NEED OPINIONS 1989 w/8500 miles or the 1993 listed in bike section

[lawson]

Hey Guys -Thanks for all inputs.I found a 1989 fj1200 in wisconsin white/silver/red with 8500 miles original owner that is as clean as the 1993 listed in bike for sale sections.I just saw his listing in www.advrider.com and now over here.Both of the bikes are asking 4000.I need some input on making decision.I originally looked at 92-93 but the abs models scared me off.If the 93 abs is disconnected does this bike perform right or will i be dicken with this thing all the time.I had a 1989 new and the 89 now for sale is just as clean as this 93.Older bike better or the newer is the way to go.Any input will be appreciated and you can be anonymous - i wouldn't look at your screen name on left.Thank

[mikeholzer]

I wouldn't necessarily let the ABS scare you off. My 1992 has the ABS, and at 92,125 miles (+/-), the ABS still works fine. The only issue I ever had with it was the failure of the front brake light switch, which also made the brake light inoperative. That was only a $50 repair. Personally, I like the look of the later model FJ's, although may here will pipe up that the late 80's models in red/white are the best looking. In the end, the decision becomes yours, but don't let the ABS be the item to make your decision.

[Scooterbob]

Not that I am any type of authority on this, but I prefer the 1989 the most.  Seems to have the updated look, but not all the options as the 90s.  Just personal preference.

[racerman_27410]

I like the 89 for its more sporty looking purpose but the late model has the rubber mounted engine and larger fairing should you want to do more touring on it.


sporty = 89

more touring = 93

you decide what you want to do with the bike and then buy the bike you want!   


KOokaloo!


Frank

[Coronet]

 I own a 93 with ABS, no issues with the ABS. I owned an 86 about 7 years ago, not sure the difference between that and the 89, but I like 93 better than I did the 86 - but I also do a lot of freeway riding.
In stock form I think the 86 was a little faster.

[SILVERGOAT]

  I have an 89 the same color scheme as you are looking at. You really have to like those colors to buy it for the asking price. Mine has 49,000 miles , bought it from the second owner with 47,000 for $1800 a year ago. So far so good.
  I am interested in getting a newer, lower milage, one owner model just because I do think the later models are a little better for touring and have a slightly cleaner look. All in all, they are all pretty good machines.
 

[Mark Olson]

well from reading you previous posts , you seem to be set on a 89 for nostalgic reasons. you already have other bikes.

buy the one you want or buy both and then chose which one to keep after riding them for a while.

[Fudge]

Having had both the '89 is definitely a little sportier, but I sold mine and got a '92.  I like the '92 because it's very smooth and vibration free (if carbs are balanced and mounts are lubed).  My ABS wasn't working so I removed it and went changed out the wheels to a 17" YZF rear and FZR front.  Mind you I'm in the Midwest so you have to do more touring than sport riding.

[frano]

I have owned a 89 and now have a 91 (my girlfriend owns a 92).  Both good bikes.  The 89 is a bit sportier with the classic 80's look.  The 93 is a bit more comfortable for long rides (better wind protection and rubber mounted engine).  I like to tour, just put 3600 miles on this month with a ride to Yellowstone, Pikes Peek etc. from Seattle.  (I have always liked my 91 with White & Blue color myself and like the updated headlight & fairing) (my 89 was midnight blue & gold).  My only real comment is the price seems a bit high.  I bought my 91 about 4 to 5 years ago on ebay for $2400.  It was in very good condition with 17K on it.  I had bought my 89 about 12 years ago with 16K on it for $2600.  With winter coming in your neck of the woods, I would make my very lowest offer and see who really wants to sell.  Maybe that could be the deciding factor.   Good luck and have fun riding.

[thkfast]

Lawson,

It may be my 1993 FJ1200 you're seeing for sale!  I arrived at the point I'm at in a round about way.  Way back in '84 I bought the first year  FJ1100 new...my favorite bike of all time.  Fast forward to 2007 and I found a low mileage '85 FJ1100 with the awesome white/red paint scheme and snatched it up.  It rode fine, was very comfortable, but smoked a bit and the suspension/brakes felt weak.  I thought to myself if an '85 FJ11 was good, surely the last of the breed '89-93 FJ12 would be the best!?  I spent over a year searching ebay and cycletrader.com for the nicest '89-93 available. I too am a huge fan of the '89 silver/white FJ12's...but eventually purchased my '93 in Ohio based on low mileage, condition, all the right upgrades and not too far away.  I learned after purchasing the bike that the ABS didn't work.  Like others have said, the bike rides totally normal without ABS, no lights, nothing funny...there is just no intervention by the computer when you apply the brakes - it's all you. 

Comparing my '85 to my '93: the '85 felt much smaller/sportier.  The '93 offers better wind protection and seems more "refined" - better mirrors, a digital clock, electronic fuel reserve switch, a storage compartment, better front brakes and the 17" front wheel.  Honestly, I suspect all the FJ's in the '89-93 range should ride quite similar - solid comfortable sport tourers.  I'll consider offers, but was really hoping to get $4,000.  Mike

[thkfast]

[simi_ed]

Wow!    There's a purdy pair of FJs!  I wish mine looked that nice

Ed