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Hi from Down Under

Started by atoyot, March 12, 2021, 06:00:15 AM

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atoyot

Hi, I'm Andrew from Orange in NSW Australia. I've recently bought my 2nd FJ1200, well most of a '93 FJ1200, which is a bit more than my original '88 fj1200 purchase a year or so ago. The first one, I rescued from being turned into a bobber  :dash2: and whilst its a roller, it had many parts missing including the subframe and lots of broken plastics, so pretty much a basket case. I've picked up a spare '91 frame, subframe and a tank, along with a few other bits, when I saw the latest one for $500 20mins from home, so I snapped that up. Its not quite a basket case, as it's mainly complete, and this one had done over 90000km, and was destined to become a cafe racer  :dash2: :dash2: Not that I've got anything against bobbers or cafe racers, well cafe racers anyway; not many bobbers appeal to me, but I'm glad I've at least saved them from being turned into something that I really don't think suits the style of the bike. In Australia, FJ1200 engines are often reused in a small racing car called Aussie Racing Cars (very imaginative) and also used in many race bikes, often in Harris or Bimota frames, so whilst there are still a few around, many disappear in this way.

At this stage, I haven't made any plans for them, as I'm still sort of just in the "collecting bits that come up cheap and I'll possibly use" phase, as I have a few other more pressing projects that are a bit more complete and together (a TRX850, a couple of XS650s, RD400, DT400, a couple of DT1's and a CT1; mostly Yamahas), but I've got a couple of other Jap brands as well. A couple of years ago, I built a pretty big shed, and yes its now full, and I've also got a shipping container full of parts as well, mostly collected over the last few years.

Anyway, I've always liked the FJ's, so I'm looking forward to mainly lurking here for a while and checking out what others are doing with their FJ's, and hopefully over time, I'll work out what I'll do with the two and a half that I have. My broad idea would be to build one back to relative standard appearance, using the best of the bits that I have, but I also need to work out what changes occurred over the years, and what the differences are between the models that I have. The wheels and frames look the same, but thats about the extent of the research that I've done so far.

Looking forward to getting one on the road in the next few years!
'93 XJ1200, '88 XJ1200
'08MT01
'96 TRX850, '99 TRX850
'74 TX650A x 2, '76 XS650C, '79 XS650SE
'76 RD400, '77 DT400, DT1 x 2,  '70 CT1, '75 AG175
'84 Honda CBX250, '08 ST1300, '01 NSR150
'91 Kawasaki ZZR1100, '84 LTD250
'04 Suzuki AN250, '69 TC90
'77 Bultaco Pursang  250
'74 Indian SE70

Millietant

Welcome to the forum Andrew (...atoyot.....I hope you don't drive your car like that !!!).

You'll find lots of support for resurrecting old FJ's on here....we're a passionate bunch who know how "right" Yamaha got it first time out and also how to bring them a little more up to date  :good2:

Don't be fooled by appearances though, the frames on your 88 and 93 are quite different (although the geometry is the same), with the 93 also having the rubber engine mounts at the front - but you're right, an awful lot is common between all of the FJ models.

Keep us in the loop on your progress, when you make any....but remember, we're all just plain and simple bike lovers here so don't short change us with details on how your other projects progress......and remember, we all LOVE photo's, LOT'S of photo's  :sarcastic:    and here's a pic of my baby - she looks standard, unless you know FJ's  :sarcastic:

Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

roverfj1200

Welcome to the group.

Plenty of us Aussies here to help and guide you.

Richard
1988 FJ1200
1991 FJ1200

Richard.

Sparky84

G'day and Welcome Andrew

Sounds like you need a bigger shed mate, good to see you actively rescuing FJ's

Good to see another FJer in NSW

Cheers
Alan
1984 FJ1100
1979 Kawasaki Z1300
1972 Honda CB750/4 K2

Urban_Legend

There is a member in Sydney selling bits you may be interested in on Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/groups/YamahaFJOwnersAust/permalink/2485429331760099/
Mark
My Baby (Sparkles)
84 FJ1100/1200 motor
92 FJ 1200 - Project bike. Finished and sold.
84 FJ1100 - Project bike.

atoyot

Quote from: Urban_Legend on March 13, 2021, 07:38:12 PM
There is a member in Sydney selling bits you may be interested in on Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/groups/YamahaFJOwnersAust/permalink/2485429331760099/
Thanks for that. I don't do Facebook for a number of reasons, but tracking down bits is probably one of the reasons that I should. I'll get someone to look them up for me!
'93 XJ1200, '88 XJ1200
'08MT01
'96 TRX850, '99 TRX850
'74 TX650A x 2, '76 XS650C, '79 XS650SE
'76 RD400, '77 DT400, DT1 x 2,  '70 CT1, '75 AG175
'84 Honda CBX250, '08 ST1300, '01 NSR150
'91 Kawasaki ZZR1100, '84 LTD250
'04 Suzuki AN250, '69 TC90
'77 Bultaco Pursang  250
'74 Indian SE70

atoyot

Quote from: Sparky84 on March 12, 2021, 03:51:43 PM
G'day and Welcome Andrew

Sounds like you need a bigger shed mate, good to see you actively rescuing FJ's

Good to see another FJer in NSW

Cheers
Alan

I wouldn't argue with that idea, but my current one is 14m x 9m, with a 3.5m x 9m mezzanine, but I've got enough room for another one down the paddock :biggrin:
'93 XJ1200, '88 XJ1200
'08MT01
'96 TRX850, '99 TRX850
'74 TX650A x 2, '76 XS650C, '79 XS650SE
'76 RD400, '77 DT400, DT1 x 2,  '70 CT1, '75 AG175
'84 Honda CBX250, '08 ST1300, '01 NSR150
'91 Kawasaki ZZR1100, '84 LTD250
'04 Suzuki AN250, '69 TC90
'77 Bultaco Pursang  250
'74 Indian SE70

atoyot

Quote from: Millietant on March 12, 2021, 08:42:56 AM
Welcome to the forum Andrew (...atoyot.....I hope you don't drive your car like that !!!).....
I've been looking everywhere for a definative list of the different models of FJ1200s, as I thought that of the 2.5 I have, I have at least 2 of the 3 models listed, but I can't find any references to which VIN #s relate to which models. All I know now is that the 88 has an alloy swingarm, the 93 has a steel one, and the 91 frame came with a steel swingarm. I haven't really looked at the brakes in much detail yet, but heres another pic, this one of the 93. It's got an aftermarket Ohlins shock too. My guess is that the 88 is a 3CV and the 91 and 93 are 3XWs.
'93 XJ1200, '88 XJ1200
'08MT01
'96 TRX850, '99 TRX850
'74 TX650A x 2, '76 XS650C, '79 XS650SE
'76 RD400, '77 DT400, DT1 x 2,  '70 CT1, '75 AG175
'84 Honda CBX250, '08 ST1300, '01 NSR150
'91 Kawasaki ZZR1100, '84 LTD250
'04 Suzuki AN250, '69 TC90
'77 Bultaco Pursang  250
'74 Indian SE70

Millietant

You've basically got it right with your guess on the FJ 1200 models - for your purposes there are 3 models the 1TX, the 3CV and the 3XW. The differences are really easy to identify at a glance, even if you don't know the models in detail - the fairings, screens and mirrors are the first give-aways and the wheels distinguish the 1TX from the other two.

The Hanes Manual has vin details for the model types too.

To be fair, the standard brakes, if well maintained, are perfectly adequate for the bike, but if you want better feel and more power, then there are pretty straightforward options aplenty.

Tyre's-wise, again there are perfectly adequate options for the standard tyre sizes, but many of us seek newer tyres of more modern design and better/cheaper availability - and these need wheel swaps (again, plenty of options, some easier to do than others).

Having a decent condition Ohlins shock is a major plus point on your FJ - those things aren't cheap.

Looking forward to your progress updates  :good2:
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

atoyot

Well I did a parts lookup online in Australia, and whilst the '91 and '93 share the same frame, subframe and swingarm numbers, they are different to the '88 model (or at least '90 online, as that is the first fj1200 model year I could find). 3CV subframe and swingarm #'s seem to relate to 3BC frame #'s, and 3XW relate to 4AY frame #'s. So thats cleared up a bit for me now. The site I use in Australia seems to have dropped off most models prioe to 1988, as I have looked up XS650 and RD400 parts in the past, and they did have old scanned parts lists online, but nothing now prior to 1988, and the first FJ1200 model listed is 1990, which shares the same frame numbers as my '88 (3BC).

Does anyone know if there are parts list books available for any of the fj1200 models? Having now asked, I'll finish this and do a search... :good2:
thanks
'93 XJ1200, '88 XJ1200
'08MT01
'96 TRX850, '99 TRX850
'74 TX650A x 2, '76 XS650C, '79 XS650SE
'76 RD400, '77 DT400, DT1 x 2,  '70 CT1, '75 AG175
'84 Honda CBX250, '08 ST1300, '01 NSR150
'91 Kawasaki ZZR1100, '84 LTD250
'04 Suzuki AN250, '69 TC90
'77 Bultaco Pursang  250
'74 Indian SE70

Millietant

Yeah, the 3XW frame has a cross section, rubber engine mounts, a different (steel) swinging arm, front subframe (I think), and I believe a slightly offset shock mount compared to the 3CV.

Here's a brief model summary from the UK FJOC - hopefully it helps.


Yamaha FJ1100 36Y 1984 to 1985

Yamaha's FJ1100 was first produced 1984. It was originally designed to be Yamaha's flagship sports bike. It was the undisputed king of the road until Kawasaki's GPZ900R hit the market. Although the GPZ900R was only slightly faster and boasted a water cooled engine, its capacity to travel big miles was completely over shadowed by Yamaha's FJ1100, so the first real sports tourer was born with an emphasis on sports. Yamaha ensured the FJ1100, and in fact all the FJ models, would handle incredibly well, by taking inspiration from Bimota's legendary frame design (its head stock was supported by a triangulated construction). This resulted in an ultra stable, predictable handling bike that was unheard of compared to most pre 1984 Japanese bikes. To help the handling Yamaha fitted 16" wheels, an idea taken from the Moto GP bikes from that era. This made the FJ turn very quickly matched up with the largest rear tyre of its day a whopping 150 mm. The 16" wheels weren't the only thing Yamaha took from Moto GP. The FJ1110 and Yamaha's first FJ1200, the 1TX, both had an anti dive braking system and vented twin disc's up front and a single vented disc on the rear. To finish off the handling package, Yamaha fitted the FJ's with the latest Mono shock suspension and adjustable front forks. Yamaha didn't stop at fitting the FJ with the very best suspension and frame. The engine they chose was 1097cc, (eventually becoming 1188cc). An in-line four, 16 valve, double over head cam (DOHC) power house. Pushing out 125HP at 9,000RPM and a massive 86NM of torque at 8000RPM, even by todays standards, thats impressive, considering a 2010 Suzuki GSF1250 (bandit) is putting out 98HP at 7500RPM. The engine was made quite slim for its CC size by fitting the starter and the alternator behind the cylinders. Unlike most engines from that era, the FJ's gearbox was gear driven from the crank whereas most engines use the weaker alternative of chain drive.

To finish off the FJ1100, a small nose fairing was fitted which eventually became a bigger and more touring inspired fairing.


Yamaha FJ1200 1TX 1986 to 1987

The next FJ Yamaha released was the FJ1200 1TX but this time it was presented as a true sports tourer. It sported a slightly bigger fairing with the mirrors mounted on it instead of the handle bars like the FJ1100. The FJ1200 1TX also had much nicer built in indicators. Another addition was a digital clock fitted in the dash. One update, that is hard to make sense of, was the fuel tank capacity, made smaller from 24.5 litres as fitted on the FJ1100 to 22 litres, but, just in case you forgot about your smaller tank capacity, Yamaha kindly fitted a fuel reserve switch. Not only was the capacity of the tank, changed the filler cap was also changed to sit flush in the tank allowing a tank bag to be used. Yamaha made this model for touring so this allowed easy fitment of a tank bag. By redesigning the passenger grab rails, you could now use the rear tail unit as space for luggage. The choke knob was re-positioned from the handle bars to the inner fairing


Yamaha FJ1200 3CV 1988 to 1990

In 1988 Yamaha redesigned the FJ and made the 3CV. The fairing was enlarged once again to improve the riders touring comfort and now fitted with an inner pocket.

The front wheel size increased from 16" to 17". The anti dive braking system disappeared, and the front brake discs were changed to larger, improved, floating type. Also the 2 pot brake calipers where upgraded to 4 pots on the front, the rear brakes remain the same. The gravity fed carbs was changed to be feed by a fuel pump.


Yamaha FJ1200 3XW/ABS 1991 to 1995

In 1991 Yamaha released its final incarnation of the FJ with 3XW. Once again a larger fairing was fitted but this time a new 'V' shaped head light was installed. The engine was now rubber mounted to help absorb some of the vibrations. Fitted into a larger (heavier) frame due to the engine not now being a stressed member. Fork lower yoke and swinging arm was manufactured in steel instead of the early models aluminium type, believed to be due to keeping the costs down. ABS became an option at first and was fitted as standard in 1993 onwards.
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

FJ1200W

Quote from: Millietant on March 15, 2021, 01:19:11 PM
Yeah, the 3XW frame has a cross section, rubber engine mounts, a different (steel) swinging arm, front subframe (I think), and I believe a slightly offset shock mount compared to the 3CV.

Here's a brief model summary from the UK FJOC - hopefully it helps.


Yamaha FJ1100 36Y 1984 to 1985

Yamaha's FJ1100 was first produced 1984. It was originally designed to be Yamaha's flagship sports bike. It was the undisputed king of the road until Kawasaki's GPZ900R hit the market. Although the GPZ900R was only slightly faster and boasted a water cooled engine, its capacity to travel big miles was completely over shadowed by Yamaha's FJ1100, so the first real sports tourer was born with an emphasis on sports. Yamaha ensured the FJ1100, and in fact all the FJ models, would handle incredibly well, by taking inspiration from Bimota's legendary frame design (its head stock was supported by a triangulated construction). This resulted in an ultra stable, predictable handling bike that was unheard of compared to most pre 1984 Japanese bikes. To help the handling Yamaha fitted 16" wheels, an idea taken from the Moto GP bikes from that era. This made the FJ turn very quickly matched up with the largest rear tyre of its day a whopping 150 mm. The 16" wheels weren't the only thing Yamaha took from Moto GP. The FJ1110 and Yamaha's first FJ1200, the 1TX, both had an anti dive braking system and vented twin disc's up front and a single vented disc on the rear. To finish off the handling package, Yamaha fitted the FJ's with the latest Mono shock suspension and adjustable front forks. Yamaha didn't stop at fitting the FJ with the very best suspension and frame. The engine they chose was 1097cc, (eventually becoming 1188cc). An in-line four, 16 valve, double over head cam (DOHC) power house. Pushing out 125HP at 9,000RPM and a massive 86NM of torque at 8000RPM, even by todays standards, thats impressive, considering a 2010 Suzuki GSF1250 (bandit) is putting out 98HP at 7500RPM. The engine was made quite slim for its CC size by fitting the starter and the alternator behind the cylinders. Unlike most engines from that era, the FJ's gearbox was gear driven from the crank whereas most engines use the weaker alternative of chain drive.

To finish off the FJ1100, a small nose fairing was fitted which eventually became a bigger and more touring inspired fairing.


Yamaha FJ1200 1TX 1986 to 1987

The next FJ Yamaha released was the FJ1200 1TX but this time it was presented as a true sports tourer. It sported a slightly bigger fairing with the mirrors mounted on it instead of the handle bars like the FJ1100. The FJ1200 1TX also had much nicer built in indicators. Another addition was a digital clock fitted in the dash. One update, that is hard to make sense of, was the fuel tank capacity, made smaller from 24.5 litres as fitted on the FJ1100 to 22 litres, but, just in case you forgot about your smaller tank capacity, Yamaha kindly fitted a fuel reserve switch. Not only was the capacity of the tank, changed the filler cap was also changed to sit flush in the tank allowing a tank bag to be used. Yamaha made this model for touring so this allowed easy fitment of a tank bag. By redesigning the passenger grab rails, you could now use the rear tail unit as space for luggage. The choke knob was re-positioned from the handle bars to the inner fairing


Yamaha FJ1200 3CV 1988 to 1990

In 1988 Yamaha redesigned the FJ and made the 3CV. The fairing was enlarged once again to improve the riders touring comfort and now fitted with an inner pocket.

The front wheel size increased from 16" to 17". The anti dive braking system disappeared, and the front brake discs were changed to larger, improved, floating type. Also the 2 pot brake calipers where upgraded to 4 pots on the front, the rear brakes remain the same. The gravity fed carbs was changed to be feed by a fuel pump.

Consider to be superior to every other model in terms of comfort, performance and asthetics.


Yamaha FJ1200 3XW/ABS 1991 to 1995

In 1991 Yamaha released its final incarnation of the FJ with 3XW. Once again a larger fairing was fitted but this time a new 'V' shaped head light was installed. The engine was now rubber mounted to help absorb some of the vibrations. Fitted into a larger (heavier) frame due to the engine not now being a stressed member. Fork lower yoke and swinging arm was manufactured in steel instead of the early models aluminium type, believed to be due to keeping the costs down. ABS became an option at first and was fitted as standard in 1993 onwards.

Fixed
Steve
Columbia, Missouri
USA

Millietant

I am not going to disagree Steve  :sarcastic: :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

krusty

Quote from: Millietant on March 15, 2021, 01:19:11 PM




Yamaha FJ1200 3XW/ABS 1991 to 1995

In 1991 Yamaha released its final incarnation of the FJ with 3XW. Once again a larger fairing was fitted but this time a new 'V' shaped head light was installed. The engine was now rubber mounted to help absorb some of the vibrations. Fitted into a larger (heavier) frame due to the engine not now being a stressed member. Fork lower yoke and swinging arm was manufactured in steel instead of the early models aluminium type, believed to be due to keeping the costs down. ABS became an option at first and was fitted as standard in 1993 onwards.
As usual there can be some market differences. I had a 3XW 06/95 non ABS. Grey import from Japan.
91 FJ1200
84 FJ1100 x 2
85 FJ1100
89 GL1500
76 CB750F1
72 CB350F
63 C92 x 2
59 C76
62 C100
63 C100
60 Colleda 250TA x 3
63 Suzuki MD50
77 DT125E
77 DT175E x 2
79 DT250F

Sparky84

Quote from: atoyot on March 15, 2021, 06:03:58 AM

Does anyone know if there are parts list books available for any of the fj1200 models? Having now asked, I'll finish this and do a search... :good2:
thanks
is this what you're after..

It's not quite a book.p but it is online  :biggrin:

https://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-fj1200_model16734/

1984 FJ1100
1979 Kawasaki Z1300
1972 Honda CB750/4 K2