New old fella

[Caper]

Hey peepNs.. just a hello from eastern Canada. Been riding for almost 40 years (STRANGE I'M ALIVE). Had over 30 bikes and I've owned 2 Fj11's  (84,,85) when In late teens early 20's. Also had an Fjr just 4 or 5 years ago. Always said if I found a decent Fj I'd keep and restore it. Well just came home with a 86 12..and couldn't be more excited to get to work!!

[red]

Caper,

Welcome to the FJ sandbox!  Pull up a seat, relax, and be among friends.

RPM (click the top banner) is a good source for FJ-specific parts and hardware.  Lots of experienced owners on tap here, also.

First order of business would be to see that the fuel petcock has been safety-wired.  It's an easy fix, and important.  After that, you can pick and choose among the mods you may want, if any. 
Yeah, we like pix!  Show us the new addition, when you can.    

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Caper, red and white/silver are the best colors. They just look faster. RPM has more than they post and they answer the phone/email. They also monitor this forum to help out any way they can. While you are adding safety wire to the petcok, give it the SUCK test as well. Might be time for a new one. The original on my 86 quit during a rally. Full of gas but no Kookaloo. And that pesky red/brown connector on the left side under the seat. Pull it apart and inspect. Many are melted, but an easy fix. So many things to mention, no reason to turn the firehose on you. Enjoy the digital campfire, search using Google with "FJowners.com" in the search string. Better than the forum search option.

[Pat Conlon]

Welcome back Caper!
Yes, we have heard of folks returning to the FJ after years of absence.
It happens more often than you would think.
Sure, fuel injection and liquid cooling on the modern bikes is neat, but, the FJ is a great value and a bike you can easily work on, and modify to your heart's content.

Cheers

Pat

[aviationfred]

Welcome back to the FJ fold 

As Pat mentions, there is something to be said of riding a carbureted, non-computerized motorcycle.



Fred

[Caper]

Thanks for the tips... so excited to have a re/white Fj again!!

[Millietant]

Welcome back to FJ ownership fella.

I've just seen that you're from Canada, so my spare 89 forks/wheel etc are unlikely to be of any use to you (getting them there would be "restrictive" to say the least.

What are your plans for the FJ - are you thinking of a bit more "modernising" of the wheels/suspension/brakes etc, just to make her more "unique" to yourself and to bring her up to date a little ?

[Caper]

Yes definitely want to keep the Fj look but really want to upgrade brakes and suspension. Was hoping there would some easier straight bolt on. But if I have to do a little modification then so be it. Just doing some reading and gonna pick a few brains to see whats the best way to go.... eh..

[red]

Yes definitely want to keep the Fj look but really want to upgrade brakes and suspension. Was hoping there would some easier straight bolt on. But if I have to do a little modification then so be it. Just doing some reading and gonna pick a few brains to see whats the best way to go.... eh..

Caper,

Sixteen-inch tires are getting scarce, but I run on Rirelli Sport Demon tires.  They are bias-ply tires, and I think they do a very good job.  Avon radials are also available, which may be slightly better.  I have not heard enough about any other makes of tires. 

With that said, there is no great need for 17 inch wheels, although a 17" front wheel will give you many more choices in the tires department.  There are still several good choices for 16-inch rear tires.

There are several options for the rear shock absorber and springs; usually none of them are inexpensive.  A 17" rear rim is often a serious project, depending on what you want there.  Again, eBay can be a friend for that stuff.

If I were going to replace the front wheel with a 17" rim, I would snag a complete front end (triple tree, forks, rim, axle, fender, and brakes) from eBay or other used parts source.  You may even get a good front tire, included.  Several bikes will provide a direct-swap of the better front end assembly for you.  This option often will be much cheaper, easier, and maybe safer than taking a piecemeal approach.  Ask here for recommendations about the donor bike parts you will need.  You will get a good upgrade on the wheel, brakes and front suspension, all in one shot.  As said earlier, there is no need to rush - just hang out, wait, and find the right stuff, at the right price.
Welcome home!   

[Mike324]

Welcome Caper,

From Ottawa, Mike