NO MORE

[ribbert]

The best one is the one you are on!

Yep, this has always been the answer and still rings true today. Everybody has vastly different expectations of their bikes depending on the sort of riding they do, but you'll never hear anyone say "great bike, but I wish I had the XXXX model"

The differences when new were relatively minor and updates typical for the era, however, after 25-35 years of use and abuse, even without mods, they are all different bikes now and the lines blurred and overlapped.

For me, it's the 3XW. I do big miles and long days and still put in the occasional 1000 km day and many more days not much short of that. Smoothness and weather protection are paramount. However, and this is where the mods kick in, I've made it quick and nimble like the early bikes (in fact, way more of both) but with better handling, I have the best of all worlds.

Everyone gets there kicks out of FJ's for different reasons and everyone loves the model they own, it doesn't get any better than that and it's a great testament to the almighty FJ's enduring design.

I have spent most of my working life in the automotive industry, in just about every role you can think of and I can think of no other manufacturer that went out on top like Yamaha did with the FJ at the end of a decade long model run with a machine that 35 years later remains so usable, even when pitted against modern machinery. Plenty of modern bike owners here (myself included) who still sing the praises of the mighty FJ as a 2020 bike.

Yamaha could not possibly have imagined in a world of automotive obsolescence that 35 years later their classic would be used and revered on such a scale.

Just keep an eye on that xxxxxx speed and it will serve you well  

Noel

[Brook]

..... I have had my 86, for more then 10 years now. And I do believe, it was born with 125hp (torque?) Is that the scale for all FJ's?

I would think, the 1100's, would weigh less, has a shorter wheel base. is more aerodynamic. 

And Maybe, I should know this, but what is 3XW, 3cv and 1tx?

And brakes, have the brakes improve over the years?

[Bones]

For me it's the 93 3xw model. I wouldn't say any model was "better" than the other, apart from the 1100 all the 1200's had the same HP and torque figures so their equal there, It's just the improvements made through the range that make the 3xw model the most refined. Biggest fairing so better weather protection, bigger frame rails so stronger, rubber engine mounts so vibe free riding, and to me better looks and paint scheme.

They can all be made even better with the upgrades to brakes, suspension, wheels etc that are available to them. I was thinking a while ago about buying a brand new bike but then thought what can a new bike do better than what I've got now, mine goes, stops, and rides probably as good if not better and far more reliable than what's available now.

[FJ1200W]

I've only owned a 1989 that was road ready, and I am more than pleased with it.

It's outlasted countless other motorcycles, of nearly every type.

The '89 is probably right for me. I think the earlier versions would be too sporty and the later versions too "modern" as I'm not a fan or ABS/etc.

I'm working on something earlier, I'm excited to see how that little front tire works out for me.

[tmst08]

I am a proud left leaning FJ motorcyclist....but then I come up on a right banking curve and now I'm on the hard right!!!!   

This hard right seems to be tightening! I'm almost looking forward to passing a police officer!

[Troyskie]

The best one is the one you are on!

[Millietant]

..... I have had my 86, for more then 10 years now. And I do believe, it was born with 125hp (torque?) Is that the scale for all FJ's?

I would think, the 1100's, would weigh less, has a shorter wheel base. is more aerodynamic.  

And Maybe, I should know this, but what is 3XW, 3cv and 1tx?

And brakes, have the brakes improve over the years?

Hi Brook, the acronyms identify the model types of each FJ 1200.

The 1 TX is the 86-87 model FJ1200 (16" front wheel, twin piston front brake calipers)

The 3CV is the 88-90 model FJ1200 (17" front wheel, 4 piston brake calipers and updated fairing)

The 3 XW is the 91 onwards model FJ 1200 (Rubber engine mounts, ABS brakes option, Updated fairing and chin spoiler/belly-pan)

In each model the exhausts also changed and there were other minor changes (for example slight bodywork/panel changes, mirrors, switchgear etc).

But, of course, the 3CV remains by far the most powerful and best looking of all FJ's, just like their owners   (just don't tell Pat that !!)

[CutterBill]

I didn't even know we had a Politics section... 
Bill

[ribbert]

I am a proud left leaning FJ motorcyclist....but then I come up on a right banking curve and now I'm on the hard right!!!!   

This hard right seems to be tightening! I'm almost looking forward to passing a police officer!

If it get's any tighter you might crash.

[FJ1200W]

I didn't even know we had a Politics section... 
Bill