Finally looking at getting a FJ

[fnlyafjat51]

Hey all. Finally looking at getting a FJ1200 at 51. Been out of riding for about 21 years, and so looking forward to getting back in the saddle.
Looking at a 1989 black and gold 1200. Needs a little tlc as it's been sitting some time, but nothing I can't handle.
The one part I need, and cannot find over here in the states yet is a front fender assy. Any ideas ?
He has the bike listed for 1350, but thinking of offering 800 as it needs carbs rebuilt, front fender, windshield, small repair to the front of the tank where it fell (about a quarter size), fuel lines, possibly brake lines, fork seals, tires, and I believe he said one of the air intakes is cracked, and anything else I find.
Does 800 sound like a fair price considering all it needs ?
It's going to be a 4.5 hour drive to go get it, and 4.5 back.
Looking forward to all the input, and learning about the bike, and all the improvements I can make to it.
Can't wait to get into the twisties again. Miss SoCal riding, but lots of good riding here in southwest Arkansas. Still SoCal at heart though.

[FJmonkey]

Welcome, I own an '89 and an '86 as well. All good years. I guess the WC Rally is not in the cards for you for 2017. You don't need a bike to attend...

[Country Joe]

Hey all. Finally looking at getting a FJ1200 at 51. Been out of riding for about 21 years, and so looking forward to getting back in the saddle.
Looking at a 1989 black and gold 1200. Needs a little tlc as it's been sitting some time, but nothing I can't handle.
The one part I need, and cannot find over here in the states yet is a front fender assy. Any ideas ?
He has the bike listed for 1350, but thinking of offering 800 as it needs carbs rebuilt, front fender, windshield, small repair to the front of the tank where it fell (about a quarter size), fuel lines, possibly brake lines, fork seals, tires, and I believe he said one of the air intakes is cracked, and anything else I find.
Does 800 sound like a fair price considering all it needs ?
It's going to be a 4.5 hour drive to go get it, and 4.5 back.
Looking forward to all the input, and learning about the bike, and all the improvements I can make to it.
Can't wait to get into the twisties again. Miss SoCal riding, but lots of good riding here in southwest Arkansas. Still SoCal at heart though.

Welcome to the digital campfire. I would think $800 would not be too far out of line as long as the engine is not smoking badly and it doesn't have a ton of miles.
As far as front fenders, do a search on the forum. There have been several options from other motorcycles that have been adapted to FJ forks.
BTW, I live in Clinton, AR, I'm glad to hear of another FJ around here. There is also another FJ owner in Booneville. We could throw our own mini rally if we have a mind to.  
Joe

[FJ1100mjk]

Hey all. Finally looking at getting a FJ1200 at 51. Been out of riding for about 21 years, and so looking forward to getting back in the saddle.
Looking at a 1989 black and gold 1200. Needs a little tlc as it's been sitting some time, but nothing I can't handle.
The one part I need, and cannot find over here in the states yet is a front fender assy. Any ideas ?
He has the bike listed for 1350, but thinking of offering 800 as it needs carbs rebuilt, front fender, windshield, small repair to the front of the tank where it fell (about a quarter size), fuel lines, possibly brake lines, fork seals, tires, and I believe he said one of the air intakes is cracked, and anything else I find.
Does 800 sound like a fair price considering all it needs ?

Do yourself a favor, and do a cost roll-up of the necessary parts needed, and apply a fudge factor to that number for missed items, to help guide your decision.

You made no mention of miles on the bike, or conditions of some of the higher priced items, like tires, and chain and sprockets. You may be surprised how fast it all adds up.

[fnlyafjat51]

Nope, no rallies this year, but going to SoCal sometime in the summer to visit my mom and brother. Prob. going to stay in Big Bear. Haven't been there since 1990.
We do have a couple of car shows, and a Rod Run down here.. Would be nice to get a bike class in the rod run, but don't see that happening.
Bike has 24k on it, which is not much as far as I'm concerned, and have seen reports of them cresting 100k, which is alot for any bike, but maint. is key. He says it will run, put pukes fuel, I imagine from a stuck float, or it pulled the tip off the needle. He also said that one of the choke levers on the carbs is broken, so if anyone has one lying around that they would be willing to part with, that would be awesome.
I would like to find a dual Kirker or Yoshi set up for it some day, but not going to push that yet.
Since it is so far away, I'm having to go on his word, and the pictures I have seen of it, and yes, I always apply the fudge factor for the unforeseen issues. There are always some. I figure if I pay 800, I can still be safe putting another 8 or 9 into it, and not loose my arse if I sell it, but not planning on that.

[FJmonkey]

Then look me and the other SoCal dudes when you make your trip.

[racerrad8]

Nope, no rallies this year, but going to SoCal sometime in the summer to visit my mom and brother. Prob. going to stay in Big Bear. Haven't been there since 1990.
We do have a couple of car shows, and a Rod Run down here.. Would be nice to get a bike class in the rod run, but don't see that happening.
Bike has 24k on it, which is not much as far as I'm concerned, and have seen reports of them cresting 100k, which is alot for any bike, but maint. is key. He says it will run, put pukes fuel, I imagine from a stuck float, or it pulled the tip off the needle. He also said that one of the choke levers on the carbs is broken, so if anyone has one lying around that they would be willing to part with, that would be awesome.
I would like to find a dual Kirker or Yoshi set up for it some day, but not going to push that yet.
Since it is so far away, I'm having to go on his word, and the pictures I have seen of it, and yes, I always apply the fudge factor for the unforeseen issues. There are always some. I figure if I pay 800, I can still be safe putting another 8 or 9 into it, and not loose my arse if I sell it, but not planning on that.

If one choke plunger tip is missing, the other three are right behind due to wear.

That is why I stock and sell a ton of new ones; Choke Plunger Replacement Kit

Welcome to the group.

Randy - RPM

[fnlyafjat51]

Good info on the fender. Thanks. Looking at a RZ/RD 500 fender, but still need to find one and not pay a arm and leg for it. Oh well. Need to get the bike here first.
Doubt I will be riding out, but will try and remember to shout out when I get there. Might even drive and take the jetski out.
It's not the plunger tip that broke, but the actuating lever that is on the rod. #29 on the parts diagram.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1989/FJ1200W/CARBURETOR+%28NON-CALIFORNIA+MODEL%29/parts.html

Anything else that can be thought of that I need to watch for on it ? What year did they get the shifting fork issue fixed, or did they ?

[aviationfred]

 :hi:Welcome to the forum

I can answer your question on the shift forks. The shift forks were beefed up for the 1988 model year. Sold everywher except the US. The 1989 model is exactly the same as the 1988 model. Finding a dual Kerker of Yoshi exhaust set may end up being a very long search. You might want to check out Delkevic for a complete dual exhaust, or slip ON's.



Fred

[racerrad8]

It's not the plunger tip that broke, but the actuating lever that is on the rod. #29 on the parts diagram.

If the steel parts are broken, that is going to be due to operator error.

The steel usually wears off the brass tip. Will be interesting to see what you find.

Randy - RPM

[fnlyafjat51]

Ya, there's no telling. Was looking closer at the pictures he sent, and it looks like there is a break in the upper next to the windshield. UGGGG !! Hate it when I see nice bikes not taken care of, especially the old cool stuff.
Looked at the Delkevic exhaust, and I like what I see and hear. Not real loud with the baffles in, but a nice throaty sound, and a great price to boot. Kind of leaning on the SL10 cans.
Anyone running their system ?

[red]

Ya, there's no telling. Was looking closer at the pictures he sent, and it looks like there is a break in the upper next to the windshield. UGGGG !! Hate it when I see nice bikes not taken care of, especially the old cool stuff.

fnlyafjat51,

I can't find reliable specs for that year of FJ, but if it has 16" wheels, you will be limited to three brands of tires: Avon (radials), Pirelli (bias ply), and Metzler.  I run my 1985 on 16" Pirelli Sport Demons, and they are fine by me.  Avons (if available) may be a bit better, but I can't say.  A 17" front wheel and 16" rear wheel (as found on the newer FJs) will give you more choices, and 17" front and rear will give you the widest choices.  People here have switched FJs to 17" wheels from other bikes, but that process may not be easy or cheap.  You can find the write-ups here, to do that job.

Old tires can be dry, hard and unsafe, even with a lot of tread left.  The FJ needs serious high-speed tires.  You should plan on getting new tires after you get the bike fixed up, just before you go riding.

Rheers,
Red

[fnlyafjat51]

Well that just got shot. Glad I didn't make the drive for that.Guy won't go any lower than 900.00. I don't feel it's worth that, even if it will start. I would have to put over a grand into it to bring it back to nice. very disappointing. Was looking forward to it.

[aviationfred]

Here are a few choices....

http://springfield.craigslist.org/mcy/5874755230.html

If this is the '89 that you are attempting to get for a $900.00 offer. You should jump on it. You will not often come across a mostly stock 1200 for less than $1000.00 that looks as good as this one does in the photo. You have a good shot at a fine FJ for a few hours rebuilding the carbs and finding a front fender. Put $1000.00 into it for preventive maintenance and upgrades and you will still have a very good FJ1200 for less than $2000.00

The following is a great find. Comes with 17" wheels.

http://chambana.craigslist.org/mcy/5792530706.html

Fred

[fnlyafjat51]

Looks are deceiving on that one. I agree that a 900 Fj is hard to find. I put together a list of parts (all stock) for the bike to bring it back up to par, and make road worthy and it was 1800.00+.
The bike has been down on the right side, so there's a lot of stuff that needs replacing there. I don't mind making the repairs, I'm just tired of going upside down on stuff. I may be an idiot for passing this one up, but I feel that the right one will come along. I was just fighting that whole deal way to hard. On the plus side, I found a aluminum double jetski trailer yesterday, and got it for 300.00. The thing is cherry (except for bunk carpet, but that's cheap), and dad and I got to spend some time together making a round trip to Branson (ugg, what a drive, but so worth it).