Considering buying my first FJ in 13 years but....

ICBM · April 25, 2013, 09:26:59 AM

Hello everyone, My name is Brian and I live in metro Atlanta. I have concerns about buying an FJ in the event it needs work (if its a job/procedure I don't feel confident performing) since the big dealers here won't touch a bike like that. Does anyone know of any reputable shops in the southeast, preferably in or near Georgia? Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

aviationfred · April 25, 2013, 09:51:05 AM

Welcome to the group Brian.

The FJ is a great motorcycle that is generally easy to be maintained by anyone that has a good basic sense of mechanics. No crazy electronics, no water cooling related items. Parts are easy to find.

Most of the members here perform their own maintenance. If a member has an issue that they can't figure out, Post the question here and there are members that will reply and most likely get you on the right track.

As far as major engine type work. I myself have been battling this. This week I sent the complete head that needs to be rebuilt to RPM in CA http://www.RPMRacingCA.com. The owner is a member here and his company specializes in FJ's. He also is a supplier for stock FJ parts and many other goodies for our FJ's.

There also is a company in NC that does FJ engine work. I have no personal knowledge with this company. Andrews Motorsports, http://stores.ebay.com/Curt-Andrews-Motorsports?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Fred

ICBM · April 25, 2013, 11:01:50 AM

Thanks Fred! I am taking notes on your advice and appreciate it greatly. Brian

ICBM · April 25, 2013, 11:06:39 AM

Oh, Fred, for what its worth, I posted a little FJ story on the "Introductions" catagory of this website. You might like it since my bike was the exact year and color of yours. Brian

movenon · April 25, 2013, 01:54:35 PM

Lots of information and "how to's " here. If you have a particular problem then post it and I am sure you will get enough information evaluate if you want to do it yourself or have a mechanic check it out. Most things are pretty easy to do yourself with a little knowledge from the group here. And there is the possability of other FJ owners in your area with some expertise.
George

ICBM · April 25, 2013, 02:13:40 PM

Thanks George! The FJ "community" seems like a great bunch.

FJmonkey · April 25, 2013, 06:47:50 PM

Welcome Brian, I used to take my bike to the shop for nearly everything except for taking the wheels off to change the tires. Now I adjust the valve shims, balance the carbs, and mount and balance the tires myself. Swapped out the front and rear ends for 17", rebuilt and upgraded the forks. Rebuilt the carbs. Learn one thing at a time. You might have a member near you for some FJ Man Shed time to learn and save $$$. The FJ really is easy to maintain. Use the search function, there is a boat load of good info here on nearly everything FJ, and not so FJ.... Kookaloo

ICBM · April 25, 2013, 08:53:24 PM

Thanks a million FJMonkey! You guys are great confidence builders.

markmartin · April 25, 2013, 09:21:53 PM

Quote from: FJmonkey on April 25, 2013, 06:47:50 PM
Welcome Brian, I used to take my bike to the shop for nearly everything except for taking the wheels off to change the tires. Now I adjust the valve shims, balance the carbs, and mount and balance the tires myself. Swapped out the front and rear ends for 17", rebuilt and upgraded the forks. Rebuilt the carbs. Learn one thing at a time. You might have a member near you for some FJ Man Shed time to learn and save $$$. The FJ really is easy to maintain. Use the search function, there is a boat load of good info here on nearly everything FJ, and not so FJ.... Kookaloo

Same here. (nix mounting and balancing tires) I like to do things myself, but I don't like tearing in and frigging things up either so when I doubt I would have it done by others. There's so much support on this site that if you've got the tools and the time and a bit of mechanical aptitude, anything is possible.

fj11.5 · April 25, 2013, 09:25:32 PM

, Welcome mate, plenty to read here

, lots to learn

Bill_Rockoff · April 26, 2013, 04:55:10 AM

Hey Brian,

Welcome to the clubhouse! I'm in Roswell, unless I'm somewhere else for work (which is frequent.)

Do you have a bike currently? A bunch of us (dozens) are going to Boone, NC mid-May. Details in the "rally" section (it's not really that formal, we just have to nail down dates so people can make it from other states, countries, continents) but basically a bunch of us internet friends are getting together at the Boone NC K.O.A. starting mid-week-ish through the weekend of May 17-19th. No specific bike is required, hell, no bike at all is required. Meet a bunch of cool folks, ride whatever you have.

FJs are terrific bikes, easily made "amazing" with some thoughtful modifications pioneered by the more intrepid folks on this site. Also, they tend to be durable and reliable if cared for at all. However, these bikes range in age from 20 to nearly 30 years old. Anybody who can afford to pay a shop to do everything a 20 or 30 year old motorcycle will need can also afford a motorcycle much newer than 20 or 30 years old. Consequently, even as durable and reliable as they are, FJs (like any other machine from that long ago) are really best left to folks who have a set of tools in a toolbox rather than "some tools in a kitchen drawer." However, if you're comfortable doing things like changing oil or lightbulbs yourself, and you have (or don't mind buying) a set of hand tools, an FJ is pretty simple to maintain, diagnose, and repair - anybody willing to try can probably tackle anything needed with the help you'll find here.

I'd offer to be more hands-on help, but I have John The Beer Scientist's Virago to try to reassemble - including painting the fuel tank - before mid-May. However, if you wind up getting an FJ, I have a service manual and a valve tool you're welcome to use.

Enjoy!

ICBM · April 26, 2013, 05:59:11 AM

Hey Bill, No, I don't have one yet and I move slowly so theres no telling when.... I will, at some point, need to set aside the time and travel to check out some of these bikes. I live in Marietta. That ride sounds great but I will have to pass. Your advice is appreciated greatly. I will let you guys know when/if I take the plunge!

ICBM · April 26, 2013, 06:02:34 AM

Hey mark and fj11.5, Thanks for your input too. Sounds like an admirable group of FJers here! You have ALL gone above and beyond and I appreciate it.

aviationfred · April 26, 2013, 06:36:49 AM

I am sure that you probably alraedy know this. There is an 85' 1100 for sale on craigslist in your home town.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/3714771911.html

Fred

ribbert · April 26, 2013, 10:00:56 AM

Quote from: ICBM on April 26, 2013, 05:59:11 AM
Hey Bill, No, I don't have one yet and I move slowly so theres no telling when.... I will, at some point, need to set aside the time and travel to check out some of these bikes. I live in Marietta. That ride sounds great but I will have to pass. Your advice is appreciated greatly. I will let you guys know when/if I take the plunge!

Remember, it's a fact of life that if you think about ANYTHING for long enough you will talk yourself out of it.

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Considering buying my first FJ in 13 years but....