortable. I have short arms and had a lot of pressure on my hands and wrists.

faser41 · August 03, 2014, 01:35:22 PM

Very nice bigfoot, I'm looking forward to more photos. Did you have a garage to do all the work in? I'm guessing not the carport?

Bigfoot · August 03, 2014, 08:57:06 PM

Quote from: Bigfoot on August 02, 2014, 04:45:33 PM
I installed some RIM bar risers on it as well. Hoping it makes long distance rides more comfortable. I have short arms and had a lot of pressure on my hands and wrists.

oops, damn phone. That was supposed to be RPM risers.

Bigfoot · August 03, 2014, 09:01:53 PM

Quote from: faser41 on August 03, 2014, 01:35:22 PM
Very nice bigfoot, I'm looking forward to more photos. Did you have a garage to do all the work in? I'm guessing not the carport?

Just a carport at the moment

. Hoping to change that soon even though moving sucks. I had someone do the paint for me and a guy here in Kansas City did a real nice job on the seat. It wasn't cheap but he did an outstanding job.

News:

Two about to become one. :)