To Swap or not to Swap??

[Steve_in_Florida]

Personally, I would keep the bikes stock.

Don't swap.

Others may disagree. They are free to do so.

Do what makes you happy. You will, anyway.



Steve

[racerman_27410]

if that engine is running stronger than your engine then it isnt a big deal to swap engines. IMO it never hurts to have a spare engine 


KOokaloo!

[JMR]

if that engine is running stronger than your engine then it isnt a big deal to swap engines. IMO it never hurts to have a spare engine 


KOokaloo!

....or 3.

[Dads_FJ]

Ok. So can anyone answer my question whether it is worth it to swap a 1200 motor into my 1100 bike?

Please; let me be clear, I am not keeping two bikes, or riding the 1200. Neither is an option.

The question is: To Swap or not to Swap.

How does each bike run, and how many miles are on each motor?  If the miles on the 1200 are significantly lower and the bike runs strong and doesn't smoke, then by all means.  But if there's nothing wrong with the 1100 I'd leave it.

[McKilla Guerilla]

How does each bike run, and how many miles are on each motor?  If the miles on the 1200 are significantly lower and the bike runs strong and doesn't smoke, then by all means.  But if there's nothing wrong with the 1100 I'd leave it.

Yea, Neither bike smokes, My 1100 has 33k miles, the 1200 has 28k miles

I was thinking of Not swapping them but the guy thats giving me the bike thinks its worth it cause he said the 1200 has more midrange torque.

I also didn't know if having the 1200 was an advantage for hi-po stuff like pistons & whatnot.

I'm not opposed to swapping it if the consensus was that it had some advantage. but it seems like alot of work for minimal gain to me. I just wanted to see what you guys thought because Im sure many of you have had both. I've only owned my 1100 & I rode his 1200 once.

[movenon]

If it were me I would clean up the 1200, adjust valves / go through the carbs / clean out the clutch Cly / new oil and filter then put it in storage for a back up or to install in another FJ that could be bought right with a bad engine in it. An extra motor on the shelf for a 20 year plus old bike is a good thing.
George

[ribbert]

The differences were negligible when new and by now there are so many things that will effect how each one runs it's irrelevant. The motors are of similar mileages and should be in similar condition.
Wouldn't waste my time.
I would (and have) keep the second bike as a ready supply of spares.

There are plenty of spares around for these bikes, except when you need one in a hurry and they will be way more expensive as stand alone parts than acquiring an entire bike to raid. Very helpful too having a bikes worth of electrical and fuel parts for diagnostic work.

Noel

[fj11.5]

im with you guys,, wish i had a spare engine about now

[ribbert]

im with you guys,, wish i had a spare engine about now

I acquired a complete spare bike for parts, semi dismantled and store at several locations, for $500. Not able to help myself I put it back together and to my amazement it was all there and in fact rode beautifully and I put a couple of thousand K's on it. The chain had the worst tight spot I have ever seen and it needed a battery and fuel pump (missing), all bought from the wreckers $70.

The point of my story is, the engine was the last thing I imagined I would need. However it is now in my bike (that's another story) I have not seen an engine for sale here under $1200, and then there is the entire rest of the bike for spares although I do intend to fix the original motor and return this one to the other bike.

The great thing with the spare bike is it gives you immediate access to parts that can then be replaced at your leisure or when they become available at a reasonable cost, which is never when you need them in a hurry.

Noel 

[McKilla Guerilla]

If I could keep a spare bike I would. The thought has crossed my mind but there are too many reasons why I can't. Not to mention it'd kinda be selfish to hang on to a perfectly running bike just for parts. I need people to ride with.

I picked up the 1200 last night, it's kinda cold here in NJ & the roads have a healthy amount of gravel but I couldn't resist the urge to find my Kookaloo.

Regardless of which bike I fix & keep or which one I sell to a friend I love the FJ & I kinda feel bad for my buddy that bought a new R1 & gave up the best bike he will ever own but I'm thankful it found its way into my hands.

[yamaha fj rider]

Sounds like you have answered your own question, if you like the 1100 the best then take the parts you want off the 1200 put them on the 1100 and you are good to go. I would not swap engines unless the 1100 has a problem, also the 1100 is more rare. If I owned FJ 1100 it would stay that way. JMHO hope this helps.

Kurt

[Jeff0308]

thought of putting my trailbike reg on the FJ. Both the same year reg. Knowing my luck I would get busted. especially with the new mobile  rego cameras the law have