My best Fj story this week

[TexasDave]

I'm a fan of the oem Honda CBR mirrors. Superior glass = superior optics = superior mirror.

Emgo's are shit.

If I recall Pat you had some very nice Italian mirrors on that 84 of yours.

[ribbert]

I'm a fan of the oem Honda CBR mirrors. Superior glass = superior optics = superior mirror.

   = same reflection.



Pat, I have oem Honda, oem BMW, oem Yamaha and genuine Emgo mirrors. Sure, if you focus on the glass you can see the difference in quality but I defy anyone to pick the difference looking at the image riding down the road.

I paid $26 for mine with intention of buying a decent set (oem Honda) if I liked them and binning the Emgos. I never felt the need to upgrade them.

The image is distortion free, the colour good, they don't vibrate, the ball joints have never loosened (and they're always getting knocked in the garage or when parked) I like the narrow profile of the stalks and they have by now done a huge mileage.



After years of clipping things with them I recently gave them a wet rub, a bit of spray putty and some bumper coat and they look brand new again.



I never compromise anything on the bike because of cost. If I thought $250 mirrors were better, I'd have them in a flash.

IMO

Noel

[ribbert]

.... I think it's a 3wx, so if that model owner has any nuggets of wisdom to pass on, then I'm ready to receive.

I'd just go with mirrors as already discussed, do the engine mounts for sure and good tyres. As you know, there's about a 100% chance you'll be riding it in the wet. If you're average height, those screens do offer great weather protection, if a little noisy. The 3XW's are turbine smooth.

Other than those couple of things I would just check everything over.

Sounds like a great adventure. I don't know whether you have bought it just for this trip or intend to park it up for future trips, but either way it won't get much use, I would spend as little as possible and just make it safe and reliable. We tend to forget in this mad mod world of the forum that a bog standard FJ (with better mirrors) is still a very capable and enjoyable bike. What a bonus already having luggage.

Have fun.

Noel

[Derek Young]

Congratulation Andy! Looks like you bought yourself a great adventure.
Although I've been known to do "lightly modify" my FJs, I tend to agree with Noel on this one. Make sure it operates safely and spend your time riding it, not modifying it.

Judging by the colour, it looks like a later model than 92, more like Fred's 95.

Enjoy the trip and ride safe.

Derek

[PaulG]

I think it's a 3wx, so if that model owner has any nuggets of wisdom to pass on, then I'm ready to receive.

I have a 92ABS. The only thing I can suggest is making sure the battery is ok, or is charging properly.  If the voltage is too low the warning light will flash indicating it's not functioning (i.e. normal brakes).  If you need to bleed them it's R-Front/L-Front/Rear in that order.

I see it has fork gaiters. I guess just make sure they have proper venting or water can build up inside them.  It's great that you will have time to give it a thorough inspection.

[aviationfred]

I'm not so keen on the mirrors or screen, which is kinda fugly. I wonder how functional it is? It really is more tourer than tx1, which is sort of what I was looking for perhaps. Nice color though.

Yes, the finned windscreen is something that takes a minute...or 6 months to get used too. I have 3 windscreens. An OEM US spec, a MRA Black touring and the OEM finned wind screen. I am 5'7" tall.  Being taller than 6', you may find wind noise, wind protection, helmet buffeting effects you differently. The finned shield is a good compromise. Decent wind protection, yet enough airflow to keep cool on hot days. I experience no helmet buffeting with all 3 of my wind screens. The first 2 photos are the MRA wind screen and the last one is the OEM US spec wind screen.

Fred

[andyoutandabout]

Come peeps, you know me, so you're right, spend minimum money, ride maximum miles, is the plan with my latest acquisition. I'm just looking at the sellers photos and thinking out loud about the bikes general appearance. Hopefully it won't need much of a tickle. Consumables state is largely unknown, tires look ok though. Biggest concern might be the condition of the rear shock maybe, but I've not heard it running, so I guess I'll have to wait until I land in Blighty.
Anyway, much thanks for mirror input. Those emgos will suffice. That's what's on my 86 and they've been fit enough for purpose.
Just to illustrate my low rent philosophy, I'm thinking about pulling the fork brace off my 86 and taking that with me for the summer.