Just picked up a 1985 FJ1100

[81Delorean]

I won't argue with your assessment of the bike. Not sure if comparing it to a 11 year newer sport bike is fair either though. I have an '89 FJ, the weight doesn't bother me at all but I am also 6ft 2in and 210lbs, not sure what your build is. When I bought mine I cleaned the carbs and the first real trip was a 2200 mile trip mixed with interstate and curvy roads. I found it to be fine with the stock windscreen and fairings but I also like to have a little wind on me while riding. I tried a BWM RT on a 2000 mile trip, while it was comfortable and nice to burn miles on, I also hated the heat because of all the wind protection. The only time I did like it was when it was pouring down rain for about 2 hours, I hardly got wet at all. It went up for sale the next weekend after I got home.

Now, your ZX9. That bike is on my short list of bikes to get if I can find a mid 90's one in green/white/blue. I really want to do a road trip on one.

[Pat Conlon]

Your assessment sounds about right.
Stock FJ suspension is too soft, both front and back. Poor dampening.
The front anti dive system is ineffective, always has been.
The stock 16" tires and rims are narrow, heavy and outdated by today's 17" standards.
Stock FJ front Brakes are just ok, nothing special.

Old FJ's don't die....because we modify! 

Add Fork springs, fork valves, anti dive delete and a height adjustable aftermarket shock and the effect will be immediately noticeable. Night and day.
Add Modern, lighter 17x3.5" front and 17x5" or 17x5.5" back rims will allow better tires.
Add R-1 Yamaha monoblock calipers, HH pads, lighter rotors and 14mm m/c with SS lines and they will transform the brakes.

Yes, she's still a big girl by today's sport standards, no getting around that.....
...but now she is a better dancer, much better than the day she left Iwata, Japan... 41 years ago...

[Gearbox Paul]

I won't argue with your assessment of the bike. Not sure if comparing it to a 11 year newer sport bike is fair either though. I have an '89 FJ, the weight doesn't bother me at all but I am also 6ft 2in and 210lbs, not sure what your build is. When I bought mine I cleaned the carbs and the first real trip was a 2200 mile trip mixed with interstate and curvy roads. I found it to be fine with the stock windscreen and fairings but I also like to have a little wind on me while riding. I tried a BWM RT on a 2000 mile trip, while it was comfortable and nice to burn miles on, I also hated the heat because of all the wind protection. The only time I did like it was when it was pouring down rain for about 2 hours, I hardly got wet at all. It went up for sale the next weekend after I got home.

Now, your ZX9. That bike is on my short list of bikes to get if I can find a mid 90's one in green/white/blue. I really want to do a road trip on one.

I agree that comparing to newer (although still old!) sport bikes isn't a fair comparison, but that's all I have.  I've never owned any sport tourers, or cruiser bikes, so this is a first for me.  And I'm smaller and lighter to you so low speed maneuvering on that beast feels like a chore. 

Regarding my ZX9, I just purchased it late last year and put it on the road last week.  So I'm also getting to know that bike.  So far,  it's much like my Gixxer, just smoother, faster and better.  It also higher clip ons (mounted over the triple tree) so the riding position is more comfortable and less aggressive than on the Gixxer, which would be good for a long road trip.       

[Gearbox Paul]

Your assessment sounds about right.
Stock FJ suspension is too soft, both front and back. Poor dampening.
The front anti dive system is ineffective, always has been.
The stock 16" tires and rims are narrow, heavy and outdated by today's 17" standards.
Stock FJ front Brakes are just ok, nothing special.

Old FJ's don't die....because we modify! 

Add Fork springs, fork valves, anti dive delete and a height adjustable aftermarket shock and the effect will be immediately noticeable. Night and day.
Add Modern, lighter 17x3.5" front and 17x5" or 17x5.5" back rims will allow better tires.
Add R-1 Yamaha monoblock calipers, HH pads, lighter rotors and 14mm m/c with SS lines and they will transform the brakes.

Yes, she's still a big girl by today's sport standards, no getting around that.....
...but now she is a better dancer, much better than the day she left Iwata, Japan... 41 years ago...

Thanks Pat.  Those all sound like nice improvements to make.  I'm just not sure I want to put that much time and $ into that bike.  If it was in pristine condition, that would make sense, but it isn't.  And there are other bikes I'm interested in buying and my wife is already giving me a hard time about keeping 3 bikes around (it's just 3 bikes Honey...)!

[red]

Paul,
I agree with Pat; stainless steel braided brake lines are a good investment there. Those old rubber lines are about done by time, and the braided lines will make the brakes more assertive. I would do the front lines, at least. It will be more complicated with an ABS, but I think we can find you good sources for braided lines here, if you wish. A very good local hydraulics shop *may* be able to duplicate your old lines in SS, so investigate locally, but don't give up if the locals can't help.
Hang tough.