Keeping things running sweetly and safely
Making sure your FJ runs at its best requires a bit of time and attention, but it’s worth it. Getting the spanners out, or paying for someone else to, is guaranteed to give a better and more reliable ride. It’s worth noting, not all official Yamaha dealers are very familiar with FJS. Regular servicing is a must, and as the Yamaha is so easy to work on, there’s no excuse. Yamaha recommend the oil and filter are changed every 4000 and 8000 miles, those in the know say that should be done twice as often. Though the motor is a big and understressed thing, being air-cooled means it can get hot – very much so if used in traffic a lot – this sort of running knackers the oil. Doing the valves at the advised 8000-mile intervals is important too. The clearances usually widen, though on average two to six shims will probably need to be swapped. Balancing the carbs, and changing the air filter at the same time is worthwhile too. Giving the motor a bit of a harder run on super unleaded fuel will give it a bit of a clear out and help it run more sweetly in due course. Using good quality crossply tyres keeps the handling sharp and secure. Advised fitments include Metzeler Lasertecs, Pirelli Sport Demons and Avon Roadriders. Using radial tyres isn’t recommended. Keeping the FJ’S suspension maintained helps tyre performance and handling quality greatly. New fork oil and springs will help front-end control, and given the age of 1100s these days, it’s likely the rear shock will be tired or even worn out. Quality aftermarket items from Hagon, Nitron or YSS can transform rear end control. It’s also worth regularly checking the condition of the bike’s head races, swingarm pivot bearings and rear suspension linkage bushes. The standard plastic bushes are no longer available, but the FJ Owners Club (www.fjclub.co.uk, 01454 299325) can fit the linkages from the FJR1200 which use needle roller bearings.