New FJ1200 Owner / NW Missouri

[UJM]

Greetings all

Bought a really nice 1989 FJ1200 today, looking forward to learning more about it and contributing.

Going to to the basics of a full service as soon as possible. I'll order the valve adjustment tool from the local dealer, or borrow theirs.

Luckily I have the factory service manual downloaded, going to have to study it a bit.

My bike appears stock other than Kerker slip ons. Runs good, normal air cooled engine noise, nice and torquey, so far, no complaints.

Been riding for decades, bought a 919 new in 02, sold it a few years ago. Rode a GL500 "naked" for a couple years, also have a 75 CB750 drag bike, a Z50, 3 Metropolitans and a Ruckus.

Started riding the streets on a 1972 Kawasaki H1B, then a GS1100E, had too many motorcycles between then and now to remember. Spent a few years managing a Honda motorcycle service department, hopefully there is something I can give back to everyone.

Hello everyone, good to be here.

[rktmanfj]

Greetings all

Bought a really nice 1989 FJ1200 today, looking forward to learning more about it and contributing.

Going to to the basics of a full service as soon as possible. I'll order the valve adjustment tool from the local dealer, or borrow theirs.

Luckily I have the factory service manual downloaded, going to have to study it a bit.

My bike appears stock other than Kerker slip ons. Runs good, normal air cooled engine noise, nice and torquey, so far, no complaints.

Been riding for decades, bought a 919 new in 02, sold it a few years ago. Rode a GL500 "naked" for a couple years, also have a 75 CB750 drag bike, a Z50, 3 Metropolitans and a Ruckus.

Started riding the streets on a 1972 Kawasaki H1B, then a GS1100E, had too many motorcycles between then and now to remember. Spent a few years managing a Honda motorcycle service department, hopefully there is something I can give back to everyone.

Hello everyone, good to be here.

Nice intro, Steve... welcome!

Randy T
Indy

[carsick]

Welcome Steve!
UJM = A-OK!!
Sounds like you have a wealth of experience to add to the pile o' FJ knowledge already here, good to have varied perspectives, keeps down the idea inbreeding... that would only occur on other lesser sites.
Doug

[UJM]

Thanks Randy T & Doug.

Picked the bike up in Lenexa Kansas, about 60 miles from home. The seller had an immaculate garage, all of his "toys" were as pristine as they could be - Nice old BMW 2002, new 350Z - and his new Kawasaki Concourse 14 (Kawasaki us blowing out the older model).

I was stunned when I saw how clean this bike looked, we'll see how it really is, hopefully no surprises.

Ride back was nice, the machine really handles well for the age, very well.

As soon as I arrived back at the home port, the wife greeted me and she gave her total approval - and we went for a nice long ride together and she says she really likes the bike - "Great" in fact.

Thanks again guys!

[racerman_27410]

welcome to the group Steve,


nice intro.... mechanically you will find the FJ to be almost bulletproof but there are tons of things that can be upgraded to make the bike even better/

Kookaloo!

Frank

[FJmonkey]

Rode a GL500 "naked" for a couple years

If you rode naked for a couple of years you should fit right in at the rallies. 

Welcome to Kookaloo zone.

[andyb]

nice intro.... mechanically you will find the FJ to be almost bulletproof but

...a bad PO can fix all that for you though...

Sounds like you may have a good one though!

[UJM]

Thank you Frank, Andy and "Glendale".

Last night, I noticed the rear wheel was not aligned properly, off a full notch to the right   Easy fix, also found the cotter pin was used and only fit through the hole - could of bounced out  

Quick inspection under the bike revealed what looked like a babied machine, almost spotless, and under the rear fender, no layers of melted tire, a good sign. One of the upper rear fender retaining bolts was missing. Looked tough, but I used hemostats to hold the nut and called that good, tightened other side, others OK.

Removed the reflector that hung from the back of the rear fender, hope that is not like committing sacrilege or anything. Also removed a couple of the PO's decals, left a couple others.

The local Yamaha shop here (McBrides Yamaha) is one of the oldest in the country, in the top 40. I know Mike and Dave McBride fairly well, and sold a fair amount of their NOS parts for them last year when I was not working. Dave did the State inspection for me this morning, complimented the bike for being as clean as it was. Listened to it, came to the same conclusion I did, adjust the valves.

Honestly, I'd not be too surprised if it did not have the stock plugs, we'll find out soon enough. Plan is to follow the factory manual and put everything to spec, full service tune up time.

Thanks again!

[racerman_27410]

it would be good if you actually measured the axle distance from swingarm pivot ... those marks are not always to be trusted.

never a bad idea to check the valves.... you wont find any loose....if they are out they will be tight.

if the bike sounds rattly at idle it is usually the starter chain and thats because the idle is set too low.... about 1100 RPMs is sweet spot


KOokaloo!


post some pics!

[UJM]

Here are a couple of pictures - note the red fairing protectors/bumpers









I'm not real fond of those red protectors, so I ordered up a set of new black ones. One side was out-of-stock with no expected arrival date - today, it became available, whew, I was beginning to worry.

Also picked up a new air filter, the one in the bike appears to be the original, oh my......

The plan is to pick up spark plugs, borrow a carb synch set, check/adjust the valves and basically give it a real tune up - Ah! Fuel filter, have to remember that as well.


So far so good, this motorcycle is about as close to perfect for me as it could be, so far, no complaints!

[simi_ed]

Steve, That's a BEuuuuuuuuuty of an '89! I remember when mine looked like that.  Nice find.  You never said how many mile are on the bike.  I finally changed the fuel filter on mine (don't know when).   I don't ever remember anyone having fuel starvation issues related to a fuel filter.  I did find a 5/16" in-line filter that has a replaceable element.  It will fit into the original filter retainer, and stay put too! 

Good luck, watch out for the mod bug.  Once you start, there's no stopping

Ed

[Pat Conlon]

Wow! What a bitchen bike Steve. You scored. Did you get it from a museum? If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for it?   It looks brand new. That silver/white combo is my second favorite only close behind the '84's stormy red/silver combo.
I can't understand why Ed refers to his as the "Theft deterrent silver and white".
Your modification path is easy.  All you really need is a 17" rear rim with modern rubber, Penske shock, fork springs with emulators and R-1 brakes and you're set. Call it a day. You will be amazed at the change.

  Welcome again Steve.

[Yamifj1200]

Welcome to the site Steve, I see you got the post on ADV. Good group here with tons of good info and friendship... Beauty of an 89....

Eric M

[rktmanfj]

Steve, That's a BEuuuuuuuuuty of an '89! I remember when mine looked like that.  Nice find.  You never said how many mile are on the bike.  I finally changed the fuel filter on mine (don't know when).   I don't ever remember anyone having fuel starvation issues related to a fuel filter.  I did find a 5/16" in-line filter that has a replaceable element.  It will fit into the original filter retainer, and stay put too! 

Good luck, watch out for the mod bug.  Once you start, there's no stopping

Ed

NAPA #3007 fits just fine.

I can't understand why Ed refers to his as the "Theft deterrent silver and white".

Some jealous bastard on the Yahoo list called it that... we know better.     

Randy T
Indy