Hello from Friendswood TX

[jrt]

Hello Everyone,

I've been reading the board for a while trying to educate myself as I worked through my bike's issues. I'm getting to the point where I'm going to need some help so before I started posting I thought I'd do the intro thing.

First, a big thank you to the guys that make this board happen. Without this resource and the collective experience that it represents, hobbyists like myself would not have a chance at owning one of these bike because we could not  afford to have a shop do the work that we can do ourselves with the help of this site.

I've been riding on and off for a long time. My first bike was a Hodaka Ace 100B and since then I've had a bunch that have included a BMW R60/6, Honda Sabre, Gold Wing, NT650 Hawk and a $240 1980 KZ 1000 LTD that I brought back to life from a rusty mess. Once I did the KZ, I got the itch for an FJ, because I had ridden one years ago and always remembered the experience. I remember the sensation of being on rails, handling that was so good (at least for the time,) tons of power and simple, sleek styling. I thought if I could bring the KZ back, I could do the same for an FJ.

I found a 1990 FJ1200 on Craigslist. The bike ran but not well, would not idle, but sounded ok at revs. It needed some TLC, more than was apparent from the photo. So I hauled it home and have been going over it slowly as time and money allowed. I repaired all the busted tabs on the fairing, upgraded the front brakes to blue dots and an adjustable m/c, got a wider front wheel, new tires front and rear, got the rear brakes cleaned and working, new fork oil, polished the lowers, polished the wheel rims and painted the centers, and now I'm working on bringing the engine back. I've cleaned the carbs according to David Raforth instructions and now trying to get them sorted out. I'm having some difficulty getting that done and I'll post the specific issues in the running problems section. Ultimately, my goals for the bike are for it to be a dependable nice weather ride to work and occasional weekend tourer.

Here's what I started with:





As I progress, I'll keep you posted. I live in Friendswood, Texas which is just south of Houston.

Best regards to all,
Jeff Theall

[FJmonkey]

Very nice introduction Jeff, you came to the right place. Members here have built up basket cases of FJs and other bikes as well. The wealth of knowledge shared here will astound you. More importantly, it will get you and your FJ dialed in and into the Kookalooo zone. The FJ is an easy bike to work on as you are discovering with your upgrades, before you know it you will be posting up advise to new members looking for help. Welcome to the club and one of the most addicting and fun habits to ever be afflicted with, (Moditis) owning and upgrading your FJ.....

[1tinindian]

Mighty fine intro, Jeff.
Keep in mind, that Randy@RPM is your source for currently availible factory Yamaha parts, and prices you can be thankful for.

Welcome to our world!

Leon

[yamaha fj rider]

  Welcome, glad you joined us. FJ looks good. Sounds like you are getting the bug (moditis).  Send some new pictures when you can. 

Kurt

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the group. In your location, you should have year round riding..... This forum is great for mods and experience with about anything you can think of about FJ's

Fred

[racerman_27410]

Nice find!   Welcome to the group!



KOokaloo!


Frank

[RichBaker]

Welcome aboard.....  Are you sure it's a '90?  Color is '89 scheme.  Also, you have, or had, a leaky clutch slave cylinder, based on the paint missing from the oil filter housing and the ear broken off the chin fairing...

[flips]

Hi Jeff & Welcome 

Never Met a Jeff that wasn't a top bloke!

Cheers

Jeff P

[I make oil]

Welcome from Louisiana.

[fintip]

Howdy from Austin.

[Pat Conlon]

Welcome Jeff, nice intro. Kudos on your FJ resurrection. Let us know how we can help you. Cheers. Pat

[fj11.5]

welcome mate, enjoy the Fj beasty