To buy, or not to buy an 86 1200.......

[2dogs1cat]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking for two days, since my boss is considering selling his stock '86 FJ, with less than 7k on the odometer.  I haven't checked out the ergonomics yet, have to plant the buttocks on the seat first, and if the glove fits, then call the insurance company.  I found this thread http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3464.0 and these sites: http://www.fj1200.info/2nd-hand.htm, http://www.robertmichaud.com/html/fj1200_info.htm.  If I progress to purchasing the bike, do I bother taking the bike 35 minutes down the road to the dealership for inspection, or make notes from the links above and have a good look myself?

:^)

[FJmonkey]

That will depend on how mechanically inclined you are. I would consider if he rides it on some regular routine, once or twice to work a week/month? Is it a garage Queen? the idle jets might be gummed up if he did not winterize it properly. Is it running? The mileage/KMeage (Is KMeage even a real word?) is low so I am guessing it sits for long periods. What is he asking for it? That will also make a big difference in answering your question. Running is a great sign for garage queens, no vermin in the air box, the wiring is still intact, the rest can be sorted out with out too much hassle. Almost forgot, check the tank for rust inside. Age is a Bitch and rust seems to come with it on our older bikes.

[2dogs1cat]

He rode it into work last week.  I agree with you, he may only ride it occasionally every summer.  He's asking 3k (2980.00 US).  Winterizing, another question to throw his way.  I'm thinking of asking 2,500.00 if I get to that point.  I'll check the gas tank too, thanks for that reminder.  I'll let you know how things turn out.

:^)

[FJmonkey]

He rode it into work last week.  I agree with you, he may only ride it occasionally every summer.  He's asking 3k (2980.00 US).  Winterizing, another question to throw his way.  I'm thinking of asking 2,500.00 if I get to that point.  I'll check the gas tank too, thanks for that reminder.  I'll let you know how things turn out.
:^)

I think 2500 would be a very good price, considering he rides it (and recently). Less likely to have storage issues. You say the condition looks good, Keep us posted. Become a new fully vested member with a Kookaloo rocket of your own....

[racerman_27410]

look closely at the paint on the oil filter housing and lower frame rail on the left hand side.... if the paint is missing then the salve cylinder is or has been leaking.... pretty common with the FJ as the fluid never seems to get changed as often as it should.  It's an easy fix and RPM randy has all the parts you could need.

I would also think about going thru the braking system seals and or at least some fresh fluid.

easy enough to look in the sight glasses of the master cylinders to see the condition of the fluid... it should be crystal clear.



KOokaloo!

[2dogs1cat]

This is what I've found today; you are the subject matter experts and I would like your opinions      about the following ads:

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-1984-FJ1100-Yamaha-W0QQAdIdZ292140569

http://saskatchewan.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-Yamaha-FJ1200-W0QQAdIdZ292835778

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-street-cruisers-choppers-Yamaha-FJ1200-1989-W0QQAdIdZ296055698

Thanks

[Arnie]

Just from the ads, I would favor the '89 in the rarer colors silver/white.  I'd check it carefully for crash damage since it is missing the "protector" on the scoop and has new mirrors.  It has the least milage too, but FJ's run for a long time.  It is the heaviest of the 3, and the least "sporting", but also has the best weather protection of the 3.  And, if the leathers fit you, that's a plus.

The '86 and the '84 look to be gems, but I'd check them all over carefully before committing to any.
The difference in price is minimal if you have to buy new plastic and especially if you have to pay a dealer mechanic to fix almost anything.
Remember that the newest of these is 22 years old now.

Good luck in picking a winner :-)

Arnie

This is what I've found today; you are the subject matter experts and I would like your opinions      about the following ads:

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-1984-FJ1100-Yamaha-W0QQAdIdZ292140569

http://saskatchewan.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-Yamaha-FJ1200-W0QQAdIdZ292835778

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-street-cruisers-choppers-Yamaha-FJ1200-1989-W0QQAdIdZ296055698

Thanks

[Mark Olson]

as much as I love my 86, I would recommend the 89 as it has better forks and is easier to upgrade the front end.