Yamaha FJ 1200 Review

[@davidmcmillan8408]

Had one for years. Great bike. My favourite feature? The Morris Minor choke knob.

[@waltersobchak6546]

I drove one at 18yrs in 1991. Comeing from a beloved 1989 Kawasaki Ltd 450. The FJ 1200 blew my mind.

[@jonathanstyles5033]

Excellent review, I've had all three 1200 versions and still own a 92 model, which I've had for 30 years. A 3/4" bar risers from the owners club, Goodrich steel brake lines, EBC pads, and Ohlins suspension, which I installed in 1996, transformed the bike. Finally, I've only ever run radial tyres without any issues. It's currently fitted with Avon Storm's, and it's still as comfortable as my FJR. I'll never sell it!! I'm glad you enjoy yours, Cheers

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching and commenting, we appreciate it. Many old school bikes review on this channel so if that's what you like check the playlist titled "bike reviews" All the best 👊

[@iandunipace]

had a j reg fj with abs. it was a quick bike after my cx500 eurosport. once you got used to the slow steering and weight. it was quite chuckable. so much grunt from the engine.

[@impaledface7694]

Man that was a cool paintjob on the sidecar setup. I suspect the weight and carbs are the reason people don't want it.

[@markpearman2631]

Back in the day i took mine to the bulldog bash at avon park raceway. Done the 1/4 Mile in 11 seconds and 131 mph. Kept it pinned till I ran out of runway taking it to 155. Beating my mate's katana by a long way

[@Adikxx]

thanks for commenting, it's appreciated

[@TheDavedadd]

Fantastic all round bike. I have one at the moment, no complaints. If the front brakes are a bit sketchy I believe the bike does benefit from braided brake lines. I have some and find the braking to be really responsive although i do not push mine anywhere near close to its limits. Safe riding. 🙂

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@timrains5011]

At last, a decent fj1200 review

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching our video, we appreciate that !

[@reneverheij6938]

I got steel braided brake lines, now they feel really good!

[@brianmathew09]

Counter steering eliminates the turning issue at speeds you mention @9:40 ,,as well as raising the tail an inch or two.

[@garyleake4616]

I have had 4 of these wonderful bikes❤❤❤❤ looking forward to rebuilding one out of two

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Absoluitely spot on.......stunning performance, comfortable, lousy headlight!

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

I had one in 1992 . Such a beautiful creature

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching and commenting, we appreciate that !

[@countryjoe3551]

The first time you pin the throttle in 3rd gear on a healthy FJ 1200, you will begin to understand why they have such a rabid following.

[@ChrisG3253032]

Right!? I've only had mine about 3mths, and was pleasantly surprised how quick, quiet and smooth it is. Even in top gear on the motorway, a twist of the throttle and it pulls away quickly and effortlessly.

[@markvans.4959]

Only the latest model of the FJ1200 (3XW) had a steel swingarm that could rust. Earlier models 36Y to 3CV had an aluminium swingarm.

[@terrencecox3748]

I rocked a couple of FJ's for years. More on the second one as the first was smashed to bit's by a gf! LOL! In sport bike terms, it was a big beast. Low, liked to drag stuff, heavy four into two exhaust, dodgy second gear, and a skitterish front end that taught you real fast that slowing it down and getting it turned was the best way to stay out of the weeds. But with just a few mods that bike lit right up! A Yoshimura 4 into 1 was the biggest change mostly because the stock exhaust system was heavy!!!! I STILL remember exiting corners with my body way forward on the tank trying to keep the front wheel down and spinning up the rear in 3rd gear sweepers. I learned A LOT on that bike and would love to ride one again. Maybe one day.

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for leaving a comment! Brilliant bike indeed.

[@samuelbennett2600]

Wish all bike reviews were this good!

[@Adikxx]

Thank you so much for commenting, it's appreciated.

[@maljohn1414]

I had the 1993 with ABS over here in New Zealand for 8 years from 1998, flogged it to within an inch of its life and the only issue I had was in the middle of summer when it was hard to start after a hard days work.

[@ChrisG3253032]

Hello from Dunedin. I've only had my '91 FJ1200 (3XW) for around 3mths. 47,500km on it when I got it, paid 3.5k, it's not mint but very tidy and well cared for. I couldn't pass that offer up. I did have a Street 500 for a while, this is WAY better. Smooth, quiet and fast. Cruising on the motorways is actually enjoyable....and I love the fact there's not too much buffeting, unlike the XG500. I won't be thrashing it, but I won't be grannying either.

[@scottbasford8557]

I OWEND A 1984 fJ1100 LC, production number 113 .first on the East Cost US. Currently still own the factory service Manuel. Lots ot tricks for HP gains

[@kanalSwissBlade]

YES i have one too, still one of the best bikes ever

[@Adikxx]

Yep, as you say, they're stellar bikes.

[@keestomcat_2567]

Thanks, that is a very nice impression. Can you say something in compare to the standard Suzuki RF 900 please?

[@Adikxx]

Both are lovely bikes but RF is leaning slightly more towards sport in it's standard form. For some it's better for others it's worse, just a matter of preference. Brakes and performance no doubt better in RF but in overall comfort and ease of maintenance FJ scores higher points. Being 25 yo i would take RF, being 50 yo i'd probably consider FJ. Both great bikes though!

[@SusanWillan]

IV owned the RF 900 very capable bike the fairing is a pain to remove by memory my 87 model was liquid cooled instead of air cooled I'd take an FJ 1200 if riding long distances or 2 up

[@markvans.4959]

A lot of FJ-riders replaced the clip-ons with superbike handlebars.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle]

I had all of them great bike 😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@uk_grow_master_yoda2605]

I'm riding on my third fj top bike great value

[@MajorTom6]

One of the best all round bikes ever made.....

[@Adikxx]

Hard to disagree.

[@pauleast6291]

That is incredible 👏 I would say the exactly the same impressions from my fj1200 1992 one the comfort 😀 is by far the best part

[@jimbray6042]

Good and informative review, I'm getting 48MPG out of my 1TX but the gearing is quite low (3300RPM at 50MPH), confident I'd get mid fifties if I change sprockets. I paid £1100 for the bike and think I would have spent another £500 making it safe (rear shocker, chain and sprockets, fork oil, brake pads, brake fluid) but I had the new spares already so they were an insignificance. All in all, uber cheap smiles per mile :)

[@Adikxx]

Indeed, sweet comfy bike. With some modern day mods can be made superb.

[@uhtred7860]

Phil Hacker, the guy who started and runs (or used 10 years ago. Time flies) the UK FJ owners club, got his FJ1100 to give 70mpg.....70! 😯 He also built a 160hp FJ1100 race bike that was surprisingly effective.

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

I well remember the FJ s. Thanks for this video.

[@grahamhill6616]

Thanks for that. A proper trip down nostalgia lane. I purchased a black & gold '89 model new in 1989 as a 21 year old. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but a mate bought a FZR1000, the machine a 21 year old should have invested in. I trusted the reviews of CycleWorld too much back then. Comfort / distance, blah, blah. Nonsense really for a youngster. The FJ lasted less than 18 months before being traded in for a new SS900 Ducati, when the art of cornering and subsequently racing was learned. But back to the FJ. Long, low, sturdy, reliable, dependable handling and fast no doubt. 174cm me, the riding position all day was perfect. But it was heavy at 240kg and tight stuff an effort. I used to take her to 200kmph and then squeeze the anchors as hard as I could. You're right, they were dull and lack lustre. The subsequent four pot Sumitomi's were vastly superior. It is why the FJ had a huge ventilated disc on the rear I guess. In a way it is iconic given it's relatively long production run. But like the GPz900 (also of '84), by '89 it had run it's course. The FJ had nice lines (that weird screen on your test model does it no favours), yet it was lippy on a pig in a way, despite the lump being handsome & rightfully prominent. By '89 steel chassis' & air cooling was yesterdays news quickly. Ultimately I sold mine because whilst fast, it was a bit bland. The engine was too sewing machine for me. 50km sat behind a Paso on my FJ immediately determined for me a Ducati was my future. Despite the 50hp loss I was always far quicker on my Duke. Whilst keeping a two valve Duke race bike, I loved my ten years of FJ / SS road bike hybrid: Guzzi 1000S. Long, low, heavy, but comfy & soulful. Ultimately the FJ is just a UJM. A good 'un for sure. But lacking soul....... Thanks for the memories.

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for commenting, it's appreciated.

[@uhtred7860]

The GPZ (capital Z for water cooled bikes little z for air cooled) was not even close to running its course by 89, they stayed in production, and still sold well, right up to 2003. The FJ12 bowed out in 96, but that air cooled engine lived on unchanged in first the XJR1200 and later in 1300 guise in the XJR1300. I also lusted after, and bought a SS Ducati, a 96, the good looking ones before Pierre Terblanche hit them with the ugly stick😆, worst decision i ever made. My one must have been made on a friday afternoon, when all the Italians at the factory just wanted to go home for the weekend. The list of issues with it was huge, and started as soon as i rode it away, lots of annoying little problems that saw it back at the dealers more than in my garage. I didn't want to work on it myself as it was still under warranty, so all the work was free. Then, one day after picking it up, again, it terminally shat itself, practically right outside the dealer. They were pretty good about it, and bought it back for the exact price i paid for it new. They were also a Suzuki dealer so i bought a 96 SRAD GSX-R and never had a single issue, plus it handled, stopped and went far better. That experience put me off Italian bikes with "soul" and "character" for a long time.😆

[@grahamhill6616]

Ha, big Z, little z, i Never knew that in all these years despite once owning a GPz750 twin shocker. Yes I know both the GPZ900 & FJ lump trundled on for a while. My point was their tech was out of date by the late eighties. Really disappointed for you with your SS experience. I had the earlier model from brand new, gear lever fell off day one, ali swinger cracked, manufacturing metal swarf in the oil lines, yet she became a much mod‘ed reliable race bike. I have a Terblanche now, also much altered with a far prettier German made half fairing on her. She’s rock solid reliable. 5k km Blighty - Aragon last September, utterly drama free. Yep, sometimes you just get a lemon.

[@charlieross-BRM]

@@uhtred7860 I know an electrical contractor in Milan. i.e. he gets contracts to install all the power, fire, data cabling in major retail chains new locations. He can buy whatever he wants and his motorcycle pics I saw before I met him were all of the latest Ducatis. Met him the next year and asked about bikes. He is absolutely totally finished with Ducati as a company. Inconsistent quality from the factory and service . . . so he's gone back to what he could afford as a youngster > Suzuki. Italian guy 100% too. Go figure.

[@paul-1875]

only things that i will change on my 3cv 88 is brake upgrade and better mirrors this bike is a gem

[@Adikxx]

Indeed, lovely bikes

[@TrevorBond-m7k]

Mirrors could be longer but as far as brakes concerned they are adequate.if double discs aren't good enough you need to look at your driving

[@paul-1875]

@user-wv3dn9pg2u mybe you should just bother about what you do if you had the fj you would know that the blue spot calipers are an up grade

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Great review as usual, I think its a great looking bike even compared to new overpriced stuff. Some great values out there if you're willing to put in some work!

[@Adikxx]

Awsome bike indeed

[@helgejohan3604]

Great review✊🔥best tyres for fj 1200?

[@Adikxx]

@@helgejohan3604 thanks for watching and dropping a comment !

[@Skippergri]

Thank you for your Informative Video!!

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching! It's appreciated

[@richardwhitehead4684]

If you own that bike and sell it, you’ll regret it. You’ll never get another one. I remember the original 1100’s and then the 1200’s. I considered one in the early 90’s, but bought a vfr 750 instead. It’s a pretty big and heavy bike.

[@Adikxx]

Thanka for commenting, it's appreciated

[@krzysztofkowol5392]

Question about riding experience: can you feel warm air flow from the oil cooler?

[@Adikxx]

No, not really.

[@madheadmadDAZ]

I have the fjr1300 its based on this bike. Now I see why the fjr is so good!

[@Adikxx]

@@madheadmadDAZ indeed, they are superb

[@markvans.4959]

You could call the FJR 1300 the successor to the FJ 1200, but it is certainly not based on the FJ1200.

[@madheadmadDAZ]

@@markvans.4959 Poor choice of words. Anyone else would know what I mean. Yeah, the successor to the FJ1200. Similar engine as they're both inline fours and they're both in the same class sports touring.

[@andriesvanr3422]

Thanks for this. Could you tell me how come these bikes are so unbelievably cheap (at least here in Holland)? I love these bikes but good ones go for as low as 800 here. I don't get it .

[@andriesvanr3422]

Dang typed too soon, never mind!

[@PythonLee]

I loved mine I wish I still had one

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for commenting

[@blipco5]

5:35 That was some heavy breathing you had going on. During your speed runs, we’re you pushing the bike? 😂 Anyways, great review for a great bike. A friend owned an FJ1200 but unfortunately I never rode it when offered.

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for commenting !

[@MrPolska55]

Another excellent review 🎉 🇵🇱

[@Adikxx]

@@MrPolska55 dzieki !

[@SusanWillan]

Im looking at buying an 88 model in Australia 51kms a 1 owner with the 25 years and over plates he's asking 6000$ is that a high price thanks for the video

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for commenting on the video, we appreciate it.💥

[@cbrider726]

I have just bought my second FJ 1200. 31000 miles nothing on this engine . Lighter than the Honda St1100. and i think much better to ride. Lower so that suits my 5ft 8 frame . The St1100 has so many issues like rotting swingin arm . Rotting exhaust systems and a bloody pain to fit. Failing charging systems . Give me the FJ every day . Now i am a Honda man but for the price and cheap to run facter its a great buy. My bike cost me 1700 euros and a bragain at that .

[@Adikxx]

Yep, brilliant bikes those FJs. Thanks for commenting

[@stevemilne750]

Im about to buy my third fj 1200 same colors as in your video great bikes and the engines go on forever very good honest review of the fj i think you covered everything any one needs to know about the bike.

[@Adikxx]

@@stevemilne750 thank you for watching, it's very appreciated.

[@ericscandinavia3220]

I dream of byuing one next summer. I just saw one for 900 euros in Finland. I have to start saving money

[@Adikxx]

Good plan, they're great bikes !

[@ericromeiro6688]

Some front ends looks like my 83 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbi 👍 😊Nice Videos

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching and commenting. At Christmas we will be uploading XJ650 Turbo video review😉

[@ericromeiro6688]

Kool Thanks 👍😊

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant man ❤️👀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant video thank you👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@lorquet21]

Brilliant bike and brilliant video mate!

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@mociczyczki]

masz prawdopodobnie zablokowany egzemplarz na 100 hp albo cos blisko bo z twojego nagrania przyspieszenia wychodzi 6 sek okolo z licznikowych 65 do 105 mph co zakaldam jest rrwalnymi 100-160 km/h 125 hp powinno zejsc ponizej 5 sek spokojnie chyba ze warunki testu byly naprawde fatalne to ze nijestes lekki to wiem dlatego napisalem ponizej 5 a nie blisko 4 😉 pozatym to moj ulubiony model sposorod starych sport turysytycznych motocykli 😁👍🏻 zwlaszcza ergonomia i 5 biegowa skrzynia anie 6 mi sie podobaja i liniowe oddawanie mocy z dobrym dolem 👌🏻 chociaz plytki zaworowe to akurat wada i pewnie ma lancuszki i napinacze kolejna wada 🤮 + ma dobry dosc i liniowo ale max nm 93 na 6 k rpm co do poziomu rpm na jakich siedzi zabardzo bym nienarzekal niejest bardzo wysoko ale sam poziom 93 nm z 1,2 litra powoedzmy sobie szczerze to niejest zaduzo daleko do 100 nm z litra przy max limicie dla n/a 120 nm z litra okolo w tej kategori wypada slabiutko 🤷🏻‍♂️ 78 nm zlitra 🤮 patola w huy 💩 120 nm z 1188 ccm na 4-5 k rpm i elastyka staje sie 👉🏻 🌪☄️ „ atomowa „zwalszcza ze mamy tutaj 5 biegowa skrzynke chcoicaz czy 5 czy 6 na ostatnim biegu fabryka i tak by prawdodpodobnie ustawila te same obroty silnika dla tej samej predkosci tak ze cokolwiek ale 3 wady dla mnie malo nm z tej pojemnosc ,plytki zaworowe ,lancuszki i napinacze reszta mi sie podoba nara 👍🏻 co do wiekszego skoki tloku i mniejszej srednicy to niezwieksza momentu obrotowegos redniego uzytecznego 👍🏻 chwilowo wpiku przy tej samej kompresji i poziomie paliwa i powietrza jedynie ale on niema wplywu na odczucia kierowca w kwesti przecizez przyspieszen elastycznosci sredni uyteczny jednynie ma 😎 nara 👌🏻proporcja srenicy do skoku tloka wynosi w przypadku fj 1200 1,2 zaledwie przy skoku tloku 63,8 milimetra z pojemnosci 1188 ccm „3 wiec jak powiedziales jest to dosc dlugoskokowowy silnik w porownaniu do np kawasaki zx 12 r gdzie ta proporcja wynosi 1,5 az z skokiem tloka zaledwie 55,4 milimetra z pojemnosci 1199 ccm „3 jest to silnik zatem duzo bardziej krotkoskowowy tym czasem sredni uzyteczny moment obrotowy generowany przez fj 1200 wynosi zaledwie 93 nm podczas gdy w przypadku zx12 r wynosi lacialt for it lacialt for it 👉🏻 nuklearne 134 nm 😧🌪☄️ na niecow yszszych coprawda obrotach bo 7,5 k rpm vs w fj na 6 k rpm masz pik ale zx12 r juz na 6 k rpm ma duzo wiecej z 110-120 nm vs 93 nm fj 🤭 skok tloka prpducent dobiera pod inne wytyczneniz moment obrotowy takie jak musi dopasowac skok do predkosci obrotowej silnika zeby nieprzekroczyc granicznej wartosci predkosci tloka po ktorej wal korby tlok cokolwiek urywaja sie i wylatuja przez zbiornik paliwa czy gdzies tam cokolwiek pozatym wplywa to na dzwiek etc sam uzyteczny wyjsciowy sredni moment obrotowy w zasadzie jest pomijalny i niema to na niego wplywu 🤷🏻‍♂️ z duzo bardziej krotkoskowowego silnika mozesz wycisnac ten sam nm albo duzo wiecej jak w przykladzie z ta fj i zx12 r odpowiednio dobierajac kompresje wydehc dolot etc 3 nara mam nadzieje ze ostatnie dzisiaj 🤭😉👋🏻albo nie jeszcze cos sam tlok na 15 k rpm moze miec chwilowa efektywna mase w chwili max przeciazenia przekraczajaca mase statyczna motocykla 👍🏻 dlatego wal korby etc moga sie trpche potargac jak sie przekrpczy dane przeciazenie z czego wygeneruje sie nieco zaduzo sily niz zalozenia inzynieryjno projektowow konsturkcyjny zakadajaco dozwalajaca pozwalaja 👋🏻 nara nr 4 tera tp juz bez kitu nara jak bum cyk wpisdziec 👋🏻 zartowalem z tym nara bo max nm w zx12 r to nie 134 tylko 137 nm zaleznie od zrodla mala poprawka danych technicznych 😉nara 👋🏻no sprawdzilem wykresy na wale zx12 r na 6 k rpm ma 120-125 nm 🌪 nara 👋🏻 +90 nm mozna uzyskac z 750 z skokiem do srednicy jak w cbr 250 rr mc 22 czyli tez cos kolo 1,5 🤭 ta cebra ma nawet mniejsza ta wartosc propprcji niz zx 12 r bo 1,43 okolo ale skok duzo mniejszy botez 4 garki i tylko 250 ccm wiec skok zaledwie 33,8 mm .

[@garyleake4616]

Fantastic bikes I have two spread all round the shed 😂😂❤❤ must start to do something about that.

[@306Geni]

Czy zamierzasz zrobić kiedyś materiał o GPz1100?

[@Adikxx]

Bardzo bym chcial gdyz to swietny motocykl👈

[@ChrisCraven602]

Having trouble with cluch an slipping

[@pat-ko8888]

15:46 swietny motorek,wygodny i żwawy.Swietnie brzmi od 9000rpm,jak f1.

[@gerryryan2302]

Always been a big miss for me , never owned one but wish I had

[@fiskegnu]

Like the bike (got one) 😀,, like the leather jacket (do not have one) does anyone knows the brand …

[@zx9b2]

Great content as always.

[@enfielddnepr]

Is it unstable/wobbly in fast cornering like the xj900f? (weak frame)

[@cookiemonster2299]

Exup 17" rear wheel and progressive fork springs sorts that right out, I've ridden my 3cv around the outside of power rangers getting their sliders down 😜, they didn't see the funny side 🤣👍🇬🇧.

[@countryjoe3551]

Definitely not a weak frame, it's nothing like the xj900. A FJ1200 with upgraded suspension and brakes is an absolute hoot in the twisties. I consider a 17" wheel swap to be essential if you're going to actually put a lot of miles on one.

[@kahidunn7907]

Tyre's make a huge difference to the handling of the FJs. Keep them reasonably fresh and don't forget your wheel bearings 😃

[@michaelbelfast1]

Great review!

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching and commenting ! We appreciate it !

[@bobcohoon9615]

Sounds like brakes are glazed from over heat . These bikes will do about 125 mph in 1/4 mile

[@teecee3918]

Excellent Stuff 👍

[@Solsonacd]

Excellent!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@nbowling10trio]

650 turbo or 1200?

[@Adikxx]

@@nbowling10trio i personally would pick XJ650 Turbo.

[@janiskrauze4136]

Cool

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching

[@vincenzoniglioITALIAINTHEWORLD]

8.000 usd value?

[@Adikxx]

Fully restored with engine rebuilt? Sure.

[@richardkolinek6598]

Mein hat 183000 t km 91 ein gut Motorrad mein 3fj lg aus Wien Richard

[@Adikxx]

Thanks for watching the video and commenting. 183.000km is incredible ! It proves how super durable those motors are.

[@TrustMeiamaD.R.]

Junk bikes. Pure junk. Avoid!!!

[@countryjoe3551]

LOL!!!!!!!!

[@TrustMeiamaD.R.]

@@countryjoe3551 FJ1200. The bike that put the hahaha in yamaha.

[@SusanWillan]

Why's that I could name much worse

[@TrustMeiamaD.R.]

@@SusanWillan Go on then. Do they start with Yamaha -ha-ha?