mr bignal Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Do you make lists? I'd be interested to hear if you do. I am trying to write an article on this subject for the vintage japanese motorcycle club magazine, if you have the time and inclination it would be good to have your comments on my take:- Are you a list person? Do you have nagging niggles waiting to be addressed? Some short term priorities and others that need doing but are not urgent? It can become a muddle. Writing stuff down helps clarify thinking. Merely the act of composing a list helps order things although it's not good if it becomes a mass of 'to do' chores that you will struggle to achieve. Courses on 'effective time control' and 'project management' seemed an imposition at work, they were usually too general or unrelated to one's actual job. However, thinking ahead has got to be sensible. It's a case of deciding what you want to achieve then jotting down any random thoughts that might help get the job done. A Greek philosopher observed that, 'if one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable' ie: it's good to have a plan. One biker I met said he was aiming to own (by buying, restoring and selling) the motorcycles that he fancied in his younger days but, at the time, were out of reach. He has worked his way through a fair number over the years. Planning ahead may not be second nature but, generally speaking, things have a better chance of working out if a list is attempted, after all we aren't getting any younger. It could be a significant ride, possibly involving over night accommodation, in which case - should you book ahead?, work out a route? or regard the whole thing as an adventure? I am too timid to not at least sketch an itinerary, contingency plan and note down suitable gear to be taken. Whatever, plans go awry, there will be omissions, mistakes and unforeseen circumstances. I don't list down everything, like recording receipts, but we don't want to know how much we lavish on our bikes. However, I do 'pro - con' lists if ever I am tempted to buy another machine. Some people are naturally organised, one bloke I knew said he didn't want to rely on lists because if he did he would fear losing his memory. Not for me, making lists is my safety net, ticking items off and adding more, I try and write anything that occurs down in case the you forget – Branson, the business entrepreneur, recommends noting all ideas for later evaluation. Motorbikes are to be enjoyed, not something one wants to get into an efficient mind set about. Nevertheless, I expect you, like me, have set out on a bike trip and then, well into the journey, recalled something that you meant to take – it could be ear defenders, a map, an address, anything. Now I have a checklist, spare gloves, cash, 'phone and visor cleaner... There's a similar rote with the bike itself – brakes, tyres, chain, oil, lights, fuel and remember the bike lock. Similarly, for eBay, there's another list so I know what items that I could do with should they come up at the right price. Also, a further list of bike type jobs given inclement weather: it's raining, no matter, I'll get the refurbished swing arm sprayed ready for swapping over. There is a tendency to procrastinate when things become daunting but by plotting out complex issues you can usually see a way forward. List making can be an antidote to panic, forcing one to think though a job and how it might be accomplished. Start with the easiest aspect of a task and the rest then unfolds giving a sense of achievement as work progresses in a logical way. Lists are powerful things, you commit to a course of action and almost before you know it you are sub-consciously following your own plan. I wanted to build one good motorbike out of two I'd acquired, an MOT failure and another in boxes – both the same model. I bite sized the project through lists, it became manageable and eventually went ahead but I forgot to factor in the cost Doh! It wasn't a particularly economic outcome. I need to remember future events like servicing, MOT dates and make lists for planning alterations/upgrades but dare I risk it and accept life as it comes? Not worry too much – use my memory and be more of a free spirit unencumbered by premeditation? Somehow that just doesn't appeal, it goes against the grain, I'm a list maker. You may sacrifice spontaneity for predictability but I'm sure that lists are the way to go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy xs Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Hi Mr bignal you remind me of someone on here same model bikes, cartoons even the skull & Cross bones You wouldn't have two shed's by any chance? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 wow i am flattered you remembered - tbh i can't recall what i used for my earlier username or the password so i started again plus the pc had to be replaced and i lost quite a lot of links in the process. yes two sheds that's right well done there we are, two sheds, one bigger than the other. Using 'two sheds' in the search i see that i used my name before ianDouglas - sorry for the confusion. I've still got the red XJ600, not been on the road for a while, it's at the back of our garage awaiting a few jobs to be done. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Hi Ian, good to hear from you again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 thank you slice - 'retirement' is a funny old business isn't it, i am still not used to it after 2.5 yrs or so now. i almost envy the neighbour going off to work each morning but, on the other hand, i have run into a few former colleagues and the place doesn't sound as easy going. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Yep retirement means I get to watch my neighbours scrape their cars on cold winter days while I get to roll over in bed and go back to sleep! Plus from what I hear the "JOB" isn't what it was. My days in the Ambulance service were fun but not now I'm told. As to your query about LISTS well I think you'll find we all use them, SWMBO leaves me lists of things she wants done, I usually find reasons not to do them, got a good list at the moment tho, the FJR needs a few things doing the coming winter so buying the parts I will need for when the cold comes and storing them away ready to get it stripped down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 something i wouldn't mind asking you if that's ok? over recent times i have met a couple of people with fj1200 bikes, they enthuse about them of course...but the speed limit is 70 mph, i,ve never found that 600cc isn't fast enough and i don't really have any comfort problems plus i am a bit wary of anything heavier but still those bikes have something about them...any comment welcome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 The speed limit is 70, yes... But when you roll on the throttle of the FJ, you understand why there's nothing else like it on the planet. Move up to 40mph, click up into 3rd and then roll on - You'll be at 70 in an instant and you'll feel the surge of power, but with the perfect security of knowing that the bike is so heavy that both wheels will stay firmly planted... and it's like that in any gear - There's almost no discernible power band. Going back to the weight - Yes, the FJ is 42 stone (266kg) of bike, but you only feel that when you're trying to push it. You're not going to be flicking it around in the twisties like a 125, but you're not going to be especially struggling with it either. You won't want to reverse it back up a slope, but that's the same with many other bikes. Having unfortunately had to lift mine up off the floor, it's still not that heavy in the grand scheme of things. Comfort is not simply whether you are or are not comfy. It's about *how much* comfort you have - My naked Cruiser was comfy... but the FJ is much more comfy. That's what Sports Touring is all about - The powerful performance of a sporty bike with all the comfort of a Tourer! The FJ has many things about it - One of those is that you just whip the tank off and everything is easily accessibe. You can even turn it rounmd and leave the fuel line connected, which makes sorting the carbs out an absolute doddle. It's pretty bullet-proof with massive tolerances, parts are cheap and plentiful, fuel economy is still OK by today's standards, and it just has so much character. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Have to agree with Tasky about the FJ, brilliant bike will run forever if you keep it serviced, but my FJR is (I think) better, has all the FJ grunt and power but fuel injection and more modern electronics make it a smoother ride. Your right Ian it's 70MPH speed limit but really, do you only travel at 70? If the opportunity arises I have been known to go a little faster! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 2 minutes ago, slice said: Have to agree with Tasky about the FJ, brilliant bike will run forever if you keep it serviced, but my FJR is (I think) better, has all the FJ grunt and power but fuel injection and more modern electronics make it a smoother ride. Your right Ian it's 70MPH speed limit but really, do you only travel at 70? If the opportunity arises I have been known to go a little faster! does the 1300 have any better fuel economy please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Not really it's about the same weight and similar tho different engine. If I'm being careful and not being a hoon then 50+ MPG, if I cane it then I can with effort get it down to 30+. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 that's good - just out of interest what do you guys think of the big version of mine, ie: the XJ900F 1985 -1992 it has shaft drive which makes it a bit weighty and it looks out of date now, nevertheless.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 XJ900 is a nice bike, very similar to my XJ760 tho mine was the pre-divvy. Cheap to run and similar to the FJ has loads of parts out there that are cheap and easy to find and fit, in most respects it's just a smaller version of the 1200. I like big bikes cos they can get you out of interesting situations with just a twist of the throttle the 900 is getting on towards big bike territory. Would I have one over the 1200? NO, not after riding one, plus I like fuel injection now, carb adjustment on these things can be a PITA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy xs Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Welcome back Ian, I really like the pre divi look and I'm seriously thinking about the 900 for touring Spain next year, gonna wait and see what Price's are like over the winter and if any decent examples turn upon on ebay also whether I can afford anything after paying for the trip. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 this looks good but a lot of money http://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-Yamaha-XJ900F-Blue-White-Excellent-condition-its-age-/222192002434 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Seems a bit high money wise, you could pick up an FJ1200 for less (hint). Sold mine for £850 I think. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-fj1200-fj-1200-tourer-motorcycle-/322209417491?hash=item4b052d8913:g:2pMAAOSwbsBXoy9U Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr bignal Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 it looks the business i think the xj900 owner is trying to capitalise on the 27.5K mileage which I know isn't everything and I'm sure that the FJ could reach 80K odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Moon-miles are not unheard of - Well-maintained FJs will go round the clock twice with relative ease... 50k is just about broken in!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anyoldiron Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 My lists have a list 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy xs Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 I should make a list, but don't cos I'm sure I'll remember, then I forget. I forget that I've already bought those fork seals six months ago then forget to fit them, then reorder them or l can't find a part I'm sure I've bought only to find it after another new one has arrived. I'm far to unorganized to make a list but if I did I wouldn't be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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