Oil change and plugs

[UglyCreep]

Did my first oil change on the 87 1200 I picked up a couple weeks ago. I'm definitely going to look into that spin on adapter for next year. The filter cover bolt is all but round, I didn't think I was getting it without damage, but it still is usable. New spark plugs and fuel filter while I was at it. Come spring next year I'll be giving it a full once over, needs tires, valve adjust, carb sync, chain and sprockets, etc. Two questions I have for the FJ experienced: Mine starts very hard after sitting for a few hours or a few days. Cranks over for some time before catching (several tries of 4-8 seconds, I don't like running the starter that much) and then it's fine until it's fully cold again. Choke seems to be working, once it lights I can gradually turn the choke off and when warm, it runs pretty good. Thoughts? Has Uni pods and I haven't had the carbs off yet, so I know there may be other issues, but if this is common to the bike I'm curious. Second, is there a normal or common oil usage on one that has about 39K miles on the clock? I haven't put enough miles on mine yet to really know but I'm just curious as to what to look for. Other than the usual nits to pick in a 23 year old bike I really like it. It's the size, comfort and performance I've been looking for to keep me happy, especially when I have to limit myself to one bike for now! Thanks ahead of time...

[Harvy]

Mate, if the battery is a little low, when cold if my battery shows less than 10V with the ignition on (headlight is on too of course), there is not enough to crank and fire the plugs - (above 10V is fine, and it will fire down to about 9V if warm).

SO, what is condition of your battery?

Harvy

[UglyCreep]

I'll have to check it out. I did add some acid to a couple cells right after I got it and threw it on the tender, but I know how finicky batteries can be. Now I've got a fuel overflow issue from carbs 1 and 2. About 30 seconds after shutting it down it starts running from the overflows and then from the air filters. I may just pull the carbs and give them a quick once over and cleaning so I can get a few more miles on it before winter. Is it sad to be worried about the end of the season and it's 90F out today? Things change quick around here!

[mikeholzer]

Is it sad to be worried about the end of the season and it's 90F out today? Things change quick around here!

Yes, it's very sad. I keep thinking about the things I'll be doing to mine over the winter and realizing that that day is coming REAL soon. Still, like you, I'm trying to make the most of the 90° days remaining.

[Arnie]

I'll have to check it out. I did add some acid to a couple cells right after I got it and threw it on the tender, but I know how finicky batteries can be. Now I've got a fuel overflow issue from carbs 1 and 2. About 30 seconds after shutting it down it starts running from the overflows and then from the air filters. I may just pull the carbs and give them a quick once over and cleaning so I can get a few more miles on it before winter. Is it sad to be worried about the end of the season and it's 90F out today? Things change quick around here!

Sounds like you've got a couple of problems.  First problem is that the float needles are not shutting off the fuel.  This can probably be dealt with by cleaning and/or replacing the O-rings around the float needle jets.
2nd problem is that the petcock is not shutting off the fuel with the engine off.  I think that year used a vacuum operated petcock and yours is either turned to "prime", or the seals inside are not sealing.

Even in WI, you shouldn't get any snow on the ground till November.   Lots of time to keep riding.

Cheers,
Arnie