New FJ Owner

[Dhauk]

Hello
My name is Dave, I recently purchased my first motorcycle beginning of January this year. I bought it from a friend who was the third owner . The bike came from Edmonton, Alberta but had a short stay in Winnipeg, before being loaded up in the back of my friends truck just after Christmas and hauled a cross three Provinces ending up in my garage.
It's the middle of winter for us Canadians I can't wait for spring to ride this motorcycle, I'm a little nervous it's been Twenty some years since I rode a bike .I don't want to drop this bike its that mint. I just got my learners and will be taking a two day course in May .

[Mark Olson]

Welcome Dave , 

A 20 year break in riding will make you a little rusty so take it easy at first . The FJ is a heavy bike so low speed maneuvers can be difficult until you get used to it.

If it is gonna sit for a while but some fuel stabilizer in the tank and run the engine for a bit so it gets into the fuel bowls . Gummed up carbs come spring would not be a happy surprise.

Have a look at all the great info in the archives on this site and soon you will know your FJ inside out.

It is gonna be a long winter for you ,waiting till spring to ride your new FJ. 

[movenon]

Wow ! Welcome to the group David. We have a lot members in Canada, where are you located.  There might be someone close than give some pointers. Take your time with the FJ it is a handful of power until you get use to it.  Ask questions here as you go. There is lots of help here online.
George  

[motogp52]

Congrats Dave on your 93 FJ!  You're a wise man signing up for a rider safety course, get a good helmet and riding gear and have fun! Lot's of FJ'ers in Canada too.  

[Dhauk]

Thanks everyone ,
I think I'm lucky to have found this motorcycle. My friend Jeff insured me this was a great bike. I think he put me into a special bike . I can't wait to learn all I can ,  looking for a lower belly fairing mine is damaged that is all this bike needs for now .

[FJmonkey]

Thanks everyone ,
I'm think I'm lucky to have found this motorcycle. My friend Jeff insured me this was a great bike. I think he put me into a special bike . I can't wait to learn all I can ,  looking for a lower belly fairing mine is damaged that is all this bike needs for now .

Welcome, Dave,plenty of room in the FJ pool for another. Guess that's not the best metaphor for you frozen north fellas. We also consider this forum our digital campfire. So pull up a chair and your favorite beverage and enjoy.

How badly damaged is your lower fairing? The plastic can be repaired for less than a new one. And after market ones can be found if you chose to go that way.

[Steve_in_Florida]

Hi Dave! 

I'm in the same boat with the lower fairings, as I have two that need the left rear portion fixed. There's some threads on ABS plastic repair, and some magical stuff called "Plastex" that I'm preparing to experiment with.

We all have lots of projects, but love to hear about others, too. Photos help.

Are you going to show up at any of our rallies? They're fun!

Steve

[krusty]

That's a lot of bike for a novice rider. Any chance of getting something (much) smaller to hone your skills on, and to take a few drops?
As a former riding instructor I would recommend it.

[Dhauk]

Ya I've been thinking about getting a smaller bike , I will see in the spring after I take the safety course. I had to buy this FJ first as it wouldn't of been available when I was ready. There are so many vering opinions out there, I watched every video on YouTube , read every article . There was nothing but good to say about this motorcycle. I just new I had to buy this bike. My friend Jeff who sold me the bike insured me this was the bike for me. I mentioned my concerns of weight and power, his reply was just because you can get there first don't mean you have to. I know I'm a novice and if I think this bike will be to much for me I will buy a smaller bike because I DO NOT want to drop this bike .......EVER.......... Lol
Buying a smaller bike isn't a bad idea either ..... I can get my boys into the sport and have some one to ride with...... The only problem is convincing my wife ........ As it was almost divorce when I bought the FJ.
She thinks I'm going through some mid life crisis or something . Ha ha!

[ZOA NOM]

I think it can be ok as your first bike. I would highly recommend addressing any stearing head bearing issues that may exist. It can make a world of difference in handling the bike, especially at low speeds. It really helped my confidence in maneuvering the bike after getting rid of the stickiness of old bearings.

[red]

Dhauk,

So, when does this mid-life crisis get over and done?  I think mine started at age 16, and about fifty years later, I still have (ride) several bikes, and still fly hang gliders (only about 40 years there, started flyin' HG in 1975).      
One more vote for a smaller bike for you to start with, really.  The FJ is quite capable of leaving, no matter if you are still in the saddle or not.     Find some local bike instructors, and ask every one if the FJ is a wise choice for the first-time rider.  Have a spec sheet handy, in case these guys do not know the FJs.  Here comes the hard part: listen to the advice that you get from them.  A smaller bike is not an extra expense, there.  You will probably buy and sell it for about the same prices, so call it an investment in your health.  Stay healthy, my friend.

Best wishes,
Red

[Dhauk]

I knew this was going to be a mistake letting everyone know I'm a newbie in all aspects........
But I get it....... I wouldn't want some novice getting hurt and wrecking this bike either.
Any suggestions on a quality starter bike , open to any makes , models and years.
But would like to stick with Yamaha or Honda . I want quality and a more upright sitting position.
And what motorcycles out there in new models compare to the FJ 1200 not so much in horse power but quality ?

[ZOA NOM]

See if you can find it's younger brother, an FJ600. I regret letting mine go, but it didn't take much to transition to the bigger bike, seriously.

[cclase]

If I might add...a set of engine bars (crash bars, case guards, whatever you want to call them) are a must have piece of kit.  Randy with RPM has Renntec bars available: http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=91%2D93FJEB.  Speaking from recent personal experience, the price of the bars is a bargain compared to potential replacement engine parts!  By the way, my "other" ride is an '07 Honda CB250 nighthawk...yea, I know, but it's just about perfectly suited to my frame (5'6",160#) and my daily 4 mile work commute...240 miles to a tank of fuel to boot!  An example of a great little standard bike...my unsolicited 2 cents.  Good luck dude, you've got a great looking FJ!

chris

[krusty]

I knew this was going to be a mistake letting everyone know I'm a newbie in all aspects........
But I get it....... I wouldn't want some novice getting hurt and wrecking this bike either.
Any suggestions on a quality starter bike , open to any makes , models and years.
But would like to stick with Yamaha or Honda . I want quality and a more upright sitting position.
And what motorcycles out there in new models compare to the FJ 1200 not so much in horse power but quality ?

I've been mostly Honda and Yamaha but I will recommend a couple of others. Firstly the Kawasaki GPX/ZZR250. My wife had a GPX250 until recently and I rode it a few times, short and long distances. Its a brilliant performer, you can flog it or just sruise it.  its a hoot in the twisties.The engines have been around for years and can take a hiding. Like was mentioned a previous post, they can be picked up cheaply and sold on for much the same price.
For something a little bigger I'd recommend Suzuki GS500. Same reasons as the Kawasaki, plentiful parts, solid motor, cheap to buy. Both of the above are uncomplicated twins and easy to service
But all this could be irrelevant if they are not as common in your market as they are in Oz.