1986 Yamaha FJ1200 Review - Sound, Specs, Acceleration - The Ultimate Air-Cooled Sportbike!
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2023
- It's time to ride and review the ultimate air-cooled sport bike! What bike beat all others in top-gear acceleration from 40-80 mph in 1986? It wasn't the mighty V-Max, the GS1150ES, or the V-65! Yamaha's FJ1200 claimed top spot in this real world performance test. With massive mid-range and an awesome top-end punch, the FJ1200 was certainly fast in a straight line. But one ride will tell you - the FJ1200 is no one trick pony! What's it like to ride today? Let's find out together!
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Back in the early 1990s I had a midnight blue '87 one, bought it second hand with just 1,500 miles. Put micron power silencers on it with 6 holes I drilled into the end baffle plate, it sounded fantastic! 160mph on motorways still with throttle left, 100mph wheelie in 3rd gear once! Raced a Yamaha FZR 1000 away from traffic lights and left him in my rear view mirrors, he was really trying by the sound of his bike! Really miss that bike, so comfortable, so nice looking, so fast with good handling, great stability, and breaking. The engine is bullet proof, air cooled performance rocks.
So cool 😎! Thanks for sharing the memories, Hugh! Cheers
That was me on the fzr- 1000 behind you,I missed a shift.....or two....
@@zeke2566 Are you sure it was me? I ask because I used to road race on the roads of Merseyside England. As I remember it was the Upton road going past Bidstone Hill towards the top of Ford hill. Are you still sure it was me you missed a gear on that day? I would like to know fellow road racer!
A beautiful unmolested example. Great to see the original exhaust still in place. It was classy looking when it came out and is still classy looking now.
Right on! Cheers
I'm from '72, and I'm in love with this machine from my teen era, and now, appears near to me a nice unit from '87.....I think that I will go with it.
Nice video, nice explanations...All great, congratulations!!
Regards
@@j.f.aristaran214 Congratulations on the 1987! I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!
While looking for a decent FJ1100 to go with the 1984 FJ600 I already had, I ran across a 1986 FJ1200. The bike had 9,000 miles on it 2 years ago. Currently has 16,000 miles on it, “yes I ride”. Was parked for 18 years in a heated garage due to a slipping clutch. Picked her up and went through it top to bottom. Classic and classy not to mention tough looking. Rides great and has torque for days! I still need that 84 FJ1100 to complete the FJ collection. The search continues!
Right on! There's no point in having a bike if you're not going to enjoy it by riding it. Those are all great bikes - cheers!
I owned one of these about ten years ago. A major highway passes my town and I took it out and brought it up to 230km [150mph], and passed five transports like they were parked. It wanted more but I backed off the throttle and lived to tell. I know that's nothing in the big leagues but it was an epic experience on that unforgettable bike...
150 is plenty fast! Glad you lived to tell the tale. It's amazing how quickly they get into the triple digits. Cheers!
I had one exactly like that. Such a beautiful machine.
Very cool 😎! I love the red and white color scheme. Cheers!
@7:55 ....."oh yeah " ....indeed Jon ...that is 100% of Fj12 attraction ! Had an '88 ......now have same model you're riding , 1TX in UK parlance. Bikes can go faster, go round bends quicker , but that torque is unique. Nothing gives as many smiles per miles for me .
Right on!
I just love the styling of the 80s japanese bikes....
Right on, Jericho! There were som real beauties and some really funky looking bikes. Some were so ugly they were cool. Cheers!
Oh how I love the FJ11 and 12. If only it was shaft drive. I owned it's brother, the XJ1100, a 1982. Yamaha did well with suspension and ok on brakes with it. Always seemed to handle and ride better with heavier weight oils in the front forks. I really wanted an FJ, but couldn't find one at the time for the right price. The XJ only had 4,000 miles on it, and that was 1994. After rebuilding the carbs from sitting, it was an amazing motorcycle for the next 59,000 miles. I sold it to my brother years ago, and he still has it. I have a 2014 FJR1300 now, what an awesome machine! Thanks for sharing your great bikes with us. Keep it up!
Thank you! I had an XJ1100 last year with the factory touring fairing. There are quite a few videos of it on the channel: ua-cam.com/play/PL0gjN9hf6pSokikyTi4p-AxVdCGYyaNt2.html
The FJR is a fantastic bike as well! Cheers!
I own a Yamaha XJR1300, a sort of naked version of this from the late nineties. It has the same engine with a couple of small differences. Taken care of well, it'll go on forever. It was my first bike and will always be my favorite. Love the FJ1200 too.
Very cool! I would love to ride the XJR1300 if I ever get the chance. We didn't get those in the US. Cheers!
Mine had over 120k on it when I bought it with a crispy second gear. Still loved it. Rode like a freight train on the highway.
Right on!
Something that kids do not understand about old Big Bore bikes from back in the day, is the torque, compared to a high revving crotch rocket . This Yamaha is a nice example !
Right on! Thanks.
There are very few motorcycles that have the ability to be shifted into top gear and ridden all day without stirring the gearbox like the FJ does. Just roll the throttle open and closed. If I want to pick up the pace all it takes is 1 downshift.
Great ,great,grand daddy to the awesome Fjr-1300,long live the King!!
@@zeke2566 Right on!
I just started watching your videos, owning x$1100, fj11, fj12, I get it, these were big bikes heavy, but good bikes to ride moderately.
Absolutely fantastic review. Subbed. @60 years old I remember these like it was yesterday.... cheers!
Thanks, Roger!
So many great bikes from that time period its sad that they are gone.
They're not all gone...Cheers!
I've always have been intrigued by the FJ, Thank you Jon... I envy you!
Right on! I'm enjoying getting to know this one. Cheers!
I have the exact bike with a gun slinger seat. I haven’t been able to drive it for years for health reasons. I rode lots of other bikes but never sold this yet because it was such a joy to be on. Thanks for filming this and sharing. I love the sound of this bike. If you can get a Corbin gun slinger seat it makes the bike so enjoyable on long runs.
Awesome, thanks, Ralph!
What a great machine. Always liked these and always wanted one but somehow it never happened... A guy I've known since shortly after high school has the FJ 1100 which he bought new and still owns to this day.
Very cool! I can't relate to owning one bike that long. I guess I prefer to experience new ones on a regular basis over sticking with one I really like. Some are hard to sell though! Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yep I feel the same way. I am 59 years old now and have been riding since in my teens and on average had been switching bikes every couple years ever since.
@@propdoctor21564 Right on!
Excellent analysis! I have the exact model FJ as yours in England and I love taking it out on summer days to tourist places. They seem to be quite rare here and lots of people give it a second look and are surprised that it’s a 38 year old bike!! Thanks for your film!!
Thank you for the feedback! I love to hear from fellow owners on the bikes I review. Cheers!
Truly, one of the timeless classics of that generation of motorcycles. Still sounds fantastic too. Great review and ride- thanks for sharing!
Love to see you get your hands on an original GPZ Ninja 900. I lusted after that bike. Altho considered a sport bike back then, it'd be classified as an ST by today's standards.
Thanks Levi! I've owned the 900 Ninja. It would be fun to review one and compare that bike with the FJ! Cheers!
Hey there! German here, I bought a 1987 black FJ1200 1XJ back in December for 400€, about $435. It needs some work but I think I got a very good deal. My plan is to restore it over the next 2 years. It's definetly a very cool bike. However, mine says Lateral Frame Concept. I'd assume it's the same design they just used different names for the european market. I can't wait to finally ride this piece of history.
Very cool 😎! The Lateral Frame Concept is the same bike as the FJ1200 here. They are great bikes. Enjoy the process of getting it on the road. Cheers!
I had a 6 mile straight stretch of highway and tested my FJ-1200 on it one night. The speedo said I made it up to 250 kph and then I backed off starting to worry about if a cotter pin would maybe fall off somewhere or a deer would wander out and I would die. Otherwise a very easy bike to ride even for long distances. Now, I wish I never sold it.
That's moving right along! The FJ1200 is still an impressive bike. Fast, fun, and comfortable! Cheers
I had the 1100 one of these loved it the torque was fantastic it would fly to 150mph stunning bike
Right on!
The FJ was a beast.
Right on! Happy New Year!
seems like a very competant all around package.not a bad looking bike either.nice review jon.glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks, cheers!
Very nice bike to have in the stable. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks Henry!
I'm salivating lol. Great video John!
Thanks Vince! Cheers
The gas mileage on the FJR of '04 was just phenomenal, 59 MPG from Phoenix to Yuma, Az, doing 70 mph.
That is amazing!
Great video Jon and great bike ! Back in 88 I was in the balance between an fz750 or the big fj, I bought the fz.....but I've always hankered for one of these , especially if it looks as good as this one 😎
I have not listened to all your uploads, but! This review was one of the most informative I have listened to. Great job Jon!👍👍👍
Thanks Russ! Cheers
Informative & entertaining as always! And a cracking Review of a cracking Bike! Thank you Jon! 👍
You're welcome. I appreciate the feedback! Cheers
Great video Jon. Gotta love that inline big bore four sound. Take care and ride safe. Cheers
Thanks Rick, you too!
Ive really been looking hard at the Yamaha's
Great vids!!!
Thank you!
Good morning ☕️....interesting and informative video and narrative on another beautiful classic. I enjoy your videos and hearing your perspective on the characteristics of these different bikes.
**a break in the heat in my area has me motivated to get out and ride today.
Eric in NC
Right on Eric, me too!
Das waren noch Zeiten, als die Tanks noch Tanks waren mit ordentlich22 Ltr Inhalt
halt und die Motorräder noch proportional stimmig waren.
Ich stimme zu, tolles Design und eine nützliche Reichweite machen den FJ1200 auch heute noch zu einer schönen Maschine.
Классный байк. На днях купил себе fj1200A , в хорошем состоянии.... Стоит в гараже , ждёт номера))
Потрясающий! Наслаждайтесь новым туром. Ваше здоровье!
Had an 84 fj1100 with a bad 2nd gear. Swapped in a 86 fj1200 motor. 4-1 header and jetted the carbs. My 96 vmax pulled harder at the top of the tach, but the FJ had loads of torque everwhere.
Yep, the FJ1200 powerband starts off strong and just continues to build. The V-Max has that 6k rpm hit of power. Both fun in their own way. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 my old junk 4-1, jetted fj1100/1200 was a hoot back in 2010. Took down my boss, and all his buddies hot Harleys. Embarrassed a whole bunch of 600cc up sport bikes who weren't expecting the FJ's midrange torque
@@kylemilligan752 For sure. And a well-ridden FJ is still formidable today. I love surprising people while riding a classic bike. Cheers!
Nice Jon! I have one just like it! :)
Right on! Cheers
Считаю, что это один из лучших мотоциклов, паравозная тяга с холостых и до отсечки, а надежность- выше всяких похвал.
Я согласен. FJ1200 производился уже много лет, и это был и остается фантастическим мотоциклом.
Hi Jon nice bike from the hey day of great bikes. I would have preferred silver chrome silencers though.
Maybe other year FJ1200s had them, I'm not sure 🤔. Cheers!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 no, all FJ 1100/1200 came from the factory with black mufflers. Apparently you can swap over some XJR 1300 mufflers and I believe that they were all chromed. You will have to source them from the UK or the EU since the XJR was never imported to the US, if that's where you happen to live.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538salve😊, la mia FJ1200, mod.1TX del 1986, stessi colori, ha i 2 scarichi originali cromati e non neri! Saluti amici bikers
@@FlyingJonathan Carino! Sono arrivati qui con i tubi neri solo nel 1986. Saluti!
Hi there.
The FJ is like having automatic transmission.
With 5th gear you have smooth acceleration from 2.000rpm.
In very closed curves you need to downshift to 4th or 3rd gear.
As a joke, you can start a road rage with 5th
Right on!
Hey Jon, this is I think your very BEST presentation ever. Everything is so smooth! Good Job, nice bike. How do you like it, as opposed to the XS1100? I'm sure that this is better, but, in what ways? Also, have you've ridden an YAMI FJR1300? I've owned one for a year put a thousand miles, then sold it. Great bike, but not my thing...
Thank you! I'm working on the FJ vs XS video now. I have had the FJR. I may do a review in the future. It is a great cold-weather bike (too hot for summer here). I liked the 6-speed FJR better. Cheers!
Very nice ride another great engine by yamaha
Right on Karl!
I have the 1990 version! Great machine put a set of delkelvic short pipes on sounds awsome and goes like stink! 😂
Right on! I bet it sounds great. Cheers!
Come on jon, you hardly even took it into its power range, I own one and now I ponder why you thought the blackbird was a dog, I also own one. You should check your hp numbers and mention if it is crank or rear wheel hp. My 86 ITX is a beast with loads of down low torque and is very very fast but my blackbird would be showing a tail light then nothing. Long live the mighty Yamaha FJ. Motors are built like tanks, trans gears need to be under cut, instant lose your driving privilages from the boys in blue and still put many modern bikes to shame. Grab a handfull please next time and show the true power and sound and get up and go this legend truly has to the masses.
Ok, first of all, I never said the Blackbird was a dog. The Blackbird was softer below 6k rpm than the ZX-9R and ZRX that I owned at the same time. Above that rpm, the Blackbird was an absolute rocket. The torque curves and gearing of those bikes show what I'm talking about. I am planning to do a ride-review of a Blackbird as soon as I get the chance and it will be interesting to see how it does in the top-gear 40-80 test. I looked at buying one earlier this year, but price and condition didn't match up and I ended up with an FJ in the garage.
Secondly, I just had finished up the FJ at the time of the review and I'm still getting to know it. You're correct that it's beastly when you really romp on it. I may show more of the performance in future videos. Cheers!
I have a 92 with exhaust, individual intake pods, carbs jetted, better rear tires and stretched slightly, and it's a freaking beast leaving and giving lots of bikes hard time to keep up
I owned a 2007 zrx 1100 that was not stock and I feel that the zrx was same speed if not slightly quicker I like both bikes
@@totanoferreira2878 Right on! They're still quick bikes!
@@totanoferreira2878 Very cool! I love the ZRX as well, and have a series of videos on the ZRX if you haven't seen them. Cheers!
Yeah Jon, my '04 FJR, was the 2nd year, and the heat that would build up,,,, would almost "COOK" your legs, thighs,,,,, they've finally fixed that on the '06 model. Great bike but so much it needed a 6 speed tranny. Finally in '16, the added that. "IF" > I were to ever buy a "newer" bike, it would be a '16 or newer FJR!
Right on. I just replied as much in a different comment.
Grande maquina❤
¡Estoy de acuerdo!
I believe Motorcyclist did a makeover on an FJ1100 that yielded fantastic power results.
I'm sure. They respond well to performance mods. Cheers!
Visually, I never got used to those small front wheels, popular in the day, though it probably was good engineering.
Right on! Cheers
I had this bike back in 91. And put 45k miles on it. Any suggestions on where to look for a low mileage good condition bike? Thanks for the video. Great job on the bike
Thank you! I may put this bike up for sale at some point. How interested are you? Are you near South Central PA?
I had a 1978 Suzuki GS1000E that probably had better roll-on performance from 40-80 mph. It had roll on much better than the `81 GS1100E I had later. The biggest reason was because it had slide-throttle carbs instead of the constant velocity carbs popular on other big bikes later on. With the slide throttles, there's nothing in the way of the air stream when you open them up. No butterfly valve in the middle to disrupt the air. The early GS1000s also had incredible mid range torque and power. The problem with Cycle World's test is that they didn't compare it to late 70 classics, only contemporary mid-80s bikes. Had they compared it to the GS1000E they would have had s different winner.
Sorry, but I respectfully disagree. I've owned a 1978 GS1000E, and it was down on mid-range torque compared to my 1982 GS1100G. In 1983, Suzuki beefed up the mid-range of the GS1100E significantly, but my GS1100G still has a bit more in the middle. The FJ1200 ran 2 seconds quicker than the GS1100G, GS1100E, and the 1980 XS1100 I tested it against. CV carbs actually give the later bikes an advantage since they only give the bike what it's current vacuum draw asks for. Bikes with the slide-type carbs are harder to test because you can give them too much throttle for the rpm. Cheers!
I've had 7 gs 1000s different models,including shaft drive. But th best was ,by far, a 79 gs1000s I had. Man that had legs !! Any gear or revs.
Fully agree. I've had an GS1000S an it's my favorite of all the 80s jappas I've owned.
Where do you find such clean classic bikes?
Craigslist, Facebook, side of the road, wherever I can really. Cheers!
I had posters all over my bedroom when the 1100 came out but it was this 86 1200 model that I always wanted.
Is this bike for sale?
Right on! The FJ1200 is not currently for sale, but I will post a video listing it if/when I decide to sell. Cheers!
Muy bonita y deportiva, la mejor, y dedpues la siguiente fjr 1300
Las FJ1200 (especialmente los primeros modelos) son motos hermosas. ¡Salud!
If you ever want to sell the bike… would love to buy it off you…. Used to have one back in the 80s.
Right on. If/when I decide to sell it, I'll post a video on this channel. I'm hoping to get to ride it this weekend. Cheers!
The only time I use a clutch is when I'm pokea$$en along , which is not to often. Because that is when troubles arise,because I'm gauken at something or someone 😉. And NOT paying attention to what I should be. I did Most of my street riding on old KZ's. All the dirt riding was hard to undo. I have never ridden a bike with a quick shifter or a slipper clutchbut I would like to try one to see if it is as good as they say. My manual one's may be to hard to undo. Muscle memory may get in the way.
P.S. NOTHING beats an old inline 4 or a Keith Black Himi.( for me, motor wise anyway)
Right on! It's hard to break a habit. I didn't grow up dirt riding, so I never picked up on the dirt-style of riding. I can always tell when I service a street bike that's been ridden by a former dirt rider - the back brake pads will be completely shot while the front pads are like new. On the street, 70% or more of your breaking force is from the front wheel. Not so on the dirt. Cheers!
To you can you feel the difference in power between the Fj11 and Fj1200?
I owned a heavily modified FJ1100 many years ago. It was very quick with the full exhaust and jetting. The FJ1200 makes more low and mid-range power as shown in roll-on tests, but the 1/4 mile times were similar I think. Cheers!
❤
Thanks, David!
This is a great bike. 9,200 miles is nothing. It will last forever. Dig the period headlight. Nick J
Right on!
I have over 50,000 miles on my '89 FJ. It's still running strong. These motors run forever! Put great care in preserving the plastic fairings. The little mounting tabs snap very easily at their advanced age.
Something that baffles me about most bike content I see. Why does everyone use the clutch to up shift? I was taught the only time you use the clutch is to take off ,down shift and stop. When up shifting just let off the gas up shift back on the throttle.
That's essentially how an air shifter works. You push the button, it kills the ignition, the air cylinder lifts the shifter, and the ignition turns on. It's hard on the synchronizing rings in the transmission. Not a problem for racers, but not good for the longevity of the driveline.
@@spaceflight1019 never had an issue with trans or clutches on any of my bikes besides a broken cable and it's how my dad taught me and how everyone I know shifted. To each their own I guess. I even shift my shovelhead that way. Never even heard one grind.
@ thesenuts77
My big brother and his friends must have taught you how to ride too .
I notice that too, and everyone uses all 4 fingers and pulls the clutch ALL the way in.I was taught 2 fingers on the clutch/1 finger on the brake ALWAYS. And choke up on the seat& the tank so you can control it. I learned on a Jt-1 60 mini green. Yellow &black ( in 1972) . We rode the streets, fields, Everglades everywhere. Everyone I knew in South Florida rode like this. It must be a regional thing. Or maybe a DIRT thing.
It’s cool hearing that someone else ( other than my friends? Ride the same way. Very interesting.
Like Arsenio Hall used to say. Things that make you go HMMMMM🤔 . Gotta love the big in-line 4’s and 2 strokes. Grizzly bears and angry bees.
Thanks Jon for another great video.
@@marshallcollins8634 You're welcome! I appreciate the great comments and discussion! Cheers
@thesenutz77 I've shifted without the clutch at times. Shifting with the clutch cushions the driveline. It's not a big deal for racebikes and dirtbikes, but for bigger power bikes on the road, a sloppy shift under full power can cause damage. Cheers!
Great review on my favorite motorcycle. 🤘
I had an 89 in midnight blue. Wicked Bike.
Thanks Todd!
How's the tire choice and availability for 16 inchers ?
One choice for a matched set. Perreli Night Dragons.
Tire choice is a very good reason why 17" wheel swaps are so very commonly done on FJ 1100/1200s for the last couple of decades. The rear swap is very easy to do if you follow the tried and true wheel choices. Replacing the 16" front wheel is also pretty simple if you replace the lower fork legs with the parts from a later FJ 1200. A fork swap with a upside down front end is even better, but definitely costs more and is a little more involved.
@@countryjoe3551 If I run out of choices, I will be forced to upgrade. Cheers!
Nice bike. Nice review.
You need to try a first gen Valkyrie. You WILL be surprised.......... 😉
I have had several generations of Valkyries. I may review one in the future.
they do 124 mph in 1/4 mile, approx. 3.5 seconds to 60 mph
Thanks Bob!
A lot of luxurious things copied from the Honda vf750f 1983…beautiful bike.
Right on!
R u going to get a FZ 750 Yamaha I don’t know how popular they r where u r
I would like to review one if I get the chance. Cheers!
@jonsmotorcyclerescuears
I hope you get to Stevie with one. An old friend gave me one , that was given to him . ( his wife wouldn't let him keep it) it was a fun bike to ride hard ,but I found out that I had P.S.A. And the seating position was causing me a lat of pain and numbing of my hands. ( not to fun to do a stoppie UNINTENTIONALY) .
But the genesis motor acted just like a 2 stroke( so don't let it catch you off guard) but it is addictive, except you realize pretty quick that you aren't 16/17 anymore. But it's a gas.
I think you would really like it.
Hay Jon
Don't know where the hell STEVIE came from But I thought I typed REWIEW🤔🤔🤔😂😂
@@marshallcollins8634 A friend of mine recently had one (for a short time). Unfortunately, he didn't have it long enough for me to try it. Maybe next time! Cheers!
@@marshallcollins8634 Darn auto correct! 😂
17 inch front wheel.
These are 16". A 17" front and rear would be nice. Cheers!
Hi John, do you agree with me that going on 5th gear it feels like the bike is screaming for a 6th gear??
It certainly has enough low-end to have a 6-speed! I wish it did. Cheers!
Try running 18/38 tooth sprockets. You'll still have gobs of torque but much more relaxed cruising RPMs.