1984 FJ1100... should I?

[MJinCP]

Friend of mine is offering me his '84 FJ1100.  Been sitting for over a year.  Not a clean bike.  Appears to have been down on both sides.  Windshield broken.  Clutch m/cyl leaked out and caused corrosion on left frame rail.  He rode it in spring 2012 and said it ran fine then.  He ran the engine till the fuel ran out, so it's been fuel dry the whole time.  Needs a lot of work.  He acquired the bike as a partial debt repayment and has no interest in it now.  My indecision on taking the bike is that to make it a nice, clean ride, I'm sure it'll take $1200+.  I could probably have it running safely as a beater for $600.  I'd appreciate your expert opinions.  Thank you!

[Tiger]

....... I could probably have it running safely as a beater for $600.  

IMHO, buy it...start from $600.00 beater and over time, as you grow to love the old girl, work it back up again...

John.

[FJ_Hooligan]

He obviously doesn't want to mess with it.

Low Ball him an offer.  The worst he can do is say No.

Hooligan

[jscgdunn]

Depends on KMs.  We purchased an 86 last year with 61KKM for $500 with broken fairing.  Just picked up and 85 for $600 complete, a bit rough with 91kkms. 

Not running....bad plastic....offer $400 I think.

[fj11.5]

Buy her 

[Arnie]

If you need a "project", buy it.  If you want a motorcycle to ride, look for another.
Why start with a bike that needs lots of tlc when there are good bikes available for very little more $$?

Arnie

[jscgdunn]

Good point Arnie....sometimes my assumption is that if a person is interested in a 30 year old motorcycle, then by definition, they are intersted in a project. 

Old bikes, even as bullet proof as the FJ is, need ongoing maintenance/fixing/modding and you better be prepared to spend some time. 

For some of us, working on them/modding them is just about as much fun as riding them....and makes a great pastime during the long winter of no riding. 

Jeff

[Arnie]

Jeff,

I no longer have a 'long winter of no riding'.  I can and do ride all year round.
This means that for those modding or repairing times that require more than a day or two to complete, you have to have at least one other bike to ride.  Otherwise you go through those withdrawals that make you crazy and impossible to live with.  I know, I used to live in Detroit. :-)

Arnie

[jscgdunn]

Yes...having more than one is a good way to go;  although the mangement says it is getting a bit out of hand around here. 

The great thing about FJs is they are great value.  The most we have ever paid is $1800, recently for an '89 with 61Kkms in very good shape with brand new tires.  The best deal was my first 84: 43Kkm, cherry shape, $1500.

So we have four and 1/2 in the family now;  2 92s, 1 84, 1 90, and I own 1/2 of an 86 proejct with my mate.  My goal is to engage my sons in the maintenance so they learn and appreciate the machine .  Try to do all the tinkering in winter and have them run all summer...at least that's the theory.


Jeff

[movenon]

Good point Arnie....sometimes my assumption is that if a person is interested in a 30 year old motorcycle, then by definition, they are intersted in a project. 

Old bikes, even as bullet proof as the FJ is, need ongoing maintenance/fixing/modding and you better be prepared to spend some time. 

For some of us, working on them/modding them is just about as much fun as riding them....and makes a great pastime during the long winter of no riding. 

Jeff

I can relate to that. Its in my nature to tinker. Even if I had a newer bike I am afraid I would tinker..... I for one just like the FJ. I am looking at other bikes but my reference point is the FJ. And in the end I just come back to the FJ. "Fits" is all I can say.
George

[MJinCP]

Thanks for the input, Guys.  I'm going to get it.  I have another bike for riding, so no urgency.  I'll post some pics when I get it in my garage.  I know it'll be a project, just wasn't sure that the end result when it's all done would be something that interests me.  Not a big Yamaha fan - not against them, but never owned one.  Had several Kawi's and a BMW, but no Yamaha.  Your passion for the bikes has influenced me to see this through and enjoy the end result.  Thanks!

[jscgdunn]

An FJ project....half the fun is getting (it) there!