Newbie kiwi

[gjm]

Yup, OK... I'm new here. Well, we all have to start somewhere, don't we?

We moved to NZ late June 2012, moved around a bit (nice to see the country you're living in) and have temporarily settled in the country south of Auckland. Temporarily, because I'm based out of Hamilton for work, and frankly it's just a little further, time-wise, than I'd like.

But that's why I'm here! I'm unlikely to save huge amounts of time by travelling on two wheels instead of 4 - we only ever do 100km/h here, don't we? - but a bike would be lovely to use on the trip to and from work.

The commute is around 110km each way. So, the first and most important question has to be aimed at those who use their FJs daily - is it feasible to cover up to 250km per day, every day, on a FJ1200, or am I asking too much? When in the UK I commuted to south or west London from Norwich, a much greater distance, and on a GSXR1100WM. I'm older, wiser, and more susceptible to back pain these days.

I'll leave it there for now... Assuming suitability, there will be lots more questions!

Cheers,
Graham

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the group. 

Commuting 250km a day on a FJ is doable. Years ago I commuted about 160km a day on a FJ1100 and had no issues with the distance. All it takes is regular attention to the chain (lube and adjustment),  regular oil/filter changes and good tires. I also did 200km's daily on a Honda VF1000F for 3 years. Same attention to regular maintenance. You will be more comfortable doing the commute on the FJ than on the GSXR.


Fred

[fj11.5]

Welcome mate,, I was traveling 1000k,s a week for work , on a rough running at the time fj11.. you should be fine 

[gjm]

Sounds excellent - thanks guys. 

I'll probably not ride every day. I'm by no means a fair-weather rider, but I can't see any sense in putting myself at risk in torrential rain or fog if there is a warm and cosy car that could be used instead. That said, if I'm out and it turns for the worse, you'll never find me heading for the nearest shelter. Memories of riding a GS1000 on ice come to mind - that was 'exciting'.

I've seen a few bikes for sale fairly locally including a 1991 model year Japanese import with less than 30,000km on it (need to check wheel sizes as 17" became standard somewhere around then, I think) at a dealer so there's a small price premium involved. Similarly priced, there is an ex-UK 1994 bike with a Scottoiler and luggage which would be useful, but the bike has covered over 40000 miles (66000km). Nothing in the larger scheme of things, but something to bear in mind.

I get the impression that there is little that goes seriously wrong provided the bike has been maintained (other than 2nd gear, if it has been abused) and that the usual things apply - fork seals, bearings, chain (obviously!) and the like. I'll do more reading and research.

Prices over here may frighten friends in the US - it looks like good 1200s go for NZ$3500-4500 (US$3000-3500). Not sure if that is representative of the smaller NZ market, or that these bikes are being considered more desirable? Not that it matters - importing one is probably uneconomical, and I'd certainly not be able to see it pre-purchase.

Ta,
Graham

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Graham, bring on the Kookalooo!!!

[Harvy]

Welcome here Graham.

'91 and '94 (probably a '93 as that was the last official year model - tho they were sold thru till about '95) are the same generation so no difference except for colour scheme. 17" front and 16" rear wheels.
Neither is subject to 2nd gear problem (it was fixed by YAMAHA by the time the 4th gen bikes were being manufactured).

There is a lot of information for your reading pleasure here.....enjoy the site.

Cheers form over the ditch
Harvy

[movenon]

Welcome Graham  All I can say is the FJ's like to be run. Sitting around is hard on them 
George

[ken65]

welcome graham  from another aussie, as harvy said, heaps of info here, good luck, ken

[gjm]

Welcome Graham, bring on the Kookalooo!!!

LOL!

My Gixxer definitely brought it on! 165 at the wheel does that. So did my KH750, but that needed rebuilding once a month or so.  

Welcome Graham  All I can say is the FJ's like to be run. Sitting around is hard on them 
George

This is actually a concern... Less than 1500km per year isn't much, but probably OK if spread evenly over the 20+ years since build. However, if it has been sat for several years it may not be the good buy I would like, and being an import it is unlikely there's much paperwork. More miles and regular use would likely be a better bet.

Thanks to everyone for the welcome. I'll keep you posted!

Graham

[aviationfred]

Something to keep in mind. If the 91' is an import from Japan that was originally for the Japanese market. The engine may be restricted to 100hp. I have read on this forum about how much of a headache it is to un-do.

Fred

[Matt]

Gidday and welcome to NZ and this site, and potential FJ ownership. 

I'm in Papamoa (just out of Tauranga) and have a 91 FJ1200 that's done just shy of 80,000kms.  I'm very much a fair weather biker and weather dependent intend to take her to Auckland on Thursday to the airport to meet some returning travelers.  Apart from a rust hole in the tank (that I just fixed) and a fuel pump that died I have had no problems with the starting and running of the bike.

It may just be me but I get a sore backside after anything more than about an hour in the saddle, and were thinking of getting a sheepskin or similar cover.  Maybe a custom seat could be a consideration if any of the ones you are looking at have different to stock.

Cheers

Matt

[gjm]

Something to keep in mind. If the 91' is an import from Japan that was originally for the Japanese market. The engine may be restricted to 100hp. I have read on this forum about how much of a headache it is to un-do.

Fred

Thanks Fred.
100hp would probably be enough for now - it's been nearly 18 months since I was on a bike. Didn't bring one to NZ with us and sold up before moving. The only exception was a 200km gentle ride on a minty-fresh red/black GSXR1100 lent to me for a group ride - the owner wanted to take his new 1199 Panigale instead! I might have reached 120km/h at one point, but that would have been it.

Gidday and welcome to NZ and this site, and potential FJ ownership. 

I'm in Papamoa (just out of Tauranga) and have a 91 FJ1200 that's done just shy of 80,000kms.  I'm very much a fair weather biker and weather dependent intend to take her to Auckland on Thursday to the airport to meet some returning travelers.  Apart from a rust hole in the tank (that I just fixed) and a fuel pump that died I have had no problems with the starting and running of the bike.

It may just be me but I get a sore backside after anything more than about an hour in the saddle, and were thinking of getting a sheepskin or similar cover.  Maybe a custom seat could be a consideration if any of the ones you are looking at have different to stock.

Cheers

Matt

I'll be in Tauranga tomorrow, at the BoP DHB! I was at TrustPower last week; all part of my 'patch' while working from Hamilton.
I read on one of the US sites that Corbin do, or did, a roaring trade in FJ seats.

Graham

[Bones]

It may just be me but I get a sore backside after anything more than about an hour in the saddle, and were thinking of getting a sheepskin or similar cover.  Maybe a custom seat could be a consideration if any of the ones you are looking at have different to stock.

Cheers

Matt

Buy an airhawk cushion mate, and a sore arse will be a thing of the past.
               
                         Tony.

[Ants73]

Hi there,

I live in Blenheim & use my 92 FJ as my daily ride, rain hail or shine. I have 55km ride each way, so 110km a day, so not quite half what you'd be doing. There's probably more economical bikes to ride or slightly more comfortable, but the FJ will be fine. I'm pretty regular about checking the chain & oil changes etc, as well as checking thing like plugs & air filters. I've done close to 40,000km's in 20 months, so I don't mind using it.

I've just got back from the Burt Munro on mine, 2,673km's later, didn't miss a beat. Had a tank bag, tail bag & soft panniers on it so was pretty well loaded up, plus a couple of days of 2up riding as well. Spent 5hours riding in the rain on the south island west coast, the FJ never felt loose or anything. Can't really complain. I do get a sore neck after about an hours riding but that may be more to do with the fact I'm 6'2" as opposed to the bike.

All in all they're a great bike. I don't know how many people came up to me at the Burt Munro saying they used to have one (wished they'd never sold it) or always wanted one.

Cheers

Ants