Quote from: Warp84 on February 26, 2026, 06:42:27 AM

Quote from: MarioR on February 24, 2026, 11:01:44 AM

Quote from: RPM - Robert on February 24, 2026, 10:35:03 AMCorrect on the 86/87 model it should not flow any fuel until vacuum is applied. If it is flowing fuel the petcock is bad.

The 84-85 has a prime function which will flow fuel when the selector switch is in the prime position but in the on position it should not flow fuel until vacuum is applied.

Thank you Robert.

I recently had to get a rebuild kit from RPM for me 84 because my tank started marking its territory when I took it off the bike. Put on the rebuild kit and it seals it right back up.

I have to put a rebuild kit in my petcock, it only leaks when you move it to prime .. which I don't do that often.

But has anyone put a inline quick release connection for fuel line, I hate getting that hose off petcock, not sure where it would fit on an 84 model as the hose isn't that long though 

Paul,
I agree with Pat; stainless steel braided brake lines are a good investment there. Those old rubber lines are about done by time, and the braided lines will make the brakes more assertive. I would do the front lines, at least. It will be more complicated with an ABS, but I think we can find you good sources for braided lines here, if you wish. A very good local hydraulics shop *may* be able to duplicate your old lines in SS, so investigate locally, but don't give up if the locals can't help.
Hang tough.   

Quote from: Pat Conlon on March 27, 2026, 06:31:54 PMYour assessment sounds about right.
Stock FJ suspension is too soft, both front and back. Poor dampening.
The front anti dive system is ineffective, always has been.
The stock 16" tires and rims are narrow, heavy and outdated by today's 17" standards.
Stock FJ front Brakes are just ok, nothing special.

Old FJ's don't die....because we modify! 

Add Fork springs, fork valves, anti dive delete and a height adjustable aftermarket shock and the effect will be immediately noticeable. Night and day.
Add Modern, lighter 17x3.5" front and 17x5" or 17x5.5" back rims will allow better tires.
Add R-1 Yamaha monoblock calipers, HH pads, lighter rotors and 14mm m/c with SS lines and they will transform the brakes.

Yes, she's still a big girl by today's sport standards, no getting around that.....
...but now she is a better dancer, much better than the day she left Iwata, Japan... 41 years ago...

Thanks Pat.  Those all sound like nice improvements to make.  I'm just not sure I want to put that much time and $ into that bike.  If it was in pristine condition, that would make sense, but it isn't.  And there are other bikes I'm interested in buying and my wife is already giving me a hard time about keeping 3 bikes around (it's just 3 bikes Honey...)!

Quote from: 81Delorean on March 27, 2026, 06:27:41 PMI won't argue with your assessment of the bike. Not sure if comparing it to a 11 year newer sport bike is fair either though. I have an '89 FJ, the weight doesn't bother me at all but I am also 6ft 2in and 210lbs, not sure what your build is. When I bought mine I cleaned the carbs and the first real trip was a 2200 mile trip mixed with interstate and curvy roads. I found it to be fine with the stock windscreen and fairings but I also like to have a little wind on me while riding. I tried a BWM RT on a 2000 mile trip, while it was comfortable and nice to burn miles on, I also hated the heat because of all the wind protection. The only time I did like it was when it was pouring down rain for about 2 hours, I hardly got wet at all. It went up for sale the next weekend after I got home.

Now, your ZX9. That bike is on my short list of bikes to get if I can find a mid 90's one in green/white/blue. I really want to do a road trip on one.

I agree that comparing to newer (although still old!) sport bikes isn't a fair comparison, but that's all I have.  I've never owned any sport tourers, or cruiser bikes, so this is a first for me.  And I'm smaller and lighter to you so low speed maneuvering on that beast feels like a chore. 

Regarding my ZX9, I just purchased it late last year and put it on the road last week.  So I'm also getting to know that bike.  So far,  it's much like my Gixxer, just smoother, faster and better.  It also higher clip ons (mounted over the triple tree) so the riding position is more comfortable and less aggressive than on the Gixxer, which would be good for a long road trip.       

Your assessment sounds about right.
Stock FJ suspension is too soft, both front and back. Poor dampening.
The front anti dive system is ineffective, always has been.
The stock 16" tires and rims are narrow, heavy and outdated by today's 17" standards.
Stock FJ front Brakes are just ok, nothing special.

Old FJ's don't die....because we modify! 

Add Fork springs, fork valves, anti dive delete and a height adjustable aftermarket shock and the effect will be immediately noticeable. Night and day.
Add Modern, lighter 17x3.5" front and 17x5" or 17x5.5" back rims will allow better tires.
Add R-1 Yamaha monoblock calipers, HH pads, lighter rotors and 14mm m/c with SS lines and they will transform the brakes.

Yes, she's still a big girl by today's sport standards, no getting around that.....
...but now she is a better dancer, much better than the day she left Iwata, Japan... 41 years ago...

I won't argue with your assessment of the bike. Not sure if comparing it to a 11 year newer sport bike is fair either though. I have an '89 FJ, the weight doesn't bother me at all but I am also 6ft 2in and 210lbs, not sure what your build is. When I bought mine I cleaned the carbs and the first real trip was a 2200 mile trip mixed with interstate and curvy roads. I found it to be fine with the stock windscreen and fairings but I also like to have a little wind on me while riding. I tried a BWM RT on a 2000 mile trip, while it was comfortable and nice to burn miles on, I also hated the heat because of all the wind protection. The only time I did like it was when it was pouring down rain for about 2 hours, I hardly got wet at all. It went up for sale the next weekend after I got home.

Now, your ZX9. That bike is on my short list of bikes to get if I can find a mid 90's one in green/white/blue. I really want to do a road trip on one.

Finally got my collector status approved.  Got insurance and put bike on the road.  Went for my first ride with it a couple days ago.  Here are my first impressions of the bike.  Keep in mind, my other two bikes are a 96 GSXR 750 and a  99 Ninja ZX-9R, so I'm not expecting the FJ to be as sporty as those two.

The FJ is considered a sport tourer by today's standards, and I agree, with the emphasis on tourer.  The bike is heavy, over 100 pounds heavier than my other two bikes, and I could feel all that weight - it's a tank compared to my other bikes.  I haven't adjusted the suspension at all, but it felt very "soft" and very cushy.  The seat is very comfortable.  The mirrors are large and provide good rear visibility, without having to pull my elbows in like I have to do on my other bikes.  I was disappointed with the windscreen and fairings - they didn't shield me from the wind any better than on my sport bikes.  The FJ seems very comfortable at 3000 rpm, and feels and sounds like I'm pushing it hard at 5000+ rpm.  I have to think that's just me getting used to that bike.  Low end torque is good, but I was expecting it to be better.  I haven't pushed the bike much higher than 7000 rpm but it felt like there wasn't that much left in it if I did.   

The stock exhaust sounds tame, which is fine, but I prefer the more throaty sound of most aftermarket exhausts. Brakes worked well.  Clutch worked well and gear shifts were smooth.  No issues with slipping in second gear, and I pushed it hard to make sure.  Throttle response is good, but there is a little hesitation from idle if I open the throttle too fast - not enough to be problem though.     

Again, these are my impressions only, and I'm a novice with this bike, and using two newer sport bikes to compare with.  So I may very well be off base on my comments and just need more time in the saddle to get to learn the bike.  But so far, I like the FJ, and it's a nice change from my other two bikes.

Quote from: JTNWEvo on March 24, 2026, 12:34:35 PMThanks for the responses guys. I did test the side stand switch with a multi-meter and it appears to be functioning correctly.  I currently have the switch bypassed but would prefer if everything was fully functional. 

If the side stand switch is functioning correctly how are bypassing it ?

If you are just "shorting" it out, then the problem could lie between the "bypass"(shorting) and the switch.
The switch goes to earth , have you checked that to be ok.

I would be in for that... depending on design.  I like a clean logo and/or emblem shirt without too much "flames" etc...  I would be hoping for an alternate to Black too, I have soooo many black shirts already. I am an XL.

Tim

Quote from: MarioR on March 25, 2026, 01:22:57 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on March 17, 2026, 03:08:38 PMLet us know how we can help!

Thanks Pat!

Anyone got an extra shifter rod linkage lying around?

Do you need the 2 clamps and rod or just the adjustment rod? 
[edit] Just Checked...nope, I don't have one or I'd send it to ya...

FYI I Searched "FJ1100 shift" on FleaBay, found several : https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=fj1100+shift&_sop=12