Everyone Loves the FJ

[SlowOldGuy]

Question:  Has anyone ever heard of someone NOT liking the FJ?
I'm sure someone got a lemon somewhere, but I've never heard anyone put down this amazing bike. 

Last weekend, the big motorcycle show was in town (don't bother wasting your money or time, it's even worse that last year, all "custom choppers," leather vests, and assless chaps), but I diverge.  Anyway, a local accessory shop (Moto Liberty) has dropped out of the show and has a big store sale the weekend after the show.  So I decided to stir up the oil and head on over for a look-see.

I pull up on my '93 and don't even get parked before 3 guys head over to admire the FJ.  All had fond memories of a past FJ they had owned or known someone who did.  At least 5 other riders came over to talk during my visit.  Every time I started to put on my helmet, someone new came over to share a story or admire this prime example of Japanese workmanship.

The FRJ owners were the most interested.  Several wanted to sit on it to compare with their "FJ."

Yes, they all tended to be older riders, not one snot-nosed squid even noticed the 'ol dinosaur.  When one punk on a Hyabusa pulled up and I pointed out to him that his front tire was almost flat, he just said "I didn't even notice, it'll be okay."

Which brings me back to my point.  I've never heard anyone talk bad about an FJ.  Everyone seems to have a fond memory or favorite story about one.  The best story I recall is Mark from the Cherohala Motorcycle Campground.  I called to make a reservation for the ECFR a bunch of years ago.  He asked me where I was coming from and what I was going to be doing (making friendly rider/rider conversation).  When I told him I was attending an FJ rally, he really perked up.  He said he used to have and FJ and (of course) regretted ever selling it.  The cool part was he distinctly remembered owning the FJ but could not recall what the bike was that he sold it for. 

We all know this, but it's always nice to see how much the FJ is remembered and appreciated by others after all these years. 

DavidR.

[1tinindian]

I feel the same way.
The FJ has always had a distinct look to it, and that is what hooked me on it.
Then who can deny just how well it performs.
How can you NOT like a bike with killer looks and power to boot?

After 17 years of waiting to get one of my own, I will never get rid of it, hell I'd love to buy another, maybe an 84 or 85, to bookend the production of the great line of bikes we all hold near to our hearts!

Leon

[roverfj1200]

No never heard a bad work about the old scooter me self... 

[Brook]

.... I agree, Even thou, I have alot of mods to my 86,.............and when, at any bike gathering, and the guys start to ask questions, and I tell him it's a FJ...... A smile comes to there faces.

....... I can not count the times, that most of them tell me that the FJ, was.....THE BIKE.... back in the day !!
                              Jeff

[Mark Olson]

the only complaint I have heard is the rattles of the bodywork and the buzzing. this came from the former owner of my fj who has been through 3 bikes since then and still wants his fj back. 

[Pat Conlon]

Yes Dave, I've herd nothing but people express fond memories about FJ's. More times that I could keep track, they would say something like, "That sure was a good bike. I wish I still had one..."

I grew up in Covina, Calif. about 1.5 hours away from Palm Desert via I-10 west. Growing up, one of my favorite circuits in that area was Azusa Canyon Road to Glendora Canyon road then over to Mount Baldy. Like any popular spots it gets crowded on weekends but on weekdays the road is empty.

Feeling nostalgic last year on a Thursday I rode my '84 back to the old homestead, putted up Mesarica through the Meas Oaks, laughing to myself recalling my first (of 4) run ins with the LA County Sheriff's Dept. It seems that they would not let us ride our mini bikes on the street, yea right, but it didn't stop us. We had hills all around us where we could simply escape off onto a single track trail from any goofy sheriff who thought they could get us to stop. "You want me to stop officer?" Yea right. My trusty 3hp Briggs and Stratton was only good for 40mph flat out, so out running the sheriff on the asphalt was futile. These guys would get sooo pissed when we ditched them. Amazing. They really took it personally.
I stopped at the spot where I got cornered by a squad car when the chain broke on my minibike.
A 10 year old kid coming home in handcuffs delighted my mom, as you can imagine.

But, like David, I digress..

I was purring through the old neighborhood and saw some kids pointing, waving and giving me a thumbs up. I gave them a wave and a big growl from my Cobra F-1R's. I flashed back, remembering waving like that to Mike Massey when he rode by on the coolest, most bitchen bike ever made....a Honda 305 scrambler.
Wow, I thought, if I had my FJ back then, I just might have gotten lucky with Candy Grady, the neighborhood fox...naaa prolly not.

For old times sake I made a run up Azusa Canyon over Glendora Canyon to Mt. Baldy Village for a cup of joe. A tight twisty road but I had it all to my self.

On my way back to the desert I thought I would stop by Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernardino, and oogle at the gear and all the new bikes.
Locked my helmet and walked in...A HUGE store. Yep and a shitload of new fancy bikes. I think my next bike will be a play bike like a supermotard KTM or maybe the new 1200 Aprilla or maybe a V4 Tuono something with upright ergos, sticky rubber and some balls. Try as I might, I cannot get my 6'3" frame comfortable on the new sport bikes. That's one of the many reasons I love my FJ....
Anyhoo, while kicking tires, I get into a conversation with Jerry, the Sales Manager, and he asked me what kind of bike did I ride. I told them that back in '84 I bought the flagship of the Yamaha line, the FJ1100 and I still ride it....Boy howdy, he got all excited. He asked "Is it outside I sure would love to see it." I said "Sure, come on I'll show you." We went outside, he walked around my bike 3 times, like a dog looking for someplace to piss, then he said, "Stay here I'll be right back." 'ole Jerry rushes back into the building. After about 5 minutes he comes back with 5 other guys, younger guys, turns out who were was part of his sales team. Jerry points to my bike and says, "See that bike? That's the first Yamaha FJ1100. That is the bike that really started the sport touring craze. That bike is a significant motorcycle..." One of the youngsters (25ish) piped in and said "Oh yea, I remember the FJ's, my dad had a FJ....He loved it...He would take me for a ride on the back. It was the first bike I ever rode on"

So here we are, on a smoggy Thursday afternoon, in San Bernardino, Calif. standing in the front parking area at Chaparral Motorsports with all six members of the Chaparral sales team talking about FJ's ....and how they evolved into the larger heavier FJR's (which btw they sell) They had lot's of questions.

Standing outside a building that has the floor area of 1/2 a city block, with over 200 shiny new bikes inside, and we are talking about FJ's .

 Over 200 new shiny motorcycles ignored, getting jealously pissed off,  while we are outside talking about a "significant" motorcycle.... Yea, that was kinda cool.

[WestOzFJ]

And such a pity Yamaha lost their way with the generational evolution - the FJR....

[Travis398]

 I suppose they are remembered by "us" older riders, but usually when I say I have an FJ I get........HUH?. Or ohh I was going to buy an FJ last year at the Yamaha shop............(read FJR)  and the famous You have a FJ cruiser?

But when I show the bike off, I usually get a reply of doubt when I say it is an '85. Usually people suspect it is 10-15 years newer.
I especially love it when I park next to my brother in law who owns an '85 Suzuki gs, which looks like an outdated POS that should be used for a boat anchor.

as far as someone not liking them.........what's not to like. The engine has proved itself to being nearly bullet proof, even when pushed to their mechanical limits, they still perform well.

[ribbert]

In Australia, I find pretty much every bloke over 40 either either had an FJ and remembers it fondly, or seriously lusted after one, or they just give you "that" smile as they walk or drive past it.  As one guy said  while I was getting fuel, "They were the original V8 motorbike".

[andyb]

Two points:

1-  If they didn't like it, they probably wouldn't say so here on an FJ forum

2-  Reminds me somewhat of the musclecar thing.  Had a big fast old car for awhile, and all the older gents always wanted to sit and chat about how good they were, but if you listened carefully, what they were saying is that they missed being younger and doing fun stuff back then, the car was just what they used to do it.

[SlowOldGuy]

Gee Andy, thanks for the bucket of cold water.

However, you kind of missed the point.  It's not about how we feel, that's a given on this site.  It's about how others remember the FJ. 

And, yes, I'd like to have my youth back.  That's probably why I hang onto my FJ.  I've owned it over half of my life.  It's a part of me and defines just who I am.  When I show up at a ride, I'm "the FJ guy."

No one ever asks about my FZ1.  When I'm on it, I blend into the crowd.

Nice story Pat.  I enjoyed reading it. 

DavidR.

[bcguide]

If they didn't like it, they probably wouldn't say so here on an FJ forum

2-  Reminds me somewhat of the musclecar thing.  Had a big fast old car for awhile, and all the older gents always wanted to sit and chat about how good they were, but if you listened carefully, what they were saying is that they missed being younger and doing fun stuff back then, the car was just what they used to do it.

To funny
I sold my fazer to buy my fj and was disapointed with the fj, it did grow on me though I put 60,000 kms on the bike before I parked it for 2nd gear problems.
16yrs later I am starting to think aboute getting it back on the road
Scott

[Harvy]

Welcome to the group Scott........stop thinking - start doing........ you won't regret it!   


Harvy

[Firehawk068]

David R, and Pat
Love your stories! That is one of the reasons I love the FJ.
I show for group-rides, and for the most part, they all ride newer bikes.
Everyone makes their way over to my FJ to inquire, or chat about it. It's great...

[carsick]

I think the proffessional young officer who pulled me over last month did like my bike quite a bit. Didn't believe it was 20 years old until he saw the registration. I neglected to mention it's "capabilities", but after looking over the bike he let me go. Unexpected result what with being 30 over the limit... I'm very thankful for my refined and tasteful FJ!