Got a great running 87... Wow, seems too good.

[capitanoinsano]

I got a great deal on an 87 FJ1200 last week.  Nice looking and pretty low mileage (22k).  Took it for a ride and .... Whhooaah Nellie!  Trying to figure out why it runs so good.  Stock airbox, stock everything from the looks.

I have an 89, which runs great, but needs valve seals maybe (short period of light smoke on startup if its cold out and it sits for days, then none).  But I have it tuned very well and valves set, Factory pro kit installed.  Carbs all synched well.  But this 87 has noticeably more low end mojo.  If going 40-60 and you pull the throttle, it pulls like a train.  Noticeably harder than my 89.   I've owned 5 FJ's, 2 FJ1100's, 2 89's, but presently just have my baby an 89 and this 87.  It ran good when I got it, but after some carb tuning.... WOW!
I should check to see if it has a timing advancer or something else under the hood that I didn't notice.  I know the 87 had one more tooth on the rear.  But something is definitley up here.  One other thing, I makes more of a roar when you pull the throttle (airbox area).  But I don't see any mods.  I know the ignition box was different, but the 89 was supposed to have a little more HP at the rear wheel due to ignition I think.  Is it possible the 87 had different cams to give more low end than the 89, but less on top?

I picked this one up cheap for a spare engine and other parts for my 89.  I  thought I was going to part it out as I never was crazy about the 84-87 anti-dive stuff and 16 front wheel.  But this thing as a good looker and runner.  Handles a little quicker than my 89 too.  Can't bring myself to take it apart now.  Definitely made my week.

[mst3kguy]

bring it to the ecfr.

[higbonzo]

But this 87 has noticeably more low end mojo.  If going 40-60 and you pull the throttle, it pulls like a train.  Noticeably harder than my 89.   I've owned 5 FJ's, 2 FJ1100's, 2 89's, but presently just have my baby an 89 and this 87.  It ran good when I got it, but after some carb tuning.... WOW!

There is a tooth difference in the rear sprocket from 87 to 89, this would certainly be noticeably.  But, who knows, could be exhaust, carb set up, timing. etc.  Either way, it must be nice to have two FJ's.   

Later....   

[paulfj03]

Right on captain...that sounds exciting...my 1100 'feels' faster because it has a narrower power band...7-8000+rpms.  its more of a rush to hammer on it than the 91.

sounds like that 87 has alot of snot .... you scored with that bike there...!!

[capitanoinsano]

I'm thinking its gearing and maybe valve adjustment.  Larger valve clearances will help low end at expense of top end.  My 89 is set right, but maybe this one is set a bit looser.  Maybe it needs them adjusted for being too loose.  Or I'm thinking my 89 has worn out gaskets at collector box (to front pipes).  It may be hurting low end.  I have new ones, just need to get them in there.  Maybe my 89 is just a bit weak.  No obvious problems but it did seem lean at low RPM till I put in the Factory pro kit.  Could also be my carb boots aren't sealed well enough.  Getting my top end gone through on the 89 this winter.

[Sturgis_Bryan]

The Factory Pro kits are nice 

[Ratchet_72]

But this 87 has noticeably more low end mojo.  If going 40-60 and you pull the throttle, it pulls like a train.  Noticeably harder than my 89.   I've owned 5 FJ's, 2 FJ1100's, 2 89's, but presently just have my baby an 89 and this 87.  It ran good when I got it, but after some carb tuning.... WOW!

There is a tooth difference in the rear sprocket from 87 to 89, this would certainly be noticeably.  But, who knows, could be exhaust, carb set up, timing. etc.  Either way, it must be nice to have two FJ's.   

Later....   

Or could be its the most awesomest year Fj ever 

[higbonzo]

But this 87 has noticeably more low end mojo.  If going 40-60 and you pull the throttle, it pulls like a train.  Noticeably harder than my 89.   I've owned 5 FJ's, 2 FJ1100's, 2 89's, but presently just have my baby an 89 and this 87.  It ran good when I got it, but after some carb tuning.... WOW!

There is a tooth difference in the rear sprocket from 87 to 89, this would certainly be noticeably.  But, who knows, could be exhaust, carb set up, timing. etc.  Either way, it must be nice to have two FJ's.   

Later....   

Or could be its the most awesomest year Fj ever 

Or that, but I already have the most awesomest FJ ever.  

Later....