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FJ1200 project for newbie

Started by smackeyacky, August 06, 2024, 10:23:36 PM

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smackeyacky

August 06, 2024, 10:23:36 PM
Have only just started riding (on a Moto Guzzi V65) but couldn't resist picking up a project FJ1200.

Wanted one forever but didn't have a motorcycle license.  This one has a few issues, clutch not working, front brake is spongy but the worst is a fuel leak down at the carbs.  Have partly dismantled it and found a pile of old, bad fuel line I'm replacing as a first step.

I won't legally be allowed to ride it for another 12 months but looking forward to carefully tearing it apart so when I do ride it, she'll be perfect.  Hoping to get some sage advice on how to proceed.

fj1289

#1
August 07, 2024, 07:57:49 AM
Congrats!

For a first project - do the little things - that is all this thing will need to run.

Please don't get too involved or take too much apart - that greatly decreases the chances of a successful ending.   

There are lots of people here and lots of good posts in the files section that will cover everything you need to know.  And don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions!

Good luck! 

I assume to bike has been sitting a while.  First thing I would focus on is getting the engine running.  Will probably need carbs cleaned (a whole task in itself) and battery.  Fuel lines and filter sound smart too.  Your leak probably come from a sticking float or dried up o-rings in the carbs. 

Chris

smackeyacky

#2
August 07, 2024, 10:02:15 AM
Thanks Chris.

Getting it running is my priority.  Have a new battery and it does kick over and run very badly but fuel is pouring out.  I think the carbs will have to come off but I will start with the fuel hose.

FJmonkey

#3
August 07, 2024, 11:25:07 AM
Post up the year of your FJ, it looks like an 89 in the image with a fuel pump. The difference? 89+ has a fuel pumps, before that, gravity feed. Keep up the good work. 
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

smackeyacky

#4
August 07, 2024, 04:42:39 PM

It's a 1993 model, compliance plate says FJ1200B

FJmonkey

#6
August 07, 2024, 06:29:38 PM
Rubber engine mounts, smooth....
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

smackeyacky

#7
August 07, 2024, 08:00:45 PM
Hopefully smooth!  It's actually in nice nick other than missing the belly pan.  Has been sitting for a couple of years though.

I was looking for the "Contributor" link on the forum - is it supposed to be on the bottom of the page somewhere?

FJmonkey

#8
August 07, 2024, 09:11:44 PM
Randy has some details to sort out. Randy had to upgrade the software or lose support from Simple Machines recently. Not all the older custom links like the Donate Button migrated. However, I am sure Randy will have options.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

RPM - Robert

#9
August 08, 2024, 10:13:54 AM
For now donations are still via PayPal and can be sent to randy@rpmracingca.com

smackeyacky

#10
August 08, 2024, 04:31:33 PM
Thanks Robert will make a contribution.

Millietant

#11
August 21, 2024, 05:21:05 PM
Jeez Smackey....that's one heck of a top box mount and frame you have on there. Ditching it will save like 100 lbs of high up rearward weight. Gotta improve the bikes handling no end  :good2:
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

Pat Conlon

#12
August 22, 2024, 10:32:51 AM
Quote from: Millietant on August 21, 2024, 05:21:05 PMJeez Smackey....that's one heck of a top box mount and frame you have on there. Ditching it will save like 100 lbs of high up rearward weight. Gotta improve the bikes handling no end  :good2:

Good call Dean, exactly my thought.
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

red

#13
August 22, 2024, 08:17:19 PM
Quote from: smackeyacky on August 06, 2024, 10:23:36 PMHave only just started riding (on a Moto Guzzi V65) but couldn't resist picking up a project FJ1200.
Wanted one forever but didn't have a motorcycle license.  This one has a few issues, clutch not working, front brake is spongy but the worst is a fuel leak down at the carbs.  Have partly dismantled it and found a pile of old, bad fuel line I'm replacing as a first step.
I won't legally be allowed to ride it for another 12 months but looking forward to carefully tearing it apart so when I do ride it, she'll be perfect.  Hoping to get some sage advice on how to proceed.
smackeyacky,

Wow, a Moto Guzzi.  Nice classy ride!  Welcome to the campfire.  Pull up a seat, relax, and be among friends.  The clutch may need bleeding.  Use the correct brake fluid only, as marked on the clutch reservoir.  Speedbleeders.com will make it an easy, one-person job.  Good for brakes and clutch bleeding. Get their fluid catch bag, as well.

Hopefully, new fuel lines will fix the leaking fuel.  RPM (the FJ forum owner) rebuilds carbs, if you want a pro to do the work.  They also have Allen screw sets for the carbs, a nice option if you can swing it.

I am a believer in Motorcycle Safety Courses, or any good riding instruction that you can find.  You want both saddle time and classroom time, if possible.  There is nothing better (IMHO) that you can do while waiting for your license.

Send updates when you can.  For any problems, somebody on the forum probably has had and fixed such things, and will share what they know here.

The adventure begins . . .
.
Cheers,
Red
P.S. Life is too short, and health is too valuable, to ride on cheap parade-duty tires.
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