Heartbroken

[racerrad8]

Correct, what's why I said that....

Oh, I was just trying to head off many more questions about the elbow for the 89+ petcocks.

Randy - RPM

[andyoutandabout]

F@@K

That is all

Andy

[airheadPete]

Oh, that blows. Sorry man, I'd be crushed if that happened to my bike.
(And no, I wouldn't salvage a single piece from it. Even if it looked ok, I'd worry about the temper..   )

[ribbert]

That's really sad Rick. I know a write off is a write off but there is something particularly nasty about destruction by fire, it leaves nothing. It's like watching a slow motion accident unfold, about which you can do nothing until it's all gone.
It really is rotten luck, glad you still have a sense of humour and the spirit to rebuild.

You guys are a tight bunch over there, I'm sure there will be plenty of help and encouragement along the way.

Noel

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

WOW! Sorry to hear bout this man. Apparently you were atop the bike went the fire erupted glad you are OK! I am aware of a few FJ's that met same demise now. I wonder if should park my bike outside the garage for a few minutes after a ride.  Paranoia.  Imagine the extra damage that could be had if this happened in your garage. I am sure it wont be long before you find a new ride.

Pat mentioned OEM fuel lines... I think. Is the concern age or something else. Mine look good. Petcock is wired.

[FJmonkey]

His bike was pissed off after he canceled the Fall Rally. I just had to cancel as well so I need to worry. I think I just might go and drain the tank now....

[ZOA NOM]

His bike was pissed off after he canceled the Fall Rally. I just had to cancel as well so I need to worry. I think I just might go and drain the tank now....

That's the best answer I've heard so far. Gotta be the Gods are pissed.

[Tuned forks]

I just read this thread since you mentioned it in your PM.  WOW, that really just happened!  Super scary event with you actually ON the bike when it erupted.  I can imagine that you are still shaken.  Obviously I send my best wishes to you as a fellow, local FJ owner.  I found mine on CL locally and there has been one for sale for a looooong time in Morgan Hill.  Take care of yourself.

Joe

[ZOA NOM]

Welcome aboard, Joe. Thanks for the well wishes. I'm sure we'll meet up at a Rally soon. I would encourage you to head out to RPM next Saturday for what's left of the Renegade Rally. I'm gonna try my best to at least head out there for a beer and some lies.

[Firehawk068]

Damn Rick!

Sorry to hear about this......................Fuel on a hot engine can be a dangerous thing!

Sorry about the FJ. Glad you are OK.

[X-Ray]

No way! What a terrible thing to have happen. Hopefully insurance will help you on the road to replacing your FJ, even though it's never seems the same with a different bike.

[Mark Olson]

Oh No , Rick .  Man that is sad to hear .. Glad you are physically ok.
That has got to mess with your head. Be strong brother. 

I think I am gonna change my 31 yr old fuel lines.

[Troyskie]

Far out mate!!!!!

I think I might give the girls a once over & check the fuel lines.

Roads around here a pretty bumpy.....

[ZOA NOM]

Oh No , Rick .  Man that is sad to hear .. Glad you are physically ok.
That has got to mess with your head. Be strong brother. 

I think I am gonna change my 31 yr old fuel lines.

It was surreal to just stand there and watch. Once I get another one, I'll be carrying one of those little extinguishers in my tank bag. It was just gut wrenching. I was sad for the marque. There are only so many of these old girls left. I had one that was pretty well sorted out.

I would recommend periodically checking the carb-to-engine clamps if you have the pod filters.

[Hemi Bob]

Hi Rick so sorry to see what happened to you.
Glad you made it out of that inferno unharmed at least physically. Looking at those pics its terrifying and I can't imagine the helplessness you must have been feeling having watching in horror as your beloved bike go up in flames.
I would say it's pretty obvious that it was some kind of fuel leak. And as much as everyone wants to pinpoint the exact cause there are probably only a few thing that could have gone wrong.
I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that a number of us out here are going be taking a good look at
Our fuel lines and in my case the safety wiring of the petcock.
I have seen at least 3 posts about fuel lines or on board fire extinguishers since your pictures were posted.
I have no idea if there room or could some kind of system that could be adapted to with the pull of a pin and a push of a little red spray the engine area with fire suppression chemical.
The other thing on my mind is fuel lines, as new one are no longer available. I can't be the only one that has no idea the two sizes or lengths that are needed or know what the best material to use is.
This is where I would ask on Randy & Robert to jump in
We can now order a new shock or exhaust system fork parts. Just because Yamaha isn't helping us with fuel lines shouldn't mean we can't have new ones made up and sold to us in a kit. by someone we all support and trust. With 5000 members I would like to think we would all pretty much like the option of a kit that would be a direct replacement for our 30 year old lines that has been tested to work and fit. I sure don't like the idea of let's try this hose see if it works and hope it won't leak or break or wont collapse in the heat. I would love to receive under my Christmas tree   a new fuel line and safety wired petcock kit from RPM.
Any chance Randy might see this as another opportunity for his business to come to our rescue with more parts the Yamaha can't supply.
Hope this doesn't sound like I want someone else to do all the work for me but I've read fuel line are a pain in the ass to get right. A fuel line kit make a lot of sense and from what I've read everyone is talking about checking theirs over the winter and if new ones were available there would be a lot getting replaced. I'd buy the first ones.

Again Rick those are amazing pics and I'm glad your safe.

I also hope your loss will help the rest of us to never have to have that happen to us.


Bob