First FJ - First ever bike

[shudnobetter]

Hi. I'm new to all this. At the spritely young age of 55 I decided to get my full bike licence so I can join my son on some trips. I passed the test in January and promptly bought a 1990 FJ1200 3cv. It's big, heavy, comfy and fast...great, love it. Learning all sorts of new things now about clutch slave seals, diaphram springs etc. Thought I'd just say hello on the forum and will post some pics when I get a chance.

I'm in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, UK.

[red]

Shudnobetter,

Great screen name, and it even fits, somewhat.  I would like to lend my voice to the chorus who would tell you, you'd have much better chances on a 500cc street bike than on the FJ.  Get something cheap that you would be able to sell in about a year, without losing any money.  The FJ won't go anywhere.  There is much to learn about loose gravel, hydroplaning, locking and spinning the wheels, traffic considerations, and very many more things.  Ride as if you are the Invisible Man, and I will guarantee in advance, the four-wheelers will make you believe it in a very short time. 

The FJ is a fairly large step for most riders, and a huge step for a beginner.  It's probably fair to say, you will be amazed at how rapidly the FJ can blur the landscape, and devour all that distance which you had until the next turn.  If you insist on riding the FJ (I mean, what would I know, anyway? ), please ride at the back of the pack for now, and let the experienced riders show you the correct line for a turn, braking points, and speeds to ride on various roadways.

Best Wishes,

[Urban_Legend]

Hi Shudnobetter

In your little intro blurb, you didn't mention any previous riding experience. If this is your first bike that you have ever ridden, you are a very brave man. The FJ is a brilliant bike, but it is not learner material, as you said, it is big, heavy and fast. Personally If this is your learning time,I would keep it in the shed and give her some loving, but get me something a bit more forgiving to get my experience up. I hope we don't put you off the old girl. We are just looking out for you, and want you to have many years enjoyment, without unnessacary trips to the ER.

Mark

[FJ1100mjk]

Hi. I'm new to all this. At the spritely young age of 55...

I'm in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, UK.

You're Irish. Go for it, and have great time riding with your boy!

[jscgdunn]

Hi. I'm new to all this. At the spritely young age of 55 I decided to get my full bike licence so I can join my son on some trips. I passed the test in January and promptly bought a 1990 FJ1200 3cv. It's big, heavy, comfy and fast...great, love it. Learning all sorts of new things now about clutch slave seals, diaphram springs etc. Thought I'd just say hello on the forum and will post some pics when I get a chance.

I'm in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, UK.

No worries.  I always loved bikes as kid but never had one.  My son brought an 82 400 Yamaha home about six years ago.  One ride...and two months later I bought an 84 1100.  Then a 92 1200.  Then moditis hit....both my sons now have FJs, and I have bought and sold a number of them.  I generally ride about 12,000 Km per short season here in Alberta.....just be careful out there.  After 7000 RPM you will feel 25 again instead of 55.  I am 59.

[fjbiker84]

One of the great things about the FJ is that it can be as docile as a kitten if ridden with respect.  I've had mine for 11 years now and rarely use half the power it's capable of producing.  Enjoy your FJ and post some pics when you get a chance.  I'm sure there are some really places to ride in that part of the world.

[soccerman221]

Hi just purchased a "new" 1987 fj1200 and wanted to introduce myself. The precious owner took awesome care of the bike and suggested I join the forum to learn more.

Blaine, MN

[FJmonkey]

Welcome coccorman, for many the FJ is long time love affair. As well  an introduction to Moditus once you learn of all the improvements you can make. What other bikes have you owned?

[Charlie-brm]

The FJ1100 is my second bike, 5 years now. I'm really happy with it. Before that I had a mild mannered old lump I started with for 7 years. Same weight as the FJ but only half the power. You're no kid and neither was I when I started riding (took a proper learning course at age 50). All I can say is I hope you have "good hands" as some old pilots used to say. Some people are just generally clumsy with everything from power saws to armored personnel carriers and it's either off or full on with them.

It's not a tricky bike and it has no vices that I've discovered at least. Before I bought my 1100, I parked my old 750 and took an FJ1200 for a run. On returning my comment about the bike was, "you better have a plan on where you're going before you let out the clutch."

Enjoy, keep learning as you go and "good hands".

[great white]

I'm 51, but have been riding my whole life (well, started around 11 years old).

The Fj is forgiving as long as you are cautious with the throttle and keep your speed down to beginner levels.

About the only "vice" I've ever seen with the FJ series is the front tire (and 16 inchers are more susceptible to this than the 17 inchers).  The front tire condition and pressure has a large effect on how the FJ handles. A worn low tire I find overly skittish and a tire even down a couple to 5 psi also alters the handling adversely.

The only other issue a beginner should be wary of on an FJ is (once again) that throttle. It's very linear and progressive, but grab a big handful at the wrong time (or showing off) and that rear tire will break loose with alarming ease. Can make for scary fishtailing if you're straight up or a washed out rear tire if you're cornering.

Don't let me scare you of the old girl, it's just it needs to be treated with proper respect. It's an old bike by today's standards, but still a quite powerful road weapon...