Looking for opinions

[fuel80guy]

Bought a 85 fj1100 a few months ago. I've only driven it around culde sac just to get it in second gear.
This bike will be on the road next spring. My bike has 50000 klms on it and I've been busy on body work.
I scored a pair of target full fairings off eBay and a bunch of other parts including a Honda rear shock.
I'm hoping to make it to the ontario fj clinic with my bike trailered to get other opinions on my bike.
I'm already looking long term for my bike,,,,carbs,,header etc depending on how runs next spring.
I've always loved these bikes and look forward to many years with it.
Can I get some insight from others on there bikes in regards to reliability and what to look for in my bike.
Thanks Rob

[Pat Conlon]

Hello Rob.... Hmmm, where should I start?
The basics: get the bike running in tip top order first.
Maintenance and tune up. Adjust the valves. Might as well as replace your cam cover bolt grommets while you're in there. Clean and synchronize the carbs. While your tank is off, safety wire your petcock (see the files) Make sure your 2nd gear is ok, if not, plan on fixing it sooner rather than later.
Take apart and clean and relube all moving points, wheel bearings, steering neck bearings, swing arm pivot bearings and bushings (bushings on your swing arm linkage) service and adjust your chain, flush out all your hydraulics. Check your brake pads. Take your oem rubber brake lines off and throw them in the trash and get some new ss brake lines. Those 28 year old oem rubber lines are long over due for replacement. Change your fork oil. Lube your throttle and choke cables. Change your engine oil, get a RPM spin on filter, it's a great enhancement.

Ride and enjoy....enjoy the ride...repeat.

Then consider the mods.
Suspension, and then, done together, R-1 brakes and 17" rim conversions with modern radial tires..
Normally, on a '89 or newer FJ I would say the brakes first because it is so easy, but on your '85 you can't do the modern brakes without addressing the stock pig heavy, narrow, 16" rims at the same time. So I would recommend your suspension first, then the 17"rims and brakes. Also, if you do the brakes and 17" rims/radials before your suspension upgrades, you can overwhelm your soft oem fork springs and pogo stick back shock. A upgraded suspension will handle the oem tires/rims and brakes just fine, but I'm not sure the opposite is true.

Engine mods should come last. There is plenty of poop in the stock FJ engine to get you into trouble.

Head over and visit the mods section...

Beware: Modifications on the FJ is a very slippery slope...you have been warned.   Cheers Pat