Indecsion

[Imndeep]

Hola,

I'm a newb to this forum and could use a little help with a decsion. I wrecked my very clean low milage FJ1100 last september. She sustained minor damage to the fairing but substaintial damage to the engine. I don't know what to do, either part her out or fix her. right side silver cover that says "Yamaha" was completely shaved off with minor damage to the case. Plus I have typical 2nd gear issues that really bug me. That should've been a recall from Yamaha years ago. Suggestions?

Chris

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Chris, welcome to our nut house. Sorry to hear of your mishap. No injuries to you or broken bones? That's the important point...all the mechanical stuff can be repaired to even better than new status.....Not so with bodily injuries. Even when you think you're all healed up, little twinges pop up.

Anyhoo..... A couple of questions for you Chris
1) Before your mishap, did you enjoy your FJ? Did you really like riding her? Take her on any long trips? I know second gear is a PIA but that an be fixed.... If the answer is yes, you really, really like your FJ then "consider" fixing your bike.
If your answer is no, then sell your bike for parts and buy another bike.

2nd question: To keep costs down, do you have the ability to do all or at least part of the work yourself?  Have a garage and tools? Do you Like projects?
If your answer is yes then go ahead and fix your FJ.
If your answer is no, that means your repairs can be (meaning: "will be") expensive. More than you want to pay. Sell your bike for parts and buy another.

Side cases are cheap, it's the plastics that get expensive especially if you want to match paint colors.
We can help you fix your 2nd gear No worries..... Take some pictures of your damage and post them here...let's see what we have to start with.. Cheers! Pat

[moparman70]

Well ... you asked ... I don't know how you are set for funds but here is my take as I had a similar situation.  I had ( still have ) an 86 my first real bike owned since 87 -- second gear issues that I lived with until it locked up and went down  last year.  Instead of fixing it I found a 90 FJ for a very reasonable price 1700 ... and then realized I was hanging on to the 86 too long.

If I had to do it over ... I would have parked the 86 when it was starting to act up ( about 4-5 years ago) and use it for the occasional ride.... bought the newer version without the 2nd gear issue and I would have two FJ still.  My 86 is not that bad cosmetic wise so I do plan on fixing ie..   ( finding a motor ) but with the 90 running well I have the time to look.

So to summarize ... start looking for an 89 or newer FJ ...spend the money on a good one and then once you got the bird in the hand ...recoup the "extra money" spent on the newer bike selling the parts of the old.  That second gear issue is the only downside to the early fj's ..too bad really but the cost of fixing it doesn't make sense when there are 89s and newer that are itching to be riden.

steve

[Imndeep]

Gentlemen,

I do have a bit of skill in the mechanical department, I just have a lot of projects and just want to ride. I do love my FJ as these newer bikes scare the sh*t outta me. They're way too powerful. I have a Corbin seat that I just installed last year that cost a fortune. The wife and I enjoy riding that we call "the loop", which is Hwy 20 to Winthrop.WA. then down 153 to 97 to Hwy 2, then to the 5 to home. Nice weekend ride. I suggest it to anyone that's in the great NW during the summer. Pretty sure I'll fix her but I did break my elbow and wrist in September. Not too much fun but the price ya pay to ride, everyone goes down, eventually.

Chris

[Pat Conlon]

Ok, fair enough Chris, let's fix her. New bikes are $$$ Perhaps yours will not cost too bad
  Post some picts and let's see what 'cha need. Randy @ RPM will have some engine parts for you.

Chris P, one of our forum moderators, can make a recommendation for some Rentec engine bars:

I can vouch for their effectiveness.  The bike took a little slide down the highway.  Picked it up and rode it home.