Greetings from the west coast

[captainmook]

Hi all --

Longtime fan of the FJ 1100/1200 bikes, and have ridden the FJR 1300 as well -- Yamaha make fantastic bikes!! Very glad to be on this forum.

I am currently working on a 1984 Honda VF750F Interceptor that I bought off a guy near Red Deer, AB - bike is awesome to ride, but is becoming a project bike, so I'm looking for another ride to enjoy while the Honda gets the love it deserves. I'm taking her down to the frame, powder coating lots of parts (wheels/ frame/ calipers/ brake/clutch/ master cylinders), new custom brake/ clutch lines, and engine cleanup. It's going to be a beast once she's all finished. (I've attached a photo of my current ride -- FYI, I also used to have a 1984 Honda CB700SC Nighthawk, great ride as well).

A gentleman drove a 1988 FJ1200 into the shop while I was there, and his bike was in pristine shape - reminded me of a guy I worked with back around the mid '80's ('85, I think) who had an FJ1100, and I would like to find a similar bike - rideable, not needing much (if any) work done to it. I live in the GVA, I'm willing to travel to points as far away as Alberta or Saskatchewan (east), or south to California if the deal is right.

So here's a question ... if I do find a bike for sale, what exactly should I be looking at on these bikes to make sure it's not a lemon ?? Is there anything specific to be wary of ??

If anyone has any leads on any bikes, please let me know. Thanks for hearing me out, hope to be enjoying one of these beauties very soon.

[FJ1200777]

Just as I was about to put my intro (from UK) on - up pops yours.
I read it because of the Honda photo.
I'm also renovating a VF750F that was dry-stored for about 6 years.
AND I bought a CB750SC about a year ago. The CB is a headache because the owner's son apparently jet washed the bike to be 'helpful' - but failed to notice the spark plugs were out !!! When I collected the non-runner I failed to do the most fundamental test - put it in gear and rock it to check engine is free. Entirely my fault.
Discovered the water two days later when I went to do an oil change. Some water had passed the rings into the sump.
As you may guess - engine is locked. Removed all water and tried diesel, then 50-50 acetone and ATF. Neither worked.
Looks like engine out job to split crankcases, undo big-ends then lift off block and travel to mate with a hydraulic press?

I'm retired so time available hence "projects".
Bought a '93 FJ1200 ABS project a couple of weeks back. PO has removed ABS system and replaced lines with braided stainless steel ones, otherwise standard, 95% complete and only 28,000 miles.

[big r]

I have a 1986 FJ for sale. It is pretty good shape all the plastics are there and I just had the chin fairing repaired. Comes with a set of soft bags, top and tank bad. Runs like a top . I replaces all the lines with stainless lines, RPM oil filter upgrade,Rpm bar risers R1 footpegs,.75 in. lower. Still have all the original pieces. Asking 1900 CAD. Big R. You can pm me from this site. 

[PaulG]

As you may guess - engine is locked. Removed all water and tried diesel, then 50-50 acetone and ATF. Neither worked.
Looks like engine out job to split crankcases, undo big-ends then lift off block and travel to mate with a hydraulic press?

If you can find an ordinary kitchen oven - that nobody cooks with - you can pull off the head with the pistons in situ and crank up the heat.  The head may expand enough for the pistons to drop out.

I've never had to do this, but I learned it from a guy who restored bikes back in the late '80's.  He had an old oven in his garage for this purpose.  If you press them out you could irreparably damage the cylinder sleeves and/or pistons.  Then you may have to invest in a big-bore kit, or at the very least press out the old sleeves and get original sleeves pressed back in.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the intro.

So here's a question ... if I do find a bike for sale, what exactly should I be looking at on these bikes to make sure it's not a lemon ?? Is there anything specific to be wary of ??

The closer to stock it is, the better off you are.  Unless you know the owner, any significant mods may be someone elses mistakes IMHO.  The rear suspension tends to be ignored.  There are several needle bearings in the linkage that when worn, will cause the bike to wander in long corners.  That was the main issue when I bought mine - along with fork oil that hadn't been changed in decades.  Pop off the fork cap and take a whiff - if it smells like a sewer, then you'll know.  Rebuilding the brakes may be in the offing also.

If the owner has kept receipts or maintenance records - or even a maintenace diary (I hear some people still do that...) then that will show whether they took good care of it, and could increase the asking price.  Check the date code on the tires.  If they are more than 3-4yrs old they should be changed regardless of tread.  That could be used as a bargaining chip to decrease the asking price.

Mechanically these bikes are on par with old Beemers - they just go on forever with just basic maintenance.  The carbs can get finnicky if not kept on top of.  Since you seem capable enough re m/c mechanics, you would know what to look out for.  If you can take it for a test run even better.  Later models have rubber engine bushing mounts. If you notice some buzzing/vibration through the pegs and grips that could be a sign that the bushings need removal and cleaning/greasing.  Unbalanced carbs will cause some vibes too.

I can't think of anything particular to the FJ that might stand out - as I have been lucky in that I have had no issues with my '92ABS for the last 9yrs (other than when I poke around where I shouldn't - but then I'll never learn).

Others may have had problems peculiar to the FJ that could chime in.  Good luck in your search. 

[racerrad8]

Hi

Randy - RPM

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the forum

With your Interceptor and Nighthawk, you already are familiar with the mid 80's bikes and what kind of condition you keep your own in. I would fall back on my own knowledge of my existing bikes. Look at the FJ and ask yourself.....If this was either of the Honda's, would this flaw be acceptable to ride with, or does it need attention before the next ride.

About the only thing that has a glaring issue is 2nd gear problems for the '84/'85 1100's and the '86/'87 1200's. Usually if there is a problem with 2nd gear, it will function adequately in normal riding situations, but under hard acceleration, 2nd gear will pop out. Many members whose bikes have the problem have learned how to ride around it.

Here are a few examples that are currently listed on Craigslist.

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/mcy/5777472264.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/5869659692.html

A bit over priced on this one. http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/5846653942.html

A bit high also http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/5852614252.html

IMO this is the best example of the bunch. http://spokane.craigslist.org/mcy/5812970310.html

Fred