To Whom it may concern,
I have just acquired a Yamaha FJ 1200 with 15,894 miles on it. It sat for a long time so I have been doing overdue maintenance and cleaning it up.
I'd like to re-finish the headers since they have some pitting and surface rust. I can get a set of the downpipes for refinishing so I can simply swap them out for the existing ones and then re-finish those as well.
However my bike is a 91 and the pipes I can get are from an 86.
My question is are the 86 pipes compatible with the 91 positions and collector configuration or are they not?
Thank you in advance,
Mark
Hello Mark, welcome to the forum.
Yes, the '86 header tubes are interchangeable with your '91 collector box. They are plug and play.
Note that on the bottom of the header tubes there is a model number stamped on the tubes, the last single digit of this number is a -1,-2,-3 and -4, which corresponds to the cylinders they connect .
As you sit on the bike #1 is on the far left and #4 on the far right.
Be sure you connect the pipes in right order to the collector box.
Also, just so you know, those tubes are stainless steel (both '86 and '91) The black finish on those header tubes comes off, and with a little work you can have a beautiful polished finish, if you want to go that route.
Hope this helps. Pat
Right on, Pat!
Get to buffing, Mark!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/1tinindian/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1tinindian/media/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg.html)
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the advice. I had read that 91 was an upgrade year so felt a bit unsure if there were changes to exhaust. Now I can move forward but want to ask the next poster about buffing/chrome finish. My last bike was an 82 CBX & was always impressed by those pipes when walking up to it no matter how many times I did.
I'll get my profile completed in a couple days and am sure will have more things to wonder about even though I do have the manuals.
Also, now I am on alert about the OEM brake lines, hmmm.
Mark
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 28, 2014, 10:30:38 PM
Hello Mark, welcome to the forum.
Yes, the '86 header tubes are interchangeable with your '91 collector box. They are plug and play.
Note that on the bottom of the header tubes there is a model number stamped on the tubes, the last single digit of this number is a -1,-2,-3 and -4, which corresponds to the cylinders they connect .
As you sit on the bike #1 is on the far left and #4 on the far right.
Be sure you connect the pipes in right order to the collector box.
Also, just so you know, those tubes are stainless steel (both '86 and '91) The black finish on those header tubes comes off, and with a little work you can have a beautiful polished finish, if you want to go that route.
Hope this helps. Pat
Hi Tinindian,
Can you tell me more about the pipes in your picture? Are they chrome plated stock? Are they ceramic coat? Are they aftermarket/if so what brand? Are you happy with the finish/quality?
I do miss the look off the chrome pipes on my last bike, a CBX.
Also as I am learning about FJs it seems to me the bike in the pictures is also a 91, is that right?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 28, 2014, 11:44:18 PM
Right on, Pat!
Get to buffing, Mark!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/1tinindian/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1tinindian/media/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg.html)
Quote from: Sakitumei on October 29, 2014, 02:26:32 PM
Also, now I am on alert about the OEM brake lines, hmmm.
Unless you know the previous owner personally, I would assume the OEM brake lines are 23 year old original equipment. My recommendation is to replace them with braided lines. There are many brands to chose from that still make lines for the FJ's.
Venhill,
Galfer,
Speigler,
Goodridge,
and a few other brands that escape me at the moment.
Fred
Those polished headers look really good. Do you have to keep at them to keep them looking that good or is a periodic thing like a good rub every month or so?
ken
Hi Fred,
I just did a little research and re-inspected the lines on the bike. They look stock although I am not too sure. I bought it off a lady who bought it new but did not ride at all for the last 8 years. However she had it serviced from new until she stopped riding it by the Yamaha dealer. I have it running well, I think, and it passed a Massachusetts USA state inspection. The lines on it are shielded by a metal spring like thing that I was able to slide up and down the lines for a close look. Visually they seem fine and the braking on this bike is superior to the CBX I just sold. The other thing is I need to discover if this has anti dive (I am certain it does not have ABS) since the line kits seem to be sold with variances for that. For brands I have it narrowed down to Galfer, Speigler & Goodridge so far. Based on my re-inspection and the bleeding I'd done with clean fluid coming out (that was a bit of a surprise) I am not too rushed on this and am seeing it as just one of the winter things I'll be doing to it.
Thanks for the input, it helps a lot what with the brands you mentioned being ones I picked up on.
You know this forum is great. For every other bike I've had I always had to figure things out with some learning from mistakes. Also at my age I simply do not know people who ride anymore to consult with about product brands and other experiences.
Mark
Quote from: aviationfred on October 29, 2014, 02:40:51 PM
Quote from: Sakitumei on October 29, 2014, 02:26:32 PM
Also, now I am on alert about the OEM brake lines, hmmm.
Unless you know the previous owner personally, I would assume the OEM brake lines are 23 year old original equipment. My recommendation is to replace them with braided lines. There are many brands to chose from that still make lines for the FJ's.
Venhill,
Galfer,
Speigler,
Goodridge,
and a few other brands that escape me at the moment.
Fred
Quote from: Sakitumei on October 29, 2014, 02:39:52 PM
Hi Tinindian,
Can you tell me more about the pipes in your picture? Are they chrome plated stock? Are they ceramic coat? Are they aftermarket/if so what brand? Are you happy with the finish/quality?
I do miss the look off the chrome pipes on my last bike, a CBX.
Also as I am learning about FJs it seems to me the bike in the pictures is also a 91, is that right?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 28, 2014, 11:44:18 PM
Right on, Pat!
Get to buffing, Mark!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/1tinindian/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1tinindian/media/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg.html)
Leon's pipes are not coated..........................He polished the factory pipes. They are stainless steel, that were painted black from the factory............
If you polish yours, you could make them look like Leon's :good2:
Here is another option for exhaust. The RPM 4-2-1 exhaust system is stainless and extremely light weight. Roughly 30 pounds lighter than stock. They turn a deep gold color once they have a few heat cycles on them. I am not into the highly polished look, but I am sure the RPM head pipes would shine up real good.
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/temporary_zpsdfb48f67.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/temporary_zpsdfb48f67.jpg.html)
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/aviationfred/RPM2Exhaust_zps7320bed5.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/user/aviationfred/media/RPM2Exhaust_zps7320bed5.jpg.html)
Also, the 91' did not come with Anti-dive or ABS. If you look close at Leon's 91' and my 89', the front ends
are about the same, (other than mine not being polished). The common mods that you can see are. Blue dot calipers, Stainless brake lines, Arashi brake rotors, and 87'/88' FZR1000/750R front wheel. Braking is on par with most late model bikes.
Fred
This is what's hiding under the crud on your pipes.
These were polished in just two steps and did not take very long.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/13102780604_ed4116d6db_c.jpg)
But beware, everything you polish you gotta keep clean.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on October 29, 2014, 05:00:08 PM
This is what's hiding under the crud on your pipes.
These were polished in just two steps and did not take very long.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/13102780604_ed4116d6db_c.jpg)
But beware, everything you polish you gotta keep clean.
Noel
Excellent comparison picture Noel.
That is exactly what mine looked like after polishing, but the heat cycles do turn them a bronze/ copper tint.
I have not done much to mine since 2010 when they were first polished.
I think they maintain very well with soap and water and look great.
Factory S/S pipes are a great project for just a little time invested.
Leon
I think that was a smart move Leon, your fender extender.
Helps keep most of the mud spray off those hot pipes. :good:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 29, 2014, 09:43:08 PM
I think that was a smart move Leon, your fender extender.
Helps keep most of the mud spray off those hot pipes. :good:
I was really trying to keep the rock chips on the lower fairing to a minimum, but it still gets its share of abuse. I hate going off hard surfaced roads!
Quote from: Sakitumei on October 29, 2014, 02:39:52 PM
Hi Tinindian,
Can you tell me more about the pipes in your picture? Are they chrome plated stock? Are they ceramic coat? Are they aftermarket/if so what brand? Are you happy with the finish/quality?
I do miss the look off the chrome pipes on my last bike, a CBX.
Also as I am learning about FJs it seems to me the bike in the pictures is also a 91, is that right?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 28, 2014, 11:44:18 PM
Right on, Pat!
Get to buffing, Mark!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/1tinindian/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1tinindian/media/Motorcycles/100_7480.jpg.html)
Yes Mark, mine is a 91, the pipes are the stock pieces, stainless steel and polished.
Link to my thread when I polished them: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2746.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2746.0)
I have been very happy with the results and wouldn't have it any other way.
They only look like chrome for a short time, then they start to turn a cool golden color, or whatever you would call it.
Leon
First I am going to presume from a functionality sense of the site that if I simply hit "reply with quotes" on the last post/reply I see the remaining participants in the thread will see that? Does that sound right? I would not want anyone to feel I did not reply.
Next:
Fred, I did notice the brake work on the prior post but had little idea what I was looking at. I have added those to my wish list while I mainly get it to a good used stock position.
Pat, Noel & Fred, I never would have come up with the idea of buffing on my own. If anyone can help I have some questions though:
-On the "two step" pipes it says "under the crud" so I presume these were used? Also I seem to see some pitting around the edges/ends so there likely would have been some on the pipe surface areas, is that right?
-Does any one know the abrasive for the steps? Do I start off with 220 wet sand and move into finish bodywork grit down to steel wool or crocus cloth?
-If anyone is interested there is a listing on epay for New "Stainless Steel Down pipes Header Manifold All Models Yamaha FJ1200". In the picture they appear to be polished and are new manufactured to stock specs. The buy it now is $199.95US.
-Is there a high temp clear coat?
Pat & Leon, I saw your post on the fender extender. I took a look at mine & it seems to have one that matches the color (blue) of the main fender although is a separate piece and does not seem to go down the tire as far. Is leon's an upgrade whereas mine is an option or a 91+- year change or just stock perhaps?
FYI; I did buy the used 86 pipes for $45.00US and will be starting with those. Also on the RPM aftermarket system they do look nice if my exhaust were shot although I do like the stock system, provided I could keep it sound for reasonable dollars and get it to look nice as well. However 30 pounds is 30 pounds.
Mark
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 29, 2014, 10:04:38 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 29, 2014, 09:43:08 PM
I think that was a smart move Leon, your fender extender.
Helps keep most of the mud spray off those hot pipes. :good:
I was really trying to keep the rock chips on the lower fairing to a minimum, but it still gets its share of abuse. I hate going off hard surfaced roads!
Quote from: Sakitumei on October 29, 2014, 10:13:09 PM
-Does any one know the abrasive for the steps? Do I start off with 220 wet sand and move into finish bodywork grit down to steel wool or crocus cloth?
-Is there a high temp clear coat?
Mark
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2746.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2746.0)
Follow this link and it explains what I did from start including what grit I used and the polishing rouges I used.
Forget about any kind of high temp clear, it just won't work.
A clear coat needs to have a rough surface to bond too, and polished S/S is FAR from rough.
The clear will only dry on the surface, and begin peeling in no time.
IMO, clear is not required.
Leon
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 29, 2014, 09:39:30 PM
Quote from: ribbert on October 29, 2014, 05:00:08 PM
This is what's hiding under the crud on your pipes.
These were polished in just two steps and did not take very long.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/13102780604_ed4116d6db_c.jpg)
But beware, everything you polish you gotta keep clean.
Noel
Excellent comparison picture Noel.
That is exactly what mine looked like after polishing, but the heat cycles do turn them a bronze/ copper tint.
I have not done much to mine since 2010 when they were first polished.
I think they maintain very well with soap and water and look great.
Factory S/S pipes are a great project for just a little time invested.
Leon
Leon, I never actually fitted these, it was purely an exercise in the process, I was experimenting and got lucky.
I was using 320 grit fast cut resin cloth (emery cloth) under a running tap and discovered that it degraded at the perfect rate. Firstly to remove the paint quickly and then to polish progressively. I went straight from that to a 6" cloth wheel on a bench grinder using only green polish.
I am tempted from time to time to fit them and while I love my bike clean and polished, I reckon Yamaha already put enough on there to polish.
Unlike many here, my bike is not my hobby, riding it is. Black chrome is on the wish list.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on October 30, 2014, 07:05:48 AM
Unlike many here, my bike is not my hobby, riding it is.
Noel
Well, you may be the only person here that thinks Blue or Gold pot calipers are a waste of money, but there's at least two of us here with your mindset when it comes to riding their FJs.
I infer that you are an actual Sportourer, and not a Sportrailerer. Correct?
Trailers are for broken motorcycles.
So, I've got an 800+ mile journey to make it to a rally location. I have a decision to make; do I ride or do I tow?
If I ride, I slog through 800+ miles of BORING highway, arrive beat to shit with tires that are flat in the middle. I could take the backroads, but I don't have 2 weeks to invest in a 3 day rally. I also have to make the slog back home (and probably most of it in the rain).
Or, I could trailer to the rally. I arrive nice and fresh with round tires just chomping to get at the twisties. I also bring along enough spare parts that a bummed slave cylinder doesn't ruin my vacation (or, worse, strand me helpless in the middle of nowhere if I had ridden there).
If being a "true biker" was as simple as droning down the highway, I'd just ride a Harley like the rest of the 1%ers.
Personally, I take the trailer and have a MUCH better vacation...
YMMV
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on October 30, 2014, 08:23:27 PM
So, I've got an 800+ mile journey to make it to a rally location. I have a decision to make; do I ride or do I tow?
If I ride, I slog through 800+ miles of BORING highway, arrive beat to shit with tires that are flat in the middle. I could take the backroads, but I don't have 2 weeks to invest in a 3 day rally. I also have to make the slog back home (and probably most of it in the rain).
Or, I could trailer to the rally. I arrive nice and fresh with round tires just chomping to get at the twisties. I also bring along enough spare parts that a bummed slave cylinder doesn't ruin my vacation (or, worse, strand me helpless in the middle of nowhere if I had ridden there).
If being a "true biker" was as simple as droning down the highway, I'd just ride a Harley like the rest of the 1%ers.
Personally, I take the trailer and have a MUCH better vacation...
YMMV
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Those that choose to ride is fine with me, but I don't need my way of getting to a rally, 1000 miles away,
be any ones business other than my own.
Leon
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on October 30, 2014, 12:35:13 PM
Quote from: ribbert on October 30, 2014, 07:05:48 AM
Unlike many here, my bike is not my hobby, riding it is.
Noel
Well, you may be the only person here that thinks Blue or Gold pot calipers are a waste of money, but there's at least two of us here with your mindset when it comes to riding their FJs.
I infer that you are an actual Sportourer, and not a Sportrailerer. Correct?
How many rallies have you attended?
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on October 30, 2014, 08:23:27 PM
So, I've got an 800+ mile journey to make it to a rally location. I have a decision to make; do I ride or do I tow?
If I ride, I slog through 800+ miles of BORING highway, arrive beat to shit with tires that are flat in the middle. I could take the backroads, but I don't have 2 weeks to invest in a 3 day rally. I also have to make the slog back home (and probably most of it in the rain).
Or, I could trailer to the rally. I arrive nice and fresh with round tires just chomping to get at the twisties. I also bring along enough spare parts that a bummed slave cylinder doesn't ruin my vacation (or, worse, strand me helpless in the middle of nowhere if I had ridden there).
If being a "true biker" was as simple as droning down the highway, I'd just ride a Harley like the rest of the 1%ers.
Personally, I take the trailer and have a MUCH better vacation...
YMMV
Very well said. I attended the WCR this year, and I trailered there. The distance one way was 1816 miles/2922 Kilometers. I did 1000 miles and stopped overnight, picked up another member and his FJ to do the other 800 miles. It was much more enjoyable having a co-pilot for half of the trip. The main reason was the time off of work. Had I rode, there would have been another 2 days of travel needed.
Not to say I won't ride longer distance. I just rode 558 Miles/898 Kilometers this past Sunday with my 13 year old Daughter riding pillion.
Fred
Months ago, I posted a reply to someone's post on this year's WCR who questioned the logic and/or method of long-distance travel (trailering vs. riding) of certain forum members who were on their ways to the event. I replied that I was sure that there were good reasons for them to be doing so. I'm not going to bother with digging up that old post, and providing a link to my response, but if any of you want to, go for it.
Early this past spring, I attended a small, non-FJ, motorcycle rally in AR. Out of the half dozen or so attendees, only two of us road to the event. Me from MN, and another rider on a ST1300 who was from OK. The others, were from the Chicago area, and trailered their bikes. All of us at that ride-in are long (decades worth) time motorcyclists, and are not spring chickens anymore.
Regarding the last sentence in the above paragraph: I have read that the motorcycling population as a whole, at least in the States, is aging, with less younger riders entering the motorcycling fold for a number of reasons. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more people (older) trailering bikes to ride-ins, or rallys, because of age-related reasons. I'm not trailering at this time, and that is my choice, as much as it is to trailer one's bike(s).
As one of the gatekeepers of this site stated, "It sucks to get old." And I agree, but I still love to ride my motorcycle.
If I can swing it, I will be attending this coming year's Central Rally. I plan on riding to it, and when I arrive dog-tired, but with a smile on my face, and with worn, squared-off tires, I will further discuss the merits of trailering versus riding to the event, when I meet the fresh-as-a-daisy folks who trailered their bike(s) to the Rally. :flag_of_truce:
We can all choose how we travel to rallies or, at least those who attend rallies can choose :-/
It used to be a test of your skills as a mechanic or your endurance as a rider to be able to traverse long distances on a motorcycle. And you had to endure the vagaries of the weather as well, since bikes don't really protect you from the rain, or cold, or heat, or wind, or hail like a car does.
However, I think the greatest difference is whether you consider your motorcycle a true "means of transport" or a "toy". Neither outlook is right or wrong, but there is certainly a difference between those attitudes.
In fact, some of us are fortunate enough to have examples of both. I have an FJ1200 which I have ridden thousands of km to rallies, it is a real form of transport. I also have a smaller, lighter, much more 'flickable, as well as more uncomfortable bike which I treat as a toy. While it is very reliable, I can't see myself riding it for hours on end. The FJ does that admirably.
There was a comment about needing 2 weeks to travel to a 3 day rally 800 miles away. Now, 800 miles IS a long day on the superslab, or 2 days on back roads. Taking 5+ days to travel 800miles is silly or hyperbole.
I used to do that kind of milage on a bicycle. (I was a bit younger and fitter then)
No need for excuses - just enjoy your bike the way you want to. :yes:
The key point is.... Get thee to a FJ Rally...
How you get there does not matter.
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 30, 2014, 08:46:04 PM
How many rallies have you attended?
Only the one that I put on and organized. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8872.60 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8872.60)
You were there. That's you next to me in the pictures.
Like I mentioned, if I can swing it this year, I'll try and get to the Central Rally, BUT...
For me, priorities are such, that when I get sick of this stuff...
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1388_01_11_14_5_58_22.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1388_01_11_14_5_57_24.jpeg)
I go to places like this with my SO...
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1388_01_11_14_5_23_52.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1388_01_11_14_5_43_55.jpeg)
I burned up almost two weeks of time off work to enjoy the above. Depending on this upcoming winter, I may jet out to warmer climes again to maintain my sanity. If so, something will give. I'll give you three guesses on what will give, but the first two don't count. :biggrin: