Hi from New Zealand

[Smallfishnz]

Hi all
I am about to buy a 1988 FJ1200 (I hope)  and found this forum and been having a look around.
Everyone seems very helpful so if everything goes according to plan I should be around for a while.
I am 47 and have ridden mostly Suzukis so this will be my first foray into Yamahas.
Oh by the way does anyone have any advice on what to watch out for?
Cheers
Martin

[Arnie]

Hi Martin,

Not a lot to worry about, these are pretty reliable.  The '88 is fairly rare as none were taken to US that year (still plenty in warehouses from '87).  As with any bike, check for smoke, various bad noises, regular maintenance and records, and evidence of crash damage.

2nd gear may jump out of engagement if it and the forks are worn or bent from hard clumsy shifting.  Test by accelerating hard in 2nd gear.  If it jumps out be ready to chop the throttle quickly.  Proper repair requires you to split the cases.

Most FJ's have a slight ticking at idle on the left side of the head - not to worry about.
Especially if the idle is too low (under 1000rpm) there may be a slapping noise from the starter chain - this rarely becomes a problem.  Check around the oil filter housing to see if the paint is blistered or missing - this indicates the clutch slave is leaking.  This is a fairly minor repair.

Other than that, you should be right if it sound good and goes well.

Cheers,
Arnie

[gp1]

hi nice to have another kiwi on this great site you will find good information from people with a passion for these masterpieces of engineering
as i do.

gp1 (kiwi)

[Pat Conlon]

Oh by the way, does anyone have any advice on what to watch out for?

Glad you asked Martin....Hope you're not too sensitive about sheep jokes.

See there's this guy who hangs out here, called Klavdy....

[H00dz]

Hey Another KIWI great to see. If you do buy FJ you'll be in for an awesome time there real beauts!!!

There are a few kiwis here too.

If you member of www.kiwibiker.co.NZ join the FJriders Group


Cheers

Hoodz

[H00dz]

I totally agree, These FJ's are Awesome!!!!

Are you member of kiwibiker, join the fj riders group there Love to hear from other FJ riders...

Cheers

[Travis398]

Welcome Martin 

Good luck with your purchase of that '88
Arnie covered all the bases in his post.
Unless the bike has been abused or neglected it should be a reliable ride with just the usual maintenance.

sounds like it is time for a Kiwi FJ rally 

[Arnie]

sounds like it is time for a Kiwi FJ rally 

Does that mean you're gonna travel to this side of the world to be part?
New Zealand is a beautiful place (when it isn't winter or shaking) and it seems to have been built with bikes in mind as all the roads are twisted. (and some of the people) :-)
I've been there several times and not had a bike.  Hurts to be without.

Arnie

[Travis398]

sounds like it is time for a Kiwi FJ rally 

Does that mean you're gonna travel to this side of the world to be part?
New Zealand is a beautiful place (when it isn't winter or shaking) and it seems to have been built with bikes in mind as all the roads are twisted. (and some of the people) :-)
I've been there several times and not had a bike.  Hurts to be without.
Arnie

Don't count on that, Just stirring the pot a little.

I was looking at the satellite pictures and it looks like there's some nice twisty roads down there though.

I guess I'll have to live the experience through the pictures, But thanks for the invite 

[roverfj1200]

Gidday Mate....