1989 YAMAHA reviews

My 89 Radian is a fantastic bike. It is light enough for agile back roads blasting and easy to move around town. My only complaint is that you realize the bikes size once you get onto the highway. Its short wheelbase is a handicap when trying to cruise around 65-70 mph. I'm sure once you get used to it it's fine, but it can be rather unnerving. Otherwise, its a great bike especially for those new to the sport or looking for a cheap commuter. Show less

I've OWNED MY BELOVED FJ FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS NOW, AND HAVE LOVED IT! FOR SOMEONE OF MY SIZE, (5'7"), IT IS VERY COMFORTABLE AS WELL FOR TALLER RIDERS. I've BEEN ON SEVERAL TRIPS OF LESS THAN 1,000 MILES EACH, BUT FEEL IT WOULD BE JUST AS COMFORTABLE LONGER DISTANCES. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 82' SUZUKI GS 1100E, (UNTIL IT WAS STOLEN!), SO THE FJ WAS A NICE STEP UP. IT HAS 21,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ONLY THING THAT HAS FAILED WAS THE CLUTCH SLAVE. AFTER RIDING IT, THE MOST FUN IS THE ATTENTION IT ATTRACTS FROM THE REAL ENTHUSIASTS WHO RESPECT THIS MODEL AS A REALLY NICE CLASSIC! I AM NOW LOOKING TO STEP UP AGAIN AND PURCHASE A NEW BANDIT 1200. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BEAUTIFUL FJ, LOOK NO FARTHER THAN DALLAS, TX...IT'S FOR SALE. Show less

After four years with an 89 FJ12 I can say I recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap reliable tourer. Loads of torque and power top end 150mph 11.0 sec standing 1/4 comfortable with or without a pillion. Reliable low center of gravity so easy to move around at low speeds. Negative points are should have been shaft drive and six-speed gearbox with a full fairing to keep your feet warmer in British winters. Show less

This is my first bike I Really like it. This bike has plenty of power and a good riding position for us bigger guys. I am putting in as many hours as I can on the road. Decent for short trips -- no long ones yet. Show less

As a rider with over 350,000 miles of experience, I can safely say that the FJ1200 was my least favorite bike of all time. The motorcycle is not able to hold a straight line, has terrible wind turbulence, the most uncomfortable seat plus many, many more complaints. For a motorcycle designed as a sport/tourer I found it unusable. Great to look at, useless as a motorcycle. Show less

I bought the bike in '90, and I've had it ever since. I learned how to race on this bike. I've been to Nelson Ledges in mid Ohio, and Indianapolis Raceway with it. It's a great bike. I've been down over on this thing, and yet it keeps going. There's no internal damage except for the radiator, but that's really not internal. It overheats once in a while, but nothing I really have to worry about. I don't ride it as much because I bought a 2000 YZF 1000, but I plan on keeping it to ride on the track. It's 11 years old and yet it runs like it's only two years old, ya gotta love it. I adjusted the valves in '96 and synked the carbs, and that's all besides the normal oil change and lubes. Overall, the FZR 400 is a wonderful bike that keeps on ticking, very reliable. I rode it to Arizona and then to California. It's a great bike for a 400. It's not extreme, but very fun. Show less