I love my 1100, but ....

[bigbore2]

Just got off a 3500 mi. round trip back to where I grew up with 4 weeks in between the up and back ride.  The 1100 engine just wants to go fast. It still impresses me with the power. And the chassis is nice even for my 6' 2". But the stock seat is unkind for hours in the saddle. And the engine vibration is just too much also. But for 1984, still very impressive.  I was just wanting another bike for long hauls and i like the sport bike sitting position, so I was wondering if any of you has a Hyabusa and an FJ.  I was wondering how the Hyabusa compares or improves the long ride.  And are baggage accessories available?  And no I don't want the FJ 1300. They have added too much to them and the SPORT is now sport with them. Getting too much like a Goldwing or a traveling couch.

[JMR]

I have a Hayabusa and have ridden to Mid Ohio (and back home) in 1 day. I have done it 3 times. I live in Massachusetts. I can explain the mods further if you like. A liquid cooled bike is more reliable IMO for long road trips. And the stock FJ seat does suck just riding from the Pocono's ( the old WERA races if anybody here remembers or knows about) to Massachusets.

[Pat Conlon]

I don't own one but I wouldn't mind owning one. I've ridden several. The 2014's are very nice

Here's my top 10...the 'Busa is:

1) faster than a FJ...much faster, scary faster (in a good way) yet gentle as a lamb around town.
2) weighs about the same as a FJ
3) handles *about* the same as a FJ (depending on the FJ mods)
4) gets about the same mileage
5) is smoother, quieter than a FJ. Six speeds are better than five speeds. Balance shafts work.
6) with a Spiegler bar conversion, lower pegs and a Corbin seat, (for me) more comfortable than a FJ
7) water cooled, fuel injected makes it more reliable than a FJ
8 ) all the above makes the 'Busa a better sport tourer than a FJ
Now the bad....
9) eats chains, sprockets and back tires like a motherfucker. It's the price of admission.
10) something wrong? Need service? Your better take it to a dealer $$ 'cause you 'ain't gonna do it yourself.

I love my '84 FJ, I really do, however the reality is, 30 years of advancement in design, represents several generations of evolution improving the breed....the ' Busa is just flat out, a better motorcycle than my beloved FJ.

Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....

[moparman70]

Well at least it took 30 years to accomplish that --- that's worth something   

[aviationfred]

Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....

This sums it up perfectly 

Fred

[movenon]

Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....

This sums it up perfectly 

Fred

Ugly is the word.. 
George

[JMR]

I can feel the envy fella's. At least you can't say that about my RC-51.

[FJ1100mjk]

I peronally do not find them ugly. They have a unique look, that one either likes, or dislikes.

They are currently enjoying a production run that exceeds the beloved FJ1100/1200 too. That fact in itself, speaks for its popularity and draw.

There's plenty of them out there for sale, and at decent prices, if you want one. The trick is finding one that is unmolested, and well-cared for. Pretty much the same for any older used motorcycle.

[magge52]

My 92 is as smooth as glass at 4k & up. The frame isolation really works. I had test ridden an 89 and although I like the dark blue I decided on the 92 specifically for its touring capability. The smoothness and larger fairing do the trick. I did 900+ a few weekends ago with a 70/30 mix of secondary and highway over 3 days. The thing that really impressed me was that I didn't feel worn out after 300+ mile days. The stock seat isn't the best, I plan to modify mine a bit to fit me better.

[aviationfred]

Just got off a 3500 mi. round trip back to where I grew up with 4 weeks in between the up and back ride.  The 1100 engine just wants to go fast. It still impresses me with the power. And the chassis is nice even for my 6' 2". But the stock seat is unkind for hours in the saddle. And the engine vibration is just too much also. But for 1984, still very impressive.  I was just wanting another bike for long hauls and i like the sport bike sitting position, so I was wondering if any of you has a Hyabusa and an FJ.  I was wondering how the Hyabusa compares or improves the long ride.  And are baggage accessories available?  And no I don't want the FJ 1300. They have added too much to them and the SPORT is now sport with them. Getting too much like a Goldwing or a traveling couch.

Three things that may help.

1. RPM bar risers

2. RPM Vibranators

3. Corbin seat


Fred

[JMR]

I was working on a 2009 ZX14 yesterday and have to say that the engine in that bike is really nice. My busa is strong (just under 190HP with ported head, Yosh cams TiForce pipe etc) but the ZX engine is much smoother and on par with that power (with just and an Akarapovic Evolution pipe and PC5). Riding position is more relaxed too. It is also a funky looking bike with the 4, bug eye headlights but is another bike that would make a good sport tourer IMO.

[gumby302ho]

Now....if they just weren't so butt ugly....ugly......ugly....

This sums it up perfectly 

Fred

I agree, new BBQ's with big stupid knobs on them, getto blasters that look like they came from the space shuttle program, an of coarse modern motorcycles! The rear fender and seat look like a knife edge and the fairings look like said getto blasters. The FJ will always be the beauty queen in my eye and the GPZ 900 A1 is not to shabby as well. I dont think I would want to turn wrenches on a busa either! Pros an Cons.       

[JMR]

 Working on the busa isn't that bad at all. I was able to remove the head and time the cams by tipping the engine forward in the frame). There is room to get around. The ZX14 is funky with its frame.....some things are easy....others a real pain in the ass (just like a V Max). Modern sport bikes like the R6, R1 GSXR1000 are a real pain to work on (especially the R6).....everything is very tightly packaged. Big cruisers can suck big time too.
You can get spoiled after working on an FJ as it is one of the easiest old bikes to get to the engine etc with the frame lay out. It is very well thought out in that regard

[ribbert]

My 92 is as smooth as glass at 4k & up. The frame isolation really works. I had test ridden an 89 and although I like the dark blue I decided on the 92 specifically for its touring capability. The smoothness and larger fairing do the trick. I did 900+ a few weekends ago with a 70/30 mix of secondary and highway over 3 days. The thing that really impressed me was that I didn't feel worn out after 300+ mile days. The stock seat isn't the best, I plan to modify mine a bit to fit me better.

The three things that I find most tiring on a long ride are wind, noise and vibration. If you can tame those it makes a huge difference. Having a '93 (rubber mounted motor), ear plugs and a standard non US screen has those pretty much covered. Throttle locks are also a great help. I don't have a problem with the standard seat. I realise that's entirely a personal thing and changes from rider to rider but I regularly ride 600-700 days without a problem.
If I ride until I can't scratch, the part of my body that shows the first signs of fatigue is my brain, or as some have suggested, I had a head start in this regard.

Noel

[Fj.itis]

Well, my next bike is going to be a zx14r cant wait. 210 hp here i come, traction control, power modes, abs on board computer a true rocket ship this one and no bad reports that i have heard of yet. Still keeping the fj though, another 12 months and that ninja is mine.