Not the best picture of my bike, but before the advent of digital photography, this is the best that I have of her.
My goodness was this bike fast. I went into the dealership because the Nighthawk was showing some signs of wear. And truth be told, I was wanting something faster to keep up with the other squids I was running around with. I behold this beauty at the dealership and I wonder why she is marked so low at $2999. I am figuring I can get it down to about $2500 and then trade my Nighthawk in for $1000. Out the door I am figuring on about 1700. After some conversations with the owner and a test ride, we would talk about the final price.
This was the first time I ever rode a fixed fairing cycle. Actually, it was only the 2nd motorcycle I ever rode so to say it was unnerving was an understatement. Something about not seeing the front of the bike turn in the parking lot was odd at the very least. Underway, it was not an issue as it was more lean than turn.
I headed out for the test ride with a buddy on his Ninja ZX6. He had always blew me away on the Nighthawk. I figured these 1200cc of the FJ would dust him properly. We got away from town a little and found some open interstate. Down to the next exit and turn around was the plan. So off we go. Riding it gingerly for a while to get acquainted, then gradually letting her wind up the tach. With the pipe, jetting, and (something I had never heard of) 4 smooth bore Mikuni carbs, this bike was just begging to send me into orbit. The bike had 4 individual air filters attached to each carb as well. She had no trouble breaking the rear tire loose.
As we clear the traffic on the interstate, we decide to do some roll ons. Since that was what Cycle World said was the best determinant of a great bike at the time. Off we went. 55 to 75mph. Then 55 to 100. Then 55 to 120. After each time, my potential new FJ was pulling away better and better. Then it was time for the 55 to ??? test that we both coveted. Basically a top speed investigation of sorts. She soared past 120. Ran through 130 and then immediately quit. As in SHUT OFF. I had heard of speed limiters, governors, and cut offs, but did not think the bike should DIE. A nano second later the thought of "Did I just break this bike?" ran through my head. So as my buddy caught up to me coasting to the side of the interstate, we racked our brains as to what it could have been. Bike would not fire. Starter worked, gas gauge over half, no dash lights, temp gauge looked okay, it just would not run. After 5 min, which seemed like 60, started to sputter some upon start up. Now I am disappointed, I really like the bike but am not buying a lemon. We start it back up and limp to the dealership. Salesmen asks how I like it and I explain what happened. He says that it has happened before with that bike. Now I am really pissed because being stalled on the interstate was kinda dangerous.
The owner of the dealership wants the bike gone is what the salesman says. Make me an offer is the gist of the conversation. I really like the bike, it is fast, stylish, and comfortable. Did I mention it was fast?? So LowBall him at $1000 out the door. He said "NO WAY". I was persistent and started pointing out all the flaws besides the stranding me by the side of the road. I jump back on the bike again and ride it around for 30 min. In traffic, around town, and anywhere else it runs great. SO FAST. Wheelies in 1st and 2nd are automatic if I can keep the rear tire hooked up. Mechanically it runs fine as long as I do not give it full throttle for more than about 10 seconds. Head back to the dealership for more dickering.
Back and forth we went and I said $1500 OTD with a new helmet or some other stuff. He comes back with the owner and makes me sign a paper that laid out the terms of ALL SALES ARE FINAL. I was like 20 years old and I had a buddy who could fix anything. We worked out the details of the trade and I bought the bike that day.
As for the shut off, it happened a few more times, but I know if I wait a few min, all is fine and I can head on my way. Plus who really needs to give a bike like that 10+ seconds of full throttle?? A week or so later, I am tinkering around with it. I see a fuel valve and hose under the tank that looks kinked. After popping the tank, it is obvious that the hose is about 2 inches too long than is needed to the bank of 4 carbs. I cut the hose off and realized the valve is way too small for the needed amount of fuel to go through. A quick trip to NAPA scores a bigger fuel valve and I never had another problem again. Other than burning up rear tire, blowing out fork seals from wheelies going bad, and performance awards for either speed or noise of the reamed out Vance and Hines pipe but that was my doing.
She served me well. About 23K miles over the next 3 years. Ironically, my first Farkle was a set of off road use only projector head lights to light up the night. Those got me pulled over more than anything else did. You can see them in the mounted under the fairing like a stealth fighter. I was such a dork. Good thing the bike gave me some street cred.