Hello from Southern NH!

[Navymech]

Hello there! I'm not actually a FJ1200 owner yet, but from the looks of it, I will be within a week!  That being said, I wanted your opinion if you don't mind.  It's an '89 FJ1200, 47000 miles, one owner, looks new but I'm physically looking/hearing it tomorrow.  It's at a Yamaha dealer, so I would hope they've done all the updated maintenance.  All in all, she's going to sell it to me for $2000, only because someone didn't change the price on the website, so it's now listed as $2800, and she was afraid I'd think it was a bait and switch type deal.  She's also open to the idea of me putting maybe half down now, and then taking it for a test ride once all the sand/salt is off the road, before I give her the rest, until then it's free storage  Anywho, my question was, do you think that's a good deal?

This would be my second bike, I had a 2006 Harley 883, but quickly realized that It lacked power when you needed it, and after riding some of my friend's sport bikes, I like them much better! I'm 26, was an aircraft engine mechanic in the Navy for four years, and now I sit behind a desk at a software training company.  Don't worry, I'll love my FJ if I get it, I've seen the video's of people beating on them and I just shake my head.  It's much too pretty to abuse! I'd be willing to bet my dad will want to take it for a spin...his old Goldwing was 3/4 fixed and then he got distracted with something else.

From what I've read on this forum and others is that the windscreen is too small, though I'm used to none so I don't know how much that will bother me, that is until I want to ride to Maine or something.  Also, that a cruise switch is an essential add on (if it doesn't have one already.)  Other than that, is there anything else? I think I want to keep it as stock as possible.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

Tom

[waricle]

Gooday Tom and welcome!!
You can't go wrong IMHO.
I'm loving mine and no matter what year you get you too will love it.
Popular mods are s/s braided brake lines, HID lighting, rear suspension dogbones to raise the rear for improved handling, Spin on oil filter adaptor and larger screen.
All cheap mods with a good outcome.
The the more expensive popular mods are -Blue spot calipers,Penske rear shock,17" rear wheel and larger low profile tyre, later model front suspension.
Not too many, if any engine mods done  (or needed).
People buy other newer bikes but tend to hang on to their FJ as well.
That speaks volumes.
 

[racerman_27410]

Welcome to the group Tom and thanks for your service to our country,

when you go look at it check for missing paint on the side cover underneath the oil filter housing and the clutch slave cylinder... the clutch slave is probably the biggest problem area due to lack of maintenance by previous owners.

its an easy fix though and parts are readily available. 

if the bike looks good and the clutch works then i say its a good deal.... we have many owners who are well over 100,000 miles and still going strong (one is over 200,000 miles)

the only other potential issue with these engines is a weak shift fork that can bend and allow the bike to jump out of second gear on hard acceleration (and this bike is capable= kookaloo! ) not sure of the exact year they upgraded the shift forks.. that model may well be upgraded already.... but still its a good idea to test ride the bike to make sure its ok... this can happen to any bike that has a careless rider stomping careless shifts so its just something to be aware of.

not that difficult to replace the shift fork but it does require removing the engine and dropping the bottom half of the case..... or removing the bodywork and putting the bike upside down would work... or if you dont mind working on your back i think it may be easier to just drop the bottom half of the case with the engine in situ as i found it easier to load the tranny into the lower case half then slide everything up into the shift forks/upper case half.

other than that just ride and enjoy the Kookaloo! 

take some pics and post them up after you check the bike out in person.

Frank

[Navymech]

Excellent! I will most certainly check that out.  I will also take many pictures, for here and for my old man to look at  Those mods also sound very useful, could keep me preoccupied when I'm not working or going to school!  Until then, here's the link for their website.  Has three pics, but I notice none are particularly close http://www.hudsoncycle.com/pages/preownedvehicles/viewvehicledetail/206/328/1/1/21931/1989-_yamaha_fj1200.aspx

Tom

[Arnie]

Welcome Tom,

It sounds like the bike is very well priced, and it looks to be in good condition.
As always, check it carefully for damage and cracks in the plastic. 
As a mechanic you'll notice any obvious mechanical faults when you see/hear it.
These bikes have very few problems and access for maintenance is excellent.     
Most FJ's do have a ticking noise on the left-top of the engine, but it causes no problems and no one has found the source.   
The weak shift forks were changed earlier than 89, but even the last version can have rounded dogs and bent shift forks in the tranny if the previous owner was sloppy when shifting.  Test by acellerating hard in 2nd gear when testing.  If it jumps out of gear, it should get new 2/5 gears, 1 shift fork, and/or have the gears undercut.  Optionally, you could just ride more sedately :-)
Screen size is a personal issue, and the problem is mostly turbulence with the airflow hitting you right at helmet height.  Some put higher screens on, some cut the screen down lower to have the noise and turbulence miss their helmet.  Some have no problem with the screen.  Try it and see.
Most of the mods we talk about are to bring the bike to a more modern standard.  None of them is "necessary" yet.  Choice of rear tires for the standard rear rim are limited, but they're still available.
Almost all other parts are generally available and a number of suppliers give us good deals.

Cheers,
Arnie

[junkyardroad]

'89 FJ1200, 47000 miles, one owner, looks new but I'm physically looking/hearing it tomorrow.  It's at a Yamaha dealer, so I would hope they've done all the updated maintenance.  All in all, she's going to sell it to me for $2000

FWIW, I bought my 89 with 22,000 for $2650 with a Corbin seat and new-in-the-box soft luggage. BUT, it was laid down in gravel at walking speed.  The only maintenance done in the last decade were oil changes and a battery. So, to correct the paint and scratches and the 22k maintenance, I ended up at the lowest point with a motor in part of a frame on the lift and parts everywhere. Don't assume the dealer did anything, find out for sure. Maybe even contace the PO if you can. Use it as leverage if they didn't.

Overall that bike looks exactly like mine (my left left side) and if it runs well, I would say that the price is reasonable.  There hasn't been a FJ in decent shape around here for several years at any price, though, and prices vary a lot regionally.

Hope it works out for you.  These are great bikes.

[Navymech]

That's a very good point, I'll make sure to ask for any maintenance records and if they'll give me the PO's information.  I have seen numerous complaints about it jumping out of second gear, so I'll also make sure I check that when I test ride it.  I appreciate all the help!

[Navymech]

Well I put $300 down until I can ride it!  It's sooo comfortable I must say, I'm already in love with it!  How would I go about adding pictures?