Any thoughts on this '86?

[hawkaholic37]

This bike has "Race tec" suspension, and quite a few other things. Any thoughts on it? $3450 seems a bit steep.


http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/5114039528.html

[FJmonkey]

Nice, but not at that price.

[hawkaholic37]

Do you know anything about that suspension Mark?

I was thinking if the suspension is a great upgrade, maybe worth somewhere in the $2500 range

[FJmonkey]

I have not ridden on RaceTech suspension so I cannot provide any personal opinion. With the original FJ suspension being so old I would say any newer suspension would be an upgrade. I currently ride on RPM suspension (front and rear) and really like it. I went for a short ride yesterday up the Crest to Newcomb's Ranch and back. With good suspension your FJ will be a fun ride in the twisties, even when the road is a little rough. Other FJ owners have reported good things on the RaceTech product so I am willing to bet it is better than stock.

But $2500, it needs to be really clean and not have the 2nd gear issue.  I would sell the full lower fairing and install Renntec bars. I like the look but the result of a low side will quickly alter how nice it is, and possibly result in needing a tow truck to get it home.  It still has the stock 16" wheels so that limits tire choices. If you want to upgrade then factor that cost in as well. The side scoops have been painted red, could be a cosmetic choice or may have been dropped and repaired. Some think the '86 should have had red scoops from the factory.

As you are searching you discovering the need to see the bike in person, many sins cannot be seen with photos alone. This may be a really good FJ, it looks really good in the add, then again, so did that '84, then Jeff looked at it and was not impressed. 

[hawkaholic37]

I have not ridden on RaceTech suspension so I cannot provide any personal opinion. With the original FJ suspension being so old I would say any newer suspension would be an upgrade. I currently ride on RPM suspension (front and rear) and really like it. I went for a short ride yesterday up the Crest to Newcomb's Ranch and back. With good suspension your FJ will be a fun ride in the twisties, even when the road is a little rough. Other FJ owners have reported good things on the RaceTech product so I am willing to bet it is better than stock.

But $2500, it needs to be really clean and not have the 2nd gear issue.  I would sell the full lower fairing and install Renntec bars. I like the look but the result of a low side will quickly alter how nice it is, and possibly result in needing a tow truck to get it home.  It still has the stock 16" wheels so that limits tire choices. If you want to upgrade then factor that cost in as well. The side scoops have been painted red, could be a cosmetic choice or may have been dropped and repaired. Some think the '86 should have had red scoops from the factory.

As you are searching you discovering the need to see the bike in person, many sins cannot be seen with photos alone. This may be a really good FJ, it looks really good in the add, then again, so did that '84, then Jeff looked at it and was not impressed. 

That is exactly what l am finding. By looking at the seller's pics, and then Jeff's pics, it is hard to believe that they come from the same bike

[ZOA NOM]

Fat front tire, LOL