To start this category off, a quick word about my current ride. It's a 1990 Yamaha FJ1200 sport-touring bike, in black on blue (the only color available that year). I picked it up in June 2005 by trading my previous bike (a 1996 Yamaha Seca II) even. Since the other guy was looking for a smaller bike, we both came out winners.

At the time it was first released, the FJ1200 was one of the largest production sportbikes in the world. Enough time has passed since then that it no longer competes with the big boys, but it can still hang in a number of areas. For one, the available torque at any point in the powerband is wonderful -- it'll pull hard no matter where you are! Its magazine-printed 0-60 times, while no longer spectacular, still smoke most anything on 4 wheels. Finally, its longevity is not in doubt -- plenty of owners have turned the odo over, some multiple times, with little more than routine maintenance (and some tinkering).

Coming from an underpowered 600, I have had to adjust my riding style a bit. For one thing, the temptation to hammer it is now strong and ever-present. My old 600 was incredibly cold-natured (a result of being leaned WAAY out to meet EPA standards) and would usually demand 5-10 minutes of warmup on a cold day before accepting a rider. While the 1200 always wants full choke to start, I usually have it all the way off in less than 30 seconds. Temps below 40 require a minute or two of warmup, but above that it's smooth sailing. The second adjustment I've had to make is in throttle and clutch control. In MSF class they teach you to work the friction zone, but if you start out on a small bike (like a 250) you can usually get by without that technique. When you're trying to turn a 650-lb bike around in a tiny circle, it becomes a bit more important. I was initially a bit worried that the greater weight would result in less fun, but now that I'm used to it I find no such reduction, even at low speed.

The FJ1200 is a bit long in tooth, having been replaced by the ubiquitous FJR series, but the wealth of information available on the Internet makes it much easier to keep the old bikes running. First stop is the yamahafj list on Yahoo!. This list is populated by an active community of FJ-lovers who dispense advice and tips on keeping your ride running in tip-top shape. Members also gather for 3-4 rallys per year at campsites around the US. Next up, Barry Edwards' FJ Modifications site contains a plethora of links to photos of lovingly maintained FJs from around the globe.

Would I sell my FJ now? I haven't really seen a bike that looks like a better fit for what I want it to do (commuter, light touring 2-up, some twisting), and certainly not for a comparable price. Besides, I think I'm addicted to the torque.