I'm sorting out my "new to me" '89 and the suspension is in need of some attention, beginning with springs.
The bike is intended for 700 + mile days and will never see a race track or bang fairings with crotch rockets. I want a big "sweet spot." So I'm thinking that progressively wound springs are the way to go.
I see that there are a lot of RPM fans here but I wonder if those springs are biased to the aggressive rider. I don't need that last 2% at the edge of the contact patch's adhesion limit and will gladly trade the "cutting edge" for a bit of comfort. Cost is a factor but real world performance (in my real world) is determinative.
Any Spring suggestions (front or back)?
Anyone have experience with the Patriot Suspension Multirate springs?
Gracias
Burns,
I have a 92 and swapped out my fork springs, emulator valves and went with the Motul 5w fork oil from RPM. I have done many modifications and improvements on my bike but by far the most significant was RPM's fork valves. I would suggest you go to the files section and read " fork valves explained" other valves have fixed oil orifice whereas the RPM valve has a stacked disc design. what you get is a soft and consistent feel in the forks no matter what you are riding over or braking under.
Installation was simple. I made a mistake by using another brand fork oil and was not happy with the results at first but what I learned was the vast differences in viscosity of different brand oils. RPM's valves are designed with the Motul 5w oil so don't make the same mistake I did by trying another oil.
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the RPM fork setup.
I haven't done the backend yet. Popular rear shock upgrades are RPM's, Penske, Hagon, F4i. here there is a wide range of pricing and ease of installation. I myself don't know which way I will go on this one yet.
Scott
Quote from: FJscott on April 09, 2014, 08:45:15 AM
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the RPM fork setup.
I haven't done the backend yet. Popular rear shock upgrades are RPM's, Penske, Hagon, F4i. here there is a wide range of pricing and ease of installation. I myself don't know which way I will go on this one yet.
Scott
Exactly my situation. The front end has been transformed with Randys magical goodies, but the poor 'ol rear is not so good. Money is scarce here so for me I have to go middle of the road with new rear suspension, as much as I would love to have the best.
Well, it sounds like the RPM stacks are the best suspension upgrade since pneumatic tires.
But, I don't think I'll go your route Scott. It is all about balance, I think. Putting a 21st Century fork in front of a worn out 20th century rea end is asking for a bike with a front end that will write checks that its rear end can't cash.
If your rear-end gets loose despite the front-end telling you "looks good to me" you'll be flat tracking a 600 lb. motorcycle with clip-ons. Instinctively chop the throttle and its a high-side. Not my kinda movie.
My heartfelt advice to you is to not push that bike anywhere close to as hard as that wonderful front end is begging you to.
But you probably knew that (assuming you're not emailing from a hospital bed)
Going with the saying "better the devil you know," since the stacks don't work with progressive wound springs, until a rear shock that is in the same league as the RPM stacks appears in my future and both ends of my bike are treated to 21st Century technology I've gone the old school "patch" route:
I've added an inch and a tad of PVC preload. That gives me about an inch of sack (w/o rider) and puts the nose up where Yamaha intended. Slows up the steering a tad of course and initial travel is a stiff but not jittery. The bike feels absolutely solid and I feel that I can trust what the chassis is telling me.
I'm enjoying getting into my motorcycle and have my first "special tool" for it: A 6" bolt with a 27mm head with two 27mm nuts locktited and torqued as snug to one another as I could get them with a vice and a breaker bar/socket. That's for the fork caps.
Corbin seat should get here next week.
Along with some sunshine.
Sounds like you have a good handle on it, enjoy the Bike.
Scott
Thanks, Scott. Your input was very valuable.
Happy Spring
Quote from: Burns on April 09, 2014, 09:02:44 PM
Putting a 21st Century fork in front of a worn out 20th century rea end is asking for a bike with a front end that will write checks that its rear end can't cash.
If your rear-end gets loose despite the front-end telling you "looks good to me" you'll be flat tracking a 600 lb. motorcycle with clip-ons. Instinctively chop the throttle and its a high-side. Not my kinda movie.
My heartfelt advice to you is to not push that bike anywhere close to as hard as that wonderful front end is begging you to.
But you probably knew that (assuming you're not emailing from a hospital bed)
Burns, this would have to be heresay or speculative theory on your part. A standard FJ rear end has a sweet spot for handling, albeit at the expense of comfort, that will handle anything you can throw at it without becoming unsafe. No wallowing, no skipping.
There is a limit to its ability to keep the tyre planted (even motogp bikes suffer from that) but that's at speeds and on particular surfaces that are not often encountered.
Yes, I would love a new shocker but my safety is not compromised in the meantime and I am probably as demanding of my bikes handling as anyone here.
I can't agree with you new front / old rear being a recipe for disaster. Any disparity brought on by upgrading one end only would have a positive effect on the whole.
Lively debate is the life blood (or oil) of the forum and views and counter views are always welcome. You've just had mine.Noel
I've got to say even though the front end is supremely planted now and shows the rear to be less than satisfactory, I've never felt unsafe or come close to having an incident while on the FJ. This is despite some highly *spirited* riding on the recent Jindabyne trip while loaded up, or even out and about on my own. The rear does thud along a bit, and feels way too soft, but nervous or skittish etc, no. I think these bikes even with sagged out rear suspension are still supremely stable in my opinion.
Once again I find myself agreeing with Noel and his view of upgrading either front or rear of the bike. I don't think upgrading one will be detrimental to the other. Upgrading one end would just show how bad the other still is. Dave
If you only upgrade one end, the bike's handling will be decidedly compromised if either end is pushed too far. For example, you've got a brilliant fork setup and a trashed shock; if the front goads you to take liberties that are too much for the back, you're going to be having a bad day, absolutely.
But at that point, you probably need to consider just how fast you're riding on the street. You wouldn't particularly want a mismatched setup on the track where you were pushing the limits, but on the street the limits of the bike are very rarely anything near as slow as the limits of the potential problems that can crop up and do much damage to you.
I kinda prefer a mushy bike on the street myself, that can blow through a fair chunk of travel reasonably quickly. Helps soak up the potholes and frost heaves and such. If I'm heading to a racetrack, or a set of known amazing roads, I do have some regrets about my choices once I'm riding there... but it's good to be comfortable on the way to and fro, yes?
Of course, if you're actually interested in pushing the limits (which is clearly not the intent as per the original post), I'll wager that spending money on trackdays and instruction will go rather a lot farther than almost any amount spent on hard parts, with the possible exception of tires.
For what you described as you riding style the RPM products should be just what the doctor ordered. Don't be afraid of changing the front and the rear later. As you say you are not riding aggressively anyway. Most riders can handle a little rear end drift but a front wheel push will cause them to fall down. Hope this helps.
Kurt
It is a trust issue for me. While I'm sure that a reasonably fresh OEM shock could keep up with what has been represented as the greatest innovation in front suspension technology ever (los stacks). I'm not at all sure that would hold true for a dogged out 25 year old unit. I see peril in the half-measure of addressing only one end of the suspension equation.
The sweet-song sung by a fabulous front end might well coax me a bit deeper into turn and lure me into more lean angle than the rear is happy with; a few ripples in the pavement later I might discover the latter's break away point. That is not a path of discovery that I wish to tread.
It's a chorus that I seek in the music of the chassis, not a solo virtuoso.
The rear's job is to lay down a solid predictable bass line and the front makes the melody. In my experience good music requires good instruments all around and overall quality is always limited by the weakest of them.
As to the path others choose, I judge not, but I would not dramatically improve only one end of a motorcycle any more than I would air only one tire to its correct pressure or buy only one shoe.
"The rear's job is to lay down a solid predictable bass line and the front makes the melody."
I like that. I need to go out and tune up a little :good2:.
George
Quote from: movenon on April 10, 2014, 01:09:05 PM
"The rear's job is to lay down a solid predictable bass line and the front makes the melody."
I like that. I need to go out and tune up a little :good2:.
George
That's why the logo is a tuning fork :dash1:
You ask for advice then argue against it. Seems you had already made up your mind.
Following your 'logic" installing new springs up front (from your first post) would be an improvement. But, by your logic, even installing the spacers was an improvement so you're heading for a certain crash beacuse your rear suspension is crap.
How about this logic? The spacers appear to have made a noticeable improvement without throwing the bike to the ground. Imagine what even a few good parts would feel like. But, if you can't control yourself then maybe you've got the wrong bike?
In '86 I did progressive springs as my 2nd mod to my '84 (ss brake lines were first)
Re: Fork Dive: The progressives were better than the soft oem springs on the 2 half of fork travel, on the 1st half the progressive springs were only slightly better. Still overall better than oem.
It was a few years later in '88, I went with straight rate springs and cartridge emulators.
You are not going to upset your bike by installing progressive springs or cartridge emulators or RPM valves while keeping the sacked out rear shock. However, you will notice the shock's lack of dampening.(pogo)
The FJ's oem shock was sacked out the day your bike left the assembly line.
IMHO If you are looking for comfort, replace the back shock first. Yea it's expensive. Good stuff always is....
If you are not handsome (or rich), it's best to be handy. There are a variety of options documented on here for the rear shock:
Honda F4I
BMW K1200
Late model R6
Jeff
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on April 10, 2014, 03:01:49 PM
You ask for advice then argue against it. Seems you had already made up your mind.
Following your 'logic" installing new springs up front (from your first post) would be an improvement. But, by your logic, even installing the spacers was an improvement so you're heading for a certain crash beacuse your rear suspension is crap.
How about this logic? The spacers appear to have made a noticeable improvement without throwing the bike to the ground. Imagine what even a few good parts would feel like. But, if you can't control yourself then maybe you've got the wrong bike?
Holligan,
Congratulations on mixing mis-quotation, red herring, reductio ab absurdum and ad hominem attack to achieve a dramatically tortured argument of Rumsfieldian proportion.
Had you read the thread you would know that I asked for advice about fork springs, and specifically about a certain brand of progressively wound springs. The response was a suggestion for better dampening. But that was not off-point since it led to the conclusion that a purchase of progressively wound springs would not lend itself to the ultimate solution (since stacks don't work with progressives). Ingesting Scott's advice I abandoned the option of progressive windings in favor of a "patch" (dully labeled) temporary solution and an ultimate game plan that includes the stacks and a good rear shock simultaneously installed.
Again if you had read the thread, you would have seen that I advocate not making DRAMATIC changes to only one end. You equivocated that to "any" improvement (your red herring) which led you to a soliloquy of silliness that ended in an ad hominem non sequitur re: my self control.
All in all a masterpiece of forensic butchery an muddy thinking.
I will not attempt to acquaint you with the concept of "harmony" as it applies to motorcycles. It is clearly beyond you, and as my father once told me "Never try to teach a pig to sing; It frustrates you and it irritates the pig."
Quote from: X-Ray on April 10, 2014, 06:41:52 AM
I've got to say even though the front end is supremely planted now and shows the rear to be less than satisfactory, I've never felt unsafe or come close to having an incident while on the FJ. This is despite some highly *spirited* riding on the recent Jindabyne trip while loaded up, or even out and about on my own. The rear does thud along a bit, and feels way too soft, but nervous or skittish etc, no. I think these bikes even with sagged out rear suspension are still supremely stable in my opinion.
Thank you that is a very good thing to know. Having no base line as a field of reference for this bike I'm relying on some basic rules. It is good to know that the FJ's fundamentally stable platform allows for perhaps more latitude than those rules would suggest.
Quote from: FJscott on April 10, 2014, 01:39:56 PM
Quote from: movenon on April 10, 2014, 01:09:05 PM
"The rear's job is to lay down a solid predictable bass line and the front makes the melody."
I like that. I need to go out and tune up a little :good2:.
George
That's why the logo is a tuning fork :dash1:
BINGO!
Quote from: jscgdunn on April 10, 2014, 04:33:13 PM
If you are not handsome (or rich), it's best to be handy. There are a variety of options documented on here for the rear shock:
Honda F4I
BMW K1200
Late model R6
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. That is exactly the information I been looking for.
Burns
There are numerous Rally's this year. I plan on making the WCR in late may and the ECFR in sept. come to one and you can take my bike for a spin and decide firsthand if the RPM suspension gives you the feel you are searching for. I should have the arse end upgraded by Tellico for sure.
Scott
I would love to join a bunch of FJer's doin' there FJthing.
When and Where? Other than a T-shirt thread I haven't seen agenda info for the rallies.
Your offer of an educational ride is very generous, and is warmly accepted.
BTW, I see now that my (over)reaction to the idea of hyper-tuning only one end of a motorcycle's suspension was born of my recent XS650 history which certainly does not directly transfer to Planet FJ. The extra 200 lbs makes for a platform far less sensitive to suspension component synch issues.
The FJ really is geometrically sweet.
There is a section on this forum devoted to FJ Rallies...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10832.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10832.0)
Quote from: Burns on April 10, 2014, 06:51:20 PM
Holligan,
Congratulations on mixing mis-quotation, red herring, reductio ab absurdum and ad hominem attack to achieve a dramatically tortured argument of Rumsfieldian proportion.
Had you read the thread you would know that I asked for advice about fork springs, and specifically about a certain brand of progressively wound springs. The response was a suggestion for better dampening. But that was not off-point since it led to the conclusion that a purchase of progressively wound springs would not lend itself to the ultimate solution (since stacks don't work with progressives). Ingesting Scott's advice I abandoned the option of progressive windings in favor of a "patch" (dully labeled) temporary solution and an ultimate game plan that includes the stacks and a good rear shock simultaneously installed.
Again if you had read the thread, you would have seen that I advocate not making DRAMATIC changes to only one end. You equivocated that to "any" improvement (your red herring) which led you to a soliloquy of silliness that ended in an ad hominem non sequitur re: my self control.
All in all a masterpiece of forensic butchery an muddy thinking.
I will not attempt to acquaint you with the concept of "harmony" as it applies to motorcycles. It is clearly beyond you, and as my father once told me "Never try to teach a pig to sing; It frustrates you and it irritates the pig."
WOW! You really told me. It's like you've known me my whole life!
Then you should know that I'm old and get easily bored with people who like to hear themselves talk. Maybe if I had taken more music and lit courses I might be able to have a more eloquent conversation. But, alas, I studied engineering so I fail see the logic in your "opinion" that upgrading only one end of a motorcycle is a terrible thing. Yes Randy's valves are impressive and they are a worthwhile upgrade for the front end of ANY FJ, no matter the state of suspension tune. They are not a hyper-upgrade (you appear to have a tendency to over emphasize), they are simply the best option.
Plenty of owners have upgraded one end of their FJ at a time and no one that I can recall has ever reported the kind of problems that you seem to be pre-occupied with. Yes, upgrading one end will show the weakness of the other end but it's never been cited as something bad or dangerous.
You originally asked a question about a specific spring which appears to have been ignored in favor of multiple owners giving you the best option for suspension upgrades. These are owners who have DECADES of experience with the FJ. Yet you seem to fret about an upgrade overwhelming the bike when there is no evidence of such except for your trust in yourself.
If, as you suggest, I knew anything about motorcycles I just might know that when you change a spring or the preload on a spring, there needs to be a corresponding change to the damping (dampening means to wet something). Progressive springs went out of favor a long time ago. That's why we recommend the RPM fork valves, it's the complete package for both spring and damping.
I admit that I am a terrible singer, but I do know a little bit about the FJ and, obviously, a lot more than you do about it. But you go right ahead and get the last word. Be sure to wax poetic so I don't doze off in the middle of it.
Oh yeah, where are my manners. Welcome to the group!
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on April 10, 2014, 10:23:51 PM
Oh yeah, where are my manners. Welcome to the group!
I to would like to add my 'Welcome to the group'
Mr. Burns. You seem to be a rather opinionated member and quite knowledgeable about FJ11/12s. It almost makes me wonder why you are bothering to waste your time on the rest of us, as a matter of fact. Your demeanor rather reminds me of another member that was here for a short time a few years ago. He too came across rather strong, quite aggressive towards anyone that offered a contrary opinion and loved to impute political attributes to the described contrarian(s). Perhaps you know and/or are related to this former member...
In any event, as you will see as you mingle amongst the members here, you will note that there is not a great deal of accusation or offense is either offered nor taken. It may suite you to note and follow that convention. No threats implied or offered, just sound advice.
Of course, you don't seem to need sound advice...
Well put, Ed.
Dan
Excellent summation Ed, as you state the fellow is FJ knowledgeable.
Opinionated? Well Mr. Burns, unless you can quote Plato then you are only second best.
Keep up the humor gentlemen; it's all in good fun.
Midget.
I'll take second to Plato (or perhaps third to Socrates) if you'll give Hooligan second to Newton. BTW as to "old" I'll be 67 this summer and have been on two wheels and a motor for over 50 of those years.
All's well that ends well and I've learned a bit about the FJ suspension as well as the culture of the board in this exchange.
My thanks to you all.
Peace.
Good on you for still riding ... and learning.
I'm still a pup, only 45 years on a bike.
It looks like you should fit right in here. As you have seen there are alot of old very opinionated guys on here like me. Welcome. Dave
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on April 11, 2014, 11:34:59 AM
Peace.
Good on you for still riding ... and learning.
I'm still a pup, only 45 years on a bike.
Back at cha Hoolie, let's both go for "in the saddle at 80"
Sunny sixties here in Puget Sound today, so I'm gonna catch some wind on the FJ. Think I'll trim 1/4" off that PVC tonight.
Ride On
Quote from: TexasDave on April 11, 2014, 11:42:02 AM
It looks like you should fit right in here. As you have seen there are alot of old very opinionated guys on here like me. Welcome. Dave
Thanks Dave.
my opinions are fact soluble though some heat is sometimes required.
Yea Burnsie....you'll fit in fine.
One thing I've noticed here is that we do tend to eat our young....(until they bite back)
I hope to meet you in Willits
Get off my lawn.
Quote from: Burns on April 11, 2014, 11:31:24 AM
BTW as to "old" I'll be 67 this summer and have been on two wheels and a motor for over 50 of those years.
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on April 11, 2014, 11:34:59 AM
I'm still a pup, only 45 years on a bike.
Doing something for a long time is not the same as doing it well. The government has been around since when? I mean, think about it.
Also sheesh, you guys need a beer or something.
Wow Burns, I just read you post. You sure know how to make an entrance!
Are you going to explain your strange and inappropriate use of Latin or leave us to draw our own conclusions?
The most obvious being an attempt to portray yourself as the erudite newcomer but if you have some other reason, I'm fascinated by it (and the rest of the post).
The rest of the silliness in you post seems to have been addressed by others.
Didn't it ever occur to you why your father chose to tell you the story about teaching the pig to sing, and, what were you doing at the time?
Noel
Objection, Asked and Answered.
Ruling: Sustained.
Move along Counselor.
oink
"You Keep what you kill"
I believe the saying is "You eat what you kill" and is generally in the context of a compensation negotiation. But you are clearly from a different tribe than I so I cannot speak to your patois other than to remark that it falls false on my ear.
I apologize to JOE!!! Golly that was not meant for you. I took it for an extension of a pervious snarky remark and was returning fire ("spray and pray" not sniper)
Drat, I'm da A***H**** I hate it when that happens.
I owe you a BEER 4m- sure
sorry man. my bad
Burns
You can write arsehole here mate, no need for coy little stars and shit, we leave them and smileys to the tween age girls.
The use of swear words , if indeed they can be considered such, is a sign of open and honest communication.
Piss, shit, fuck, cunt, cock,they're all o.k to use.
You don't have to pretend.
Fuck you you fucking fuck! Klady.
:lol:
FYYFF.
Made me laugh.
Wonder how many get the reference?
Quote from: Burns on April 12, 2014, 05:09:40 PM
Objection, Asked and Answered.
Ruling: Sustained.
Move along Counselor.
oink
Thanks for the reply Burns, you have satisfied my curiosity and answered my question.
As for mocking Joe, some advice on forum etiquette. This is predominantly a motorbike forum where people
conversationally discuss motorbikes. We do not seek to embarrass others by critiquing their writing, if we did, you would have already come under fire yourself.
Your excuse for attributing testimony to the wrong witness, "Drat, I'm an arsehole" wouldn't cut in a court of law Councelor, but it works fine here. Neither does the error mitigate your stinging rebuke of his post. Your comments were directed at what was said, not who said it and Joe has every right to remain offended as the sentiment expressed remains the same. But Joe is a good bloke and I suspect sees it for what it is and is not too ruffled by it.
While all this argy bargy is a bit of fun I think it has run its course. It has deteriorated into an ugly display of chest beating, I'm bored with it, I imagine others are too.
Spring is in the air for a large number of our members and these cabin fever fuelled discussions will soon give way to motorbikes and riding.
Bring it on!
Noel
"You keep what you kill" (Chronicles of Riddick)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296572/?ref_=ttqu_ql (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296572/?ref_=ttqu_ql)
fuck shit piss on the pot stirring
Got my Corbin yesterday and it's suppose to hit 70 today.
I was out there in 88. Went to dive school at Divers Institute, Seattle. Dove Alki beach, Lake Washington and Lake Union. Was there for 7 months. I went to Olympia once to a park with some of the fellow students. One of them lived in olympia. I cant remember his name.
Nice seat. I want one some day :cray:
Quote from: Joe Sull on April 13, 2014, 01:44:35 PM
....Nice seat. I want one some day :cray:
Corbin's do come in red.....
However Joe, first things first...before doing anything else on your bike, replacement of those 30 year old rubber brake lines is a must.
Don't make me come out there.....
Quote from: Joe Sull on April 13, 2014, 01:44:35 PM
I was out there in 88. Went to dive school at Divers Institute, Seattle. Dove Alki beach, Lake Washington and Lake Union. Was there for 7 months. I went to Olympia once to a park with some of the fellow students. One of them lived in olympia. I cant remember his name.
Nice seat. I want one some day :cray:
Since you've been in this area you know how precious sunshine is up here, Joe. Its been bright and blue for two days and that is rare.
The Corbin is a great seat. I had one on my V-Max a couple years ago. The one I just got for the FJ is red and black and suits the silver/white/red paint just fine to my eye. I got it "NOS" on Ebay; it's ten years old but flawless. Guess I'll put some saddle soap on it.
I've go some more "sweetening" to do to the FJ that will probably require some fabrication to get the handlebars where I want them and of course the $uspenders. Dialing a bike into my personal "perfect" is a lot of the joy of motorcycling to me.
But I sure hate getting off that FJ - as is - it is such sweet dancer I don't want the music to end - even though a horn or two is off key.
All the Best
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 13, 2014, 01:48:48 PM
However Joe, first things first...before doing anything else on your bike, replacement of those 30 year old rubber brake lines is a must.
Don't make me come out there.....
I thought I'd wrap them with red tape to hold the juice in :smile:
Quote from: Burns on April 13, 2014, 02:07:22 PM
Since you've been in this area you know how precious sunshine is up here, Joe. Its been bright and blue for two days and that is rare.
I remember I got there in October and it was gorgeous and then into November it shut right in and just pissed for 5 months
yep, the Puget Sound sky's bladder is temporarily empty. They have a saying up here "if you won't do it in the rain y ou just won't do it." First thing I bought was a rainsuit.
When I was in The Navy I was stationed at the Submarine base at Bangor. we had a saying " Washingtonians don't tan, they rust"
Scott
Quote from: FJscott on April 13, 2014, 05:01:56 PM
When I was in The Navy I was stationed at the Submarine base at Bangor. we had a saying " Washingtonians don't tan, they rust"
Scott
I'm a transplanted Texan experiencing "climate change" on a personal level. I've notice a bit of mold . . .
Quote from: Burns on April 13, 2014, 02:07:22 PM
I've go some more "sweetening" to do to the FJ that will probably require some fabrication to get the handlebars where I want them
If your goal is to raise the bars, no need to fabricate anything. Randy at RPM has a sweet bar riser set that many of us use with positive feedback.
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser)
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on April 14, 2014, 11:33:39 AM
Quote from: Burns on April 13, 2014, 02:07:22 PM
I've go some more "sweetening" to do to the FJ that will probably require some fabrication to get the handlebars where I want them
If your goal is to raise the bars, no need to fabricate anything. Randy at RPM has a sweet bar riser set that many of us use with positive feedback.
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser)
Fred
I saw that item Fred. Looks like it gives 3/4" rise, no pull back and no adjustability. I'm thinkin' that 1" rise and 3" pull back is ball park, though I'd have to play with it a bit to get it spot-on.
I see that several others have addressed this issue. My thoughts are to either machine the stock top triple tree clamp or cast one of my own to have provision for rubber-mounted perches for 7/8" bars. Then it would only be a matter of selecting the bars that put the grips/controls where I want them.
Quote from: Burns on April 14, 2014, 07:35:53 PM
I saw that item Fred. Looks like it gives 3/4" rise, no pull back and no adjustability. I'm thinkin' that 1" rise and 3" pull back is ball park, though I'd have to play with it a bit to get it spot-on.
I see that several others have addressed this issue. My thoughts are to either machine the stock top triple tree clamp or cast one of my own to have provision for rubber-mounted perches for 7/8" bars. Then it would only be a matter of selecting the bars that put the grips/controls where I want them.
I would LOVE that. Make a second one for me!
Here is another option more to what you may be looking to do. The seller does ship to the U.S.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Superbike-Lenker-Umbau-Kit-YAMAHA-FJ-1100-FJ-1200-/260708982283?pt=DE_Motorradteile&hash=item3cb3775e0b (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Superbike-Lenker-Umbau-Kit-YAMAHA-FJ-1100-FJ-1200-/260708982283?pt=DE_Motorradteile&hash=item3cb3775e0b)
If your FJ does not already have Stainless braided brake lines, this could kill two birds with one purchase.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/_576_zpsc2b4e6ca.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/_576_zpsc2b4e6ca.jpg.html)
Fred
Just a note from personal experience. I played around with raising the bar position and pulling them back. I had them pulled back as far as you can without extending throttle cables. I did have to get a longer front brake line. It was an experiment to see if I liked it.
While a little more comfortable around town, on the road I didn't like it. Yamaha didn't design the front end (fairing and windscreen) for me to sit that in that position. At 70 to 80 there was a lot of wind resistance on my upper body. At 115 plus it was not good at all. That's just my experience. I went back to the stock bars and a windscreen that is around 1 1/2 inch's taller.
I the risers are about the most I would go now. I understand about the desire for more pull back. To bad the 3/4" riser don't have a adjustment to pull back 10 or 15 degrees. Somewhere I have seen some that do but never for the FJ.
George
Quote from: Burns on April 14, 2014, 07:35:53 PM
Looks like it gives 3/4" rise, no pull back and no adjustability. I'm thinkin' that 1" rise and 3" pull back is ball park, though I'd have to play with it a bit to get it spot-on.
Do be careful you do not impact the throttle and brake lines with this mod. For the Gixxer, I bought a set of the Heli-Bars, nice pieces and they claimed I could use the stock lines. I
could, but not without building a bracket for the throttle lines to hold them down below the ignition switch. Otherwise it would hang up on the switch and prevent the bars from turning all the way to the right.
Worth considering, and factoring in the cost of new brake/ throttle lines if indicated.
Dan
That may be the way to go. I'll check it out. Thanks.
Quote from: movenon on April 14, 2014, 08:51:22 PM
Just a note from personal experience. I played around with raising the bar position and pulling them back. I had them pulled back as far as you can without extending throttle cables. I did have to get a longer front brake line. It was an experiment to see if I liked it.
While a little more comfortable around town, on the road I didn't like it. Yamaha didn't design the front end (fairing and windscreen) for me to sit that in that position. At 70 to 80 there was a lot of wind resistance on my upper body. At 115 plus it was not good at all. That's just my experience. I went back to the stock bars and a windscreen that is around 1 1/2 inch's taller.
I the risers are about the most I would go now. I understand about the desire for more pull back. To bad the 3/4" riser don't have a adjustment to pull back 10 or 15 degrees. Somewhere I have seen some that do but never for the FJ.
George
The aerodynamics of this bike are a real challenge. "comfort zone" does not seem to have been a major consideration for Yamaha.
"The aerodynamics of this bike are a real challenge. "comfort zone" does not seem to have been a major consideration for Yamaha."
Ok, I'll bite. I am an old guy who is 6'3. It is a sport tourer...not a Goldwing. It is the sport touring pioneer not an 2014 FJR. I find it very comfortable.
When I need more comfort, I get in the Cadillac. :hi:
I needed longer throttle cables for my fat bar conversion.
A painless procedure, just call Motion Pro, they have the cable specifications for the FJ's on file.
I asked for 2" longer push/pull cables and 2 weeks later they came to my doorstep. Plug and play.
Spring time greetings everyone,
I will conceded that the seating position of an FJ may not suit everyone, luckily for me being rather short and rotund it fits me just fine.
As far as ride quality, with modern suspension the old FJ rivals just about any thing on the road. It floats down the highway as needed and is very competent when sport riding is encountered.
I have encountered touring, sport touring and sport motorcycles (and even a few automobiles) and the FJ has acquitted itself very well in all circumstances. From my experience, for all around performance the FJ cannot be surpassed.
I not only have the miles to make such a broad statement but [to appease the Forum's resident 'scholar'] I also have the video to support such a claim.
That suspension is available to all from the gentleman at R.P.M.
Ride safe, stay in good humor & keep smiling,
Midget.
Quote from: jscgdunn on April 15, 2014, 11:05:06 AM
"The aerodynamics of this bike are a real challenge. "comfort zone" does not seem to have been a major consideration for Yamaha."
Ok, I'll bite. I am an old guy who is 6'3. It is a sport tourer...not a Goldwing. It is the sport touring pioneer not an 2014 FJR. I find it very comfortable.
When I need more comfort, I get in the Cadillac. :hi:
====================================================
My FJ is an '89, so it's kinda out of the "pioneer" stage. And since Yamaha went with a rubber mounted motor on this one I don't think a bit more touring orientation with the fairing would have been a bad idea.
As is it's a great bike. I would like to modify it for the use that I intend ( a 4000 mile trip I'm planning) and the "sport" aerodynamics are the greatest challenge.
Negative Burnsie, on your '89 having rubber mounts....the rubber mounts came out in '91.
Quote from: Burns on April 15, 2014, 11:51:33 AM
As is it's a great bike. I would like to modify it for the use that I intend ( a 4000 mile trip I'm planning) and the "sport" aerodynamics are the greatest challenge.
[/quote]
Comparing apples to apples. I have an 89' just like yours. For rider size, I am 5' 7" tall and 180lbs.
I do have the 3/4" RPM bar risers, a Corbin seat, lower foot pegs and 3 different windscreens to choose from. Finding the comfort zone to your liking is a trial and error proposition. Given my experience with my 89', you have not mentioned the item that actually has the most impact on rider comfort.
The windscreen. Where the wind hits your body while at speed has a HUGE effect on rider comfort. The 3 windscreens I have are each used for a different riding function.
1. Zero Gravity +2" windscreen -I use this screen in the summer months for long rides and touring. The airflow hits me near the chin of my helmet. The airstream is easily deflected with very little helmet buffeting.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/226628b0-aa70-486f-a159-a32d2757008e_zpsa595e124.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/226628b0-aa70-486f-a159-a32d2757008e_zpsa595e124.jpg.html)
2. Powerbronze flip windscreen - This windscreen I use for Fall/Winter/Spring riding. The flip feature directs the airflow to the top of my helmet, creating an almost vacuum like area between the fairing and my head and chest. Absolutely zero head buffeting. A strange side effect is during the colder rides, I stay much warmer due to no direct wind on my chest while at speed.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/6ddf02ec-e5d8-473d-9bf8-1fd25c55d82c_zpsc2517c99.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/6ddf02ec-e5d8-473d-9bf8-1fd25c55d82c_zpsc2517c99.jpg.html)
3. Honda CBR1100xx Superbird Double Bubble - I have just very recently added this windscreen. (2 days ago) With the couple of short rides in the short amount of time with this windscreen. My intentions are that this will be my summer riding windscreen. At highway speeds. (70+mph) The airflow hits me squarely in the chest between my sternum and bottom of my helmet. Should allow for max cooling affect during the 90*-100* days that we have. I do experience a very small amount of head buffeting.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/IMAG0539_zps5777db17.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/IMAG0539_zps5777db17.jpg.html)
Fred
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 15, 2014, 12:23:51 PM
Negative Burnsie, on your '89 having rubber mounts....the rubber mounts came out in '91.
Thanks for the edification. Guess it is more "pioneer" than I thought. BTW compared to the paint shaker I'd been riding the FJ is glass smooth and I have no comfort issues there.
Fred,
"The windscreen. Where the wind hits your body while at speed has a HUGE effect on rider comfort."
I totally agree - numero uno comfort issue - and it looks like you have done my "aerodynamics" homework for me.
Sounds like the Powerbronze flip is my cup of tea.
BTW your lower fairing doesn't look like mine, is it after-market?