Newbie here!

[3Rigel]

Hi all,

I've just found myself with an old unloved FJ1200 1989.

I haven't ridden in many year so it's going to be a little scary at first I'm guessing.

I the process of doing an oil change and it's just had a new battery. It starts so that's a good sign!

I'm wanting to replace the perished tyres as cheaply as possible. Any recommendations are welcome.

I'm sure I'll be using the site and asking many more questions.

Cheers all,

Rob

[red]

3Rigel,

Welcome to the FJ evening campfire! Pull up a seat, relax, and be among friends.

You will want new, clean hydraulic fluid of the correct type in the brakes and clutch systems.  SpeedBleeders.com will make it into an easy, one-guy operation.  I'm no help on cheap tires; the FJ is a strong, hefty machine.

RPM here (owner and sponsor) has lots of FJ-specific parts and accessories, if you need something special.

[Motofun]

Welcome to the group.  Tires are an issue that requires some more info.  Has your bike been upgraded to a 17" rear wheel?  If so, that opens up many options as the stock 16" wheel is kinda obsolete.  I understand wanting to economize but tire quality is the last place to do that, especially if you "take it to the limit".  Cheap tires are just that....cheap.

[3Rigel]

Thanks guys for the comments. Yes I realise the tyres are the only thing between you and the floor so obviously important. From my perspective I know at least in the short term it's not going to be ridden to its limits.... Or even close so safe and Mot friendly are my thoughts. I'm guessing it won't do many miles either so possibly some part worns may do... Any thoughts?

I'm doing the oil change so I'll look at purging the other fluids too, thanks for the heads up.

Cheers all!

[3Rigel]

The rear wheel is standard, Is a 17" a straight swap?

[Pat Conlon]

...I know at least in the short term it's not going to be ridden to its limits.... Or even close so safe and Mot friendly are my thoughts. I'm guessing it won't do many miles either so possibly some part worns may do... Any thoughts?

Welcome aboard... With my FJ's I have learned not to buy 1) cheap tires or 2) cheap chains.

Yes, I too have told myself, I'm not going to push my FJ hard...but....here on the FJ forum we have a psychological phenomenon called "Kookaloo". You may laugh but I'm here to tell you, this kookaloo shit is very real.
Once you experience it, you will understand why it's easy to forget what you told yourself about not pushing hard on your FJ.
Buy good tires....buy good chains.

Several options on 17" rear rims. Look in our Modifications Files. IIRC the GSXR 17" rim swap is as close to plug and play as possible. Your tire selection will be greatly enhanced with 17" rims.

Cheers, ride safe.

Pat

[Millietant]

...I know at least in the short term it's not going to be ridden to its limits.... Or even close so safe and Mot friendly are my thoughts. I'm guessing it won't do many miles either so possibly some part worns may do... Any thoughts?

Welcome aboard... With my FJ's I have learned not to buy 1) cheap tires or 2) cheap chains.

Yes, I too have told myself, I'm not going to push my FJ hard...but....here on the FJ forum we have a psychological phenomenon called "Kookaloo". You may laugh but I'm here to tell you, this kookaloo shit is very real.
Once you experience it, you will understand why it's easy to forget what you told yourself about not pushing hard on your FJ.
Buy good tires....buy good chains.

Several options on 17" rear rims. Look in our Modifications Files. IIRC the GSXR 17" rim swap is as close to plug and play as possible. Your tire selection will be greatly enhanced with 17" rims.

Cheers, ride safe.

Pat

Hey Rob, welcome in to the group. 

Pat is 100% correct on tyres and chains - don't be fooled into thinking otherwise 

Because of the number of issues with the torque arm bolt failure, I'm of the view that the GSXR wheel swap is not the best/easiest most-plug-and-play option - it's the best option if you must have a 180/55x17 rear tyre, but if you're happy with a 170/60x17 rear tyre (I'm running Michelin Road tyres at the moment) then the 1997 onwards YZF600R rear wheel swap is by far the easiest/cheapest/closest-to-plug-and-play option
IMHO.

FJ's with 17" wheels, modern radial tyres and well set up suspension are still serious road-bike bike tools, even some 40 years after they were first introduced - and well capable of running with much more modern machinery on today's roads.

Bite the bullet, accept you're not going to ride it like a granny all the time and just fit the best components you can afford - and go out and just enjoy riding your FJ..................

Oh and remember to post photos we LOVE photos !!

[3Rigel]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll look into the rear wheel choices. Do you suggest swapping both front and rear so they match or is the rear a close enough match not to worry?

[Pat Conlon]

Your '89 already has a 17" front rim, although it's only 3" wide. Most Common 17" front rims are 3.5" wide, except the FJ.
If you can find a front rim off a 1987 or 1988 FZR1000 or FZR750, they used a 17" x 3.5" wide front rim along with the same 15mm dia. axle the FJ uses.
This rim is plug and play with your '89 FJ.