Looking at an '85 FJ1100 this weekend

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/4924552790.html

Engine seems to share a hell of a lot in common with the XJ... but with a claimed 125hp. Obviously also a heavier bike, but my '78 GL1000 was 100lbs heavier than the FJ and plenty fun to ride.

 

From memory they ran 16 inch wheels so you may want to check on how available they are.
Good bikes I've had friends with both the 11 and 12's and they were very nice rides.

 

Great bikes. Notorious for having 2nd gear issues. That's the only major issue I'm aware of.

 

Yea make sure it shifts properly. Especially if it has a new clutch most 2nd gear problems start from power shifting into 2nd unless it has many miles

 

Plenty of 16 inchers still made, yup. Apparently wheel swaps to run 17" tires are also easy to do, and fit well because 17" radials are lower profile than the bias plys Yamaha specced for the FJ.

Have been warned / read about the 2nd gear issue, won't even think about buying without a test ride to confirm it won't slip. I suspect the current owner (second owner, 5 years) was very easy on it, as likely was the first owner (CO has maintenance papers going back to original purchase). "Mature" previous owners is one reason I like sport touring bikes.

 

You can't just swap over to 17" front wheels without a few problems.
First off is the size of the brake discs and the mounting bolts position on the two wheels.
Then there's the difference in the brake calipers and mounting points.
If you do a swap the best bet is to convert to a 1988-on complete front end.
Anyway this is all hypothetical until you've decided or not to go with the FJ.
Good bikes, I've had a few, hence my name.