Newbie - your opinion please

[Sarnian]

Hello everyone. I live on Guernsey in UK Channel Islands.  Was told tonight over dinner about a local FJ1200 with ABS and hard luggage is available to me for £1000. 1993 and only 11,000 miles from new. Seems a good deal although it's a long time since I had a Yamaha. Very impressed with this forum and the information on it.
It's helped me decide to go for it. Belongs to a professional acquaintance and will be genuine. Never been off Island and our top speed limit here is 35 mph. Never been ridden in anger or taken over a heady 50 mph.
What's not to like?  Will let you know. We don't have mots so any tips on what to look for. Not been used for a few months but runs well I am told. Thanks in advance. Bob.

[movenon]

Sounds interesting. The price seems to be good. When or if you get it do a good inspection and ask questions. Post some pictures if you can.  She will have no problem keeping up with 35-50mph traffic ! 
George

[Country Joe]

An FJ 1200 that has never exceeded 50 mph? That's just not right.....;-) 

Sounds like it will be a very clean example.

[Sarnian]

Thanks for the replies so far. Can't believe it till I see it. Must have been touring some time as Krauser boxes fitted. 11,000 miles is nothing for that engine. Country Joe is correct it's not right !  Along with the Porsches, Ferraris and other exotics over here. Fortunately St Malo is a short ferry trip and Spring is coming.......

[PaulG]

My only concern might be the long term effect of the sea air on the electrics, and maybe bearings.  Guernsey is not so big that it may have an effect.  Living there, you would obviously have a better idea about that than me.  There are also several members on the site who live near/on the ocean who might be able to chime in on that issue.

I probably just blowing smoke out my ass   , but as an inner continental dweller that would be my ill informed opinion on it.  Googled Guernsey's climate and it sounds a near paradise too.

Not being revved at all, the plugs would need an immediate inspection/change I would think.

My 2 cents worth (incl tax.)

[Sarnian]

Thanks Paul G. All valid comments. We are pretty well served with bike dealers and talented privateers who give good service. Am just waiting to do the deal now.  It's been garaged so am hopeful all will be well.
Paradise? Can't beat it in the summer and the smaller islands nearby like Herm with its beaches and Sark with no cars allowed are great for weekend or day trips. My mum lives in Destin FLA which has beautiful beaches. Guernsey in winter can be claustrophobic. Total population of 63,000.

[Urban_Legend]

With only 11k miles on it, it may need new tyres, as they may not have been replaced since new or may be some time ago and after about 5 years they start to go hard and lose their grip.

Oh and welcome to the group.

Mark

[Sarnian]

Thanks Mark for the welcome and tyre advice. It's a good point. Easy to forget date codes on the sidewall if the tread is ok.  Have added it to my check list. Regards, Bob.

[Sarnian]

Here we go then !  Deal is done.  Will put pics up when figured out how.  Will be in gallery under Sarnian.  Krauser set with it and a 4 digit Reg number. Oh, Mark, if you know who wants a 14 year old Metzeler front then I'm your man.
Bridgestone rear and 3 years old so is fine for now.
Front tyre recommendations anyone ? Very happy with this find.

[FJmonkey]

Asking about tires is like talking politics.  First you need to know what you want from your tires. Long mileage for touring (less sticky)? Better grip in the corners (less mileage)? Wet weather grip? Something round and low cost? Your riding style is what you match your tires with. Your '93 will have a 17" front wheel, this gives you lots of good options for radials, the rear is a 16", less options if you want radials. Plenty of bias-ply Harley type tires for the rear. When I ran 16" front and rear on my '86 I liked the Avons AV45/46 combo. I changed my wheels to 17" and now have too many good choices. Use the search function on this forum and you will see pages of tire discussions.

[Sarnian]

Yes realised as I posted it that's what I should be doing. Just a bit over excited I think. So happy to have come across it I wasn't thinking straight. Thanks for the full information. Will now calm down and have a ponder.

[Rich Pleines]

Bike looks great (gallery). Seems like you got a fantastic deal, congratulations 

[Bob]

Asking about tires is like talking politics.  ...

Good point.  So... which oil should he use? 

[Sarnian]

Thanks Rich. Like a dog with two tails at the moment. He also had a nice little MR2 for sale. Food for thought. Pick the bike up next week when owners back from skiing. Can't wait. Been very lucky I think.

[Pat Conlon]

.... Been very lucky I think.

Yes Bob, you are very lucky, no question about it..... What a beautiful bike!  Welcome to our group