What appeals to us about our FJ's?

[Lotsokids]

I recently read some articles and tests on the FJ1200. It's not the quickest and certainly not the fastest in it's class, but it's the first choice for the editors testing them, and they can't even really explain it. Obviously we bought one (or more) because we like something about it. I personally have owned an FJ1100 and now an FJ1200.

So what is it? Here are some of my own thoughts:

1.) It's the muscle car of the motorcycle world. How many of us like an old-fashioned V8 that only needs 12 volts, gas, and air and shakes the earth when idling?
2.) Torque. I don't know what the torque rating is, but it sure pulls the FJ down the road like a rocket. Is that the key?
3.) Riding position. It's a lot more comfortable riding an FJ for 6 hours than a newer sport bike (GXS-R, R1, etc.). 30 minutes on one of those, and I'm done.

Any other ideas?

[The General]

I recently read some articles and tests on the FJ1200. It's not the quickest and certainly not the fastest in it's class, but it's the first choice for the editors testing them, and they can't even really explain it. Obviously we bought one (or more) because we like something about it. I personally have owned an FJ1100 and now an FJ1200.

So what is it? Here are some of my own thoughts:

1.) It's the muscle car of the motorcycle world. How many of us like an old-fashioned V8 that only needs 12 volts, gas, and air and shakes the earth when idling?
2.) Torque. I don't know what the torque rating is, but it sure pulls the FJ down the road like a rocket. Is that the key?
3.) Riding position. It's a lot more comfortable riding an FJ for 6 hours than a newer sport bike (GXS-R, R1, etc.). 30 minutes on one of those, and I'm done.

Any other ideas?

It`s the mixture of Underdog, Fox and Elephant. - yet it growls! - A beast and a pet in one. It`s waggin it`s tail right now cause i`m givin it a Pat.

[craigo]

My thoughts are that this FJ we all own is a real world motorcycle.  Does everything really well but not great.  As comfortable on long trips loaded with gear as carving canyons.  You can spend all day in the saddle and still go dancing at night.

I had a ZZR1200 which was total eye candy.  Other than that king kong motor, not at all comfortable and does not handle as well as the FJ, not even close.  Sold it, bought a 1200 Bandit.  Better than the ZZR but still did not feel as stable in the corners.  Plus the Bandit felt lighter and twitchier with it's more narrow wheel base...  Not an FJ.  The VFR was just too damn small and cramped for me. 

Plus the FJ sings to me.  When you wind up the throttle, the music builds with the speed.  I love the air cooled engine with all the symphonic sounds that come out of it.  There is nothing hidden from your ears and you know that she is willing and able to give you all you really need in the performance end.  I mean, how fast on the streets do we really need to go?  Plus she is a real pretty bike.  Everyone that comes up and talks to me about her can't believe she is 21 years old.

As far as driving in Germany, I only wish that American drivers were half as courteous as the Germans.  Herr Schmidt is a better trained driver than Mr. Smith to be sure.  I agree that the road rage would be greatly reduced if only people would stay out of the #1 lane when traffic comes up from behind. 

I will ride the wheels off of this one and when done, I will find another like her somewhere.  But by the time this ones done, will there be any FJs around that people would be willing to part with?

Love your posts, keep em' going,

CraigO

[f j ste]

My own FJ1200 is 25 yrs old , always wanted one when they first came out and now i got one i am lovin it . Comfort handling and bags of low down grunt , the bike still looks the part and feels like a bike should ...first carb breakdown i ever did and found it quite easy to work on as long as you remember where to put it back  Only FJ1200 i know of around here which gives it its own exclusiveness and turns heads 

[markmartin]

I agree with CraigO, it does everything very well.  

I had the opportunity to drive a brand new 2011 BMW K1600GTL today.  My wife and I were on our way back home this afternoon from a 2 day trip on the FJ, and happened to be going by the BMW dealer. We've been talking about getting a touring bike in a few years, so I thought I'd be a good opportunity to check out the BMW's in person--maybe sit on one and so forth.  -Not looking to buy, just to look.  Well, we must have fit the saleman's demographic profile (middle aged couple in full riding gear, riding an old sport tourer, with fall approaching..) because in the first minute we were there he suggested we take the GLT for a ride.  Well, twist my arm.....

I took it for a 7 mile solo ride and then took it for a 15 mile ride two up.  It's a dead smooth bike, great brakes and feels pretty nimble despite it's size.  Just beautiful all around. (except for the annoying glare on the windshield.)   But at $26,000 price tag, it's not $20,000 ++ better than the FJ.  My wife says she's as comfortable on the FJ.  She could see a little better on the BMW.   'Antiseptic' is how she described the ride - not as much 'in the groove'.  As nice as it was to sit in a straight up position for a while,  I wanted to lean forward after 10 or 15 minutes.  I think I'd want to change position a little no matter what bike I was riding.

On the 3 hour ride home, the FJ still felt great after riding the BMW.  If or when I get another bike, I plan on keeping the FJ.  

P.S.  Bob and Travis, the BMW-Triumph-Suzuki dealer on US#1 in Falmouth has that Beemer parked right by the door with a dealer plate on it and is itching to get someone interested.  It's an opportunity to try one if your so inclinded.

[weymouth399]

Hi Mark

That is a friends bike shop, he is a great guy a real M/C enthusiast.
I bought my only suzi there 81 DS 185, in 82. That should show my age.

Bob W

[Travis398]

  But at $26,000 price tag

My FJ was $1500.

Doing the math I think I see what appeals to me about my FJ.

[grannyknot]

My FJ1100 was $900 but I have already spent $1200 in parts and I have only had 15 min. in the saddle, and
all of those were spent illegally up and down my back road. And they were great! Having such little experience
on the FJ I have to say the best thing so far is you guys and this site.
Every question has been answered in depth with great detail.  I'm so glad I got a chance to to ride her before the the tear down this winter. It will just make the coming riding season all the sweeter. I'm hoping to take some pics during the tear down, painting and rebuild and will do my best to post as many as possible.

[DailyDriver]

I have a '90 model.

For me it's a few things. Classic looks. Proven design. Easily modified if inclined to do so. Good aftermarket.

What appeals to me most I guess is being the original owner. There's a sense of attachment.  Even if it's only metal, rubber and plastic I find myself talking to her when I open her up and I feel that somehow she responds as I feel the feedback from whatever inputs I giver her..."come on baby...steady now...YEAH!"  When I park her after a good run, I just look at her with a sense of gratitude. When it's time for maintenance I'm thinking..."you took care of me, now I take care of you."

Sappy, I know.

[movenon]

Hey, I'm 64. I need a bike as slow as I am ........

That aside. It "fits", I like it's weight and size. Its fun for mostly short trips around the area, easy on and off, excellent seat, basic bike, no useless frill's (GPS,heated seat, load leveling,extensive fuel management,tire air pressure alarms, and all the rest of the crap). GPS ! hell half the fun of riding is RIDING , if you are lost great news, you might see something new .  I do ALL my own maintenance and it fits that bill. Not to many specialized tools involved. Lots of parts available (thanks RPM).
And you can buy them for less than 2 grand.

I recently looked at some bike shop receipts for a BMW "Adventure bike". Boy what an adventure 400.00, 600.00, 750.00 all for minor work (inspections etc). And this was a newer bike. I would just as soon put money in my gas tank and go on trips rather than support a bike shop. But that's an old mans opinion.
Cheers as they say up North of here.

[vaquero45]

I've owned alot of different bikes over my 30+ years of riding so when my youngest finally left the nest my wife and I started looking for a new bike. We did alot of looking and test riding.What we ended up with was a restored 89 fj1200.I just got out of surgery for gallbladder last week and took a three hour ride on sunday with my wife and loved every minute.Definatly an fj fanatic.

[Pat Conlon]

Here's my top 10 reasons:
1)Fit/ergonomics: I'm 6'3" and the FJ's just plain fit. There are many newer bikes that I would love to have, but I just don't fit on them.
2)Power: I loved my oem 80 ft/lbs of torque, but now I have a 1349cc motor (thank you Randy) and the low/mid range torque is a joy, as in giggles of joy coming out of a corner. Like 3rd gear power gear wheelies at 70mph giggles. The torque is now prolly~105ft/lbs... I'll know more after breakin and the dyno. Torque is where it's at for a street bike. The upper 6k-9k Kookaloo zone is still there, but now enhanced with the beefy 2k-6k torque zone.
You guys gotta ride my bike to believe it. Thanks to Frank and Steve C for showing the way with big block FJ engines.
3)Versatility: Definitely not a sport bike, yet not bad in the twisties, not a Gold Wing but the FJ has long legs.
   Several consecutive 600 mile days are no problem on our FJ's.  Having rode both, I think a properly set up FJ is more nimble than the new FJR.
4)Style: The FJ's are one of the best looking bikes out there
5)Ease of Maintenance: Yea the carbs are PIA when they are dirty, but once you have them dialed in the bike is reliable.
6)Parts are still available: Yea, the oem bodywork is no longer available but you can repair and paint as needed, besides the really important stuff is available on FleaBay or thru RPM or thru our Forum members.....Just ask around, someone here knows where something is....usually in their garage.
7)Bang for the Buck: FJ's are cost effective vs a new bike. Where else can you get a good clean versatile long distance sport bike for under $3k?
8]Modifications are fun: You have a unique bike. You have a classic. Strangers come up to you and say something like, "Nice FJ. I had one of those many years ago and I wish I never sold it...Hey, are those 17" wheels? I don't remember that..."
9)Brotherhood: Go to a FJ Rally and at the WCR you meet guys like Marsh, Klavdy, Gazza, Ed, LA Mike, Garth, Brian, Mark O and Mark R, Randy, Frank, Derek, the video master Andy, Steve, Henry San Dimas Mike, Scott, Kim and maybe even 'ole George. At the ECR you will see our First Lady of FJ's: Nancy, Deano, DavidR, Jack and Nancy, Jim, Henry, Dan, Randy, TRoy, Kookaloo Frank, Eric, Randy, Leon Rob Mike and Hippie Jon...this is just to name a few....

Finally

10)Tech Support: Isn't this forum bitchen?
 

[andyoutandabout]

Amen Father Pat.
Number 11 - The bike also has mind-reading capabilities, and mine even brews tea.

[flips]

I can relate to most of the above-unfortunately not a first owner . Initially what piqued my interest was its lines,and everything else was a bonus.Ive had my 1tx1200 for about 14 yrs now.The thought of selling it has never been entertained.I do enjoy the interest it attracts from all sorts of people,particularly from motorists stuck in their cars at traffic stops.I dont think I can think off many things that I don't like about it,Its very easy to get along with in all respects......registration and insurance costs however ,but that's probably a topic for a new thread
Cheers and ride safe!  
Jeff P

[terryk]

Old school styling that always gets the attention of other riders. Getting 80% of the capabilities of a sport tourer at 10% or less of the cost. It is a very nice looking bike. It is easy to ride and fast enough.