New Member: What is an Exceptional FJ Worth?

[bharvey60]

I have a friend who is selling his 1985 FJ 1100.  I'm familiar with the care the bike has received and it has been exceptional.  The bike is in like-new condition with over $2,000 (parts cost) invested in a recent frame off restoration that included new brakes, tires, clutch, transmission rebuilt, carbs rebuilt, battery and more. I'm familiar with the shop that did the work and they are excellent. The bike looks like it just came off the showroom floor and seems to ride great ( I don't have a frame of reference, as this is the first FJ I've ridden). I'm looking at the bike as an addition to my 73 CB750 and 98 BMR R1100RT.  What I'm missing is a bike that is really fun in the twisties with excellent acceleration, and can handle the occasional 100 mile plus ride - even though most rides would be shorter.  Do you think the FJ would be a good fit?

Any suggestions as to what I should be focusing on when I go over the bike?  Any known warts specific to the FJ?

My friend is asking $5,000 for the bike and I should be able to negotiate a bit lower.  Most of these in good condition seem to sell in the $3,500 to $4,000 range, but they are not likely to be in the same condition.  What do you think the value is?  Also, is the bike collectible enough to appreciate over time?

Thanks for your help.

[SlowOldGuy]

I'm looking at the bike as an addition to my 73 CB750 and 98 BMR R1100RT.  What I'm missing is a bike that is really fun in the twisties with excellent acceleration, and can handle the occasional 100 mile plus ride - even though most rides would be shorter.  Do you think the FJ would be a good fit?

Any suggestions as to what I should be focusing on when I go over the bike?  Any known warts specific to the FJ?

If those are you riding requirements, then the FJ is EXACTLY what you're looking for.  An '85 model will really benefit from an upgrade to a 17 inch front wheel, assuming the current owner did not do this as part of his "restoration."

The FJ has tons of acceleration, is great fun in the twisties, and can go at it all day (needs a better seat like a Corbin).

Only a few warts.  Assuming the clutch slave cylinder is in good shape, check out 2nd gear up near redline.  Early transmissions were prone to bent shift forks and jumping out of 2nd gear under hard acceleration.  Plenty of members who have had this problem simply "ride around it" by short shifting to 3rd.  You'll find that you spend most of your time cruising through the twisties in 5th gear and surfing the generous torque wave that the FJ puts out anyway.

Only other thing to look out for on an early model is warped valve seats.  Run a compression or leakdown test.

As far as price.  If it's in the condition you describe, $3K to $3.5K could be a steal.  Real appreciation of the FJ is in the eye of the owner.  :-)

DavidR.

[bharvey60]

Excellent advice.  Thanks for your help.  If I buy it, I'll be asking a lot more questions, no doubt!