Considering an FJ1200

[Pat Conlon]

 

'Ole Robbie's finally getting a taste for what's in store....

Notice how we pull this shit *after* he bought his bike?

[FJmonkey]

We can't help if he purchased first then researched second. The gloves are off.  But he is in good hands, we might be tough at times, but any FJ fan is welcome. Ownership is not required. 

[Bill_Rockoff]

Pat and I disagree on the harm done by friction-modifiers on wet clutches, as well as "what year Miata was the best Miata." (I consider anything with power steering to be inferior, and anything lacking pop-up headlights to be "not a Miata.")

I have used standard old car-style 15w-50 Mobil 1 primarily, and have never had motorcycle-specific oil in my FJ at all. That could be why my original one lasted only 80,000 miles. At only 116,000 currently, it's too soon to tell if I'm ruining my replacement one prematurely. Then again, my engine is probably making half the power Pat's is, so maybe mine is weak enough not to slip any clutch and his is strong enough to slip almost any clutch.

[Pat Conlon]

Bill and I have more in common than not....
I recall a couple of quotes from Bwob: "The NB's are better cars, but the NA's are better Miatas" and "If you can't go fast with 80 horsepower, 800 horsepower won't help you"..

[RobbieKNobbie]

Purchase first/research second? Not hardly, sir. This is my 16th bike in 31 years. It is however my first FJ1200, so I expect I will have lots of model-specific questions, but the statement of Bill's that he was putting automotive Mobil-1 in his FJ raised a red flag because I did know that is not generally recommended, not because I didn't know the difference.

As it stands, I am draining the oil as we speak (as it were) and am replacing it with Yamaha Semi-Synthetic, because that's what I've been using in my 1200 Bandit and my daughter's Ninja 250 for years, and several other bikes before that.

Anyway, I'm getting to know her better and better the more miles I rack up, and she's proving to be a fine machine, especially considering her age. No problems with 2nd popping out or anything like that. And of course I appreciate the vast technical support available from the guys on this forum.

So anyway, THANKS for all the advise, and I hope to be around for a while, maybe meet up with some of you folks if you ever have a rally on the east coast!

[FJmonkey]

I like this guy already...

[Pat Conlon]

I like this guy already...

Yes, me too... I will have to revise my statement:

..Robbie's new, so be kind folks....

Robbie, may be new to the forum, but he's far more experienced with various different motorcycles than I....

I think he sand bagged us...

[RobbieKNobbie]

Well to cap off this thread about the suitability of FJ1200's to go sport-touring on, here's the proof in the pudding...






My youngest and I went on a mid-week mini camping trip. About 2 hours each way, and we only spent a day at the park, but the bike was an absolute gem! no problems whatsoever, and she didn't mind being loaded with gear in the least, Excellent bike to load up and strike out on.

So THANKS again guys for all your help, and your guidance away from the Ninja 900. In retrospect I don't thiink that bike would have done the trip as well as the FJ,

First of many!

[PaulG]

Wait we're not finished yet!  What brand of soft luggage are you using?

BTW - you know you'll have to get another one in a few years when your youngest is old enough to ride that one on her own.

[ZOA NOM]

Shit, I missed the oil frenzy...

[FJmonkey]

Time with the kids, very nice....

[Urban_Legend]

Shit, I missed the oil frenzy...

I'm with you. I do love a good old Oil or Tyre debate.

Robbie, enjoy the time with family and the bike. Looks like you got a winner there

Mark

[rlucas]

Well to cap off this thread about the suitability of FJ1200's to go sport-touring on, here's the proof in the pudding...

<snip>

My youngest and I went on a mid-week mini camping trip. About 2 hours each way, and we only spent a day at the park, but the bike was an absolute gem! no problems whatsoever, and she didn't mind being loaded with gear in the least...

Obviously, you've never seen the Deanabago.

[carey]

Robbie,

Congrats on the FJ.  I'm a few hours away and have a lot of experience with FJ's.  If you ever find yourself in central PA, look me up.

[FJmonkey]

Or the Yamabago that Simi_ed rode to both the WCR and the central rally in Ouray. Pics are missing thanks to Photo#uckit...

Noel does a nice job with packing it on...