Best mod, best changes anything you've done to yours to make it a better bike for you. I've done several in many areas on mine,Suspension, comfort,performance, ect...but I'd like to know what was the most significant one thing you did to yours that made all the difference. Cheers! Charley
Oooh, that's easy!
I introduced them to THIS SITE!!!
As far as something tangible, I suppose the acquisition of a Corbin seat fits the bill. A comfy butt is a happy butt! :music:
Lockable luggage is a close second, though.
Steve
I think for me, it was when I switched to the FZR1000 wheels (17x3.5/17x5.5)and modern radial rubber. :good2:
I will have to follow Alan on this.
The GSXR750 rear wheel 17"x5.5" and the FZR750R front wheel 17"x3.5" mods
Corbin seats, Honda master cylinders, Braided brake lines, Late model Yamaha calipers are also big contributors.
Fred
As with most I have done all the normal mods, 5.5 and 3.5 wheels, blue dots, suspension improvements, relay's, lights etc. but frankly the "best changes" for me has been simply the RPM spin on oil filter conversion and UNIPOD's. But it's all good. It is a fun bike to ride and generally a pleasure to work on. As Marty Robbins sang "Some Memories Just Won't Die". Sounds corny but I love that bike. :drinks:
George
Good question Charley!
The answer is easy: Replace the oem shock.
Should be #1 on the list of FJ mods.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on June 25, 2015, 10:40:18 AM
The answer is easy: Replace the oem shock.
Should be #1 on the list of FJ mods.
Pat, are you sure...? :nea:
I thought it was getting rid of the 20+ year old rubber brake hoses. :i_am_so_happy:
Randy - RPM
Best thing that I've done is, ===> go through the FJ from front to back. Clean, inspect, replace, repair and refurbish, lubricate, adjust,... Mechanical. Electrical. Hydraulic. Get it all sorted out, so it's road-worthy and reliable first.
* Gold dots, blue dots, polka dots, whatever calipers, won't do much for you if an old fork seal leaks fork oil onto their pads.
* A whiz-bang shock and fork valves with Top Secret valving technology, won't work too well if the swingarm's pivot and/or shock linkage is worn, dirty and neglected. Or in the fork valves' case, if the forks bushings are shot.
* Uni pods won't work to well, if the carbs aren't right to begin with. But at least they will make it easier to pull the carbs off to work on them.
* If (early model gravity-fed carbs) the fuel spigot on the petcock pops off, and the whole bike goes up in flames, all you're mods, work and money goes up in smoke.
Get it right, ride it, then mod it. You may find that you're perfectly happy to ride it in its OEM configuration, before you embark on the mods.
I do like the RPM Handlebar Risers https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser) that I installed though.
Quote from: charleygofast on June 25, 2015, 06:54:49 AM
Best mod, best changes anything you've done to yours to make it a better bike for you....
Charley's question was about modifications.
I do not consider replacing the oem rubber brake lines a modification, just *required* maintenance.
Key word being 'required' ..... kinda like safety wiring your vacuum petcock, 'required'.
Marty is spot on....no modifications allowed until the FJ is fully serviced.
The single best modification that had the most impact was throwing away that weak sauce sacked out oem shock. This also happened to be one of the most expensive modifications, but most worthwhile.
Had to think about this one, as there are so many mods that make it better, but for me it has to be lowered footpegs that I fitted recently. Being tall it really makes a difference to my knees for them not to be quite so bent when riding, and makes me want to ride longer distances again.
Sorry, I confused maintenance & modification. :flag_of_truce:
Randy - RPM
BTW, all petcocks purchased from RPM come with the "required" safety wiring of the elbow completed.
(http://rpmracingca.com/prodimages/large/M%20C%2086-88Petcock-3.jpg)
Puttin the blue dot calipers were the most noticible improvement over stock, for me.
All the other stuff was just extra gravy poured over an already wonderful motorcycle.
Rallies are great to attend, because there is never two FJs out fitted alike, because there are so many ways to personalize it. (Doesn't help much though, if you are trying to avoid "moditus")
+1 on everything the others have said. One of my personal favorites are the Honda CBR 250 OEM mirrors. Not the CBR 1100? China mirrors on EBay. I had them too they are no comparison to the longer stock and excellent glass on the Honda OEM . No peeking around any body parts with these and no buzzy, fuzzy reflection -- you can instantly see what's behind you. Plus they're like antennae's to keep me from cramming my wide hard bags when navigating narrow openings and obstacles. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e05ayLVTOoM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e05ayLVTOoM)
Quote from: markmartin on June 25, 2015, 02:07:15 PM
Plus they're like antennae's to keep me from cramming my wide hard bags when navigating narrow openings and obstacles. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e05ayLVTOoM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e05ayLVTOoM)
Yeah, CBR mirrors are awesome! Oh, that video combines two of my favorite hobbies...motorcycling and sailing! :biggrin:
I have really been enjoying reading through this site. A lot of people have made mention of the OEM rear shock. Could someone please give me a more in-depth explanation as to what the real problem is with the stock setup? I am going to be looking at an FJ1200 soon. FWIW, l am 6'3" and about 250 lbs.
Scott
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on June 25, 2015, 06:00:51 PM
A lot of people have made mention of the OEM rear shock. Could someone please give me a more in-depth explanation as to what the real problem is with the stock setup?
First of all, the OEM shock is going to be around 22-30 years old. This means two things - the design and materials aren't as good as they are now, and it's likely worn out.
I would say modern suspension. I have a Penske shock and a YZF 600 R front end set up by someone who knows what he is doing. The bike rides like it is 100 pounds lighter. Of course there are so many other things......
Nothing wrong with the oem shock except that it was under sprung, under dampened with little or no rebound, plus the fact that it can't be rebuilt or have its valving modified.
Motorcycle suspensions have come a long way. Remember, back in the mid '80's, most street bikes had limited suspension travel with twin shocks.
The good news is the FJ was ahead of it's time with a pro link swing arm suspension.
The FJ oem shock was weak the day it rolled off the assembly line.
Save your money. Get a quality shock. You will be amazed. Guaranteed.
Good info guys. So what is a great shock to replace it with?
Also, not to hijack this thread...but l have read a lot about 2nd gear issues. Was this mainly a problem with the earlier models, or all the way through? The 2 bikes l am considering are a '90 and a '92. And on one of the threads l was reading, someone posted instructions as far as how to ride a bike to see whether or not it has the 2nd gear issue or not, and l'll be damned if l can find it again. Does anyone know that process offhand?
Thanks again for everything...l really like you guys :)
Quote from: hawkaholic37 on June 25, 2015, 09:41:03 PM
Also, not to hijack this thread...but l have read a lot about 2nd gear issues. Was this mainly a problem with the earlier models, or all the way through? The 2 bikes l am considering are a '90 and a '92. And on one of the threads l was reading, someone posted instructions as far as how to ride a bike to see whether or not it has the 2nd gear issue or not, and l'll be damned if l can find it again. Does anyone know that process offhand?
The early bikes (to 86? ) were more prone to this. Later bikes got stronger shift arms.
Take off fairly hard in 1st, shift to 2nd and give it a big handfull of throttle.
(be carefull, if the traction is low the wheel will spin, too high and it might wheely)
If the dogs are worn it will jump out of gear, usually to neutral.
Arnie
Cool, thanks for the info Arnie. Just curious...by the time l figure out if the dogs are shot or not, how fast should l expect to be going? :biggrin:
One more question...if it does have this issue, how big of a job is it to fix?
This is a BIG job to do. You need to remove the engine from the frame, then invert it and split the case halves. If you're in this far, best to also put in the undercut gear set, from Randy or elsewhere. And you need to do all 3 shift forks at the same time. I'd guess $500-800 in parts. Randy could quote you a labor and/or total price.
As far as how to tell, you need to take the bike to 5-6k rpm (in 2nd gear) then go full throttle. If it pops out into neutral (as Arnie described) or just acts like a ratchet like mine did, then you're in for a job. If this is on a test ride, I'd pass!
All I can say is BTDT.
Ed
Thanks Ed
Prior to the WOG 57 Rally this year, I refurbished my front brakes after 125000 Klms. I found that to be a great investment in time and money. The Lever has never felt firmer.
One day I might even get braided lines.
Be Good.
Macca.
Macca Maaaaaaaaaaattttte,
Go on, Do IT !!!
You deserve it, and your brakes will be much more predictable and safer.
Remember, those rubber brake lines are 23yrs old now.
Yamaha says they should have been replaced when 4 yrs old.
Quote from: Tony Mac on June 26, 2015, 01:43:01 AM
Prior to the WOG 57 Rally this year, I refurbished my front brakes after 125000 Klms. I found that to be a great investment in time and money. The Lever has never felt firmer.
One day I might even get braided lines.
Be Good.
Macca.
Custom shaping the stock seat to fit me. Otherwise I couldn't ride it for more than 90 minutes max...
For me, it was modern tires. My FJ1100 came with ancient Metzlers (Triumph OEM) and I wanted to wear them out first. That was a bad choice, made by finances, not by brains. These tires were old, hardened, and maybe unsafe at high speeds by now. There really are not many choices for 16" tires on the FJ; Avons, Pirelli, or Metzlers. I did not like the looks of the Metzlers.
I switched to Pirelli Sport Demons, and man, it was like I got a new bike under me. The improved handling was amazing. I realized then that maybe the old tires worked, but not well enough to inspire real confidence. Two times, on the old tires, hard braking had made the rear wheel lock and slide, when I knew in my heart that new tires would not have done that. Those new tires were worth every penny.
Cheers,
Red
When I think about the mods that enhance my enjoyment of riding the FJ most, they are:
Google maps/ GPS or other navigational device (although not strictly a mod)
Eliminating chain maintenance with good chain and automatic oiler.
GPS HUD unit that projects speed onto screen
LED Indicator tell tale on flexible stalk
Shorter dog bones.
Brake pads.
Grease nipples on engine mounts.
Noel
The first mod I did was the headlight relay. Easy with immediate payback. But, the best mod.....definitely converting to the 17" front wheel along with radial rubber. After being enlightened by Mr. Ratfart at Boone rally, I realized my stock ' 87 handled like a pickup truck.
I set about getting some '89 sliders and wheels, new fork springs, and blue dot calipers and master cylinder. Also installed new steering head bearings, along with wheel bearings. Needless to say, that was a lot of changes all at once, but the transformation was substantial. Definitely made the rallies more fun!
:i_am_so_happy:
My experience is similar to Red's post above: modern radial tires.
That change, by itself, was probably as substantial an improvement as every other change I've made put together:
- Penske rear shock, RaceTech cartridge-emulator valves, stiffer springs, heavier oil, professional fork rebuild from Traxxion
- FZ1 blue-spot calipers and master cylinder
- 17x5 rear wheel from a YZF600R, along with some Jon Cain parts that allow me to mount it in the FJ swingarm
I'm pretty sure I could take my bike with its $1,500 worth of handling/braking upgrades, mount up some off-brand tires, and turn it into a slower and worse-handling bike than someone else's bone-stock 100,000 mile FJ on worn-out factory shock if they put good radials on it.
I think the best thing I've done to my FJ is join this forum. Before I joined I just rode the bike and didn't really care much about it, because apart from still being able to get the basic consumables like filters etc from bike shops, I thought that was about as much as you could do with them. How wrong was I.
Apart from meeting a great bunch of local owners, it's made me take a renewed interest in the bike after reading about all the mods you can do and just what is available to turn them from a good bike into a great bike.
Everything I've done so far. Spin on oil filter, Handlebar risers, Hagon rear shock, RPM fork valves,
Uni filters, SS carb bolt set, Ignition advance mod, Oil temp gauge, Volt gauge,
Blue spot calipers, SS brake lines, Air horn, Cbr mirrors, Gsxr rear wheel, and
I'm nowhere near finished yet.
Thanks for answering my question everyone! Great bikes, great people, great stories and lots of good advice, that is what this forum is about. Bones my friend I think you nailed it...joining this group is probably the best thing we've all done to/for our FJ's, and possibly ourselves... thank you! That said and since I started this post I should add my favorite and possibly the cheapest thing you can do...foam hand grips! Four months ago I had hand surgery on my clutch/fretting hand. I had what's called 'hyper thenar hammer syndrome" basically a clotted vein in my palm. Surgery was a vein graft in my palm. Still sore and prone to vibration and quite cold sensitive...these grips (Johar) have made my FJ rides enjoyable again...especially above 4000 RPM which is where I and my FJ really like to be! I want to thank you Marsh White for starting this forum and for making being a FJ owner/rider so much better for us all! Cheers :drinks: Charley.
The list of modifications to my FJ is long. Some of the mods are for better handling, some are for comfort, ease of use or convenience.
On this day I would say the best single mod would be Renntec engine bars. While moving my bike around the parking lot after breakfast this morning, I lost my balance and dropped it. Some paint damage on the engine bar and a scuff on the stainless steel throttlemeister bar end are the extent of the damage.... and my pride of course... luckily I had some help to stand it upright and we were on our way.
Derek