Hello, Also from Minnesota!

[katmandoo]

Hey there!

In 1986 i traded my '81 Seca 750 in on the new FJ1200.  Loved the bike, ran it for a few years and ended up selling it in '91, one of the biggest regrets of my life i think, but I needed the cash and I just couldn't bring myself to cooking and eating the thing.  I've wanted another one ever since.  Been looking for the right '86 (as close to stock as possible) for a few years now and I just never found one when i had the extra cash.  Found one last year in Denver, but missed it by a day, it had a little over 5500 miles on it and had been in storage for like 10 years, buy-it-now price was $3200, and the bike was sweat, would have been worth every penny.  I called and the guy said he just sold it to someone who was brining it up to Minneapolis, so... if you are on here, I hope you are enjoying it. 

At any rate, last week i found one in Kansas that had 7754 miles on it. Now, I already have a beautiful '98 RoadKing and a '06 Street Glide and I picked up an '86 Radian last year for the wife to get some time on, so I was pretty surprised when she OK'd this one.  Anyway, I didn't hesitate (after i got the go-ahead from the boss of course), called and put $500 on it thursday, packed up the wife and the dog and drove down friday night to get it.  Rode it back Saturday/Sunday.  It is the one in my profile pic, except for the chin cowl and the windshield it is in great shape cosmetically.  It ran great, handled as good as i remember from my first one, however the brake rotors are shot and the clutch seems a little week, strange for only 7700 miles on it.  Also when i started it sunday morning it smoked pretty good for a few seconds then cleaned up, figure the valve guides maybe?  Also strange for so little miles.  Wife said she never noticed any smoke when i kicked it down so not sure what to expect.  It still has good power and runs real smooth, but it was a little low on oil when we got home.  Got to find someone up here to check it over, I've been on Harley's for the last several years so don't know anyone in the area well versed in the ways of Yamaha.   I am now on a qwest. 

Looks like ths is going to be a great source for information and story swapping.  Thanks for putting this place together and keeping it active. 

Keivn

[higbonzo]

Kevin,

Welcome. 

Sounds like a nice find.  Yes, you have come to the right place for your FJ questions and needs.  The files section is filled with excellent data.

Congratulation on you find.

Later, Phil

[threejagsteve]

Hello, katmandoo, and welcome!

Shot rotors would lead me to think that perhaps it only has the speedo from a 7700-mi. bike, or 7700 mi. since a new speedo.

Seems to me that it'd be difficult to wear out the original pads in that few miles... I'd advise checking all the scheduled mainenance items carefully.

Also, it'd be a good idea to locate a chin piece - it actually helps with cooling that big motor.

Cheers, and good luck!
threejagsteve

[katmandoo]

I am wondering about that.  I bought from a dealer who advertised it as 7754 miles, so i would think they would have to be honest about it.  but then again who knows, may not be the same as buying a car.  At any rate i am in the market for rotors.  I have been looking online for parts and the OEM seem a little pricey at $300+.  I have found some aftermarket but not sure of the quality.  i will be searching the forum for recommendations.  Also found the OEM cowl, think the lowest was around $250 or so.  would have that into buying one and having it painted so once i get the brakes worked out i will be ordering one of those. 

Any recommendations for OEM or aftermarket part sites?

[FJmonkey]

Rotors on fleabay for 86'

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-YAMAHA-FJ1200-FRONT-BRAKE-ROTORS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3354948bbbQQitemZ220462353339QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[ssuv93]

There is a guy on ebay who makes the cowlings.  He wants $125 per with a buy it now.  They would need to be painted.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-FJ-1100-FJ1200-Belly-Pan-Chin-Fairing-NEW-COWL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem19b59b536cQQitemZ110421037932QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

                                           Murray from Maine

[katmandoo]

Thanks for the info guys and the links.  I saw the rotors earlier, but i was not sure what the tolerance was on the FJ for used rotors, these are at 7.+mm so was not sure how much life they had in them.  I was going to bid on them anyway because they have to be better than the ones i got. 

The cowling looks good, but i thought i found an OEM for under $300, like $280 or something.  figured after i painted an aftermarket it would be about the same price as the OEM, unless i can only find the $300+ cowling, then i suppose i would save a few bucks by going aftermarket.  Looks like he doesn't make them that often so maybe should just buy it anyway, just in case. 

Thanks again for the help, i certainly appreciate it.

Kevin.

[TMadlem84]

I too am in need of a belly/chin cowl. 

The guy that makes them on eBay... can anyone confirm if these are the same shape as OEM?  The cowl I pulled off of my bike appears to be a little different.

If you look at the pic of the cowl installed, it looks like it partially covers the alternator cover... the OEM one is curved around said cover.

Does anyone know of any leads for an OEM chin cowl?

[threejagsteve]

I too am in need of a belly/chin cowl. 

The guy that makes them on eBay... can anyone confirm if these are the same shape as OEM?  The cowl I pulled off of my bike appears to be a little different.

If you look at the pic of the cowl installed, it looks like it partially covers the alternator cover... the OEM one is curved around said cover.

Does anyone know of any leads for an OEM chin cowl?

What year is your bike? Chin fairings are different for different years.

[TMadlem84]

86

[threejagsteve]

Seems to me I recall seeing a used one on eBay when I was poking about last night... Can't remember what year exactly, but for sure it wasn't a '91 (mine) or later...

Hope this helps...

Cheers,
threejagsteve

LATE BREAKING NEWS:  Oops! Never mind! I just found it again, it's off an '85.

[rossco]

Damn those speed humps...............