Brand new '84 FJ1100

[hawkaholic37]

If money was no object l would certainly be tempted...

http://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/5083936540.html

[Pat Conlon]

To give you a perspective, the $4,990 I paid for my FJ1100 back in May of '84, is equivalent to $11,215 in today's dollars.

So, even at the asking price, you're getting a new FJ1100 at below the cost I paid 31 years ago.

I would offer $5k for the bike, maybe go up to $6k, but my boss lady has made things painfully clear as to what will happen if I bring another FJ home.

[hawkaholic37]

To give you a perspective, the $4,990 I paid for my FJ1100 back in May of '84, is equivalent to $11,215 in today's dollars.

So, even at the asking price, you're getting a new FJ1100 at below the cost I paid 31 years ago.

I would offer $5k for the bike, maybe go up to $6k, but my boss lady has made things painfully clear as to what will happen if I bring another FJ home.

Yeah, that would be a lot of fun to go back in time. I am going to keep my eye on it. Currently looking at an '84 and waiting to hear from CatTomb, who has generously offered to go look at it for me.

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

[FJ_Hooligan]

To tell the truth, I'd rather have my 46Kmile '85 with its mods than that bike.

That's too much money for a no-mod starter bike.

Hopefully someone at Barber will get it.

[hawkaholic37]

Funny, l was kind of thinking that...it would be a shame to buy that bike and then change everything out

[Pat Conlon]

If I bought it, I would not change a thing (except some black Spiegler brake lines and safety wire the petcock)
Ok, maybe some radial tires...that's it. (See how it starts Frank?)

I already have a modded '84, no need to start another. All the mods done (excepting the 1350 engine) are reversible, I kept all my stock stuff.

It would be interesting for a magazine to do a side by side comparison between the two.
I think the title of the article should be: 1984 FJ1100: Pre Moditis vs Post Moditis.
It's been so long, I've forgotten how the bone stock FJ1100 felt.

[hawkaholic37]

If I bought it, I would not change a thing (except some black Spiegler brake lines and safety wire the petcock)
Ok, maybe some radial tires...that's it. (See how it starts Frank?)

I already have a modded '84, no need to start another. All the mods done (excepting the 1350 engine) are reversible, I kept all my stock stuff.

It would be interesting for a magazine to do a side by side comparison between the two.
I think the title of the article should be: 1984 FJ1100: Pre Moditis vs Post Moditis.
It's been so long, I've forgotten how the bone stock FJ1100 felt.

When l find out l will let you know

[FJ_Hooligan]

It's been so long, I've forgotten how the bone stock FJ1100 felt.

I remember it well.  My '85 handled like a truck compared to the '93.  The difference in handling was the driving force to me making the change to an '89 front end to get the 17 inch wheel.

The transformation was amazing.  By far the best bang for buck mod I've done to the '85.  The Penske is a close second.

[TexasDave]

After picking up my 84 in Washington I rode the twisties in the mountains of Oregon and Northern California and was not impressed with the handling. However I was impressed with the power and acceleration and decided to keep it. Next it was straight to Randy's shop. RPM fork springs, fork valves, shock and brake pads made a night and day difference. I didn't know how big a difference until I went to the central rally in Arkansas. Great handling and had no trouble keeping up with later model FJ's with 17 inch tires. I might have to go to 17 inch tires if the manufactures continue their trend of discontinuing 16 inch tires. Other than a much larger selection and slightly wider tires I can not see a 17 inch tire making that big a difference in the handling. A lot of the 17 inch tires have a lower profile and are actually smaller in diameter than the 16 inch Avons I am running. When the MotoGP riders were informed they had to go to 17 inch tires there were a lot of unhappy racers because they were used to the 16 1/2 inch tires they were racing.  Dave

[Pat Conlon]

I can not see a 17 inch tire making that big a difference in the handling.....

Oh yea, as Hooli said, there is a big difference. The 17" rim assembly (inc. single faced rotors) is significantly lighter than the narrow pig heavy 16" rim and double wall vented rotors. The wider 17" rim supports the shorter 120/70 sidewalls better. Much more stable.

Of course the tire selection is better (as you've said) but remember the modern radial 120/70-17 tire is also lighter than the 120/80-16 bias ply donut. .

Try it Dave. Do the conversion, Randy's valves will work just fine in a set of '89-93 forks, so no loss there.
Keep your oem 16" rim and anti dive forks....You can always go back to them but I will guarantee you, you won't

Here's a WCR picture from 10 years ago (before the USD conversion) with '89 forks, rotors, blue spots and 3.5" wide FZR rim  

[TexasDave]

OK Pat I defer to your experience and better judgement on 17 inch wheels. I had not considered the weight savings of the wheel and rotors.   Dave

[Flynt]

This guy is a complete flake...  I tried to connect and just see it (go up to that area once a month at least).  After about a year of excuses from him, I never did get to see the damned thing.  It's also not stock...  wrong turn signals at least and, when you talk to the guy, you'll find it had a few more mods his dad (orig owner) did.

Pass on this and go for the one in Oregon I'd say.  Then start the mods...  I've done pod filters, detent kit, RPM exhaust, RPM oil cooler, and a couple other things.  Next up is 17" front and rear with suspension upgrades likely at the same time.  I'd ride it stock for a bit, then start the improvements to establish your bond with the bike.  Put Avons, steel lines, and HH pads on it then freshen up all fluids and ride.  They're great bikes right out of the box.

Frank

[hawkaholic37]

Thanks for the info Frank!

The bike in Oregon is a no-go. My friend CatTomb went and looked at it (thanks again!) and said he had seen it previously, it is beat up and he questioned the possibility of it having only 17,000 miles. I think his words were, "I can see it having 17,000 miles if they were all put on riding around a farm"