My next Yamaha project

[TX650A Van Islander]

This photo shows the bar risers installed as noted by the blue arrows, and I also installed a new ignition assembly as the original one was damaged by someone presumably trying to steal it prior to my ownership.
Currently I've got all of the fairings off to try and get rid of some vibrations and I also lubricated the speedo cable. Hopefully I'll have this all back together and a fresh oil change within about 3 weeks. It will take about 10 days to get the oil nozzle from RPM in California.

Despite these troubles, it did run really really well on the trip through Washington in September, so there is hope.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I know I said I was going to sell this big 1200 but I've changed my mind, at least for this next year. Having wanted to own an FJ1200 for so many years and finally getting one, I can't sell it, at least not yet.
I just installed a set of RPM bar risers which bring the bars back and up about 3/4". I'm hopeful it makes a difference on my shoulders, which will be turning 60 this year.
One of the issues I've had with it is what I've learned is the nasty starter chain noise at cold start-up. Per the guys on the FJOWNERS.COM forum, the old and stretched starter chain is hitting an oil nozzle when it is cold and at lower RPM. The fix is replacing the nozzle with a shorter one which cannot physically contact the chain. It was so loud (nut and bolts shaking in a tin can loud) that I was concerned it would scare away a potential buyer one day and it just can't be good for me to run it like this. It was at its worst last Saturday when I started it up for the first time in over 9 weeks. The method is removal of the alternator and removal of a bearing retainer housing which exposes the oil nozzle. Imagine my dismay when I removed the alternator only to realize the housing didn't have the three bolts in it, which secures it's proper positioning and the retention of the oil nozzle. Holy smokes, the PO and/or his mechanic was a hack...
It is pictured exactly as I found it.
I'll be ordering the new nozzle and required seal and o-ring tomorrow. Also pictured is the area after the removal of the housing. The little oil nozzle is located at about 7 o'clock.
View attachment 342829View attachment 342830

Thats a great example of what I always tell my Grandson when I'm showing him how to work on stuff in my shop.

I always tell him "There are 2 kinds of people in this world when it comes to working on stuff, those who should touch tools and those who should never, ever go near them!".

I've been able to show him many examples of both during the archeology of used bikes & vehicles in my shop over the years.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

I got the FJ back together yesterday and happy to report the terrible starting chain noise is gone and the bar risers are a huge help!
Despite the fact it was hovering around freezing temperature, I did take it for about a 10 km ride in the neighborhood, and am now a lot more enthusiastic about riding this motorcycle this spring. That said I am still going to take off the fairings once again to chase away a couple of remaining vibrations and get rid of the dead wasp which has somehow found its way into the headlight assembly. At some point I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that it is likely impossible to get thirty five year old plastic farings and various attachments to stop vibrating at 6000+ RPM.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

Happiness in FJ territory! Yesterday I removed the fairings and reduced vibrations even more, got the wasp out and had it all back together within a few hours. Fresh oil change and I'm ready for 2025. The rain stopped today for a bit and despite the damp 6 degree Celsius temp, got in about a 20 km ride about the neighbourhood.

Next up is some maintenance on the DR and then I can bring the TX650A into the shop for a good going over prior to a planned ride in May.

 

[Adamc]

Happiness in FJ territory! Yesterday I removed the fairings and reduced vibrations even more, got the wasp out and had it all back together within a few hours. Fresh oil change and I'm ready for 2025. The rain stopped today for a bit and despite the damp 6 degree Celsius temp, got in about a 20 km ride about the neighbourhood.
View attachment 344248Next up is some maintenance on the DR and then I can bring the TX650A into the shop for a good going over prior to a planned ride in May.

That bike looks uber clean Van, nice job.

 

[Mailman]

At some point I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that it is likely impossible to get thirty five year old plastic farings and various attachments to stop vibrating

That’s what ear plugs are for! Your bike is stunning!

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

I know I said I was ready for spring but I following a conversation with a rider friend about the FJ not turning into corners really well I decided to check out the steering head bearings. They were toast. I can't believe I didn't do this earlier. The ride is way better now.
It really is a pain to take all of the plastic off. Likely this is my last bike with any fairings, but never say never.

You can get the top bearing race out with a punch but not the bottom one as it is flush with the inner tube of the frame so I welded a bead around most of it and it fell out. Caution required to not weld the race to the frame.
The conversation about falling classic bike prices has me wondering about the value of this FJ. I'm considering selling it and buying a Harley again but need to have a really long ponder on that idea and be patient.
At least if I do sell it the buyer will be getting a really nice rider. I'm certain the bike would take me across the country now. Its just a wee bit cramped for the riding position.

 

[Mailman]

Hoo boy! That looks like a lot of work! Nice job on that lower race removal, good trick.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

Better to get that done now before the really good riding weather gets here.