Hello from a potential new FJ owner, need buyer's advice.

[Tola]

Hello from Vermont, Coming from GS750 and 11000's.New to FJ's, I actually don't own one yet but am looking at a few this weekend, one FJ1100 and 2 FJ1200's. I was wondering if there are any good buyer's tips or guides out there/ things to look out for unique to this model. I've read that 2nd gear is known to fail, how common is this really, anything else that could be a deal breaker?

[FJmonkey]

Welcome, almost FJ owner. My 86' has the second gear issue and it is not a deal breaker for me. I short shift into 3rd before I hit 6K in the RPMs. After that I get my Kookaloo on and don't even think about it. All the years are great bikes. Many here start upgrading parts like wheels, suspension, seat, lights, luggage etc... They are easy to work on so you spend less at the Stealers. Look up Randy at RPM for parts, he has access to OEM parts and some custom stuff he offers for just FJs. (www.rpmracingca.com)

[yamaha fj rider]

  welcome Tola. The second gear issue was fixed in the later years. I think 89+ but not sure. The 91-93 have rubber front engine mounts, less vibration. Hope this helps.

Kurt   

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the group. Good luck with what you are looking at. IMO all 10 years of production have great versions. There were subtle changes and refinements as the years went by. There are 4 basic groups. 84-85, then changed to the 1200 in 86-87, skipped 88, 89-90 are basically the same. Then came the rubber mounted engine, larger main fairing and ABS option models, 91-93.

Fred

[Tola]

Thanks for the advice everyone, after riding several bikes i ended up going with a different model entirely (Kawi ZZR1200). FJ's I saw were nice but felt a bit small for me and showed their age a little too much for the price but I can see why they are as popular as they are!