![]() 05/16/2015 at 02:20 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
My brother is best friends with a German exchange student. The guy is a huge motorcycle enthusiast. Does motorcross in Germany and rides small dispacement bikes all over the place. He was given an 1100cc Yamaha when he came to America and he needs to get rid of it before he goes back to Germany at the end of this month. So here it is.
The bike isn’t running but I can’t imagine it would be too hard to get going. Needs all fluids changed and a new clutch plate. What so you guys think? Good beginner bike once it’s running?
![]() 05/16/2015 at 02:33 |
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Yeah, it wouldn’t be terrible. 1100cc and 125hp is a bit to handle. But you aren’t a crazy teenager, so you probably won’t die.
Also, strange looking Kawasaki. :)
![]() 05/16/2015 at 02:46 |
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I’ve ridden a handful of bikes before so I’m not a total newb. It’s a big engine for a beginner but hopefully I could make it work if I got the bike!
![]() 05/16/2015 at 02:58 |
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I think you mean Yamaha? xD
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:00 |
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It’s not the sort of bike I would ideally pick for a beginner, but if you’ve got it anyway...
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:02 |
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are you a possible organ donor yet then?
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:04 |
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I would recommend taking the MSF course if you haven’t done it before. Even if you can more or less ride a bike, the course teaches a lot of useful things that aren’t always obvious.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:20 |
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Ya I wouldn’t get on the bike until I took a MSF course. It teaches you a ton and can lower insurance rates.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:21 |
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Hahaha shit I’m a little bit drunk!
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:23 |
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Yes I am!
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:26 |
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“1100cc”
“beginner bike”
man, do you ppl not pay attention to anything i’ve written?
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:38 |
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Hahaha I’ve read ALL your stuff, but this bike may be given to me! (Great stuff you’ve written, by the way)
Would you suggest getting it running and selling it for something smaller? Seriously, you’re the bike expert and I need input. I’ve ridden many times but haven’t had anything I would use along side my DD car.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 03:43 |
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Start looking for a class soon; they tend to be booked way in advance.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 04:18 |
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yes I would. If you REALLY like it that much, get a GS500 or a SV650 to ride around for a bit (I read the other comments, if you have a little dirt bike experiance, you’ll be fine) and then move up to this thing (you can work on it while you ride the other bike)
Word of warning: insurances costs COULD be scarey.
and (I dont need to tell you this), but ALL THE GEAR, ALL THE TIME!!!!!!
![]() 05/16/2015 at 04:23 |
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Yep I’ve been looking for a while just to hone my riding skills. Doc’s Harley Davidson has a great program and it’s something like $300 for the entire course. I’m not necessairly in a hurry to do the course and get a license, but I’d like to get it all done in about a year or a year and a half or so.
I have no problem letting the bike sit while I get it into running condition and square away insurance/gear and all the other stuff.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 04:32 |
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Thanks for the input! I’ve only ridden a dirt bike two times before but I’ve rode other bikes in various places. If I do get this bike, I might sell it for a dual sport bike. The single cylinder and upright riding position of dual sports make them seem like good learning bikes (am I right in thinking this?).
And I would NEVER hop on a bike without all the gear, all the time. I’ve seen what riding without gear can do to you. My uncle crashed once when he wasn’t wearing good pants and his legs are destroyed. Also, I was involved in a low speed road bike accident two years ago and a few fingers on my left hand were de-gloved. Not something I want to experience again! Haha
![]() 05/16/2015 at 06:22 |
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What year is that? Early 90s?
Wait, wiki seems to think its 84-85. That thing is old.
![]() 05/16/2015 at 07:58 |
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For free? I don't see why not. Title & everything?
![]() 05/16/2015 at 08:36 |
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I remember the FJ1100 (‘84-’85). I recall the “FJ” being Yamaha’s Sport-touring line of bikes.
Do I think a FJ1100 is a good first bike? No.
Even though it’s 30 years old, it’s still a powerful bike. The only upside is that it may be inexpensive, so you won’t be too heartbroken when you dump it.
They are simple bikes to work on, but “not running” could also mean carb related. There are four. Four carbs to remove, rebuild, install, adjust and sync.
If you are looking for a project bike, a free FJ is kinda cool. If you are looking for something to ride, look for something else. There’s no such thing as a free bike.
That’s just my opinion. I don’t like non-running vehicles, you never know what you’re going to get.
I also fixed those horrible screenshots. Thing looks rough.
![]() 05/17/2015 at 03:41 |
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Cylinder count doesnt mean jack shit. It just gives you a hint on how rhe torque curve is (singles and twins are.more torque biased, with the revvy 4 bangers.more for hp) but ive seen some stupidly strong singles.
Dual sports are good for a variety or reasons. Meh poor (good for beginners) light, and they can take a beating, both on and off the road.
You are correct on the seating position