I used to have one of these

[Troyskie]

I've read on the forum a number of times, stories from members about punters coming up and saying 'I used to have one of these..'

Today it happened to me, a few times. Fortunately the punters were riding respectable bikes, FJR, V-Strom, Beemer. Also they were on their way home from the Snowy Mountains run.

Riding home I was feeling pretty good. The FJR rider was up for a chat and a couple of R1 riders chimed in. All were interested once the discussion turned to the shitty 16" wheels updated to more modern 17".

I did try to chase one of the R1s, but, well, even at my best I'll have my lunch served by postie.

I think it just goes to show. Bikes are bikes. Like what you ride. Ride what you ride as best you can. The FJ has an aura. To most it was 'once' a force.

To me, the FJ is a part of my life.

Long live the Mighty FJ

[Country Joe]

Very well said. Update an FJ all you like, it is still a motorcycle designed in the early 1980s. I am quite happy with that. Enjoy them for what they are.

[Old Rider]

I've read on the forum a number of times, stories from members about punters coming up and saying 'I used to have one of these..'

Today it happened to me, a few times. Fortunately the punters were riding respectable bikes, FJR, V-Strom, Beemer. Also they were on their way home from the Snowy Mountains run.

Riding home I was feeling pretty good. The FJR rider was up for a chat and a couple of R1 riders chimed in. All were interested once the discussion turned to the shitty 16" wheels updated to more modern 17".

I did try to chase one of the R1s, but, well, even at my best I'll have my lunch served by postie.

I think it just goes to show. Bikes are bikes. Like what you ride. Ride what you ride as best you can. The FJ has an aura. To most it was 'once' a force.

To me, the FJ is a part of my life.

Long live the Mighty FJ

What are you trying to say?  do you mean that a fj with 16 " is slower than one with 17"?  I got 16 and will never change. The bike responds quick in tight fast hard cornering and i feel very safe on the 16". Iv ridden the fj for many years and (im not proud of it) but i like to ride fast and agressive.I never had any problem going fast speeds with the 16. Only reason i see as a benefit with a 17" is its easier to find tires. mostly i used metzeler lasertec and i think its a very very god tire.
It has never let me down to the tarmac or into the woods and it can be trusted in very high speeds and hard cornering.

[Pat Conlon]

What are you trying to say?  do you mean that a fj with 16 " is slower than one with 17"?  I got 16 and will never change.

Have you *ever* ridden a FJ with modern tires and lighter 17" rims?

Tire technology has come a long way... 

[FJ1100mjk]

I got 16 and will never change.

Geez, I thought that I was the only one here with that mindset.

Enjoy them for what they are.

Very well stated.

[1tinindian]

What are you trying to say?  do you mean that a fj with 16 " is slower than one with 17"?  I got 16 and will never change.

Have you *ever* ridden a FJ with modern tires and lighter 17" rims?

Tire technology has come a long way... 

Double ditto!

[oldktmdude]

What are you trying to say?  do you mean that a fj with 16 " is slower than one with 17"?  I got 16 and will never change.

Have you *ever* ridden a FJ with modern tires and lighter 17" rims?

Tire technology has come a long way... 

Pat is absolutely spot on. There is no comparison between the performance of the 17" wheels and tyres compared to the 16" setup. I have had both and can tell you there is a huge difference. If you have never ridden an FJ with modern 17" tyres, it's about time you did.
   Regards, Pete.

[FJ1100mjk]

Have you *ever* ridden a FJ with modern tires and lighter 17" rims?

No, can say I never have, but I did ride one with 16" rims, Pirelli Sport Demons and OEM brakes around 7,000 miles this year, and it wasn't too bad. 

[Pat Conlon]

Marty, your quote from Holmes is most appropriate in this instance.

[FJ1100mjk]

Marty, your quote from Holmes is most appropriate in this instance.

Pat, you are correct.

Like I said, 'it wasn't too bad'. With 17" rims and modern tires, it would have been better. Nevertheless, the point was, that an FJ owner can still ride on OEM running gear, and enjoy the bike. And rack up serious miles doing so.

[ribbert]

I've read on the forum a number of times, stories from members about punters coming up and saying 'I used to have one of these..'

Over the 130K I've put on mine it has happened many times over and always involves a bit of story. My favourite though was waiting at a red light at the head of a line of traffic, many pedestrians were crossing the road when a very distinguished looking chap in a business suit deviated slightly from his path, patted the FJ on the front, broke into a broad grin and said "What a machine" then continued on.
He had the appearance and manner of someone more at home in a Bentley than on an FJ.

[Country Joe]

Noel,
I do not think that the description of an FJ being a two wheeled Bentley is that far off the mark.

[moparman70]

I think the point of the post was about how good the FJ makes us feel regardless of its performance issues that time has created.  Its great we can do our upgrade etc...the key is why the FJ wants us to as opposed to buying new.   Either way its the individualism ( hope thats a word) that adds to the fun of motocycling
Bikes are bikes. Like what you ride. Ride what you ride as best you can as he says ....

To that point my ride yesterday consisted of 1 - KTM 1190 adventure bike ( love the KTM orange) -- 1 older GS 1150 --( 2004 I think) -- 2013 ElectraGlide with all the bells and whistles--- and me 86 FJ1200 bone stock..... we all got along great -- happy with our rides.

Aura for sure...

Side note -- on one of the stops I took pics of this beautiful  White/rd/grn 1199 Panicale S ----man thats a nice bike.....lol

[Troyskie]

Interesting response fellas.

My 1100 is stock. The 1200 is now modded.

After the 1200 project (F$%#@ng bureaucrats!) was completed I had the pleasure of riding both bikes along the same set of corners, one after the other.

I've been satisfied with the 16" since about 1987, and even feel ok with the Bridgie Battlax tyres. Indeed the best riding of my life was at this years Aussie FJ rally in the Vic high country on Effie (1100) with Metzlers.

But, after some genuine back & forth between the bikes on the same corners, the 17" is better.

I'm not a particularly quick rider so my assessment will likely kick this discussion on a bit.  

My summary of intentionally comparing two is, the 17" feels smoother and slower in high and low speed corners than the 16". The reality is I was moving a LOT faster on the 17", even though the 16" gave a feeling of being quicker.

FYI, the bikes have the same front springs & emulators (no antidive but they're still on for the 'look'), the 1100 has a modified rear shock, the 1200 a renovated original rear shock in good order (bit soft though). Given the bikes are 84 & 85 the fames, swingarms, etc are identical.

Mr. Moparman, thanks mate, you picked up the essence of my intention, but the discussion is almost as fun to read that the 'Clinton V Trump' thread  .

Long Live the Mighty FJ.

[PaulG]

Noel,
I do not think that the description of an FJ being a two wheeled Bentley is that far off the mark.

I don't know about that.    I think they are MUCH better than a Bentley.