Market Segment:
Sport-Touring Motorcycle. Positioned as a powerful, comfortable, and capable motorcycle for long-distance touring with sporty handling characteristics.
Key Competitors:
Honda VFR750F/VFR700F, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (later models), Suzuki GSX1100F Katana (though more of a sportbike), BMW K100 series.
Design Philosophy:
The FJ1200 was renowned for its potent 1188cc inline-four engine, comfortable riding ergonomics for touring, robust chassis, and effective fairing for wind protection, making it a benchmark in the sport-touring category of its era.
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, top-end (cylinder head, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), cooling system, lubrication system (oil pump, oil cooler, oil passages).
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems (identification, removal, disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, synchronization), fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filters, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, electronic ignition control unit (CDI or similar), wiring diagrams.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, heat shields, exhaust manifold gaskets.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake light), instrumentation, switches, relays, fuses.
Chassis Systems:
Frame inspection, front suspension (forks, triple clamps, steering bearings), rear suspension (shock absorber, swingarm, linkages), wheel bearing maintenance, braking system (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, brake discs), clutch system (hydraulic or cable operation).
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank cover, fenders, and other cosmetic and structural body components, including removal and installation procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks and replacements, air filter service, chain maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment), brake fluid checks and changes, coolant checks and changes, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems, often with symptom-based flowcharts.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation, including torque specifications and clearances.
Tune Ups:
Procedures for ensuring optimal engine performance, including carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustments, and valve clearance checks.
Special Tool Usage:
Identification and guidance on the use of specialized tools required for specific maintenance and repair tasks, often referencing Yamaha's special tool part numbers.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission teardowns and rebuilds, including detailed specifications and tolerances.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
1188 cc (72.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 69.4 mm (approximate, variations may exist)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical, check specific year for exact)
Horsepower:
Approximately 120-130 hp at the crankshaft (depending on year and market).
Torque:
Approximately 95-100 Nm (70-74 lb-ft) at 6,000 RPM (depending on year and market).
Carburetion:
Mikuni BS34 Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors (typically a bank of four).
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank, often with a vacuum-operated fuel petcock.
Oil Type:
Yamaha recommends API SE, SF, or SG service classification, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oil. Check manual for exact specifications.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Check manual for specific Yamaha coolant part numbers or equivalents.
Dry Weight:
Approximately 246 kg (542 lbs) for earlier models, up to 254 kg (560 lbs) for later models.
Wet Weight:
Approximately 265 kg (584 lbs) (with all fluids, estimate).
Overall Length:
Approximately 2245 mm (88.4 in) (varies slightly by year).
Overall Width:
Approximately 790 mm (31.1 in) (excluding mirrors).
Overall Height:
Approximately 1310 mm (51.6 in) (typical).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1505 mm (59.3 in).
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 150 mm (5.9 in).
Fuel Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gal)
Safety Features Design:
Designed with a strong frame, effective braking systems, and stability for highway touring. No formal crash ratings like modern cars, but emphasis on rider control and protection from elements via fairing.
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes with hydraulic calipers, single disc rear brake with hydraulic caliper. Later models may feature improved caliper designs or larger discs.
Suspension Setup:
Anti-dive front forks (often with adjustable preload and damping), Monocross rear suspension with adjustable shock absorber for stability and control.
Fairing:
Full fairing and windscreen designed to reduce rider fatigue by deflecting wind and debris.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam).
Rider Aids:
Limited by modern standards. Key 'aids' include the well-engineered chassis, effective suspension, and powerful braking system, all designed to enhance rider control and confidence.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Service:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 12 months. Replacement may be needed sooner in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 16,000 km (10,000 miles), but inspection and gap check at 8,000 km (5,000 miles) is recommended. Refer to manual for specific plug type and gap.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 24 months. Crucial for maintaining performance and preventing engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 US qt) with filter change. Check manual for exact capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Check manual for the most current recommendation.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 2.3 liters (2.4 US qt). Check manual for exact capacity and bleeding procedure.
Common Wear Items:
Cam chain tensioner wear, clutch slave cylinder leaks (if hydraulic), electrical connector corrosion, regulator/rectifier failure, fork seal leaks.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors can become gummed up with age, requiring thorough cleaning and synchronization for optimal running. Pilot jets are particularly susceptible to clogging.
Engine Vibrations:
While known for being smooth, excessive vibration can sometimes indicate worn engine mounts or balancer shaft issues.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various categories including sportbikes, cruisers, off-road, and touring motorcycles.
Fj1200 Development:
The FJ1200 was a significant evolution of Yamaha's FZ series, building upon the powerful FJ1100. It offered more refinement, better wind protection, and improved long-distance comfort, solidifying Yamaha's presence in the growing sport-touring market of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Production Run:
The FJ1200 was produced from roughly 1984 (as FJ1100) through 1993. The manual specifically covers the 1986-1993 iterations.
