So, I've owned two 1993 FJ1200ABS's, and the last one has been sitting for too long. I recently bought a dream property in the Bay Area with a shop for my toys, and I can finally get a "round tuit". Along with the shop, the previous owner left me a mill and a lathe, so I'm really all out of excuses for getting the old girl in serious shape. Also, I live in Livermore, a mere 30 minute drive from Randy over in the Central Valley, so I can't claim to not have any help.
The good news is this second bike has not been abused, only neglected in terms of exercise. There are only 56k miles on her, and the motor feels good and strong, so my interest will be in getting the front and rear ends upgraded (I have the GSXR rear wheel swap parts), and freshen up/repair some aesthetics.
So what I'd like to do is a begin a methodical, sequential project of rejuvenation, to include the popular modifications and upgrades to result in the return of that kookaloo feeling I've had every time I twist the throttle from 70mph in 5th and she just pulls my arms away from me. I'd love to hear suggestions on specific ideas if you had no excuses. I don't mind spending a little bit of money, but I'm not looking for a concours bike. She'll be a fair weather commuter and weekend mental health bike.
She is factory stock, and everything seems to work, including the jumpy tach. :sarcastic:
Obligatory pics:
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04331.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04311.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04341.jpg)
Well, if you change your rims out to the popular 17" offerings, you will lose the abs function.
Are you ok with that?.....Think about it.
Kosman offers a welding service where you can send your abs rims in and they will cut and weld on a new 17" rim band. That way you can retain the abs sensor rings on your rims and still have modern 17" tires.
http://kosmanspecialties.com/services/wheel-widening-and-weldups/ (http://kosmanspecialties.com/services/wheel-widening-and-weldups/)
Regardless...I would start with the front forks (inc. fork brace) and back shock.
RPM makes popular upgrades for both ends.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 03, 2014, 12:23:17 PM
Well, if you change your rims out to the popular 17" offerings, you will lose the abs function.
Are you ok with that?.....Think about it.
Regardless...I would start with the front forks (inc. fork brace) and back shock.
RPM makes popular upgrades for both ends.
Thanks for the reply, Pat.
Yes, I'm fine with losing the ABS, so I can get to the wider and better rubber offerings. In looking around the site, I've seen many different front end modifications. Is there a good wholesale front end swap that is cost effective and makes the best sense? I'm not looking for crazy performance, only a simpler way to address the mods. I don't plan on riding the bike until I've addressed the whole thing, so I'm interested in a way to achieve the end result without too much piecemeal.
Simple modifications are:
RPM front forks and back shock. Shorter dog bones on the swing arm links to raise your back end.
'87/'88 FZR750 or FZR1000 front rim (3.5"wide vs. your 3" stock rim)
GSXR rear rim
R-1 blue or gold spot front brake calipers, SS lines and FZ1 14mm master cylinder
That will get you the essentials: 1) tires 2) suspension and 3) brakes
After that, modifications can get more extensive, but IMHO the best bang for the buck are the above essentials.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 03, 2014, 12:43:29 PM
Simple modifications are:
RPM front forks and back shock. Shorter dog bones on the swing arm links to raise your back end.
'87/'88 FZR750 or FZR1000 front rim (3.5"wide vs. your 3" stock rim)
GSXR rear rim
R-1 blue or gold spot front brake calipers, SS lines and FZ1 14mm master cylinder
That will get you the essentials: 1) tires 2) suspension and 3) brakes
After that, modifications can get more extensive, but IMHO the best bang for the buck are the above essentials.
Perfect, thanks for the list. That should get me rolling.
edit: oops, I just re-read your first post and I like the wheel widening link you posted... Is the 1993 ABS worth keeping?
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 03, 2014, 12:54:55 PM
Is the 1993 ABS worth keeping?
It's worth keeping if it works. Most don't anymore.
Decide on whether you're going to keep it before you buy SS brakelines.
Welcome to the group. :hi: Great looking FJ.
Pat pretty much summed up the recommended mods for newbie's.
I would add the RPM Spin-on oil filter adaptor to the list. I also know that it can get nasty hot in the Central Valley, another thought may be to add the RPM oil cooler.
Fred
Thanks again for the replies. I think it makes sense to think about sending the stock rear wheel off to be modified for width and diameter, which would keep the ABS intact. At that point, I could still disable it if necessary. Not sure about cost on that, but it's worth looking into. I'll get started on the other stuff soon and post updates as I go.
FYI - I called Kosman about the wheel widening, and Sandy told me he has sold that part of his business to a Charlie Stefano 530-200-3572. I left Charlie a message to get back to me with pricing info on widening and diameter increase.
Wow, wheel widening would be nice, but not at the crazy prices they want these days. I'll stick with the GSXR swap, and disable the ABS. Seems to work well for others, and I don't really ride aggressively enough to justify the ABS. I don't ever recall it activating in all the years I've owned either of the '93's. I guess it could be that it never worked, but whatever.
I'm off to remove the rear wheel and start getting greasy.
Curious, how much did he want?
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on September 04, 2014, 02:35:14 PM
Curious, how much did he want?
He actually hasn't returned my call. I searched around online and found other recent stories that folks had shared, and it seems the prices are up into the $850 range and beyond. There aren't very many places that do the work, and I suppose the market is pretty small for it, so they have you where they want you if you really have to have it done. It isn't that important, so I'm happy moving ahead with the tried and true mods that folks here have already proven works.
I'll be interested in the dollar amount if you do hear back from him. This has been on my to do list since the WCR...
That way, all the girls can keep telling me, "Whoa!...Nice ABS!" :lol:
Roger, Wilco. I'll keep trying to get in touch with him and let you know.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 03, 2014, 12:43:29 PM
Simple modifications are:
RPM front forks and back shock. Shorter dog bones on the swing arm links to raise your back end.
'87/'88 FZR750 or FZR1000 front rim (3.5"wide vs. your 3" stock rim)
GSXR rear rim
R-1 blue or gold spot front brake calipers, SS lines and FZ1 14mm master cylinder
That will get you the essentials: 1) tires 2) suspension and 3) brakes
After that, modifications can get more extensive, but IMHO the best bang for the buck are the above essentials.
Thanks Pat,
Is the 87/88 Front wheel the only 3.5" choice?
Also, what year bikes should the blue dots and 14mm master come from?
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 09, 2014, 07:56:04 PM
Thanks Pat,
Is the 87/88 Front wheel the only 3.5" choice?
Also, what year bikes should the blue dots and 14mm master come from?
[/quote]
The 87'/88' FZR750R and 87'/88' FZR1000 front wheels are the recommended drop in 17" x 3.5" wheels. The 750 has to be the 'R' model, not the 'N' model. Other wheels have been used, but require modifications/machining/replacing the forks.
The Blue/Gold dots can come from a few models. R1, R6, FZ1, FJR. The years would be the late 90's to the mid 2000's
Master cylinders are most commonly sourced from first generation FJR's and FZ1's. Urine cup style masters can also be used from R1's and R6's.
Fred
Thanks, Fred, that helps me sort through it all.
Another vetted mod for the Brake AND Clutch master cylinders is Honda VFR800 Masters. Here is the write up that I did when I installed them on my FJ.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9635.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9635.0)
Fred
Awesome, that sounds like the ticket. Now if I can just find an 87/88 front wheel...
Another note on finding a 17" x 3.5" FZR wheel.
Many breakers and sellers on eBay are not knowledgeable on the parts they sell. (I constantly see parts that are specific to the FJ1100 listed as FJ1100/FJ1200 parts).
The correct FZR wheels have a 'F 42' casted on one of the spokes. Any other number is from a year that will not drop in.
Fred
Virtually every street bike Yamaha built from 1998 through 2008 used blue dot or gold dot calipers. As long as they are not radial mount calipers they will swap to 1989 and later FJ fork legs. As far as master cylinders, the 14mm is about as easy to find as the calipers. I bought the entire front brake system from a 2005 FJR 1300, it uses a 14 mm master. I'm fairly sure that all the standard type master cylinders(non-radial), that were used with blue dots were 14 mm. If that is not correct, someone will have the inside story.
Joe
Thanks again, you guys are a great wealth of knowledge and experience. I can't wait to get this thing back on the road. Hope to meet up and ride with some of you soon.
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 10, 2014, 08:22:28 AM
Thanks again, you guys are a great wealth of knowledge and experience. I can't wait to get this thing back on the road. Hope to meet up and ride with some of you soon.
You have a high density of EXCELLENT FJ people out your way. Real quality.
...nice roads, too.
Steve
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on September 10, 2014, 08:32:43 AM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 10, 2014, 08:22:28 AM
Thanks again, you guys are a great wealth of knowledge and experience. I can't wait to get this thing back on the road. Hope to meet up and ride with some of you soon.
You have a high density of EXCELLENT FJ people out your way. Real quality.
...nice roads, too.
Steve
Don't I know it. I'll be paying a visit to RPM very soon.
Quick update...
Paid (pun intended) a visit to RPM yesterday, and got to meet Randy and his son. Man, I wish I would have done this years ago, it's only an hour drive from my house. Exactly as advertised, Randy is my kinda DIY guy. Very personable and great conversationalist, a wealth of knowledge that he shares. Thanks Randy, I'm excited to get the FJ back on the road again.
Shopping list:
RPM Rear Shock
RPM Fork upgrade with all the goodies
Fork brace
Carb service with pod filters and new pilot jets
new throttle and choke cables
Steering Head bearings
Engine bars
Spin filter adapter
Like I said, I'm all out of excuses...
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 25, 2014, 10:05:36 AM
Quick update...
Paid (pun intended) a visit to RPM yesterday, and got to meet Randy and his son. Man, I wish I would have done this years ago, it's only an hour drive from my house. Exactly as advertised, Randy is my kinda DIY guy. Very personable and great conversationalist, a wealth of knowledge that he shares. Thanks Randy, I'm excited to get the FJ back on the road again.
Shopping list:
RPM Rear Shock
RPM Fork upgrade with all the goodies
Fork brace
Carb service with pod filters and new pilot jets
new throttle and choke cables
Steering Head bearings
Engine bars
Spin filter adapter
Like I said, I'm all out of excuses...
:good2: +1
George
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 25, 2014, 10:05:36 AM
Quick update...
Paid (pun intended) a visit to RPM yesterday, and got to meet Randy and his son. Man, I wish I would have done this years ago, it's only an hour drive from my house. Exactly as advertised, Randy is my kinda DIY guy. Very personable and great conversationalist, a wealth of knowledge that he shares. Thanks Randy, I'm excited to get the FJ back on the road again.
Shopping list:
RPM Rear Shock
RPM Fork upgrade with all the goodies
Fork brace
Carb service with pod filters and new pilot jets
new throttle and choke cables
Steering Head bearings
Engine bars
Spin filter adapter
Like I said, I'm all out of excuses...
If I lived an hour away from Randy I would be broke and sleeping on the sofa :sarcastic:
Update! Got this thing rollin sweet! Here's the list:
"89 FZR 1000 front wheel (had to modify the FJ forks to accept the 17mm axle.)
Blue Dots
RPM fork magic by Randy
RPM Fork stabilizer
Steering head bearings
Engine Bars
Carb rebuild by Randy
ABS Delete
'91 GSXR rear wheel w/underslung brake
New Rubber (120/70 front 180/60 rear)
RPM Shock personalized by Randy
18T front sprocket to go with the 43T GSXR sprocket (Very nice combination)
New chain
RPM Risers
New grips
Cleaned up/painted dash/instrument panels
Remaining to-do's:
R/R broken frame bolt behind shifter footpeg
Plastic work on upper cowling
fine-tune suspension settings
ride
Ride
RIDE!
Obligatory pics:
Ok...so where are the pics? :mail1: :ireful: Looking forward to them...jeff
you don't see them? I see them...
I'll see if my upload failed
nope, I see them on my phone and my desktop... anybody else see them?
OK, figured it out. Had to host em elsewhere, the upload no worky...
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/image1.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/image2.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/image3.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/image4.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_0699.jpg)
Jeez, I'm all over the place with these damned pics... Lemme see if I can get a good series of before & after going...
Before:
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04311.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04331.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/IMG_04341.jpg)
After:
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/694B01EB-CF13-44BA-9B44-1F5B7E99244D.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/image2.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/87A7A58F-0BE5-4E5F-98C7-D19D62C47DFB.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/7697897B-03FA-4A03-AC44-F4E38933CCD7.jpg)
The bike is transformed. I'm commuting on it again, just because it's so fun to ride. Wish I would have done these mods years ago, but I'm sure glad I kept the old girl around long enough to get the Kookaloo back!
Rick,
The only thing missing from your well equipped garage is a nice, big compressor to go along with all of your other nice equipment.
I think I know someone that has one that will fit the bill...
Randy - RPM
Looks great....and quite the collection of stable mates!
Jeff
Rick, you will notice a difference if you install some oem Honda CBR mirrors on your bike....highly recommended.
You are doing well! Kudos.... that 911 looks to be a e-ticket ride...
Better lighting outside...
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/BE496E3B-D96D-417D-90D0-0CD0E28EA41E.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/8A18E684-41CA-40DA-A788-F8C22CF32F90.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/CD56532F-58ED-452D-A2D8-0BEF31635E07.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/A7DC2073-2D9C-44A2-BD4A-61BFD63E3DF1.jpg)
(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/zoanas/FJ1200/44BB862B-DF05-4B50-B669-4946A3BEB679.jpg)
Quote from: racerrad8 on November 06, 2014, 12:26:47 PM
Rick,
The only thing missing from your well equipped garage is a nice, big compressor to go along with all of your other nice equipment.
I think I know someone that has one that will fit the bill...
Randy - RPM
Haha! Alas, I DO have a compressor installed out back, and plumbed throughout the shop. It's a little long in the tooth, however. I'll let you know if she needs replacing.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 06, 2014, 12:42:29 PM
Rick, you will notice a difference if you install some oem Honda CBR mirrors on your bike....highly recommended.
You are doing well! Kudos.... that 911 looks to be a e-ticket ride...
The mirrors are on my list, will there ever be a mirror that doesn't vibrate so bad that you can't see anything until it's too close to matter?
I race the Spec911 with the Porsche Racing Club, and yes, it's one hell of a ride! Here's a clip from a recent race. I managed to screw myself by not listening carefully in the drivers' meeting before the race. I thought they said to come in to the hot pits if you got all four wheels off, but they actually said only if you "spin". I was in fifth place when I went all four off in turn two, and you can see me wave by several cars before pulling in to the hot pits. Kicked myself in the ass for that one the rest of the weekend.
http://youtu.be/cRehlii2cZI (http://youtu.be/cRehlii2cZI)
Quote from: jscgdunn on November 06, 2014, 12:28:36 PM
Looks great....and quite the collection of stable mates!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff,
They are twins, 1987 & 88 Venetian Blue Carreras. The one on the lift finally failed to pass smog after 260k miles, so I'm planning to rebuild the motor and get her back on the road. It's nice to have a parts car for the race car. :)
Quote from: ZOA NOM on November 06, 2014, 01:01:29 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 06, 2014, 12:42:29 PM
Rick, you will notice a difference if you install some oem Honda CBR mirrors on your bike....highly recommended.
You are doing well! Kudos.... that 911 looks to be a e-ticket ride...
The mirrors are on my list, will there ever be a mirror that doesn't vibrate so bad that you can't see anything until it's too close to matter?
Get the Honda oem mirrors and you will be happy. I guarantee it*......The aftermarket mirrors are inferior. (Emgo,etc)
* that assumes serviced engine mounts and a tuned engine with balanced carbs...
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 06, 2014, 01:11:49 PM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on November 06, 2014, 01:01:29 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 06, 2014, 12:42:29 PM
Rick, you will notice a difference if you install some oem Honda CBR mirrors on your bike....highly recommended.
You are doing well! Kudos.... that 911 looks to be a e-ticket ride...
The mirrors are on my list, will there ever be a mirror that doesn't vibrate so bad that you can't see anything until it's too close to matter?
Get the Honda oem mirrors and you will be happy. I guarantee it*......The aftermarket mirrors are inferior. (Emgo,etc)
* that assumes serviced engine mounts and a tuned engine with balanced carbs...
Yep, that's also on the list. Carbs are done, mounts need to be addressed. Any particular year CBR?
UPDATE: I received a phone call from Walt Jenkins at www.CustomMetalSpinning.com (http://www.custommetalspinning.com) in Whittier, CA 562-696-3602 who had gotten my number from Kosman wheels, who used to do wheel widening. I'm playing phone tag for the moment, but when I hear back from him, I'll see what kind of prices he charges for widening our stock 3" and 3.5" wheels.