first ride on an FJ

[azr]

So I took my first ride on an FJ and I was shocked how it handled. I'm just wanting to find out if this is it's normal characteristics. The bike was the 90' model. The shocking thing was low speed corners. I have a bunch of older GS bikes 77 thru to 83. Doing low speed corners is like butter. With the FJ it felt like I was fighting against the bike for it to not turn into the corner too much and I couldn't lean into the corner I basically had to actually turn the handle bars to get it to go thru the corners. These were all low speed corners in residential area's. Go easy on my guys, I have thousands of miles of riding in but like I said only on GS or KZ bikes and they're practically the same for characteristics.

[SBKBee]

Tire pressure is the first to check, tire condition second. If the tires are worn, it's like steering a bus, especially compared to the older skinny tires that you had: 18 and 19 inch.

[red]

Tire pressure is the first to check, tire condition second. If the tires are worn, it's like steering a bus, especially compared to the older skinny tires that you had: 18 and 19 inch.

AZR,

Agreed, on tire pressure and condition.  Tire age and tire brand would be the next considerations.  The FJ is a heavy bike, and after about five to seven years, our tires are about done, no matter about the tread depth remaining.  Tire Age Decoder: Click the link, and scroll down a bit:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11

Then there is some rubber that you could not pay me to ride on.  I have 16" wheels, and Pirelli Sport Demons do it on the roads, for me.  You can find many recommendations for good rubber here, but please disregard price and mileage, if the real goal is great handling.

[Pat Conlon]

All good advice
If I might add:
1) Check for a crooked back tire. Check the axle alignment marks on the swing arm. Make sure both sides are equal.
One time many years ago, this guy I knew miscounted on the alignment marks. It was two from the front, not two from the back.....What a doofus, anyhoo,  what this guy (I knew) found was the bike would absolutely fall into left hand corners but stand up straight and barely make it thru right hand corners. Frightening (he said)

2) Check for a loose steering stem. Put the bike on the center stand, have someone sit on the passenger end of the seat to lift the front wheel off the ground, now grab the forks both hands and push them back and pull them forward.

[PaulG]

... The FJ is a heavy bike, ...

She's 80-100 lbs more than what you'd be used to.  Kinda like waking up next to Whole Lotta' Rosie after blacking out.    Just gotta get used to the motion. Definitely chuck those tires if they are more than 4-5yrs old. This tool is quite handy for rear wheel alignment when adjusting the chain Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool.

Like they have suggested tires and steering bearings/tightness would be prime suspects. Might want to check the suspension if you haven't yet. Fork oil that hasn't been changed in years can break down due to bacteria and turn into something like sewage water. Proper fork springs?  Worn rear linkage bearings can cause funny things too.  Not sure if these would manifest themselves at low speeds.

It might be a combination of things, so IMHO check things out one at a time: tires-steering-etc.  If it's still chilly where you live, be careful on cold tires.  I had my FJ literally fall out from under me (in early March also) on a low speed (i.e. near walking) turn in a parking lot as I turned right onto an upward sloping exit to street level. Only damage was a bent rear brake pedal and my pride  .  Oh no... Now every one knows. 

[FJ1100mjk]

The shocking thing was low speed corners. I have a bunch of older GS bikes 77 thru to 83. Doing low speed corners is like butter... or KZ bikes and they're practically the same for characteristics.

I have a '81 GPz1100 (KZ1100B1), and I have noticed the same between it's handling as you describe, and my FJs. My FJs have OEM wheels, and new rubber on them too, as does the GPz. The FJ is much better in many respects, but its slow-speed handling is worse when compared to the KZ.

[camo]

Im with you azr, am new to my 92 FJ after doing many years on more modern sport bikes and several years of track/ road racing. At slow speeds the bike does need some muscle on the bars. I agree with all the other posts that things can be improved with the mentioned adjustments so thats a start. But even after all that...its no twinkle toes at low speeds ....

[azr]

Great info everyone. The bike was up for sale and unfortunately about $1000 over priced so I won't be bringing this one home but it sounds like some of it is the nature of the beast. Something good to know as the FJ is supposed to be replacing my other touring bike and I couldn't imagine trying to negotiate slow handling like that fully loaded, two up.

[PaulG]

... I couldn't imagine trying to negotiate slow handling like that fully loaded, two up.

I didn't realize this was just a test ride.  Who knows what shape it was in to begin with.  Fully loaded with 2 up you are closing in on 900-1000lbs gvw (depending on the abdominal girth of rider/passenger). It's not an issue once you get familiar with the bike.

Cold/old tires, loose steering on a bike you've never been on would cause anyone to pucker first time out.  Keep looking. There's enough still out there you'll find the right one.

[yaman]

yup, blown out shock adjusted for a shorter rider, one or both very possible, could really make it a tank
i cranked up the height when i got a new shock and had to back it off a bit because the low speed stuff felt too twitchy
i wish i had the chance to ride an old GS