Howdy from Austin, TX

[fintip]

Hi. I started riding when I got a dirtbike 5 days before I turned 11. Been hooked ever since! Unfortunately, I totalled the bike in a state park (Albert's Pike, anyone?) by hitting a pot hole at redline top gear that was obscured by glare and an inch of water. The park told us we could file paperwork and probably sue them to get compensation, since it was technically negligence on the park's fault, but it would take a year and a lot of paperwork.

That didn't happen.

So I was bike-less for a while. Right after I turned 18 I moved overseas for a few years. Got back to the states a year ago, and a family friend gave me a scooter since I didn't have any wheels. I promptly fixed it up and sold it and used the proceeds to buy an XJ650 I found in decent shape. And that's where I really started learning motorcycle mechanics, getting into learning every detail I could about the bike--see, I was/am planning a trip through central america on a bike.

The day I was moving out, a few days before leaving... A Mexican in a truck with no insurance hit my bike. Through a stroke of luck, I happened to be covered with uninsured motorist, so the insurance company offers me $588 if I keep the bike, or $1200 if they can take it. So after learning everything I can about the bike, I didn't want to switch at the last moment to something new. So in all of Texas, the only XJ I could find was another 650--this time an '81, not an '82--just 3 hours away, outside college station. It was a guy's first bike. He'd had it for 4 years. He'd religiously changed oil and filter, but didn't know much about anything else (except for misguided attempts at adjusting the self-adjusting timing chain... whatever). Oh, and he cut off the exhaust in an attempt to make it into a Harley. 

So I am in the process of taking everything I can off of my '82 and putting it on my '81, bringing it up to snuff. Almost done, just need to pull the carbs and inspect (they seem to be operating rather well, choke is highly functional and everything), and swap the whole wheel assemblies--and my master cylinder/brake caliper with it.

It's not my first choice on style--it's the Maxim styling--but it's a very practical bike for what I want to do. It doesn't look ridiculous like a Harley (imho, no disrespect to Harley riders, my Uncle rides one with diamond-plate cut fins), is very ergonomically friendly (upright seating positions, good placement of handlebars), and with an engine that revs to 9.5, not a joke of a ride, either.

Putting this bike together, though, and feeling comfortable now with it, it all feels kind of easy. The bike, also, is still fun, but... just after a few months, it isn't nearly as exciting as it was at first. I'd been eyeing other XJ's, looking at the best the line had to offer--the XJ1100? No, that one really does look like a Harley. Then I turned my attention to the XJ900 Seca, and started really getting into it, doing my research.

It's still something I consider, but then I remembered an occasional reference to the FJ's on the forum, and realized I didn't know anything about it. They sound pretty impressive, from the research, but I'm still considering. Bummed that they only get 35mph, and I hate vibration; like the older fairing style more; still trying to figure out more about it! I have a thread going in the general discussion area, but yeah... This is hello! Seems like a swell group here. If I do get one (I'd really love to test-ride one and see how it feels for myself, instead of reading these old reviews from Cycle magazine and such), I'd love to go on some rides with you guys!

[soundmindryan]

It's still something I consider, but then I remembered an occasional reference to the FJ's on the forum, and realized I didn't know anything about it. They sound pretty impressive, from the research, but I'm still considering. Bummed that they only get 35mph, and I hate vibration; like the older fairing style more; still trying to figure out more about it! I have a thread going in the general discussion area, but yeah... This is hello! Seems like a swell group here. If I do get one (I'd really love to test-ride one and see how it feels for myself, instead of reading these old reviews from Cycle magazine and such), I'd love to go on some rides with you guys!

Welcome, Fintip!
I'm sure you meant 35 miles per GALLON.
My '89 FJ1200 consistently gets 40 mpg, commuting 60 miles a day, whether I'm doing 65 or 85. I've done nothing to the carbs since I bought it, other than a few cans of Seafoam over the last 26k miles.
On the subject of finding a good one, granted, there may be a few severely thrashed and abused FJs out there, but most of what I've seen advertised are in very good shape, considering their age. Deals on good FJs are out there.

[FJmonkey]

Welcome fintip, I am getting an average of 50 mpg on my 86'. When I was commuting to San Jose twice a week with gear and 75 to 85 mph I was getting closer to 40 mpg. 35 mpg for a stock engine means it is set up wrong.

[SlowOldGuy]

I'm commuting on my FZ1 these days and it gets right at 50 mpg.  My FJs get at least that mileage.

Engine vibration is not a problem with the FJ.  Engines in the early models (pre-'91) were "rigid" mounted, but the vibration is probably no more than what you're used to having on your 650.  The later models are smoother, but it's no big deal.

If I recall correctly, the XJ900 was only imported in the US for 1 year.  Finding one in good shape will be challenging, parts may be impossible.

Can't go wrong with an FJ, there are lots of good ones out there if you take your time.

I had an '82 XJ1100 Maxim.  I hated that bike.  It was really uncomfortable to ride, killed my back trying to hold myself upright in the wind using only my forearms.  I practically gave it to my brother to get that last bit of cash to afford my '85 FJ.

DavidR.

[AustinFJ]

Welcome!

If you see a '91 (with the manly pink stripe) go blowing by you, it's probably me!  I ride respectfully, but also quite quickly around the Austin area.  I'm up in North Austin and Round Rock.  The FJ is my main commuter vehicle and cannot recommend it more!  Great bike!

[1tinindian]

There you go, nice intro!
I still don't know what to call you though.
I used to live in Austin while stationed at Bergstrom AFB back in the mid 80s.
My wife and I really like Austin.
I bought a new bike from Austin Suzuki.
They used to be located at Ben White and Gillis, but a google earth search looks like they either moved or out of business.


I hope your search for an FJ turns out to be all that you want out of a bike!

Leon