1986 Yamaha FJ1200 review from United Kingdom
"Heavy, fast, comfy, but can be expensive to run overheats around town"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
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 |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1986 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1987 |
| Acceleration marks | 10/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Handling marks | 8/10 |
| Braking marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 26000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Kawasaki Z440 LTD |
| Date of Entry | 2nd March, 2008 |