Another Newbie - '86 FJ 1200

[FJRZ_Guy]

Hi all,

Newbie to the FJ board and looking forward to finding great info and help as well as interesting articles and friends if it is anything like the Grand Cherokee board I frequent (I am a creature of too many hobbies).  A little background:

Started on an XS500 handed down from my dad shortly before I graduated HS.
Purchased one of the first two '84 RZ350's in town and my brother purchased the other.  I still have it, but it is in pieces in the shed after it siezed on a trip to Moab, UT.  Raced it one season though and made my bucket list, so to speak, by racing at Steamboat Springs in a real road race.
In '88 purchased my '88 FZR1000, wicked fast and a great sport rider/tourer until I sold it this year.  A little too much low bars and cramped legs.  But really not that bad, just not the riding possition I want at 49.
Last year I purchased my sister-in-law's '86 FJ 1200 w/less than 13k on it killer deal.  Now I am getting it running as it has sat since at least 2001.  Gunk in the tank and just needs going through.  I have already found good info on securing the angle petcock, thanks on that.

Info I need: What is the better of the manuals, Clymers or Haynes and does the tank just lift off after removing the two secure plates?

Thanks ahead of time for the info. -Todd

[Mark Olson]

welcome to the group 

both manuals have some misprints so get whatever one is cheaper for you.

on the gas tank removal , yes the two bolts are removed and the tank lifts off by pulling back towards the rear of the bike. before you try to remove it .remove the side panels, there are 2 electrical connections on the left side (clutch side ) by the battery. one is for the petcock and the other is the gas fuel gauge.

as you remove the tank lift the edge by the battery and hold it up by placing a 2x4 under it so you can reach the fuel line to disconnect it from the petcock and also remove the vacuum line from the petcock as well.

with all the stuff disconnected the tank will now come off without hanging up on anything.

good luck 

[weymouth399]

welcome to the group 

both manuals have some misprints so get whatever one is cheaper for you.

on the gas tank removal , yes the two bolts are removed and the tank lifts off by pulling back towards the rear of the bike. before you try to remove it .remove the side panels, there are 2 electrical connections on the left side (clutch side ) by the battery. one is for the petcock and the other is the gas fuel gauge.

as you remove the tank lift the edge by the battery and hold it up by placing a 2x4 under it so you can reach the fuel line to disconnect it from the petcock and also remove the vacuum line from the petcock as well.

with all the stuff disconnected the tank will now come off without hanging up on anything.

good luck 

One other thing
Carefull not to pull the petcock apart, the tube can and will come loose. There are threads about this.
Pay attention to the way the fuel line is routed. If replacing use Fuel Injection hose that will save you issues down the road.

Bob W

[FJmonkey]

Welcome, the 86's are taking over one bike at a time.......

[RichBaker]

Welcome aboard!  I've always preferred the Haynes manuals, they tend to give more, and better, info. They're a better choice for everyone, but especially people new to wrenching on their own vehicles.  Clymers seem to assume you know more,as a mechanic...

[racerman_27410]

Welcome to the group!


Happy to have you on board with the rest of us loonies 


KOokaloo!

[FJRZ_Guy]

Thanks guys!  I found a Clymers locally and they didn't gouge me eather. Not new to wrenching, just the FJ and since spares are not just around the corner I want to be nice and not break anything. Tank is off but need to get the frisking air box off. I thought the FJ would be simpler than the FZR, but it isn't looking like that. I can see pod air filters in my future.

Got finish prep work on my Grand Cherokee for a day trip of wheeling in the San Juan's Saturday. Probably won't get back to the FJ until next Monday.

[Dan Filetti]

Tank is off but need to get the frisking air box off. I thought the FJ would be simpler than the FZR, but it isn't looking like that. I can see pod air filters in my future.

Removing the top two bolts of the sub frame will allow it to pivot down slightly on the bottom two bolts.  Makes taking the air box off loads easier.

FYI,

Dan

[Tuxracer]

Purchased one of the first two '84 RZ350's in town and my brother purchased the other.  I still have it, but it is in pieces in the shed after it siezed on a trip to Moab, UT.  Raced it one season though and made my bucket list, so to speak, by racing at Steamboat Springs in a real road race.

Welcome Todd! I bought an '87 RZ off the showroom floor and raced it two seasons. Laid it down the first weekend on the track and had not even made the first payment on it  I miss the ol' two stroke , never should have sold it