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

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?

Quote from: Pat Conlon on February 28, 2026, 05:24:40 PMBefore you start....Get a new gasket from RPM, if you have it on hand, you won't need it...but if you don't...you will.

Drain your tank. Remove the tank

Unplug and Remove the float assembly out of the tank.

Plug in the float assembly back into your wiring harness.

Turn the key on.

Now, as you *slowly*carefully* move the arm on the float...your gas gauge needle should rise and fall. Check for full sweep of the gas gauge needle. Full to empty.

Perhaps you have a leaking float that does not fully allow the float to rise up to the top fuel level? The weight of fuel in the float is keeping it down. If so, drain and seal the float.

To calibrate the float, bend the arm as needed.
Fill your tank with 2.5 gallons of fuel, approx. 1/2 tank.
Check where your gauge needle points...should be 1/2 tank.

If it's over the 1/2 mark, it reads too high...your float sits too high...drain your tank, remove the float and bend the float arm up...it will lower the needle.
Vice versa
If the gas gauge needle reads too low, bend the float arm down.

Remember how the float assembly is installed, bottom of the tank, so bend the arm the right way....dont ask me how I know this....

Take some lacquer thinner/ carb cleaner and clean the varnish off the rheostat switch.

Cheers

Pat


 

Pat. Did as you instructed. Removed the meter from the tank (After getting a new gasket from RPM). Plugged it into the bike and checked the extents. Needle sweeps through the entire range as it should. However, if I have it at the bottom extent, and slowly raise it to halfway, it only moves to 25% up the cluster gauge. If I start at the top extent and move it down to half, then the needle correctly falls to the half position. No signs of varnish on the meter either. Any additional checks to run through, besides frame grounds?

Thanks 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. 

Quote from: RPM - Robert on March 24, 2026, 11:08:11 AMIs it starving all the time or only when hot? If when hot only have you done the flappectomy?

Hi Robert,

Starving all the time. Basically engine trying to start but starving on fuel so dies immidiatelly. Petcock doesn't leak.
If I feed fuel directly, runs like a champ. So petcock issue or suction to petcook.

Is it starving all the time or only when hot? If when hot only have you done the flappectomy?