New Guy - Looking at '89 FJ1200

[Russty]

Hello everyone!

Glad to be here!
I was browsing the local classifieds today, and a guy is selling a 1989 FJ1200 for $700.
Description says it needs the carburetors synchronized, and the clutch "pump" (which I recon he means the clutch master cylinder... or the piston down at the engine. Not sure).

I would like to go look at it this weekend.
Was wondering if you could send some direction as to what to look for and/or check.
Links would be awesome.

Just joined this forum, and am starting to read everything I can now... so please excuse me if I have missed a "New Owners - What to Check For" thread!

I know Yamahas are rock solid (FTW!), yet wondering of any peculiarities.
Will have pics of her on the weekend.
The pic the guy uploaded to the classifieds is taken with Potato resolution.

Thank you everyone!

[FJmonkey]

Welcome FNG, if you have any members near you they may offer to come along. Carbs get circuits plugged up, the clutch slave leak, easy to rebuild. Use teh search function and look up "what to look for". It has been asked many times and answered as many times.

[Russty]

Awesome!

Will do that search now... I just got sucked into Capn Ron's big thread about his cross-country trip.

Can't really do much else until I finish reading this!!

Will update ASAP!

Thanks! =)

[Russty]

For future reference, here are two threads I have found so far...
What to look for?
and
What to look for when buying a 1986 fj1200???

[movenon]

Welcome Rusty. Hard to relay much via the internet but the price is right for sure.

Most things on an FJ are fixable. Carbs can be rebuilt. Syncing carbs is easy you can make your tool for less than 15 bucks or buy a off the shelf tool for around 100.00. Neither one is more accurate than the other.  The clutch is easy. Probably the slave cylinder on the engine. It's down by the oil filter on the left side. If it's been leaking you will see the paint has peeled in that area. Around 70 bucks buys a new one, you can also install a seal kit if the bore is in good shape for less. Chains are a bit spendy and it requires a good chain figure around 150.00. Tires are another expense roughly in round numbers plug in 300.00 for front and rear. Might find them for as little as 200.00, all depends. I am assuming you will do most of the work.

Fairing parts are a little harder to fine but they are around. You can fix ABS if the big parts are still there. Rule # 2 don't throw away any ABS parts... If you are mechanically inclined with a few tools you can do well with the FJ. They are hard to beat for the price.

What area do you live in ? There is the off chance a member might be close buy to look at it with you. If time is not critical take some pictures and post here and others will help out as best they can.

Check out RPM's WEB site it will give you an idea of whats is readily available and cost's. http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39
It will give you a foundation of what the costs are.

Let us know how it turns out for you.  
George

[aviationfred]

Very good advice has already been given. My 2 cents are.... For the $700 you will get a great motorcycle platform. Be prepared to replace/rebuild the brake calipers, replace brake hoses, clutch master and slave cylinders, front brake master cylinder


Fred

[Russty]

Hey yah guys thanks for the warm welcome!!

It is too late over here now, so I will call the guy up tomorrow.
See if I can arrange a visit Saturday or Sunday.

I love working on mechanical things myself... so yeah, I will do everything I can myself!

movenon, RPM's site (Randy?) is awesome.
Bookmarked and checking out everything there is!
(side-note: The A-10... my favorite plane ever! When little, I wanted to buy one from the US Government (Ha!), and paint it "Ford Splash Yellow"... use that instead of the airlines!!)

aviationfred,
Thanks man... looking forward to it.
LoL @ your sig... "Theft Deterrent colors"... nice!

Following FJmonkey's advice, those threads were very informative.
This community is awesome!

Will post up pics when I go see her.
Has to be on the weekend as I get out of work after dark.
Never buy a vehicle after dark... already did that once.

Thanks everyone... I will udpate ASAP!

[CanDman]

Welcome Rusty,
Be mindful of what's coming out the tail pipe and you'll get along with everyone just fine.......

Rusty!

CanDman