New 86 FJ1200 = Bucket List Checked!

[Formula51]

Hello,

I wanted to introduce myself.  I am a proud new 86' FJ1200 owner!

I have been close to buying a motorcycle at different times for the past 15 years.  Even got pre-approved for a loan once after college, but never pulled the trigger.  My dad has been riding motorcycles most of his life and is the reason I got into them as a kid.  He (aka Santa) bought me my first mini-bike as a kid (over mom's dead body) and I have been hooked ever since.  Well, my dad (now 65) has a rare muscle disease and it finally hit me a few weeks ago, if I want to ride with dad, I may only have a couple years left to do it!  I need to make this happen!  I have two young boys, which is the latest reason I haven't bought a bike, but something was telling me I had to do this (my wife did/does not approve).

I searched through Craigslist and the internet and then stumbled across this forum.  There just happened to be an FJ recently posted for sale in nearby TN.  The bike was being sold by the original owner and has been garage kept its entire life (19,500 miles).  The original owner was a very nice guy and easy to work with.  So I put down a deposit (over my wife's dead body!), grabbed dad, jumped in the truck and headed to TN to pick it up.

As luck would have it, we got good weather the very next week (70 degrees and sunny) and it was time for the maiden voyage!  Dad got on his 71' CB350 (exact duplicate of his first bike when he was younger) and I straddled the FJ.  I was definitely a little nervous, very anxious, and super excited.  Dad had more confidence in me than I did and he looked at me and said, "you ready!?!".  Then up the driveway we headed.  Oh man!  Did I mention this is my first street bike and first time riding on the street    Hey, its just like riding a bike right, you don't forget, right....

RIGHT!  We ended up doing 50 miles through twisty mountain roads, which is my dad's "normal loop" as he calls it.  Dad lead the way and it was one of the top 10 moments in my life!  Bucket list checked! I swear I was grinning from ear to ear and dreaming of riding the entire next week (shoot I still am).  And as luck would have it, it was 75 and sunny the very next Friday so it was time to cut out of work early and head to dads house for another ride through the mountains!  This ride was even more rewarding as I was more comfortable on the bike.  Man oh man, I am addicted to riding!

So grateful for this community, which is where I found the bike for sale that made all this possible.  I hope to learn a lot from you all and will definitely be contacting RPM for some goodies.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Eddie

[FJmonkey]

Awesome intro, great pictures, very happy you found the timeless FJ and all the joy two wheels can bring. I hope to restore my ambulance one day and have it looking as good as yours.

[Pat Conlon]

Welcome Eddie!

Great intro...Yea, a father and son ride thru the twisties is special.

Please be careful with your FJ. It's a hell of a first street bike.

Happy Thanksgiving

Pat

[jscgdunn]

Looks like a really nice 86!  Congrats.....I predict your Dad will have an FJ by spring.

[Formula51]

Welcome Eddie!

Great intro...Yea, a father and son ride thru the twisties is special.

Please be careful with your FJ. It's a hell of a first street bike.

Happy Thanksgiving

Pat

Will do. I have the Cobra for going fast. The FJ is just for the joy of the open road with dad. I've had fast cars all my life, but there is nothing that compares to riding, nothing!

We ride during work hours when there is no one on the road and most of the roads are only 45mph.  I will be all geared up after Christmas!

[Firehawk068]

Great post Eddie!

I was lucky to be able to ride with my Dad on a number of occasions. I cherish those memories, as he is no longer with us.
I thank him for my interest in motorcycles.  

My 2 boys love the FJ, and I can't wait to get them out on the back of it.

Nice looking bikes, and Cobra.  

[fjbiker84]

Great pictures and the FJ looks to be in really nice shape.  Enjoy!

[Country Joe]

Your life story sounds much like mine. My Dad and I rode motorcycles together from the early 70s until the mid 80s. I'm glad that you are still able to spend time on the roads with your Dad, time passes away before our very eyes. Enjoy each day with him.

[1fasteffjay]

Welcome!!! That was an awesome intro if I have ever seen one. I picked up an 86 just like yours three months ago. Glad to see you love the bike, did your dad take it (the FJ) for a spin?

Cheers! 

[andyoutandabout]

Yay another cherished 86. It was noted At this years rallies that the 86 s were a bit thinly represented. Watch the boards and get yourself to a rally. It's the right thing to do.
Andy

[Formula51]

Welcome!!! That was an awesome intro if I have ever seen one. I picked up an 86 just like yours three months ago. Glad to see you love the bike, did your dad take it (the FJ) for a spin?

Cheers! 

Thanks. Not yet.  I told him he needs to, but he is a little unsure about the weight.

[fnlyafjat51]

Welcome. Very cool intro. Super glad you are getting to do that with your dad.

[Troyskie]

 
Welcome to the forum mate!
Plenty of help here.

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

That is great find you made. You know the 86 is best looking among these beautiful machines. Riding with family has great memories for me too, glad to see you are creating more of your own. I'm sure your pop is getting big kick out of riding with you.