Yamaha FJ1200

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Yamaha FJ1200


aka =
manufacturer = Yamaha
production = 1986 - 1996
predecessor = FJ1100
successor = FJR1300
parent_company =
class = Sport touring
power = 130 HP @ 9,000 rpm
torque = 70.1 ft/lb @ 7,000 rpm
platform =
engine = 1,188cc air/oil-cooled in-line four cylinder
transmission = 5 speed
rake = 27.5 degrees
trail = 112mm
wheelbase = 1495mm
length = 2230mm
width = 775mm
seat_height =
dry_weight =
wet_weight = 266 kg
fuel_economy = 35 mpg
fuel_capacity = 22L
related =
similar = The Yamaha FJ1200 is a sport touring motorcycle produced by the Yamaha Motor Corporation between 1986 and 1996.

Development

FJ1100

Yamaha released the predecessor to the FJ1200, the FJ1100, in 1984. The bike was popular, and competed well against others in the "sport-touring" class of motorcycles. This class is characterised by retaining sportiness while integrating more street-friendly riding characteristics, including good manoeuvrability as well as long distance comfort, such as a more upright seating configuration designed to reduce back strain and a large fairing to reduce fatigue from wind resistance. Emphasis is placed on a balance of utility and sport, rather than pure performance orientation. The machine was noticeably narrower than many contemporaries, Yamaha achieved this by placing the alternator behind the cylinders instead of the more normal position on the end of the crankshaft. [Haynes 0.5]

FJ1200

In 1986, the decision was made by Yamaha to boost the performance of the FJ1100 by increasing cubic capacity and adding upgraded suspension and other components. The result was the FJ1200. Produced in three main successive versions (1TX, 3CV and 3XW) each updated version benefited from improvements to bodywork, front and rear suspension components, and the addition of an optional ABS-equipped version (FJ1200A) from 1991 until 1996, when Yamaha discontinued the FJ1200 in the United Kingdom. The model was discontinued in the United States in 1993. Market competitors during its production years included the BMW K100RS, Suzuki's 1100 Katana and Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-10. [Haynes 0.5]

Design

Engine

The FJ1200 uses a four cylinder in-line layout and is air cooled. Sixteen valves are operated by a chain driven double overhead camshaft, valve clearances are adjusted using shims. The four constant velocity carburettors are mounted in a bank behind the cylinders and feed each cylinder through short intake manifolds. Four exhaust downpipes join a box below the engine where the gases are split to exit through two silencers. The crankshaft is geared directly to the clutch, no counter balancer shaft is used. Starting is by electric starter only. Lubrication is wet sump using a trochoid pump, an oil radiator assists with cooling. [Haynes 2.4] Both the FJ1100 and FJ1200 were fitted with an additional fuel vapour recovery system to comply with California emission regulations. [Clymer p.216]

Transmission

The FJ1200 uses a five speed sequential close ratio gearbox, the gear shafts are only removable by splitting the crankcases.The clutch is of the wet, multiple-disc diaphagm spring type and is hydraulically operated. Final drive is by O-ring chain and sprockets. A safety feature of the FJ1200 is that the engine ignition is cut if first gear is selected with the sidestand down, this is commonplace on modern motorcycles. [Haynes 2.5]

Chassis

The frame of the FJ1200 is manufactured from mild steel box-section and uses a perimeter layout, the fairing and upper rear section use separate cylindrical tubing sub-frames. The rear shock absorber is placed vertically behind the engine and connects to an extruded aluminium alloy swinging arm via several forged aluminium rocker arms. The 17" front wheel is held between 41mm spring and oil damped forks. The FJ1100 and early FJ1200 models featured adjustable anti-dive units and a smaller diameter 16" wheel.The FJ1100 and early FJ1200 used twin ventilated disc brakes for the front wheel with a single ventilated disc at the rear. FJ1200 models, 3CV & 3XW, used solid front discs but retained the rear ventilated disc, front brake calipers were upgraded to a four piston design.An Anti-lock braking system was used on the FJ1200A. A full fairing protects the rider, varying height windscreens were available as options. [Haynes 5.2]

Electrical system

The FJ1200 features a standard 12 volt electrical system. The alternator and starter motor are mounted behind the cylinders. Yamaha's self cancelling indicator unit is used and a variable resistance gauging system is used to monitor engine oil contents with associated warning lights. A large fuel gauge is provided as is a low level warning light.
Nippondenso Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) is used in conjunction with two coils. The FJ1200 fuel reserve system is unusual in that when the fuel level reaches approximately 5 litres remaining ignition is cut to two cylinders giving the impression that the vehicle is running out of fuel, a reserve switch mounted in the fairing restores the cut cylinders allowing the rider to continue normally. [Haynes 8.2]

Riding impressions

The FJ1200 is outdated by today's technological standards, but still has merit in several areas, especially in terms of handling and ride comfort. The engine is a reliable and efficient workhorse geared to provide ample torque even low in the RPM range. The top speed on a standard bike is around 155mph, but its virtues shine in the 80 to 90mph range, where a light twist of the throttle can propel the rider past other traffic without changing gear. The rider and passenger are treated well by a wide and comfortable seat, and the frame and rider positioning are suited even to tall riders. Because of the long production run of this model, with relatively few changes, parts are readily available and owner groups are numerous.

pecifications (FJ1100/FJ1200)

References

;Noteswww.bikez.com
www.yamaha-motor.com;Bibliography
* Ahlstrand, Alan and Haynes, John H. "Yamaha FJ100 & 1200 Fours". Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ UK: Haynes Publishing, 1996. ISBN 1-85960-229-0.
* "Clymer, Yamaha FJ100 & FJ1200 1984-1993". P.O. Box 12901, Overland Park, Kansas. Intertec Publishing, second edition 1996. ISBN 0-89287-605-0

External links

* [http://www.fjclub.co.uk/ The UK FJ Owners Club and FUDGE Workshop]
* [http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/ FJ Modifications Site]
* [http://www.fj1200archives.com/ Greg's searchable archive of the Netpath FJ1200 mailing list and Yahoo group]
* [http://www.gfm.net:443/~march/index.php?action=fj1200 Greg's FJ1200 specs page]
* [http://www.pashnit.com/fj1200.htm An FJ1200's 30,000 mile Story]
* [http://my.stratos.net/~rickw/fj1200.htm Owner's Site]
* [http://www.geocities.com/willyougo/fj1200.html Another Owner's Site]
* [http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/yamahafj/ FJ Owner's Yahoo Group]
* [http://jvgavila.com/fj1200.htm Another FJ1200 Owner's Site]
* [http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_fj_1200_1990.php FJ1200 Specs and ratings]
* [http://forum.fj-ownersclub.nl Dutch FJ Forum]
* [http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx Yamaha's parts diagrams, just select the bike]
* [http://motosdelegende.vosforums.com/index.php French FJ Forum]

Related content

*List of Yamaha motorcycles