FJ versus FZR

[FJTillDeath]

Simple question

On paper, the FZR1000 tops the FJ1100/1200 in almost everything
Weight
Top speed
Standing qaurter mile
Power
Torque(just barely)
Tire size
Cooling(liquid vs air)
USD forks...

Etc. But how does it compare to the FJ
On the road in cities
On highways
Between cities

Im not really thinking of getting one, just a bit surprised I have barely heard praise of it on the forum. I heard they werent very common in the US?

[Arnie]

Jesse,

The FZR was the R1/CBR/GSXR/ZX of its day.  Much more narrow focused than the FJ. 
Comparing other factors like weather protection, comfort, ease of maintenance, carrying capacity the FJ quickly rises compared to the factors you list.   
While I'm sure some folks could ride them for hours, many can and do ride the FJ for days.
I could live with the FJ as my only bike.  I would need at least one other if I had the FZR.

That's my opinion anyhow,

Arnie

[giantkiller]

I've had both. And now come back to FJ1200. Fzr is faster(never fast enough stuck $6000 into motor) and handles better. But FJ beats FZR hands down on comfort.

[FJTillDeath]

So other than the FJ, was else was like an FJ in its time?

I sat on an FZR and will say its less comfy than my 200cc which is less comfy than my FJ. Agree that If I had an FZR I would want another bike.

[Arnie]

Well, nothing was quite like the FJ :-)
I guess the bikes most like the FJ were the Suzuki GS1000, Kawasaki Concours or KZ1000, Honda CB900 or VF1100,  BMW 1000RS or K1000.  (I may have left some out or got the capacity wrong on some of these)

Cheers,
Arnie

[moparman70]

To me the bikes that were similar GS1150E Suzuki and the Kawa 1000R.   In 86 it was still a sport bike in my term -- just not Pure Sport.... as the Pure Sport designation went to the FZs of the day.

Stevecc

[flips]

Hi Jessie.

I have A yzf1000r thunderace 1998 model which is the direct descendant of the fzr1000,which is basically an fzr with some refinement,and the predecessor to the r1.I bought it because my relatively stock 86 fj1200 is not so much fun in the twisties.While the thunderace is comfortable compared to many sports bikes,the fj beats it hands down for comfort.Also the fj has better torque in the lower rev ranges meaning less gear changes in normal street riding.If I had to get rid of one  ,It would be the thunderace.Currently I am getting bits together for upgrading the fj's suspension so this may happen



Cheers

Jeff P

[SlowOldGuy]

Put a 17 inch front wheel on that FJ and it will be MUCH funner in the twisties! 

I think I see a parts donner bike in that picture.  :-)

DavidR.

[Pat Conlon]

" much funner".....really David?  Where *is* Klavdy when you need him?

The early 90's FZRs  had some nice USD forks I used on my bike.....although those stout 48mm forks on the T-Ace are just as beefy..

.....but conventional forks...blah...the chicks love the USD's... 

[giantkiller]

I'm in the process of putting 2008 GSXR1000 front end on my 86 fj1200. And 1992 GSXR 750 rear wheel. Also putting GIVI rack and E41hard cases. So hoping to have the ultimate sport touring bike .

[SlowOldGuy]

Wow, that really was some bad grammar.  Kind of embarassing. 

What was I on, or rather how much of it did I already take?

DavidR.

[racerrad8]

" much funner".....really David?  Where *is* Klavdy when you need him?

Pat,

Put some Texas twang on it and it sounds bout rite...

Randy - RPM

[Mike Ramos]

Interesting discussion, suspension upgrade(s)...

If I may suggest a set of fork valves and a fork brace from RPM there would not be a need for another set of forks, USD or otherwise (uh, sorry Pat).

At least on a '91 FJ. I will admit to having installed wider rims as well, but it is unlikely that an otherwise stock FJ will exceed the capabilities of Randy's front end set up.

And may I recommend the Blue Dots up front as well because they will be needed as a compliment to the improved handling characteristics of the new set up.

Gently fellows, gently...

Mike Ramos.

[FJTillDeath]

Flips, I must say, you have some beautiful bikes there and both in my favouriye colour scheme

I really want to keep my FJ going but I cant keep a bike that keeps getting me in debt.. I think it was AndyB who once said if you cant afford to maintain an FJ you shouldnt be riding it.

I have been looking around though and found a good few bikes that have caught my eye. One that has really caught my eye is a 2003 YZF R6 which has a few nifty upgrades and for only 30 000zar (i think thats about 3500 us $) which in SA is a really great price, so great the bike probably wont be there by the time I have the FJ fixed up enough to sell and then still save up..

Granted an R6 would be a bit of a hooligan bike, but atleast in the future I could come back to an FJ, that is if I dont find one thats in good nic and fits the bill..Well I got lots of time to think..other options that sort of fit my bill are a yami FZR400/1000, a RVF 400 nc30, or an old zx750..all these bikes are old though.

[FJTillDeath]

This is the R6 I talk of...