Greetings from Sweden

[DavidN73]

This is my first post here.
I live just outside Gothenburg in Sweden and couple of years ago I decided it was time to get a drivers licence for motor cycles. My plan back in 2019 was to find somthing cheap and just use to learn how to ride a bike.
For ca $1000 I found a 1984 FJ1100 resting in a barn. The seller had bought it some years earlier with a plan to use it for some type of custom project. Luckily that plan failed and he decided to sell it.
The speedometer wasn't working, apart from that it should be good to use.
I think I took about three rides on it along with my brother. With a big smile on my face. What a bike! I loved it from the first time I started it! Unfortunately the morning after the third ride I woke up to a strong scent of petrol  coming from the garage. This was still back in 2019 and since then it's been more workshop practice than riding it.

I found no obvious item leaking petrol, so I assumed something was leaking from the carburettors. I picked them apart guided by Haynes workshop manual and Youtube. Then refitted them with new jets and gaskets. I also replaced the fuel lines and the pet cock. Synced the carburettors and fired it up.. And no more fuel leaks!

The original exhaust system had rusted apart so I have replaced all of it.

The front brakes almost didn't grip at all so I had some help from a work shop picking the calipers apart. One of the pistons was badly stuck in the caliper. I then rebulit the calipers with new gaskets and brake pads. I was a chore bleeding the front brakes and the antidive but with some tips from the workshop at my job I finally got all the air out and the brakes are as good as new now.

The original speedometer still isn't working. Inside it there's an aluminium dome that has come loose from the axle it's supposed to be mounted on. I have temporarily replaced it with an electric speedometer just to be able to ride it. It's not legal to ride it in Sweden without a working speedometer. My plan for this winter is picking the original speedometer apart and try to get it working again.

So this is my story so far. Rebuilt carburettors, a new exhaust system and rebuilt front calipers. Plus a set of new tires and the change of oil, filters and spark plugs. I absolutely love riding this bike and hope to do it for many more years.

If some of You have any tips on how I should get my original speedometer working again please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Wishing You all many miles of joyful FJ riding!

Kind regards David

[Motofun]

Welcome to the camp fire.  Just a really stupid suggestion but check to make sure the internal cable is in the sheath.  The threaded cap that attaches to speedo hub on the axle has a habit of coming loose.  When that happens the internal cable falls out and is lost.  The previous owner may have just reattached the sheath to keep it from dangeling......

[DavidN73]

Thanks for the tip Motofun. I will for sure check that this isn't the problem

[Pat Conlon]

Welcome David! Thanks for your introduction.
Congratulations on the resurrection. I love to hear stories of restoration. Little things are bound to pop up with a 40 year old bike, let us know how you are doing and how we can help.

Cheers.   Pat

[DavidN73]

Thanks Pat.

I will most likely need some advice when I'm about to get started with the speedometer. I'll keep You updated.

Then... who knows.. As You said she's a 40 year old bike and I'm the 18th owner. 

[Pat Conlon]

There is a company in San Diego, Calif. who rebuilds the FJ speedometer using top shelf components.
They do great work with reasonable prices. I've used them for several FJ's.

http://www.foreignspeedoinc.com/

Also if I may make a suggestion: Go to your Profile and on your signature line add: 1984 FJ1100. That way it will automatically appear on all your posts and you won't have to remind us what model you have.
It will help us help you.

Cheers

Pat

[Millietant]

Welcome David,

This is a great place for advice, stories and news on what is happening with FJ owners and their bikes across the world