Buzziness from year to year

[hawkaholic37]

I went and rode a '92 today. It wasn't running great, l think some carb issues. It kept bogging down when l hit the throttle hard, and l never could get it to open up. Still, l could tell that an FJ is definitely what l want to buy.

The bike had foam grips and there was a little bit of vibration in it...would that be because it wasn't running well, or are the later years still a little bit buzzy? Should l have expected a smoother ride? Maybe it isn't fair to ask considering it wasn't running its personal best.

I have read that the earlier years vibrate more because they do not have rubber engine mounts. Just how bad do they vibrate? Is it a horrible annoyance? I am considering looking at an '86 that is for sale in my area, and l would kinda like to have an idea what to expect. Thanks

[Firehawk068]

I wouldn't let the fact that the earlier ones are not rubber-mounted engines, steer you away.

Mine is a '90 (does not have the rubber mounts that began in '91) and although it does have a buzz in the 3000-4000 rpm range, I don't consider it annoying, or excessive.
I can spend all day on it, and doesn't bother me one bit.

If you find one that seems like a really good bike for the money, you won't be disappointed either way. 

[FJmonkey]

Yep, I have an '86 that I have put many long miles on and have no issues with vibration. My '89 is no better or worse, keep the wheels & carbs balanced and the foam grips are nice.

[hawkaholic37]

Good to know! There is an '86 for sale here for $2000, down from $2500 which was down from $3500 earlier in the year, so he sounds pretty motivated. It looks very clean, although he doesn't give a lot of info in his ad.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/5096872500.html

Also there is this one...clearly more beat up, and the seller doesn't deny it. It has braided lines throughout, a fork stabilizer, and Kerker exhaust, so this has me intrigued... Any thoughts?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/5097444930.html

[Bones]

The vibration in the later model you rode is probably from seized front engine mounts, a common problem but easily fixed. With the mounts greased they are turbine smooth above 3000 rpm.

[Flynt]

I have read that the earlier years vibrate more because they do not have rubber engine mounts. Just how bad do they vibrate? Is it a horrible annoyance? I am considering looking at an '86 that is for sale in my area, and l would kinda like to have an idea what to expect. Thanks

Hawk,

I realize we may have over played the vibration thing a bit here.  I have a '92 and an '84...  The '92 might be a bit less buzzy, but the '84 is a great all day ride and the vibes are really no issue.  In all cases it is important to keep them running well and the carbs balanced since that will have a much bigger effect on how smooth the bike runs regardless of year.  The bigger concern with the early bikes (up to '87 I think) is probably the "second gear" issue which requires splitting the case to fix.  This can be checked by WOT pull through the upper revs in 2nd...  if it's got the issue, it will pop out of gear or studder badly while making some scary noises as the gears attempt to disengage.  If that problem isn't present, I'd rate all years as good candidates.

I think your criteria should be:

1.  its an FJ,
2.  You're OK with color scheme (ideally pick your favorite),
3.  The plastic bits are in good shape (good replacements can be hard to find and expensive),
4.  It runs and you believe it has been taken care of (to minimize surprises and frustration once you own it).

I love my '92, but it didn't meet the criteria above at all and was a project I bought into knowingly.  Bought it and did't ride it for about 6 months sorting issues.  My '84 met the criteria and I rode it in a mini-rally at RPM about a week after I bought it.  I've been tweaking and tuning it while riding it (~5,000 miles in <3 months) and I think that would be a better experience for you.  Here's an '84 on CL in Oregon that looks like it meets the criteria (Monkey said you're looking at this one):

http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/5106854698.html

I personally think these are by far the most beautiful of them all...  They're first year bikes which might raise concern, but time has proven they are excellent machines.  They also have the 1100 power plant which is a little different and more "sport" oriented (due to lighter crank according to RPM).  By the specs they are a bit lighter as well.

The '86 near you looks like a winner too, although miles are higher...  not really a concern if well maintained, but more time for something to have developed (like 2nd gear issue).

Having said all that, you're doing the right thing by trying out a few...  just don't let this turn into a unicorn hunt when what you need is a trusty mule.

Frank

[pdxfj]

There is no doubt the non rubber mounted FJ's buzz.  This can be helped with a good carb sync, good tune, good grips and a pair of the Vibranator bar ends but don't expect it to totally go away.  https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AVibranator

I got use to it over the years, but things reached a point to where even with the above it wasn't enough and it was no longer fun to ride.  Thus the reason I bought the FZ1.  I think the motor mounts on the FJ have given up and the whole bike needs an overhaul.

[CatTomb]

I'm about 25 miles from the one in Bend.

I would be happy to give it a look, take some pics and video for you (after you talk to the owner and determine that it is a viable candidate).

I would also be happy to pick you up at the Redmond airport, put you up for a night and drive you to pick it up.

If you want it and can't get here. Send me the money, I'll pick it up and store it for you in my garage until you can make it down.

Jeff

[hawkaholic37]

I have read that the earlier years vibrate more because they do not have rubber engine mounts. Just how bad do they vibrate? Is it a horrible annoyance? I am considering looking at an '86 that is for sale in my area, and l would kinda like to have an idea what to expect. Thanks

Hawk,

I realize we may have over played the vibration thing a bit here.  I have a '92 and an '84...  The '92 might be a bit less buzzy, but the '84 is a great all day ride and the vibes are really no issue.  In all cases it is important to keep them running well and the carbs balanced since that will have a much bigger effect on how smooth the bike runs regardless of year.  The bigger concern with the early bikes (up to '87 I think) is probably the "second gear" issue which requires splitting the case to fix.  This can be checked by WOT pull through the upper revs in 2nd...  if it's got the issue, it will pop out of gear or studder badly while making some scary noises as the gears attempt to disengage.  If that problem isn't present, I'd rate all years as good candidates.

I think your criteria should be:

1.  its an FJ,
2.  You're OK with color scheme (ideally pick your favorite),
3.  The plastic bits are in good shape (good replacements can be hard to find and expensive),
4.  It runs and you believe it has been taken care of (to minimize surprises and frustration once you own it).

I love my '92, but it didn't meet the criteria above at all and was a project I bought into knowingly.  Bought it and did't ride it for about 6 months sorting issues.  My '84 met the criteria and I rode it in a mini-rally at RPM about a week after I bought it.  I've been tweaking and tuning it while riding it (~5,000 miles in <3 months) and I think that would be a better experience for you.  Here's an '84 on CL in Oregon that looks like it meets the criteria (Monkey said you're looking at this one):

http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/5106854698.html

I personally think these are by far the most beautiful of them all...  They're first year bikes which might raise concern, but time has proven they are excellent machines.  They also have the 1100 power plant which is a little different and more "sport" oriented (due to lighter crank according to RPM).  By the specs they are a bit lighter as well.

The '86 near you looks like a winner too, although miles are higher...  not really a concern if well maintained, but more time for something to have developed (like 2nd gear issue).

Having said all that, you're doing the right thing by trying out a few...  just don't let this turn into a unicorn hunt when what you need is a trusty mule.

Frank

Thanks for the feedback Frank. Little by little l am sorting things out in my brain. I now feel a bit more free to consider all years as opposed to just a few.

I contacted the seller of that '84 and am waiting to hear back. The '86 in my area either sold or expired, the ad disappeared last night literally before my eyes all of 37 seconds after l hung up with Monkey. Oh well, there is always another deal...

[ribbert]

I have read that the earlier years vibrate more because they do not have rubber engine mounts. Just how bad do they vibrate? Is it a horrible annoyance? I am considering looking at an '86 that is for sale in my area, and l would kinda like to have an idea what to expect. Thanks

........The '92 might be a bit less buzzy....... 

Frank, I can't agree with you on this. They are not "a bit less buzzy," they are turbine smooth, Goldwing smooth, sewing machine smooth etc. from about 4000rpm up. Under that you can feel the engine working but you would not call it a vibration nor is it remotely buzzy or annoying, you can just tell the engine is running.

In the case of your bike though, it's possible that is vibrates more than standard given the work done to it (a small price to pay)

There are two things I can't abide on a bike, vibration and heavy controls, (heavy clutch, stiff throttle and notchy gear shift) It seems most bikes I've owned have one of all of these things and a constant delight of the FJ is it doesn't have any of them.


Hawk, I've already given my opinion on choosing a bike.

How annoying the vibes are is relative, however, if you have the choice.........

Noel

[Flying Scotsman]

I have a 85 I had a 86 and I have a 84 and a 90.
I have not riden a 91 or newer.
84 is a project have not ridden it.
85 Is great no annoying vibrations.
86 was the same.
90 has increasingly annoying vibrations.

I will look at the engine mounts and frame bolts but I think its a front end issue not the mounts.(Don't know yet)

My point is my 85 and the 86 both are great and they dont have vibrations my 90 does but it can be fixed.I would not rule out an early bike without riding it.Pick one you like then test ride it.

The 85 still has anti dive and rides awesome as well.(How does it do that with stock suspension and no rubber mounts)

Ride the bike then decide yourself.
My Favorite FJ so far is a Red and White 85 FJ1100.
86 FJ1200 was great too but I like the smaller 85 more.90 FJ1200 is still a fun bike but more bulky.

[Flynt]

In the case of your bike though, it's possible that is vibrates more than standard given the work done to it...

One bit of the "work" done was replacing my rubber mounts with urethane bushings Randy made up to help control engine movement.  I'm sure my '92 vibrates more that stock, but that was not really much of a consideration in the build.


My point was really that my near completely stock '84 doesn't vibrate enough to disqualify it as day tourer and that Hawk should try them out to judge for himself.  I even have the stock hard rubber grips (replaced by most people I think) and have ridden a few hundred miles in a day without any ill effects from vibration.  The trade off for me is the sporty feel of the relatively dainty fairing and the simplicity/beauty of the first year FJ when the objective was clearly set closer to sport bike (vs sport touring).  Plus the red/silver combo is rare and by far the most beautiful of the FJs...


Admittedly, I'm not in the same place as you on feel of the controls...  I prefer them to be firm and positive.  I doubled the clutch spring on the '84 just to make it feel "right".  Many years of heavy clutches have left their mark I guess.  Our criteria are obviously not the same and that's a good thing.  Hawk is getting the benefit of different opinions instead of a boring, unified response that early FJs aren't the thing to have.

Frank

[ribbert]

........Plus the red/silver combo is rare and by far the most beautiful of the FJs...

Frank

No argument from me. I have a picture of Pat's bike on my garage wall. After pouring over thousands (well it felt like it) of colour schemes, I settle on that for my other bike.

I have rarely seen a non standard paint job that I would want, in fact I can't even think of one. I've seem plenty of paint jobs I love but they all need a full fairing to work. The FJ's split fairing makes it difficult.

Yamaha got that right.

I doubled the clutch spring on the '84 just to make it feel "right"
Frank

You're a strange man Frank!  Have you disconnected the P/S on your cars too? 

Noel

[Country Joe]

I can agree with the advice to just ride the bikes that you are interested in. There have been far too many high mileage non-rubber mounted engine FJs to say that you can't do high mile days on them. Well synchronized carbs, balanced tires,insuring that all frame bolts are tight and intact and using foam grips are probably the biggest contributors to a smooth running FJ. Having said that, since getting my 93 FJ 1200 home and putting new tires on it, it is indeed electric motor smooth compared to my 1990 FJ.

Joe

[TexasDave]

I have a 84 FJ with the original hard rubber grips and Buell foot pegs. The foot pegs are all metal without rubber tops. I have never had any buzziness in the grips or pegs. I have never ridden another FJ but mine feels very smooth. If you want vibration ride my XS650.       Dave