New Owner - Need Advice

[Gregtaylor]

Hi all my names Greg. I have recently come into the ownership of a FJ1100 and need some advice as to what some of the things I should be looking for that goes wrong with them etc. I am not the best with bikes etc with fixing them but need to learn as I want to keep it and try ride more. If anyone can help that would be great.

Greg

[Dan Filetti]

Welcome to the 'digital campfire' Greg.  

Here is what I'd do.  Check the safety items first.  Tires, brakes, lights, chain and sprockets, oil.  Make sure these all work, and are properly adjusted/ inside of their wear limits. I suspect you already have already done this.

Then move on to the less obvious stuff, check wheels and steering head bearings for play, and notch free movement. Make sure the ground from the battery to the frame is clean and making good contact.  How old is the battery? If it's ancient, more than 4 years old, consider replacing it prophylactically -funds willing...

Check the charging system, make sure you're pumping out +/- 14 volts with the bike running.  Go through all of the switches, inspect, clean and lubricate: Start switch, Clutch switch, Side stand switch.  Inspect the fuses, make sure a PO did not so something hinky.  Inspect the wiring, wherever it can be observed, make sure it's not worn or chafed anywhere.  I use graphite powder in my all of my locks periodically.  

Is the bike leaking oil anywhere -top of the head?  Does the bike consume oil?  If so, consider a compression check, leak-down test to get a sense for general engine health.  How many miles are on the bike, do you know when the valves were last adjusted?  It the bike has more than say 15K miles on it, and you don't know when/ whether the valves were adjusted. then don't go too long (moths/ years) before getting a base-line there.  FJ valves tend to tighten up.  If they're too tight, then they can and will do damage to the motor.  

Inspect fuel delivery, make certain that the fuel line in decent shape, is routed correctly and that the "L" fitting on the bottom of the petcock is tight.  While you're there, wrap a twist-ties around it to keep it in place.  Believe me, I know of what I speak on that little trick... Does the bike idle well?  Can it be made to idle well without choke, once warm?  Is fueling in general, throughout the rev range, and load conditions smooth and uninterrupted?  Does the "blip test" allow the RPMs to settle nicely back to idle without stumbling or hanging?  

Does it pop out of gear under load?  Especially second gear?  This is a known issue with the early FJ's and will require splitting the cases to fix.  Is there peeling paint around the clutch slave -down by you left boot?  If so then the Slave either has, or is currently leaking.  This too is a common failure point, the slaves can be rebuilt/ replaced fairly easily.  

Generally it's a good idea on a new-to-you bike, to put a wrench/ socket on everything that can be reached to make sure it's tight enough to prevent dropping off or becoming loose at an inopportune time.  Spending a few hours becoming mechanically intimate with your new shiny toy will pay off in spades, and maybe even save your life/ hide.    

I have zero doubt that I have left lots of important stuff off my list, these things would organically occur to me during the said intimate mechanical hours, anyway others will back-fill me.  

Where in the world are you?  Mosey over to the introductions section and tell us a little bit about yourself.

Dan

[Thmsdoyle]

Welcome to the ride Greg. I would recommend getting a repair manual, I use the Haynes FJ manual. Is a good resource on repairs and specs. Enjoy, be safe, keep it upright!

[movenon]

Welcome to the ride Greg. I would recommend getting a repair manual, I use the Haynes FJ manual. Is a good resource on repairs and specs. Enjoy, be safe, keep it upright!

+1 on the the factory service manual or Haynes. Check in the files section. I think there is a PDF copy of an 84 service manual. Ask questions.
George

[Arnie]

Greg,

Since you're in (or near) Brissy, why not wander down to the "Down Under" section of this site and ask some of the SEQ members to give you a hand?  They're mostly friendly and helpful, and can guide you through all the basic checks and maintenance items.  They'll probably also invite you along for a ride :-)

Arnie

[X-Ray]

I *think* we may be organising another maintenance day/get together soon Greg. These are great, have a look here http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8155.0 for what goes on. Well worth attending, 

Ray