If you're going to do a comparison then at least keep the rules intact. Throw thousands of dollars at the FJ and compare it to a stock XX? I think we can all agree that stock suspensions are sh*t (especially those from the 80's and 90's). They work well enough for most applications but begin to fail when pushed beyond the 80% limit.
Neither bike actually works well in the super tight twisty sections where weight becomes the restraining parameter. Of course modern tires and suspension go a long way to help either bike but eventually the physics of momentum overcome available traction. Lets not forget that the deciding factor is the monkey sitting on top of the bike.
The FJ is a superb bike for its time. Farkle it with modern parts and it's still a capable machine. Hell, I own 2 of them, one since 1985. Just don't kid yourself into thinking it is better than some of the modern stuff. This is where you can talk about Josh Hayes on a FJ at Phillip Island......Not all monkeys are equal!
I think sometimes folks forget that all these suspension, wheel, tyre and brake mods are not only about going faster but doing it easier. If you're game, you can ride your old pig at much the same speed as your modified one, it just takes a lot more nerve and a bit of luck.
Stock standard FJ on Macadams and with the belly pan removed for the occasion (it was also the last time I rode with the centre stand fitted), turn 4- 5 Philip Island 2 days after Stoner and Rossi had battled it out, their rubber was still on the outside of the line. It was a great day, the weather had stopped them from packing up the motoGP infrastructure from raceday.
Two things surprised me that day, one, how well the FJ equipped itself in a field of all modern bikes and two, just how many exotic, expensive sports bikes are owned by the best outfitted wankers. They were full of stories of their high speed escapades and quick with excuses as to why they couldn't produce it on the day. Bullshitting about how fast you are just before hitting the race track is not a good idea, save it for the pub.
The FJ was the oldest of about 30 bikes there and I was surprised how much positive attention it got for it's performance.
I've poured a truck load of money into my bike to the point of I can't think of anything else to do to it, interestingly, I don't think it's any quicker, it's just way easier to ride fast and my sphincter gets a rest. As I've said many times here, I can steer it with my eyes, all day twisties flat out aren't even tiring, I just look where I want to go and it goes. Quick changes of direction, braking, bumps, nothing upsets it and you can't out lean the tyres, even with the rear raised. I also like it's small physical size.
I have an RT1200 which is in my opinion the best sports/touring bike in the world but there's not a day I ride it when I don't think how much better it would be with the late model FJ engine in it. That would literally make it the 100% perfect bike. I don't know of another in line 4 that has better performance attributes than the FJ for general all day, all conditions road work. I don't even like the BMW in line 4 for touring. a lot of the modern engines are peaky, buzzy, harsh and snatchy.
Noel
