1988 FJ1200 project bike

[bikemad]

Hi guys,

I'm sniffing around a 1988 model FJ1200 project bike but the bike is 300klms away from me so I've not seen the bike.
I have recently bought a FJ1100 so have a rough idea where everything goes.
Questions I have are:
Does a 1988 model have a 17" front wheel?
Do blue spot calipers fit the forks without adapters?
Any particular things to be looking out for?

Is there any online parts books I can view?
I look at the USA online parts books on BikeBandit etc. but it appears they did not get a 1988 FJ1200 in the US!

Thanks Ian. 

[FJmonkey]

There are two different '88 FJs. An '86/'87 sold as an '88. Or an '89/90' which is more common. So try the '89 parts books.

[big r]

Try looking on a Canadian site. The 88 was sold in Canada. Big R

[Troyskie]

Given how nice the 1100 you picked up looks, I imagine the 1200 will be pretty nice as well.

I believe the FJ went to the 17" with the change to 1200, so you should be fine.

I also believe the blue spots should go on without adapters, but I only have the 1100 & am not really sure .

As for other things to look out for, same as for your 1100, brake & clutch lines, fuel petcock thingy wire, 2nd or 3rd gear, rust in the tank, cold start fussiness, oil leaks & oil colour if visible through the gallery window, & smoky motor.

A friend has recently shown me how to operate a $10 multi meter. I think if you have one and know how to use it, it would be a great last step to have a basic health check on the battery and alternator to check charge/discharge on start, warm and running.

The 1100 I picked up as a running wreck seemed a good buy as it had most of the original running gear still in, which suggested that, although not particularly well cared for, it had good 'bones' to build on. Turned out to be right, but I am not very mechanically savvy & good fortune or good Yamaha engineering got me the rest of the way .

If the seller has sent you any pics you should post them for experienced members to comment on.

Did I say your 1100 looks nice ?
Troyskie

[Arnie]

Sorry Troyski,
You're wrong. The 17 wheel didn't arrive till the 89 US (or maybe the 88 Aus bike) 1200s were from 86. If you've got the 17 wheel then the blue spot brakes will fit those forks.
Arnie

[Troyskie]

  Thanks Arnie

[bikemad]

Thanks guy's,

with this info I've bought the bike unseen but I have spoken to the owner and got a run down.
Once it's home I'll try and get some photo's and post them up.
It'll be a few weeks but another project............!!

Cheers Ian.

[bikemad]

I forgot to say that this bike(fj1200) has a 17" front wheel.
I have a set of Blue spots already so the brakes should be sorted and the bike comes with a set of new braided brake lines.

Yes troyski, the fj1100 is a lovely bike and you kinda forget how good this 30 year old stuff really is!!
I have the fj1100 on concessional licence so here in WA that's $40 a year.

Cheers Ian.

[bikemad]

I'm in the process of putting this bike back together and will be needing to get a fresh set off tyres fitted.
I was down at our local bike shop this morning and getting some ideas but what do the other Aussie riders fit?

When I "google tyres" half of them are not available here in Australia in the sizes listed.

This bike needs 120 x 70 x 17" front,
150 x80 x16" rear.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers Ian.

[aviationfred]

I have heard good reviews on these tires.

150/80ZR-16 Avon Storm 3D X-M Sport Touring Radial AV66 Rear Tire

Description:

•High performance plus extended mileage
•The X-M version will deliver 15%-20% extra mileage compared to the current Storm range
•Interlocking three dimensional points hidden in the sipes to improve stability and grip, limit tread flex and allow the tire to warm up quickly
•High performance single and multi-compound super rich silica tread enhances wet grip
•Superb handling and stability characteristics
•Typical fitments: Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda Blackbird, Kawasaki GTR1400, and Suzuki GSX1400
•These sport touring motorcycle tires are W rated for speeds up to 168+ mph
•This motorcycle tire is tubeless

Available in the following motorcycle tire sizes: 150/80ZR-16, 150/70ZR-17, 160/60ZR-17, 160/70ZR-17, 170/60ZR-17, 180/55ZR-17, 190/50ZR-17, 190/55ZR-17, 200/50ZR-17 and 160/60ZR-18


120/70/17 Avon Storm 3D X-M Motorcycle Tire Front Radial

Description:
The Avon Storm 3D X-M features performance and longevity in one great package! Delivering 15%-20% more mileage compared to the current Storm tire while having superb handling and stability characteristics made possible by interlocking 3D points hidden in the spines. The Avon Storm 3D X-M Motorcycle Tire is the ideal choice for today's high performance sport-touring bikes.
   Features:
      -High performance plus extended mileage
      -The X-M version will deliver 15%-20% extra mileage compared to the current Storm range
      -Interlocking three dimensional points hidden in the sipes to improve stability and grip, limit tread flex and allow the tire to warm up quickly.
      -High performance single and multi-compound super rich silica tread enhances wet grip (SRS)
      -Superb handling and stability characteristics.
      -Typical fitments: Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda Blackbird, Kawasaki GTR1400, Suzuki GSX1400
      -W-rated for speeds of 168+ mph.

Fred

[bikemad]

Thanks Fred,

I'll try and find out if we can get those tyre's in the sizes I need here in Australia.
The 120/70 x 17" is listed on eBay Aust.
They don't bring in all the sizes it seems and the rear 16" would probably be the hard one to get?


Cheers Ian.

[TexasDave]

+1 on Fred's advise. Avons are good tires--I run them on my 84 both front and rear. Currently run Avon Azaros but Avon dropped the 16 inch rear Azaro and the next one I buy will have to be the rear 16 inch Avon Storm. Avon is only one of a couple of manufacturers I know that still provides the 16 inch tire size for our bikes. With all the FJ's down under hopefully they are available in OZ. They are rated for a higher speed than the stock FJ will do but I certainly know nothing about that.      Dave

[Bones]

You can get Avon Roadriders in those sizes but their not radials like the storms etc... but don't let that put you off, they are still good tyres. I put a set on mine a while ago but went to a Michelin pilot road 3 radial when I did my gixxer rear wheel swap. Still have the Roadrider on the front though and it doesn't seem to upset the handling at all mixing radial with cross ply.

Another good tyre is the Pirelli sport demons, also a cross ply, available in your sizes though I prefer the Avons as they don't seem to follow grooves in the road as much as the Pirelli's.

[bikemad]

Thanks Bones,

at this stage I have Pirelli sport demons, Avon Roadriders,and
Bridgestone BT45's(though he said he could only supply a 110/80 x 17")so that may rule them out.

I actually wonder if what's available here in West Australia is the same as the East coast?


Cheers Ian.

[Bones]

Some people do run a 110 tyre on the front as that's actually the correct size tyre for a 3 inch rim and gives the tyre a proper profile. When you look at the profile of a 120 on a 3 inch rim you can see that the tyre is a bit pinched and the edge of the tread is halfway down the tyre, even Mark Marquez would have trouble wearing the chicken strips out.

A 120 is actually meant for a 3.5 inch rim but most people, me included put them on the standard rim, so don't discount the 110 tyre as a negative.