Greetings from sunny Portugal! (via cloudly Ireland)

[vitorino]

Hi, FJowners!

I'm Carlos [spelled "car-loosh"], new here, and I'm from the outskirts of Porto, sunny Portugal, south-western Europe; but currently living in Dublin/Ireland.

I recently acquired a Yamaha FJ 1100 (36Y-under the first 2 000 units produced) from May.1984 so I'm very new to it, despite been riding bikes since 1999.

As soon as I got my license I entered the world of motorcycles with a scooter: Suzuki AY W50 Katana R - the only bike I bought new to this day - fabulous until I outgrew it.

Then I upgraded into a Suzuki GN 125, nice frugal utilitarian bike but riddled with gremlins; so I got tired of it.

Afterwards I upgraded into a Suzuki GS 500 E, another frugal utilitarian bike which I quickly outgrew once more.

Then I upgraded once again to a Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion S, nice bike with a bit more touring aspect, but seemed to lack personality, like when you're eating some nice food but someone forgot the salt.

Finally I upgraded to a BMW K100 RT and this was the very best bike I ever had in my life so far: phenomenal and glorious in every aspect, despite its age.

Then I met my first girlfriend (now wife) and my riding days came to an end by self-choice: I simply couldn't afford both a bike and a car; so since on rainy days I couldn't take my girl out on dates I decided to upgrade to a Mercedes-Benz 200D (W124) - fabulous car, the best car I had in my life so far.

Then I sold it to my father-in-law; and later bought a Renault Clio 1.9 D Societé because the wife preferred a smaller car to get around - very economical and robust car.

Afterwards, we both outgrew the Clio (2-seater) so upgraded into a Renault 19 Scala 1.9dT - still robust but riddled with gremlins.

Then the final upgrade was for a Mercedes-Benz 190 D 2.0 (W201) - very tight car in the inside and riddled with gremlins once more; so we sold it.

Then the hiatus came, with no cars or bikes (other than borrowed/rented) when both me + wife emigrated to sunny (not) Dublin, Ireland; where we still live and work.

But during my "car phase" + hiatus I always rented motorcycles - on vacation in different countries (Portugal, Spain, Greece...), so not to loose my riding abilities... but the little bike bug grew and grew.

Until I decided I wanted to go back to my "motorcycle phase" i.e. to have a bike in Portugal to ride it (me + wife) whenever we're there... I looked for BMW Ks but the good ones (RT/LT) are extremely expensive and rare in Portugal, so I decided I'll buy one later and settled with the next best thing (by pure chance, actually): a 1984 Yamaha FJ 1100 (36Y)!

I only rode it a few meters around my inlaws Condo in Portugal so far; but the first impressions are good, despite some obvious things to fix.

The next "to do" in the list (since I hadn't got the time when I bought it) is to take it to a local mechanic to do a full review and change oils/filters; as well as to fix a leak (if not too expensive/time-consuming).

I do hope this bike isn't riddled with gremlins (I know, I know, it's from 1984... you should expect them); as I want a bike to tour during our vacation time in Portugal (will only ride it in Spring/Summer) - but if it is, I'll have no choice to get rid of it and buy another one (hope not).

I'm here to learn and to get good tips; and whatever humble advice I can give I will do so as well.

Thanks & regards,
Carlos.

[T Legg]

Congratulations Carlos you bought the best year of FJ. I have two 84 FJ's that were manufactured in April of 84. When running right your FJ would smoke your old BMW. I do spend a lot of time wrenching (maybe you guys would call it spannering) on my bikes but they are simple and pleasant to work on. Over all they have been dependable and never left me stranded any where although I do carry a good tool kit and bits and pieces to make on the road repairs. I don't think there is a problem you could have that somebody on this site won't have experienced expert advice on. Good luck getting it roadworthy. I hope your riding soon.

[vitorino]

hi, Mr. T

thanks for the welcoming - I hope to learn a lot from all of you experienced guys, as I'm a FJ-newbie

I don't like speeding on bikes - I prefer smooth, relaxed riding, hence why I love touring bikes

I too would like to learn how to fix and maintain my bikes but I have neither the knowledge, time, garage... and I'm not even in the same country than my bike :-) So maybe one day when I'm older I can do that, who knows; but for now I have to settle paying someone to do it for me

I got tired of renting bikes and wanted something I owned, to ride in Portugal with my wife

I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a bike because it will be stored 10-11 months out of 12; as I don't know anyone who could ride/maintain it while I'm not there in Portugal... that's why I didn't buy a BMW RT/LT, Pan European or Goldwing - maybe I can buy one of those when I'm back for good in Portugal

So the idea would be a cheap, straight-forward easy to fix, comfortable bike that could tour easily with 2 people for medium-long trips on Spring/Summer in Portugal and bordering cities of Spain

in Portugal you also have to pay road tax depending on the bike engine size and year; but all bikes before 1991 are exempt of this tax, so since the bike will be stored 10-11 months out of 12 I wanted a pre-1991 bike (if this FJ 1100 was 19991 or after I could be paying $70.82 a year, which would be a waste of money actually)

I also wanted a 4 cylinder bike because 1 or 2 cyclinders aren't smooth enough for me; and also with enough power so not to keep "dragging" and pushing the engine too much; as well as low maintenance

I knew the existence of FJs because I had 1 or 2 friends of friends that used to have one (I was part of a local motorcycle club back in the day); and from looking into it I can see in paper it's a smooth and dependable bike - it can also go fast, but as per above that's not what I'm looking in a bike - I prefer smooth, relaxed riding... typically I'll be riding mainly in back/coastal roads and the occasional highway - but cruising between 56 to 75 mph only - that's how I cruise on cars too - easy riding, not pressed for time, not a hurry to get anywhere, relax, relax, relax :-)

the other advantage is, because the bike is considered a "classic" I could do a "classic insurance" to it: which with the mandatory 3rd'party insurance and road-side assistance (tow truck) I got the good price of only $49 a year

so paying $49 a year, with no road tax expense (and no mandatory yearly inspection too), and the yearly maintenance I keep my expenses down at the bare minimum (except if there's major repairs/parts needed)

I expect doing anywhere from 1 200 to 2 400 miles per year on the bike, weather permitting... other than that the bike will be stored

this FJ has 18 641 miles on the odometer... but it's more than likely fake (I know the "works")... even the serial number could be fake too :-)

I can see some mild restoration had been done by someone... and as far as I can see it's all original... but again, it's most likely a mash up of parts of different FJ 1100/1200 put together

so let's see when I'm down there in Portugal what the mechanic will say about the bike and what it needs, starting from the extremely urgent to the "would be nice to have" things

what I don't want (nor can afford) is for the bike to be a money pit... because by experience that can absolutely ruiin you mentally not to mention your wallet - so I'd rather loose money and selling it dirt cheap than to invest a couple of grand to make it roadworthy

but let's see what the future holds

thanks again for the welcoming!

[Millietant]

Hi Carlos,

Welcome to the Forum and the Group. There is a lot of advice and help here if you get stuck with problems, but the reliability and durability of the FJ is legendary, with many owners racking up comfortably over 200,000 kms without any major problems (mine has only done 130,000 kms).

I do know someone who has a house and spends a lot of time in Portugal, who also happens to be a keen FJ owner/rider and fan - I've sent you a message (you should see a notification by the PM button at the top of the screen) with details - and maybe he can offer some help.

Good luck with your bike and your riding.

[vitorino]

hi, Dean

thanks also for the welcoming + tip!

regards

[fj1289]

For storing the FJ for 10-11 months at a time will be a little bit of a challenge. 

Ensure you drain the fuel from the carburetor float bowls when done with the riding season.  Also remove the battery and keep it on a trickle charger.   

I do not know what to suggest for the fuel tank.  Maybe drain the fuel and coat the inside of the tank with two-stroke motorcycle oil?   Then rinse out the oil with fuel and pour it out when ready to begin riding again.   Add fresh fuel and ready to go?  Maybe other people have suggestions to get the bike running again easily when it is time. 

Those three things are what usually cause issues when not riding for a while. 

Good luck and WELCOME!

[Waiex191]

Welcome Carlos!  It is cool that your only vehicle is an FJ.  When I was 15 my only vehicle was a GN400, but I've collected a few more over the years.

[vitorino]

hi, fj1289 + Waiex191

thanks both for your welcoming + tips as well

I know one could view buying a motorcycle to only ride in average 1 month out of 12 a waste of money; but I really wanted to have something i could call my own and got tired of renting bikes (and being extra careful not to damage them) - it's kind of a calculated risk, hence the reason why I kept my expenses down

the FJ 1100 will be a so-called "vacation bike"... let's see how long that will last without too many gremlins :-)

here's 2 pictures of the "archaeology finding" :-) ... as far as I can see it looks all "stock", but it's probably a mash-up of different FJ 1100/1200 parts put together :-)




regards

[Millietant]

Nope Carlos, from those photo's it doesn't particularly look like a mash up of 1100 and 1200 parts, at least certainly not in the bodywork and the running gear looks 1100 too.  

Here's a link to an original Yamaha brochure photo.

https://images.app.goo.gl/hbnyxMSuYib1XmNF9

[Motofun]

Welcome Carlos.
That's a great looking bike.  If she runs as well as she looks you've got a winner.  Most of us have "moditus" and change many facets of the bike to suit our taste but I'd be reluctant to alter that beauty.   

[vitorino]

hi, Dean + Motofun

thanks for your kind words

don't let the pictures fool you - there might be things "underneath" that are in need of an urgent fix/replacement (especially that leak) - that checkup hasn't been done yet

for me the most important thing is that the bike runs, and runs well without (too many) gremlins

I don't know if this FJ 1100 is 100% original or not - my past experience and local market knowledge tells me to be wary - but thanks anyway for your pre-analysis - you're the experts, not me

I personally don't like making modifications on either motorcycles or cars - I prefer to keep them "stock" and 100% original - not only because they look better that way but also not to "spoil" the looks of them - but I respect who think/does otherwise

having said that I don't intend to keep a museum and have the bike behind a plexiglas and charge an entrance fee :-) - I want to take it out on the road with my wife and tour in a relaxed cruising way

you guys got me scared with that petcock thing... I obviously don't want to become a fireball on the highway (it it does catches fire I'd rather prefer sitting back watching the bonfire safely at a distance) - I'll see if I can find a good local mechanic that can have a look for me and make that homemade fix to it (you guys never thought suing Yamaha on that?)

i have a lot of dumb questions regarding the FJ, which I'll try placing in the apropriate sections in this forum; and I also have a lot of stories to share from 21 years riding bikes :-)


please also let me know if I can somehow help out anyone with my humble experience

regards

[andyoutandabout]

Carlos, had a great time in Portugal 16 years ago.
Even made it to a bike rally.
Remember the Sandyman port.
Andy

[vitorino]

hi, Andy

wow... you really went a long way to Mirandela in the north-east! Award well deserved - congrats!

that's the Region of Trás-os-Montes ("Behind-the-Hills"), famous for the traditional smoked and stuffed meats and sausages; and excellent wine - I hope they've spoiled you with nothing but the best over there

2004 was also the year we hosted the European Football Championship; to which we made it to the Final, but unfortunately lost with Greece

back then I was with my local motorcycle club; and had the previlege of riding the BMW K100 RT; but never took her to Trás-os-Montes

we have so many beautiful roads in Portugal, which you can choose depending on your taste: some almost empty highways where you can pretend you're on the Autobahn and give full gas; mountain twisties with good tar where you can have fun with friends; scenic back and coastal roads where you can relax cruising watching the sea/river; dirt, mountain and forest roads where you can take your dirt bike/Trail/overlander; participate in motorcycle clubs' gatherings, yearly meetings and events; participate in "off-the-record" nightly meets with speed junkies in empty Industrial Areas "a la Fast & Furious"; bikes-and-coffee on Sunday mornings; etc.; while at the same time enjoying the fine Mediterranean Portuguese cuisine and wines and beaches - I would recommend Portugal to everybody, actually!



regards

[Old Rider]

Welcome and congratulations with a fantastic looking FJ1100   .There is no 1200 parts i can see 100% FJ 1100 classic original sample ! That is how a real FJ should look like .Don't be
tempted to  ruin it looks by modifying it ( except replasing the brakelines with steelbraided ) that you can do with another not so good looking bike .

[vitorino]

hi, Old Rider

thanks for your welcoming!

don't worry - regardless if this FJ 1100 is 'legit' or not I don't like modding either bikes or cars; so it will remain as it is in the looks department

now, if the bike needs parts replaced and I'm not able to source original OEM ones (either because there aren't any or they're a King's ramson) then I'll have to ask the mechanic to put some generic ones - after all, this isn't an investment bike - I came to it by pure chance actually - this is a bike intended to make kilometers on the road, where it belongs

last year on a 2-week vacation period only driving around and touring Portugal + a little bordering Spain I totalled ~ 1 900 kms/1 180 mi on my Father-in-Law's 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.0D; so if can now start doing half of that by 190 (I do sometimes have to take the Inlaws...) + half by FJ 1100 I'll be happy ;-)

regards