Questions about my new FJ1200 1989

[TonnyM]

Recently traded my NTV650 for this, I went to see it, was fine, I went to test ride it, it just won't shift into second at all, or extremely hard to find neutral, I did noticed the clutch was very very soft. I said no.

Now he said the fluid for the clutch was very low, he topped it up and now it works, test ride it again, runs fine, shifts fine, clutch doesn't feel soft anymore.

It shift fine into second, did my research and I understand that this model has issues with the second gear, I went trough the other gears too and they seem fine and they change with no issues either.

The engine doesn't sound bad to me, it doesn't tick , it doesn't knock.

The only thing is that it has some mileage on it , around the 68k, I understand it's on the high side but it can still go way further than that.

What else to look out for ?

I'm a bit new to bikes, I had a YBR125 for about 6-7 months , then a fazer s2 ( sold it cause insurance was a joke) then a ntv650 and now this big lady.


Thank you.

[red]

It shift fine into second, did my research and I understand that this model has issues with the second gear
The only thing is that it has some mileage on it , around the 68k  Thank you.

TonnyM,
Welcome to the FJ evening campfire. Pull up a seat, relax, and be among friends. You can add your general location and FJ model to your profile, which helps us to help you.
The second gear issue is that a mistreated transmission can pop out of second gear, especially at high RPM. Undercut gears are the cure, whether you buy them or modify yours.
68K is barely broken in, for the FJ. Lotsa good miles left in there.
The FJ is like two different bikes. Under 5000 RPM, it's a decent bike. Over 5000 RPM, it becomes a fire-breathing beast. Have a lot of road in front of you when you explore the higher RPM range, and get a grip first. The bike can just leave then, and it's your job to stay in place.
Tire age is important, on the beefy FJ. Click and scroll down:
Tire Age Decoder

[Pat Conlon]

I agree with Red!

Check date code on the tires. Over 4 years old, replace them. FJ's don't like hard tires.
Check your valve shim clearances.
Flush all fluids.
Replace stock 40 year old rubber brake lines with aftermarket braided stainless steel lines.
Check brake pad wear.
Service your swing arm linkage.

[86FJNJ]

don't worry about the mileage, just ride it and make mental notes about anything that stands out and take it from there. Worst case scenario is 2nd gear is completely shot, if that were the case I would just upshift from 1st, through 2nd and into 3rd, the FJ has enough torque you could live without 2nd gear if you wanted, but sounds like the clutch just might need some adjustment and maybe the clutch master/slave need a rebuild or replace.

On my FJ 2nd and 3rd gear are a little stripped, but as long as I accelerate normal it's fine, it's only if I really grab some throttle (let's say I'm at 4k rpm and go wide open) it will skip a little, but for me I'm not worried about it....a 40yr old bike will have some quirks.

[Dads_FJ]

I won't add anything to what's been mentioned (tires, brakes, fluids), other than to say that brake fluid (which is what is in your clutch reservoir) doesn't evaporate.  If the fluid level was low there's a leak somewhere and most likely it's the clutch slave.  Tell-tell sign would be paint lifting or gone from the slave cylinder area.

The clutch slave can be rebuilt or replaced with a new one for a fix.