I am impressed

[stua1959]

After 6 months of rebuilding my bargain FJ 1200 I finally got it registered and took it for a quick blast after work. First impressions are that it feels much like my VFR 800 but with more grunt. this is what I wanted as the VFR was a great bike but a tad underpowered. The riding position is similar and I was pleasantly surprised at how light it feels when on the move. It tips into corners easily due to the CBR 600 shock mod that has raised the rear end by a couple of inches and the front end feels quite good with the Harley fork springs, spacers and ATF ( true !! ). Very stable and not affected by crosswinds like the lighter VFR. Avon Azzaros feel solid. Rear brake is very strong with new pads and rotor but the lever is either too high or too low for comfort. Front brakes are just ok but should improve when I get new pads and braided lines. Lots of vibration which I hope will go away when I get the carbs balanced and new chain and sprockets. A few rattles from deep inside the fairing which should be easily fixed. I like the way it pulls away strongly in any gear which will make lazy touring enjoyable. Overall I am really impressed and although there is still some work to be done I think this one is a keeper

[baldy3853]

Stu what yr is your 1200?

[stua1959]

93. Hope to meet up with Doug next week for a breakfast ride

[baldy3853]

Stu also do the engine mounts it amazing the difference it makes

[stua1959]

Its on the list of things to do. Might have to wait till one of the "manshed" sessions so someone can show me how to do it.
I am really excited about this bike. I wasnt sure how it was going to turn out but the first ride has shown me the potential. For a bike that was an old design when it was new 20 years ago, its bloody impressive. I can see why you lot rave about them

[baldy3853]

Where are you Stu?

[ribbert]

Rear brake is very strong with new pads and rotor but the lever is either too high or too low for comfort.

Stu, there is a threaded adjustment on the pushrod between the brake lever and the M/C that will give you infinite adjustment. The brake lever and shaft have marks to line up and adjustment beyond that done with the threaded rod.

Can't emphasize enough the improvement doing the engine mounts will have on vibration. There is no point chasing down buzzing in the plastics until you fix the vibration, they just keep coming back.
You may find this hard to believe but your model bike should be Gold Wing smooth, particularly at highway revs.

Noel

[baldy3853]

Stu if you are in Brisbane this job is about an hrs worth of work max, the improvement is an eye opener, I'm going to do some work on my FJR on Sunday and your more then welcome to join me, show you the engine mount fix, in fact will do it for you

[stua1959]

Baldy, live at Caboolture

Ribbert, thanks for that. I knew there had to be some way of doing it

Couple of pics on my facebook page taken a few months ago    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200601325771495&set=a.2314821345886.2132921.1110012757&type=1&theater

[stua1959]

Thanks Baldy, very good of you to offer. I dont think I can make it this Sun, family commitments etc

[yamaha fj rider]

Stu check out the files section of the forum. General Maintenance, second page at the bottom. This is not hard and you may not need the puller. Mine came out with just a few light taps. Remember this is the bottom engine case. This makes such a BIG difference, you will be glad you did. Hope this helps.

Kurt

   

[Bones]

G'day Stua,

1959 what a good year

[stua1959]

Finally did the engine mount trick. They were stuck solid. It took me 2 weekends , snapped 2 regular bolts I used for the puller until I got a couple of high tensile bolts and used heaps of WD40. The result is super smooth above 4000 rpm but still buzzy below that. Much nicer at highway speed now

[Bones]

Check the frame bolts under each front footpeg hangers Stu, I did the engine mount grease a few weeks ago and didn't really notice much difference at all, so I checked under the right side hanger, and found one bolt broken.

Not long after I got the bike 3 yrs ago, I noticed the frame moving when I flicked the side stand down, checked under the hanger, and found one bolt broken and the other one loose. (might be a common thing)

Anyway, I fixed it and took it for a long ride, and although still a little vibey at revs under 3000, above that  smooooth.  Just a thought.

[stua1959]

Thanks, I will definitely check that. Just another job to add to the long list. I actually enjoy doing stuff like this. My wife reckons if there was nothing wrong with it, I would break something on purpose just so I could fix it. I would get bored with a new bike