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1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 Overview
Yamaha FJ 1200 is a sport touring motorcycle, displacing 1188 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. On the performance side, it delivers 130 hp @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 108 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 244.3 km/h. On the road, the 1986 FJ 1200 tips the scales at 259 kg, carries a 22-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 780 mm and spans a 1490 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 7.7 kg heavier than the average sport touring motorcycle in our database. The full 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1986 FJ 1200 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: With 130 hp @ 9000 rpm and 108 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque on tap, the FJ 1200 is no slouch for its class.
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Large fuel range: A 22-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Expect to spend more time keeping the carbs in tune, especially after long storage periods or a change in altitude.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the FJ 1200 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Carburetor maintenance
Carburetors on the FJ 1200 need periodic attention - pilot jets and float needles are the first parts to gum up after the bike sits, and the first thing to check if idle or throttle response degrades.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The FJ 1200's suspension runs Telescopic with 3-way preload and damping adjustment at the front. The rear uses Monocross monoshock 5-way preload and 5-way damping adjustment. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The FJ 1200 uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Steel, twin spar, the FJ 1200's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
259 kg puts the FJ 1200 toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
FJ 1200 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy FJ 1200 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects a FJ 1200's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Carburetor upkeep
Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored FJ 1200 - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.
1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 have?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. engine with 1188 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled,.
What is the top speed of the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 has a factory-quoted top speed of 244.3 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 weigh?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 weighs 259 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 make?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 produces 130 hp @ 9000 rpm of power and 108 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 suitable for shorter riders?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 has a seat height of 780 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 have?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 uses 2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliper at the front and Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 use?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 runs 120/80 V16 front and 150/80 V16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 have?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Yamaha FJ 1200 Spec Evolution
The Yamaha FJ 1200 was produced across 3 model years (1986-1997). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1986 |
1994 |
1997 |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. |
| Top Speed |
244.3 km/h / 151.8 mph |
244.3 km/h / 151.6 mph |
244.3 km/h / 151.6 mph |
| Brakes - Front |
2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliper |
2x 282mm discs 4 piston caliper |
2x 282mm discs |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper |
Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper |
Single 282mm disc |
| Cooling System |
Air/oil cooled, |
Air/oil cooled |
Air/oil cooled |
| Tyres - Front |
120/80 V16 |
120/70-VR17 |
120/70-VR17 |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
130 hp / 94.9 kW @ 9000 rpm
Torque
108 Nm / 79.6 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
244.3 km/h / 151.8 mph
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
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Full 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 Specifications
Year
1986
Make Model
Yamaha FJ 1200
Seat Height
780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase
1490 mm / 58.7in
Ground Clearance
140 mm / 5.5 in
Height
1,245mm / 49.0 in
Length
2230 mm / 87.8 in
Width
775 mm / 30.5 in
Dry Weight
245 kg / 540.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Oil Capacity
4.2 Litres
Wet Weight
259 kg / 571 lbs
Displacement
1188 cc / 72.5 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
77 x 63.8 mm
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Cooling System
Air/oil cooled,
Engine Oil Specification
20W/40
Fuel Consumption
14.5 km/lit
Fuel Induction
4x Mikuni BS36 36 mm carburettors
Ignition
TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Lubrication
Wet sump
Spark Plug
NGK, DP8EA-9
Starter
Starting
Clutch
Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic operated
Final Drive
Chain 2.353 (40/17)
Gear Ratios
1st 2.857 (40/14) 2nd 2.000 (36/18) 3rd 1.571 (33/21) 4th 1.291 (31/24) 5th 1.115 (29/26)
Primary Drive Ratios
Spur Gear 1.750 (98/56)
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Steel, twin spar
Suspension - Front
Telescopic with 3-way preload and damping adjustment
Suspension - Rear
Monocross monoshock 5-way preload and 5-way damping adjustment
Brakes - Front
2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/80 V16
Tyres - Rear
150/80 V16
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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