Yamaha FJ1200 Vs Yamaha XS1100 - Yamaha's Big-Bore Evolution!

[@CC-mb8fi]

Had 4 Yammie 1100 shafties, 1st one out the crate. Also the blue FJ1200 and the maroon FJR1300. Miss all of them

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They are great machines!

[@ShawnPatterson402]

I really miss my 1986 FJ1200. Got one in early summer of 86 but suddenly life became family and I decided to seel it in the early 90s. Some days I still wonder why. Would love to still have that machine.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on. Hopefully, your family appreciates the sacrifice. The good news is that there are still lots of nice bikes out there. Cheers!

[@bruces3613]

In the 90's I built a 1314cc FJ with porting and upgraded clutch. What a beast, a ZX11 killer and still good for long two up trips.

[@leviefrauim1425]

Two outstanding classics from Yamaha.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree!

[@1vincej1]

My wife said to me today. "There you go looking at that 1200 again" lol. Great video. Thanx again.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome!

[@1vincej1]

Lol

[@hotchihuahua1546]

There are two bikes I owned that bring fond memories ! The Yamaha FJ1100 and the Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja ! Two iconic motorcycles even today would be a joy to ride !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I've owned both the FJ1100 and original 900 Ninja previously and they were great bikes. Fairly comfortable, easy to ride, and very competent. Cheers!

[@aussiebandit9317]

Nice review. I have considered the FJR1300 in the past, I like seeing the evolution to what is being produced now.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! The FJs are still nice bikes if you can find a clean one. Cheers!

[@TamásFejős-e9b]

I have an fj 1200 / 1987 for 3 years from now. It has 113K miles in its heart, and it just runs fine as it can be...despite of all the bad things can happen to a motorcycle's engine, like gas flooding the crankcase (I did not notice it for a long time and pushed the sht out of this poor old lady on the highway) or not good type of oil was used in the bike for 2 years by the previous owner. It pulls hard, sounds awesome. Really noisy at idle, but I got used to it. John, your bike is in 10 times better shape than mine, so if you change oil regularly, and check your valve clearances, it will last way longer than you might live (hope you will celebrate your 101st birthday). Greetings from Hungary, Tamas

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you, Tamas! I'm glad you're enjoying your FJ1200. To get 113k miles out of any bike is awesome. Greetings from Pennsylvania, USA!

[@fingerlakesdiet560]

Great video. I'm restoring a 1980 Special. As a teenager in the late seventies I lusted after all the inline 4's. I did have a friend that bought a Honda CBX new, those prices have gone through the roof. Cheers.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! You can check out the XS1100 Special playlist on this channel to see what I did to get mine running and road-ready. The CBX is eye candy and ear candy all in one. I'll be referring to the CBX in my 1980-1981 GS1100E review that will post to the channel tomorrow morning. Cheers!

[@RockinGuy1994]

Dad had a midnight special 850

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I would love to ride one of those at some point. Cheers!

[@bobs.3346]

Excellent review of these two classic motorcycles, thank you so much!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! I appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@postersm7141]

Several years back, I had the XS 1100 1979 original And let me tell you that bike was properly quick. I’m currently riding a 2023 Yamaha MT 10 which is obviously a properly quick motorcycle as well but I still remember how fast XS 1100 was. I nicknamed it the zapper because you twist the throttle on that thing and zap you go through time and space like you wouldn’t believe. if I remember correctly, mine had either a 130 mph or 150 mph speedometer I can’t remember but I noticed that yours has the 80 mile an hour speedometer.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

This XS1100 is still properly quick as well. Sitting up in the wind gives it a real sense of speed when you twist the throttle. The FJ just feels relaxed. I was shocked when I timed the results. 1980-1982 the 85 mph speedometers were government mandated, I believe.

[@growlers90]

Upgraded my XS750 to an XS1100 when first produced and was amazed at the power delivery. Almost forgot how to charge gears because it just went, accelerating faster the faster it went. I used to compare it to “Warp drive”. The XS1100 was introduced to the UK with a free Martini style fairing that made it look like a cop bike so people got out of your way as you passed them which was a bonus . 😂😂

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@growlers90 So cool 😎! Thanks for sharing the memories! Even today, the XS1100 acceleration is impressive. Cheers!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

There are some really special feelings and emotions associated with "the first". So it is for me with my 78 Kawasaki KE100 bought new at 11yrs old and 10 years later with my first streetbike, the 81 XS1100 Special. I had gone about 5 years without riding, and while stationed oversees, I would constantly dream and imagine what it would be like to ride in these amazing places that I was experiencing in Southern Bavaria and the Alps of Austria and Switzerland. I regret not getting a bike while living there. As soon as I got stateside, my dreams were realized taking that XS for my first ride up and through the Rockies out of Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek. I absolutely love the XS1100!! Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool Eric! Thanks for sharing the memories!

[@sthildas4857]

We tend to change the pegs on the FJ in the UK plus blue spot brakes. I have lifted the bars, positive stable plus great fun. 🇬🇧

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, what pegs did you go with? I haven't heard of Blue Spot brakes here. Are they the sintered pads? Cheers!

[@markwat5958]

The XS1100 has always held a place in my heart from my very earliest biking days. My first machine was a 1975 Yamaha FS1E, bought in 1979 shortly after my 16th birthday. Out for a spirited ride around my home in Oxfordshire, I noticed 2 much larger bikes catch up to me then pass as if I was at a standstill, I was maxed out and head down so probably about 46-7 mph 😂. I pulled into a local Yamaha dealer near my village to pick up a part and the 2 bikes were parked outside, a silver and blue XS750 and a gold pinstriped metallic red XS1100, both nearly new. I must have been staring at them in awe when the 1100 rider came out of the shop, he smiled at me and said “ you were going well for a littlun mate” I think I said thanks or something but was a bit star struck “ you’ll have one like this one day mate, take it steady” and he walked back into the shop. I waited around for a while to watch them start up and ride off, must have looked like a right sap, it was worth it though. To me they were 2 huge bikes with god like riders, so smooth and skilled as they accelerated off the forecourt and onto the road. I’ve had over 50 bikes in the years since, everything from Rd350lc, Fireblades, ZX12R, Harley Road kings, BMW GS adventures and standard, GSX-R track bikes etc etc but I would still love to have a metallic red XS1100E in my garage 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Mark! Thanks for sharing the memories. Cheers!

[@wheelie63]

great story.

[@boppyj]

Thanks for the great video. I still have my 1979 XS 1100 F, that I bought brand new. Runs great and I am still jacked by the smooth responsive power. In my senior citizen eyes, it still looks like a real motorcycle too. Ha Ha.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They're still smooth, powerful, good-looking bikes. Cheers!

[@jschoneger]

Finally the XS1100 getting some well deserved props. I have an 80 XS100SG that I got in 1981. It now has 35K on it and a few updates. The buckhorn bars replaced with drag bars from the 80s and a sweet MAC 4-1 pipe. I've owned a lot of bikes since then and this is the only one I kept. Short in town hops are on the XS and multi week tours on the HD Ultra. Great bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! It's awesome that you've owned the XS1100 that long. Cheers!

[@lukewarmwater6412]

I have one of each of these. The xs 1100 was the first off the floor stock bike to do a 10.35 quarter mile. It's a nice ride. The fj is a delightful monster!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@lukewarmwater6412 Right on!

[@ShannonWerner-s8g]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 something about old yamaha's. I cant pass up any dirt bike from the 70's at all... anyone want a ct 175?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@ShannonWerner-s8g Hahaha! I know the feeling. Cheers!

[@michaelpullen6812]

Both great bikes! I always loved the red and white paint on the earlier FJ’s. I have my XS11, time for the FJ! 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@welcometotherabbithole]

I have a custom xs400 and just got a pair of salvage FJs. Great channel Jon. Your knowledge, attention to detail and eloquence is refreshing. Thank you for sharing. Your sound is fantastic, how are you micing your helmet?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback. I use a GoPro with the media mod for off-bike filmwork, and I use a plug-in PowerDeWise mic inside my helmet for on-road filming. Cheers!

[@realSethMeyers]

I'd kill to get my hands on an 80s FJ1200

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'll post a video if I put this one up for sale. Cheers!

[@29madmangaud29]

I think that popping out of gear problem was pretty much fixed in the '79 year, the '80, and '81 wasn't so much doing it. 🤞

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Me too (fingers crossed)!

[@jasonfisher4860]

🤞🏼🙏🏼😎(2nd gear issues be gone!)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jasonfisher4860 Amen!

[@altec19]

I remember falling in love with that FJ 1100/1200 back in 84/85 But I didn’t have the money back then I always wanted one over the years I finally got a 2016 FJR to satisfy that itch ! Great review on two classic bikes !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, the FJR is a great bike! Cheers!

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

Nice Review Jon. Just a thought for both bikes. Fork brace & front steering damper stabilizers, especially XS . Beautiful Motorcycles. Thanks for the ride!😎👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, James! Those are great ways to get the best out of the XS1100. Cheers!

[@RobsRidesPA]

Nice video. I agree with your assessment of the FJ. I had an FJ1100 and it was a great all around bike. You do any kind of riding you wanted with it, sporty, high speed, touring, etc. Whatever you wanted to do, it would do. Great bikes!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Rob!

[@davidhoddell4209]

I had a 1990 FJ1200,commuted 150 miles to work on it,never let me down.A very smooth reliable mile eater. Sold the bike 16 years later,became a little too heavy for me in my 70's. Still luv Yamaha's,have an out of favour 82 XJ650,but I like it. Also enjoy my 78 XT500 & sadly, betrayed the Yamaha brand for the first time with a little Suzuki TC185 Ranger.The Suzuki is a basket case long term project,parts dependent.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@davidhoddell4209 So cool 😎! I think the 1990 FJ1200 got a rubber mounted engine, which greatly helps the smoothness. The XJ650 was a nice bike as well. Good luck with the Suzuki!

[@rickh8380]

Two more beautiful bikes Jon. Thanks for taking me on your rides of each of these. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down. Cheers

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome Rick!

[@64faffi]

Kenny Roberts, back in 1978, took a journalist from German magazine MOTORRAD on the back of the then new XS1100 for a lap around the old Nurburgring. Wearing nothing but street clothes and a helmet, Roberts still circulating at a record pace for street bikes, still carrying the very frightened motorcycle journalist on the pillion.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm sure the journalist had his eyes closed for most of the circuit! I watched the Australian endurance race that the XS1100 won (against the GS1000E, CBX, etc.). The XS1100 looked like a handful, with its rear suspension pogoing up and down. You can't argue with the result, but I don't want to push my XS1100 in the corners like that! Cheers!

[@propdoctor21564]

Another great video as always

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@BiGDeE3]

great comparo John .. as always great vid

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@joshualuna9683]

got an fj1100,and an 850 sxtripple both great bikes ,awesome video

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Josh! Thanks.

[@Jerryosu83]

Lovely bikes as usual John, have you ever looked at the Honda Super Magna from 1987/1988? I have come across one for sale near me recently, interesting bikes...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've ridden the original V-45 and the 1990s Magna but never the Super Magna. It looks cool and has a cult following.

[@travistaylor3186]

Great video. I loved my 80 XS1100. Very refined power and has a great look.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Travis! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@spaceflight1019]

Back in the day, the magazine tests featured the roll-on times in the top three gears. This was important for those who liked to ride on two-lane highways like US30 and US40 that are frequented by truckers and RV jockeys. The XS Elevens arrived near the end of the Vetter fairing era, as the Gold Wing had set the touring standard and would soon be followed by the Venture, Cavalcade, and Voyager purpose-built touring bikes. Bikes of the era were engineered well enough to remain competent machines 40 years later. The only sticking point is availability of replacement parts, and as you showed with the FJ1200, tires. Later models had a 17 inch front tire, so I can't say how much that issue will affect availability.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@kenbowlus2995]

Fortunately, the Pirelli Sport Demon and Bridgestone Battlax BT45 are decent sport/touring tires that are still made in the correct sizes for the FJ1200. The Pirelli's can be a little easier to find, because the demand for these sizes is obviously extremely low and most suppliers will only carry one brand in a couple sizes, if at all. At least if you find a supplier and can order ahead, they should be available. The quintessential '80s sport bike tire was the Pirelli Phantom, which is still being made as the Phantom Sportcomp, but only in 17" and 18" sizes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@kenbowlus2995 This is my first experience with the Sport Demons, but I like them so far. Cheers!

[@kenbowlus2995]

Given the limited choice based on size alone, most people buying tires for an 80's sport bike have no previous experience with these tire sizes and default to choosing Pirelli simply based on their historical reputation for quality sport rubber. Back in the day, we used to ride liter bikes at full tilt on 130/80 and 130/90 rear tires with no silica in the compounds. 😱@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

[@countryjoe3551]

If you're really going to put a lot of miles on a FJ1100 or 1200, a 17" rear wheel swap is essential, in my experience. It's a very easy project if you use a YZF600R 17"x 5" wheel or an early GSXR 750/1100 17"x 5.5" rear wheel and brake assembly. Now the sky's the limit for tire choices. All you have to do to get a 17" front wheel on the FJ 1100 and early FJ1200 is swap the lower fork sliders, wheel and brakes to the early FJ upper fork legs. You also get better front brakes with the 17" wheel and the ability to upgrade them with later model Yamaha blue, silver or gold dot calipers.

[@bruces3613]

2nd gear was popping out on my FJ, removal and a back cut on the dogs fixed it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, 2nd gear issues plagued many of the superbikes. My previous FJ1100 would skip in and out of 2nd at the top of the rev range. Undercutting the dogs was the proper thing to do. Cheers!

[@bruces3613]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 In the late 90's APE made a proper coil spring clutch conversion to replace that awfully weak diaphragm clutch. The FJ1100/200 engine became the spec powerplant for 1/2 scale Legend car oval racing during this time period, which was good for aftermarket upgrades but now bad because you just don't see the bikes anymore. Now you did it I want one again! Good points on the low and long chassis handling points.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@bruces3613 Right on, thanks, Bruce!

[@bruces3613]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Performed the back cut with my Dremel and also on the mating slots of the other gear to draw the parts together under torque. Not sure that's a common approach but with all the power from the big bore kit it never jumped out.

[@wdhewson]

Thanks Jon, did you change the XS1100 petcocks to manual one? If so, which ones did you install? I'm looking at that change presently.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm still running the stockers on mine. Cheers!

[@hollywoodcapone641]

I owned an XS1100… I’m on a FJR1300 now but the XS is like an old girlfriend I still think of from time to time ❤

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@hollywoodcapone641 Very cool 😎!

[@jasonfisher4860]

XS1100 for the WIN!!! *I agree Jon, thx. 🤣🤣🤣 JK- Ride what you have... wave to me out there.✌🏼🇺🇸🙏🏼

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on. No loosers in this comparison! If I'm on two wheels, I'm happy. Cheers!

[@29madmangaud29]

Yes, the '81 Yami XS1100H, that I have, has the bags, and the fairing and when I have the LOWERS on, I've went in the summer, from Yuma, to Phoenix, about 200 miles, and wow the heat just roasting my calves,,,,, good thing for Hi-way bars, other wise...........

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, fully faired bikes are great in cooler weather, not so much in the heat!

[@SlavaVologodtskiy]

Привет из России!

[@dknox331]

Hello do u know of anyone that may have a 1989 kawasaki zx10 for sale?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I don't. I wish I still had mine! It was my first sportbike. Cheers!

[@henryhawk978]

What would you say if Yamaha had put shaft drive on the FJ? It looks as though for that period both of these bikes did very well what they were designed to do. I would love to have either one in my or both in my stable. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Henry! I'm a fan of a good shaft-drive system.

[@countryjoe3551]

I've owned 2 FJ 1200s and would not find them nearly as attractive with a shaft drive. I like being able to change my gearing to match my wants very inexpensively. I'm also not a big fan of the shaft jacking effect that you get from most Japanese shaft drive systems.

[@CC-mb8fi]

😢The Special was not as good in the twisties as the normal 1.1 The extended "chopper" raked forks ensured it was a cruiser or straight line speed If i remember, the Special had same gearing but with a 16" rear whereas the 1.1 had a 17" rear, this would contribute to the taller gearing. The 17" wheel was a direct swap.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I have subsequently replaced the tires on the XS1100 Special and it drastically improved the handling. It would be a fun comparison to ride the Standard and Special versions of the XS1100 back-to-back. Cheers!

[@CC-mb8fi]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I replaced my rear shocks on my 1.1 with Marzocchi .....best move i could ever make Pirelli tyre at the back gave much more confidence In front i added some extra cc fork oil above std recommendation and if i remember it was 25% but i may be wrong (1980 is a long time ago and i am almost 70) I uprated to Dunlop (?) Sintered racing disc pads that helped with braking The 1.1 racing boffins in South Africa gave me some tips to riding the shaftie fast and its to get off the traditional clipping the apex riding, but staying outside on trailing front brake to keep front down then getting on throttle from wide to inside and you can carry more speed as you are already down in the lean and the raising suspension with the rider weight forwards will raise the rear but weight and front break keeps front tucked and you can exit on the inside of the corner instead of outside- apex- outside, you would be outside- inside further apex- inside and you will be on the throttle sooner and harder Just an unexpected move that the rider with chain drive in front expects you to follow his line but switching it puts you on more power on his inside because your lean angle is more entering but shorter duration and upright way before the outside line The handling of modern day bikes with a 1980's bike will bury you now because they are just so good compared to then My last bike was a heavily modified BKing that ran 316 top and 9,61 @239 in the 1/4 and the 80's bikes are no match for that brutality. And yes, i was 64yo on that piece of insanity.......

[@CC-mb8fi]

The 1.1 used a 120 x17 rear with a 3,25 x19 front, my BKing used a 120 front and a 190 rear Massive difference in tyre Bking had better tyre in front than the 1.1 at the back I modded the 1.1 with it giving 130/135 hp on the back wheel on dyno at 1800m amsl, so it was a monster with many trick parts and revved to 11,000 Ran top speed run on the shaftie at 279kmh Sketch First run i had at 240 it started to weave in the front. After speaking to the racing guys they said factory recommended tyre pressure was too low for that speeds, to pump rear 2,3 bar and front at 3,2 bar. The rear had rim locks but the front not and the skinny would "grow" at spead and start to move on the rim. By going to 3,2bar front it took away the weave like magic and i could keep it pinned to run the 279 We built a second 1.1 with nitreous and ran 303 top. That was a yellow and black faired bike also with a Basani 4:1

[@CC-mb8fi]

We also cut 1 coil off the springs on the carbs so that the bike was manageable at lower rpm because the springs are "harder" (ie, same force to compress but over less distance) but at about 6-7,000 they would bang open and change the nature of the beast to sort of on-off throttle Get a spare set of springs before you go this route to ever cut them, you may not like it.

[@CC-mb8fi]

I can tell you stories of those bikes, reliability was impeccable and never let me down and sold the first one that was modded with over 185,000 km on it, no oil leaks, no trouble, just regular service and mainttenance. I really miss mine.

[@29madmangaud29]

I've since removed the lowers, they look better on, but usefulness here in the desert southwest... not so much!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice that they're removable!

[@baydikov84]

im buy xs 1100 special. amazing bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The XS1100 is still a great motorcycle. Cheers!

[@29madmangaud29]

"Go.......TORQUE MONSTER"....

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@journeyquest1]

FJ1200 nice.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@karlvanboxel561]

Great machines These FJ 1200s r reputed to go 200000 miles if looked after

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I plan on taking care of this one while I have it!

[@larryharry7221]

I almost dumped my dad's new XS11 special. I cracked the throttle and it got away from me.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's easy to do. I'm glad you're safe!

[@straightchad8059]

XS 1100 has charm = Boeing B-29 FJ 1200 has efficiency = Boeing B-52

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@kenbowlus2995]

FJ1200 = McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kenbowlus2995 Nice! As a big aviation fan, I love the aircraft references!

[@alcoanotalcoa6841]

my 1100 was perfect

[@robertrose6309]

Don't know why you keep comparing a 1980 Yamaha XS1100 Special to other older bikes. The1979 had more horse power, a hidden kicker, more comfortable pull back handle bars & was the BEST YEAR FOR THE 1100 SPECIAL!! The 80 was NO COMPARISON TO THE 79!! GET IT RIGHT!!!!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

If you have a nice 1979 XS1100 Special, I would love to compare it to other bikes. Cheers!

[@robertrose6309]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538Have a few pictures of my 79, but don't know how to send them to you

[@jeffblack1902]

To totally different rides but to totally awesome bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jeffblack1902 Right on!