1987 Yamaha FJ1200 from New Zealand

Faults:

Starter burned out at 75,000ks but half expected at this age, cheap to fix.

Had nothing but pure riding bliss for the 10,000ks I've put on her.

General Comments:

This bike is not for the faint hearted; awesome sounding, frickin fast, and so far reliable as all the rave reviews say they are.

Love this bike, and recommend it for anyone looking for a cheap fast reliable bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2008

9th Aug 2010, 05:29

Hi. I'm in Aust. Got a 93, done 70 000 kms on her, and only ever had clutch cyl problems, apart from getting absolutely no distance out of tyres, and I live in the country where there ain't no corners, but I love her.

1993 Yamaha FJ1200 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Possibly, the ultimate driving machine

Faults:

Not a lot really. Nothing serious at all, just silly little things that annoy you. Blown bulbs and the ABS system was a bit temperamental at times.

General Comments:

Best bike I've ridden. Very, very comfortable, a real mile muncher and volcanically powerful.

It wasn't a 'bum up head down' job and wasn't the fastest machine on the road, but, if you were prepared to work on it a bit, it could certainly fly.

For such a big machine, the seat wasn't high and even I, a small bloke, could touch down on both sides.

The wind shield was excellent as was the side stand engine immobilizer. The number of times I've taken off on other bikes with the side stand down!

Being a big bike with a car engine, it wasn't very economical and if you pushed it hard, the fuel consumption was pretty dire.

The engine was this bike's gem, reliable, hugely powerful 125BHP and sounded absolutely gorgeous.

If I was riding again today, I'd have another one.

If you're out there Big Bad Blue, I miss you.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2008

22nd Feb 2009, 11:15

That's too bad you sold it.

I did the same mistake with a GSX 1400 a couple years ago...

Now I'm looking for a good used machine like the FJ 1200 (no cash for a new one).

30th Sep 2009, 01:49

I have a ZX9R and a FJ1200. I love the FJ1200. I'm selling the Z 9 and it's nearly new. The old FJ is much better by far. My kids don't like her 80s look, but I do love it. What a bike.

14th Jan 2010, 14:18

It's wonderful to read so many positive comments about the old FJ's. Just tonight I've agreed to buy a '91 model in original condition for a grand, and I can't wait to get my hands on her. Looking forward to all this snow melting and some warmer, lighter evenings in the summertime.

14th Nov 2010, 15:33

I have owned an FJ1200 for 20 years. The bike has covered to date 124,000 miles. Very good acceleration, comfort, 150 M.P.H, 35/43 M.P.G.

1986 Yamaha FJ1200 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Heavy, fast, comfy, but can be expensive to run overheats around town

Faults:

2nd gear started slipping at 26,000 miles.

Clutch slipped all the time I had it.

General Comments:

I first had a Yamaha FJ1200 to use some twenty years ago now. I decided the bigger the bike, the better it would be taking it over the XJ900.

The price when bought was £2600. Today I have another; it cost me £750 on eBay.

It does not use much petrol at 45mpg, and will do 160mph according to the speedo. The motor makes a claimed 128hp @ 9000 revolutions per minute. It has also 85 ft lbs of torque at 7000rpm.

The fact is I had used it for 26000 miles. It had clutch slip all the time. I would put this down to my riding style; flat out everywhere. The engine overheated so as to make my petrol tank very hot if driving around Central London all day.

It's 'WOW' factor is the acceleration 0-100 in 6.5 seconds. I cannot recommend the rear top box and carrier by Givi; it snapped all the time and had to welded.

It has a very good reputation for reliability if driven at legal speeds.

As it over heats around town, it is for motorways or long distance riding mainly!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2008