Good Morning from SoCal!

[Maticuno]

After years of riding dual sport bikes, I finally had the need and desire for a true street machine.  I just picked up a 1984 FJ1100 with 16,000 miles for $1,400.  I specifically wanted an '84 since that makes us the same vintage.  She's not in pristine condition, but should be easily restorable and is immediately rideable for my 75 mile per day commute.  I look forward to exchanging info with all of you!

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the group.

Great looking FJ. The main fairing and tank look to be good shape. The front half of the front fender and is easily found on eBay, the 86'/87' 1200's use the same color fender. The correct side covers in good shape may be a little more difficult.

There are a few members in the Southern Cal area.

Fred

[Maticuno]

Thanks!  I actually have the side covers, just need some rubber mounting grommets to hold them in place.  It is missing the belly pan.  The fork seals are seeping a tad and the speedometer bearing is starting to squeal a bit.  I'm running some 10W-40 down the speedo cable to try and temporarily correct this until I have time to take the gauge cluster apart and work on a more permanent solution.

[Capn Ron]

Very good looking FJ, but aren't they all? 

Where (generally) are you in SoCal?  Quite a few of us around here and there's almost always someone looking to ride!  Welcome to the group!

[Maticuno]

I'm up in the High Desert region.  I'm going to need some new tires before I go on any long distance cruises.

[movenon]

Welcome to the site ! Front fenders (red) are still available or were a few months ago from Yamaha.  One of the local riders got a new one for less than 80.00 delivered. Is that an engine guard I see on your bike ?
George

[Pat Conlon]

Welcome Mat, I'm in the low desert, Coachella Valley. I too have a soft spot for 1984 FJ's
Skymasters (Mike) is up in the Lancaster area.

Let us know how we can help.

Pat

[FJmonkey]

Welcome SoCal FNG, happy to have you on board. Get your tires replaced and join us other SoCal FJ riders for a spin around the twisties...

[Maticuno]

Is the front fender really that important or is it just a looks thing?  Yes, those are engine guards on both sides of the case.

[moparman70]

re front fender -- I can't tell for sure but it looks like I don't see the fork brace that sits on top of the fender in between the forks themselves.  Maybe the 84-85 are different --- if not then it is not only a looks thing but a /handling/performance one as well.

I think the bike looks tremendously better with a front fender and fork brace. 

If you don't like the look you can get a nice fork brace from Randy at RPM -- and at least you have the handling/stiffness you need with our heavier bikes.  Some have upgraded to the RPM fork brace anyways as even the stock type set-up was not as stiff as it could be and led to cracked fender mounts.

To quote some suit guy if you get a front fender ' you'll like the way you look"

steveccc

[movenon]

Is the front fender really that important or is it just a looks thing?  Yes, those are engine guards on both sides of the case.

Only if it rains    I only mention it because some factory original parts are drying up and used ones are usually broke.  As a note you can adapt a Bandit fender on also but IMO it is cheaper just to buy a stock fender.

I just haven't seen that style of guards. Someday if you can,  please post a few close up pictures of those guards.
George

[Pat Conlon]

The little dude in the picture is doing the kookaloo dance.....very cool.

[Tuneforkfreak]

Nice looking bike! I'll keep my eye out for that lower cowl and give you a shout if I see one anywhere. I personally love the look of that scoop on the frame, It's a shame they get tore up so bad. Mines missing the entire left rear section from the oil filter back and the bottom looks like someone went FJ rock crawling with it  

[Steve_in_Florida]

Mines missing the entire left rear section from the oil filter back...

This is an indication that the clutch slave cylinder leaked at some point. Brake fluid is corrosive to the ABS plastic. Pretty common to see, in exactly the same place. (Two of mine are afflicted in this manner!)

Steve

[Maticuno]

The little dude in the picture is doing the kookaloo dance.....very cool.

It's quite possible he likes motorcycles more than I do.  "Vroom vroom", " truck", and "motorcycle" are in the top 20 list of his first words.



Here's a close up of the engine guards.  They do look a little home made on closer inspection, but very functional.  As for the fork brace, there is a piece of curved metal that arches between the forks and looks to be where the fender would bolt to.  Is that the brace?