FJ Fury: Could This 1984 Beast Be Your Modern Bargain Dream Machine?

1984 was a momentous year with some real landmark moments. The very first Apple Macintosh computer was introduced, NASA conducted the initial flight of the Space Shuttle, and Beverley Hills Cop was released... yes that was forty years ago!

yamaha fj1200

In biking terms, Kawasaki blew the concept of Superbikes wide open with the GPz900R but the other manufacturers launched some bold machines too. Case in point, the legendary FJ1100. At launch, many aspects of the FJ were cutting-edge. The perimeter frame housed a beast of a motor with a shockingly good mid-range plus genuine sporting and touring potential. The cowling was more race than relaxed giving a sporty feel and was partnered with a sexy and subtle belly pan. It even had state-of-the-art 16-inch wheels making steering and direction changes far easier than the apparent FJ bulk would suggest.

Some commented on the apparent crudity of air-cooling over water but the 1100 of ’84 gave way in 1986 to the 1188cc FJ1200 which also enjoyed an updated 17-inch front wheel making rubber selection in the modern day slightly easier. Comfortable for rider and passenger alike, many FJ’s were specified new with Yamaha branded panniers and toured relentlessly. That accessible mid-range and big cube motor was addictive but the price to pay for that addiction was a thirst for fuel if ridden to the max.

Going on to be the base for the Yamaha Thunderace and achieving its swansong in the guise of the XJR1300, the FJ series is a legend among bargain bike fans with even good examples of late machines currently undervalued. At CMS we have a thing for the FJ and our stock of OE parts is vast and expanding daily.

Take a look at our inventory and let us help you get your ride bang up to late. As George Orwell himself said in his novel, 1984 – “Who controls the past controls the future”…. So let us help you with your FJ future today!