Just picked up a 1985 FJ1100

[Gearbox Paul]

First post for me.  A couple of days ago, I purchased a 1985 FJ1100 with 101,500 km on the clock.  Seller didn't know too much about the bike.  Apparently, the previous owner was a motorcycle mechanic. - I've been trying to contact that fellow to find out more about the bike but haven't reached him yet.  The bike has a Wiseco big bore piston kit (77 mm pistons, 10.25:1 compression ratio) but I don't know what else was done to accommodate the higher displacement (i.e. jetting, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, air box or air filter, etc.).  The exhaust system is OEM. 

Tires are old (2017 and 2015) but have lots of thread on them.  The following work was completed in 2023:

1.  Carbs been cleaned and new rear boots/clamps installed. 
2.  New cam chain and new manual cam chain tensioner. 
3.  New petcock. 
4.  New battery
5.  Valve clearances checked and shimmed as needed.
6.  Clutch slave cylinder rebuilt.
7.  New chain.
8.  New brake rotors (I assume pads were done at the same time.  In any event, the pads look fine). 

Rear sprocket looks good with minimal wear.  Fairings are OK, with the exception of the belly pan fairing that is in poor shape and will need to be repaired and repainted. 

Known issues so far is the fuel gauge reads accurately when the bike is stopped but the needle bounces all over the place when the bike is running. Minor oil leak when the bike is running (I suspect the shift shaft seal has failed - still need to confirm). 

I test drove the bike and it drives well, starts well (cold or hot), pulls hard and brakes well.  No issues with   2nd gear as far as I can see. 

Happy to have joined the FJ owners community.  I'll be reaching out for advice as needed as I work through fixing the bike.  For starters, I am having a hard time finding replacement decals for the belly pan fairing.  And for those that have done that 77 mm piston upgrade, please chime in to let me know what else should have been done to bike at the same time. Thanks in advance.

[FJmonkey]

Welcome, sounds like some real Kookaloo when you get it running properly. 

[red]

Paul,

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

New tires are a priority item, before you unleash the beast, especially with the big bore kit.  While you are at it, I'd recommend a valve-cap TPMS, with metal Tee-type valve stems for the new tires.  I run on USA 16" (40,6 cm) Pirelli Sport Demons, and I assume Pirelli has tires there to fit your FJ. The old, hard tires on my bike (when I bought it) had plenty of tread, but they would easily lock and skid even on dry pavement.  The FJ is too big and strong to allow using such old rubber.  The Tee valve stems allow you to add air pressure while watching the TPMS display, and you never have to remove the valve-cap sensor.  TPMS sensor batteries last for years, but get the sensors with replaceable batteries.

Bouncing fuel gauge needles can be caused by flakey electrical grounds. You want shiny metal secured to shiny metal, at those connections.  Dull metal is corroded metal.  If in doubt, run an extra (dedicated) ground wire to all of the ground points on the bottom of the instrument panel.  Check at the sender unit; that thing needs a clean ground connection also.

Clean and dry the area of the oil leak, and spray around there with aerosol body powder.  The powder will show you the source of the leak, before the oil goes all over everywhere.

[Gearbox Paul]

Thanks Red.  Good ideas and thoughts. 

[Gearbox Paul]

Other than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

[Pat Conlon]

Other than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

Welcome Paul...here's a couple of my favorites:

1) check your valve clearances, adjust as necessary, replace the valve cover bolt grommets.
2) keep your carbs balanced.
3) check your RED plug: https://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=19557.0
4) safety wire your fuel tank petcock (see below)
5) route your fuel line correctly (see below)
6) Replace your stock oem rubber brake lines, they are beyond past due.

Regardless of tread, Your 8 and 10 year old tires are too old and need to be replaced right now.
Flush and replace all your brake fluids, front, back brake and clutch.
Pay close attention to brake fluid leaks at your clutch slave...it's very common.
Red's got you squared away on locating the oil leak...

This will get you started....

Cheers  Pat

[86FJNJ]

Welcome Paul. If you are looking for a more budget friendly tire option I purchased Shinko Verge tires and I am very happy with them. I think I paid a little over $100 for each. I purchased my rear tire from Amazon and my front tire off ebay, and funny enough they both shipped from the same place! Remember not to mix and match tires.

Based on what you describe there was already a lot of quality work done to the bike so you should have a good set of wheels to enjoy.

[RPM - Robert]

Other than the 2nd gear, are there other known problem areas to watch out for on the FJ?

The alternator plug melts itself together.

[Gearbox Paul]

Thank you gentlemen.  This is really good info. I've been away from home pretty since I bought the bike, but I'll have a look at these items when I return.