Hello from San Diego, CA

[craigo]

Hello all,

I am in Lakeside, a community just east (and what isn't) of San Diego.  I have just got my 3rd FJ1200 (all 1990 models).  I bought a Kawi ZZr1200, and a Suzuki Bandit 1200 before I found this 90 FJ.  

I have to say that the other 2 don't even come close to my new FJ.  The ZZR tried to kill me as it was all motor and no legs (call it handling)  and the Bandit, well, just was not a FJ.

I would love to just say Greetings to all of you and let's keep the FJ's alive.

Happy trails,

Craig

[threejagsteve]

Hello, craigo, and welcome!

[racerman_27410]

RIght on Craig!   One thing i have noticed over the years is that most all yamaha's handle exceptionally well.

and of course the FJ engine really has character.... something that i think is sorely lacking in new motorcycles.

welcome to the group!


KOokaloo!


Frank

[higbonzo]

Craig,

Hello and Welcome.   

I don't know what it is that makes people love the FJ so much.  I had a smaller sports bike when I was younger, and I had a older ZG1000  Concourse for a short time, and I have my share of bikes in between.  But, I haven't had the chance to own a BMW K series, or ZZR, or a FJR, or a FZ1, but I have met many people who have owned them as well as the FJ1200, and they all say there are certain aspects of the FJ they miss.  I guess I'll never know, at least not in the near future, what makes the FJ stand out compared to these other bikes.  I have upgraded my FJ with FZR1000 rim and modern tires and have been happy with the bike so far.  But, I must admit, I am getting a little tired of the front forks, even with the Progressive springs set up.  I am going to have to make some changes to it in the future.  But, overall, the FJ is easy to love.

Ride on!!!!
Later,  Phil    

[craigo]

Hi Phil,

I often wondered what the difference is between the 17" rear wheel upgrade that your bike has and the stock set up all my FJ's have had.  Other than tire selections, is there that much of a difference?  I am not the canyon carving nut I use to be so extreme handling is not an issue for me.  My 120mph, knee on the ground days are behind me now.

This new FJ I found has to have a gold valve set up.  The front end seems soooo much more stable than the other 2 that had Progressive springs in them.  Also, there is a really nice forkbrace made by Superbrace on it.  This FJ just sucks up the roughest roads with out so much as a whimper.  Real confidence booster when in the corners.  It also came w/ all the SS lines.  Real sweet 

I wish I could find the person that did all the work to this bike as I have a few questions for him.  I found the airscrews were tampered with and the idle was reving over 2k-3k after warmup.  I adjusted out alot of that but not perfect.  I got it to idle now between 1.2-1.5k. 

The bike came w/ a Corbin Seat.  As I am 6ft 2in tall, I found this to be cramped as I sit lower to the ground, cramping my long legs.  Also didn't like how the bars felt higher.  So I replaced it w/ stock and am alot happier.

Hope to see some of my SoCal brothers some time,
.... Craig

[Arnie]

Craigo,

The biggest difference aside from choice of tires with changing to a 17inch wheel is how planted and secure the bike feels.  You don't have to have your knee down to appreciate that the bike isn't wallowing on that tall, flexxy sidewall with the 150/80 tire.  Try riding someone's FJ with a low profile radial and you'll know.

Cheers,
Arnie

[higbonzo]

Craig,

The 89 and up FJ's have a bigger front wheel and newer design forks.  That is why your bike handles better than the older FJ's.

If you get the FZR1000 rims set up correctly, with the proper length dog bone, you will notice a quicker responding and over all better handling bike.  I went with the 5.5" FZR1000 rear rim because it seemed the more logical choice considering the size and weight of the FJ.  But, many FJ riders are using the YZF600 rear rim without any complaints.  I also like the look of the 180 tire on the back of the FJ.

You may want to run some Seafoam or other carb cleaner in a tank of gas to try and clean your carbs.  You really shouldn't have to do much adjust to the idle if the bike was running correctly before you purchased it.  Also, you may want to check to be sure your choke is turning off completely.

Yes, most of the taller riders find the bike to be a little cramped, but all I can say is "get smaller".  Luckily I am only 5'5" and the bike fits me well, it actually a little to heavy, but sometimes you have to make compromises to get what you want.  And I didn't want an all out sports bike, and I didn't want a touring bike.  And the FJ is a perfect combination of both when properly modified.

Later.....

[craigo]

You may want to run some Seafoam or other carb cleaner in a tank of gas to try and clean your carbs.

thanks for the tip. hope it helps.

The 89 and up FJ's have a bigger front wheel and newer design forks.  That is why your bike handles better than the older FJ's.

All I ever owned were 1990 FJ1200s.  And this one has something more special in the front end.  Maybe it's just the Superbrace but I'll bet that there is something better than just Progressive Springs.

If you get the FZR1000 rims set up correctly, with the proper length dog bone, you will notice a quicker responding and over all better handling bike.  I went with the 5.5" FZR1000 rear rim because it seemed the more logical choice considering the size and weight of the FJ.  But, many FJ riders are using the YZF600 rear rim without any complaints.  I also like the look of the 180 tire on the back of the FJ.

This may have to be done just to keep tires on the bike.  I read another post over in the mods section that Dunlop is no longer producing the D205 anymore.  This is far and away my favorite tire of choice.

Thanks again for all the responses.  This is a great group.

Craig

[higbonzo]

craigo,

The owner before you may have put fork emulators in and may have used a heavier weight oil. This will make a major difference in the performance of the front forks.  I run a fork brace on my bike.  It makes a difference to a point, but even with the progressive springs up front I am not happy with the performance of the front forks.  I think I am going to change over to the YZF750 USD forks sometime over the next year.

Your reasoning for the rim change is a very good point, and one of the reason I switch over the FZR1000 rims set up.  Here is the shop I used to make the switch over to the FZR1000 rear rim set up. http://www.powaymotorcycle.com/gallery/yamaha/Bills_1986_FJ1200.html  They are not to far from you.  I live in Florida and I would have these guys do the work for me again in a heartbeat.  I am so impressed with Bill and Bud's expertise of the FJ that I have stayed in contact with them ever since they did the work on my parts for me.

Later.....

[craigo]

Hey Phil,

Yes I had heared about Poway Motorcycle and the mods that they do for FJs.  My 1st FJ belonged (according to the guy I bought it from) to one of these guys.  The engine was breathtaking but none of the suspension mods mentioned here were on the bike. 

When the time comes, and I'm sure it will, I will be knocking on their door to do the rear wheel mod.  Thanks for the link.

Craig

[junkyardroad]

The bike came w/ a Corbin Seat.  As I am 6ft 2in tall, I found this to be cramped as I sit lower to the ground, cramping my long legs.  Also didn't like how the bars felt higher.  So I replaced it w/ stock and am alot happier.

Welcome to the group. I'm new here too.  Did your bike have handlebar risers that you removed or just the seat?  I was thinking about getting risers. I am 6'7" and the fit is not that great, but that is my life. (tiny cars suck)

I am going to use the Race Tech emulators for sure.  My last ride had a Paoli inverted fork that was excellent for carving.  The Brembos were nice too, but the S/S lines are all I'm gonna do to the brakes.

Wish I was in San Diego, we got over a foot of snow here today and the high was 24 (in Aspen).

[craigo]

Did your bike have handlebar risers that you removed or just the seat?  I was thinking about getting risers. I am 6'7" and the fit is not that great, but that is my life. (tiny cars suck)

Nope, the handlebars are stock.  They fit me just perfect.  And yes, tiny cars suck!  So do big SUVs.  Ever been in the the valley of the Excursions?  However, if I were 6'7" I may have another opinion.  I have full size American cars and love them.

Wish I was in San Diego, we got over a foot of snow here today and the high was 24 (in Aspen).

Yeah, I heard about the record snowfall.  Sure cut the riding season down for you guys up there.  It was a balmy 76 degrees here today.  The mountains were a chilly 65 degrees, almost no wind today.  Looks like it's gonna be that way all week.  In fact, they expect a warming trend.  Sure wish we would get some serious rain here.  We really are hurting.

[junkyardroad]

Ever been in the the valley of the Excursions?

Yep.  I even had one till I pretty much shoved it back down their throat.  Oil leaking POS diesel. Now my Ford truck (1954) has a SBC/700r4.

balmy 76 degrees here today

Green with envy. On the upside, we have only 6 more months till summer!

I am seriously considering trailering my FJ out there for spring break. We like SoCal in March, and instead of drinking by the pool, I'd like to ride the PCH a little.

My 89 sat for 6 years and I have idle problems too. I'm wondering if you have pilot jet obstructions. Slowoldguy has been guiding me thru a total carb rebuild, 2 down, 2 to go.  Can't wait to get started prepping for paint.

I bought Avon AM26 radials in stock sizes. What tires do you run?

Scott

[Yamifj1200]

Hi Phil,

I often wondered what the difference is between the 17" rear wheel upgrade that your bike has and the stock set up all my FJ's have had.  Other than tire selections, is there that much of a difference?  I am not the canyon carving nut I use to be so extreme handling is not an issue for me.  My 120mph, knee on the ground days are behind me now.

This new FJ I found has to have a gold valve set up.  The front end seems soooo much more stable than the other 2 that had Progressive springs in them.  Also, there is a really nice forkbrace made by Superbrace on it.  This FJ just sucks up the roughest roads with out so much as a whimper.  Real confidence booster when in the corners.  It also came w/ all the SS lines.  Real sweet 

I wish I could find the person that did all the work to this bike as I have a few questions for him.  I found the airscrews were tampered with and the idle was reving over 2k-3k after warmup.  I adjusted out alot of that but not perfect.  I got it to idle now between 1.2-1.5k. 

The bike came w/ a Corbin Seat.  As I am 6ft 2in tall, I found this to be cramped as I sit lower to the ground, cramping my long legs.  Also didn't like how the bars felt higher.  So I replaced it w/ stock and am alot happier.

Hope to see some of my SoCal brothers some time,
.... Craig

Hello Craig, do you still have the corbin?? Please let me know if you do TIA.

Eric M

[craigo]

Hello Craig, do you still have the corbin?? Please let me know if you do TIA.

Eric M

Nope Eric, sold it on Ebay.