Getting used to the FJ1200

[Loukiii]

I tried the SeaFoam stuff. I was planning on doing it anyway, I figured it couldn't hurt anything.  So I filled up the tank with gas, rode the bike home and put in 5 oz. of SeaFoam. I let the bike idle for about 5 minutes and then took it around the block (about 3 miles)
I think I made it angry. I don't know if it was the 5 minute warm up, (the bike was already warm though since I took it to the gas station) or the SeaFoam but there is no hesitation when I twist the throttle. This thing was already quick but it seems just a little quicker. I still need to have someone take a look at it just for peace of mind. And I want to put some new tires on it. The tires that are on it look almost new but they are well about 7 or 8 years old. I don't think the previous owner rode it much the last several years. He had a nice Vulcan 2000 in the garage that was probably more suited to his girlfriends riding tastes. So I will ask the mechanic to give it a look over when the change the tires.  Now... what kind of tires?... I dont want track tires. More of a touring guy. I will say if I would have got this bike when I was 20 I would probably be a pedestrian by now.

Loukiii,

Okay, newbie mistake, sure, but you want to add the Seafoam when you are at the gas station, THEN fill the gas tank.  This way mixes the cleaner with the gas very well.  You do non want to run the bike on a heavy mix of Seafoam.

If you have a 16" rear tire, your tire choices are limited.  I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, and Avon makes nice radial tires in that size.  If you have 17" tires, you can use almost anything in that size, but my preference then would be the Pirelli Angel GT.  Pirelli tires are not the cheapest, but since you have a really good ride there, I'd say Enjoy It!  Others here can tell you more about alternate choices, but in general, a traction (race) tire sticks well, but won't give you lots of miles.  A "mileage" (hard) tire may last a long time, but you may not like how it handles in the cold, or on wet roads.  Just a cautionary note: the tire debate on any bike forum is endless, and everybody's tire is the best, or stickiest, or hardest, or the cheapest.  Me, I'm just another rider here, out for a good time.
       

Gas station is only about a mile from the house. I dont think it messed up the seafoam/gas ratio much. lol I see what you are saying about mixing better by putting it in before the gas though.

[Loukiii]

Here is a short clip of me starting it.

https://youtu.be/JnNWLYboc0A

[oldktmdude]

   Sounds like it needs a carbie sync and an idle adjustment. Should idle around 1,000-1,100 rpm.
Looks to be in good physical shape!
   Regards, Pete.

[Loukiii]

Im still learning to search this website. Is there a post that details the procedure for a carb synch?

[Loukiii]

I checked the tires and although they appear to be in great shape... the rear tire is from 2005 and the front tire is a 2011.. so a 1 year old tire and a 10 year old tire... Time to do some tire shopping. I ordered some Pirelli Sport Demons because those seem to be what alot of y'all are recommending and I know Pirelli's are good tires. I had a set on my truck and they did well.  That was easy. The hard thing was finding someone to put them on.  
I originally called the local Yamaha dealer (they were even listed as a pirelli dealer in the website) and said I need to get some tires for my 86 FJ1200, I even gave them the sizes.
"We cant get them. They are out of stock" they said. "But I get get you some blah something or whatever"  
"No thanks", I said. "If I get the tires can you put them on?"
"No, we dont mount Internet tires. You will have to take them to Rad's bike shop in Riverview"  
"Ok, I will thanks for the heads up"
So I call "Rad's" bike shop. I tell the guy who answers the phone. "Hi, I have some tires and I want to put them on my bike"
"Ok. What kind of bike is it?"
"It is a 1986 Yamaha FJ1200"
"I'm sorry sir. We only work on street bikes. We don't work on cruisers"
... I almost hung up then but I bit my tongue. "This isn't a cruiser. It is a sport bike. This bike was the reason Suzuki came out with the Hayabusa." (I know it is bs.. but he probably didnt lol)
"Huh? hold on... Hey Rad! Will you work on a Yamaha FJ1200? Huh? Oh okay... Yes sir. He said to bring it in and he will put the tires on it."
"ok thanks. I will call you when they come in" ... unless I can find someone who actually knows what an FJ1200 is first.

Not 20 minutes later my prayers were answered lol. I got a call from a guy who owns a small show who has been working on bikes for 47 years. He is factory trained and certified and came highly recommended but the person who told me didn't know if he had retired. When I tried his number I got voicemail so I left a message and didnt hear back till the next day. I also described my concerns about the popping noises I was hearing when I let off the throttle and he said. "Do you have aftermarket exhaust? that's normal if they remove the innards. I can take a look at it but it doesn't really hurt anything but your ears" lol  
I told him about Rad's and he said, "I don't care if you bring it here or take it somewhere else, but whatever you do, do not go there." I told him I had already come to that conclusion when they didnt even know what my bike was. lol
He told me to call him when my tires come in and he will take care of me.

[Paul.1478]

Im still learning to search this website. Is there a post that details the procedure for a carb synch?

I just rented the carb sync gages from RPM. Check this form, direction on it t(hey also rent the valve adjust kit). It was super easy. Flip tank around, remove the 3 plugs and one hose from the manifolds and hook the gauges up. Be sure the bike has warmed up, use a fan to keep it cool. There are YouTube vids (not for a FJ but they really are about the same). watch it 2 times so you understand what is going on.
a VERY SMALL turn makes a big difference so go slow. It took me around 2 Min or less but they were close already.