Keeping My FJ1200?

[Genji]

My buddy that I bought VLAD from, who owed the shop, AND has been in the Motorcycle parts business for over 20 years, told me that I am NOT to re-build/re-store Vlad because he's 30-years old and it's getting VERY difficult to find parts for him!. Well, he's right; he has VAST experience and expertise in motorcycles doing just that very thing, hunting down parts for old bikes! Dumping money into an old bike just doesn't make ANY sense, money on the engine could be used to buy a pretty good used bike instead, and NEWER to boot! Right again! So with his VAST expertise and experience, I'm gonna ignore him this time, I don't usually! Why? Because there are some intangibles at work here? First, an old motorcycle test driver from the '70's and '80's, Walt Dick, saw my bike when I rode up and said that with ALL of the bikes he ever tested, the FJ IS his favorite bike to ride (he OWNS an 1100)! When I developed carburetor troubles, I jumped right in and fixed it, it took a few attempts, but the FJ is NOT that much different than my old KZ? I knew that KZ inside and out! I have confidence in my ability to work on Vlad, even if it is misplaced, LOL! I have been ridin' Vlad in a MUCH more aggressive way than I EVER did that KZ, and I feel VERY confident while doing it, Vlad is a better bike than I am a rider, LOL! Vlad will NOT be my primary bike after I retire and move south, wherever that ends up being? There will always be another bike to jump on while one of my bikes is being fixed! These might not be the BEST reasons for keeping Vlad, but SOME thought went into it instead of just emotion? Genji

[Charlie-brm]

I give things like that some thought every time I want to look into an upgrade. But they keep putting the price of a new motorcycle just that much further out of reach each year anyway. As long as my insurance company will cover it and I can get essentials, I'll be hanging on to it. Frankly I don't see anything new that I like. I dig having some fairing or trim. I might have gone for a 2004 Triumph Sprint ST 955 for example if money was no object 12 years ago (but always is).

Unfortunately I don't think motorcycles have the kind of production numbers that can support the aftermarket like the 60's and 70's muscle car enthusiasts have. And those vehicles are 20 years old than FJ's. I could be wrong on that.

My rule is make it Safe, Reliable, Fun, in that order. Hopefully I can carry that on with the FJ a while longer until I get it set up to where I really enjoy it without spending a few grand to do it.

[Alte Fahrt]

Mine will probably be the last bike for me unless when I get (even) older I need to go with something smaller. In 2 years (March 18) I can put historic plates on it. This does two things for me. No more taxes on it and I can attend Old Timer rally's with my son. Can you imagine a FJ sitting next to a 60's VW Beetle or an Opel GT? What do you think will happen when we hit the road for the rally part? New parts are somewhat hard to find but used ones are there. I even imported some from the US for mine. I found a new project that will be perfect for my now 15 year old son. It's a 79 Honda CB400t that has not been run in a couple of years with low mileage. In three years he can get a license for it and we can do Old Timers together.

[Genji]

My 1986 FJ1200 just became collectable this year! In my state (WA) I have to have current tabs to update to Collectors Plate, Yah Hoo! No more money to the worthless Democratic State of Warshington!

[anson45]

I tried to sell my '89 FJ last fall. I'm 71. I've been looking for a lighter replacement for my FJ and for my Venture, but I don't like the new bikes. So yesterday when the FJ's tires failed the NYS inspection I didn't hesitate, I ordered new tires. Of my three bikes the FJ is the one I ride the most. When I think of riding, I think of riding the FJ. It's a tough bike to replace.
Anson

[anson45]

I ordered new tires.

I brought home my FJ with new Bridgestones BT45's today. So I'll be keeping it for a while. I liked riding the FJ too much to let it go. Yes, it's heavy when I'm pushing it around the garage, but that weight is better than a light bike in the winds. And I like the torque. So does it make sense to put money in an old bike? Sure, for just the money I spent on the tires I have a bike that I like. Maybe at the end of this season I'll sell it, with almost new tires.
Anson