Well good morning to all of you from western Pennsylvania! I am a young pastor serving currently in eastern PA and do a bit of traveling for conferences. I wanted something sporty and fun, yet functional when I need it to be. So I am the proud new owner of a 1992 FJ1200a. After driving round trip yesterday some 500 miles, she comfortably sits in my garage. I have been looking to get an FJ for some time now, but have not quite had the funds to do so, but last year after my 1980 CB750k began having the inevitable electronic problems which cost me a lot in Ibuprofen, I decided it was time to move on and find something new. I heard many good things about the FJ, but finding one in half way decent shape was proving difficult. I stumbled upon a low mileage one down in WV, from a guy who seemed to know the inside and out of them from having talked with Randy from RPM and you all on the forum.
After a few weeks go by and bad weather I finally was able to make the 3.5 hour drive to pick it up. Cosmetically there are some blemishes, but start, idle, and riding were great. Brakes seemed to handle just fine. Rear shock sucks. It will be a long while before I can afford a new one, so I will be putting it on a stiffer setting and adjusting the bike for my weight 210. Well this post is getting long, but here are the list of mods I know of so far.
-RPM Oil Cooler
-Dyna 2000 Digital Performance Ignition
-Jetted Carbs
-RPM Dual Pod Airfilter
- Vance and Hines ss2r 4-1 Exhaust
-Givi Wing Rack and side and top luggage
-RPM Fork Stabilizer (not installed)
-Corbin Gunfighter & Lady saddle
-RPM LED Smoke Brake Light with Integrated Turn Signal Function
-Headlight on and off switch?
-RPM Spin on Oil filter Adapter
I always do a lot of research before I purchase something, because I do not have money to waste. So I know from reading many of your posts that there are some essentials to do on this bike. Hopefully if my CB750k sells soon, I will have some freed up funds to do the proper finishing mods. The new wheels and shocks from other bikes seems like it may take time to find.
-SS brake lines
-GSXR Rear Wheel and Brake assembly
-Aftermarket shock of some kind? Or something
-Give Gas tank proper cleaning
-Windshield new or clean it up?
-Possible front wheel and brakes
I do have probably a bunch of questions to search on here, but for another time. Glad to join the group. Hopefully there will be some guys who live close to go for a ride! Peace
Welcome to the digital campfire.
What a great intro! Many here have great knowledge on these steeds.
:drinks:
Welcome to the forum. Good looking FJ. Yes, the replacement brake lines are a recommended upgrade. The rear wheel swap is mainly to be able to purchase 17" rear tires. The 16" tires are really scarce. The wheel swap also usually gets you a 5 or 5.5" wide wheel which allows 180 series tires. You may want to consider checking the valve clearances while it's winter time and you're not riding regularly.
Joe
Quote from: Tuned forks on January 13, 2020, 11:35:01 AM
Welcome to the forum. Good looking FJ. Yes, the replacement brake lines are a recommended upgrade. The rear wheel swap is mainly to be able to purchase 17" rear tires. The 16" tires are really scarce. The wheel swap also usually gets you a 5 or 5.5" wide wheel which allows 180 series tires. You may want to consider checking the valve clearances while it's winter time and you're not riding regularly.
Joe
I have never done much with checking valves, but that sounds like a good idea. I'll try to look for the thread that talks about it. Off hand knowledge, any special tools required?
Welcome.
Although the GSXR rear wheel is very popular, the Yamaha FZR rear is also an option that a few of us have done.
Loks like your FJ has already got a great start n the latest mods!
Leon
Quote from: 1tinindian on January 13, 2020, 12:14:36 PM
Welcome.
Although the GSXR rear wheel is very popular, the Yamaha FZR rear is also an option that a few of us have done.
Loks like your FJ has already got a great start n the latest mods!
Leon
I only briefly passed along this Yamaha FZR rear wheel conversion. Are there any positives benefits to it? I see the brake is top mounted.
Judging by the first picture it looks like an Australian model.To adjust the valves you need a feeler gauge and a valve bucket hold down tool.You probably also need a valve cover gasket and grommets for the bolts as well as assorted replacement valve shims for any that are out of adjustment.
......or become a contributing member and rent this kit: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8968.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8968.0)
My recommendation: Save your money and pass on the Dyna ignition, and put it towards your shock.
If you want a hotter spark, do the coil relay mod. which will wake things up.
Do the headlight relay mod. Replace those narrow oem mirrors. Replace your weak sauce oem fork springs.
Replace your shock sooner rather than later. You don't need to spend $1k on your shock.
The '91/92 Non ABS FJ1200's are my pick for the best FJ's. You have a good eye Padre.....
Cheers.
Pat
For the sake of simplicity and ease, I went for the YZF 600 R Thundercat 5" x 17" rear wheel conversion - the absolute minimum of work and the most ease of conversion - using the FJ torque arm, sprocket, brake caliper with a slightly modified caliper mount. This works really well with a 170/60x17 rear tyre, but if you MUST have the widest possible wheel and tyre, then go for the 5.5" GSXR/FZR wheel and 180/55x17 tyre.
Personally, I like the idea that my FJ/T-Cat conversion looks almost exactly like the original, but rides so much better :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_27_02_19_6_14_06.jpeg)
What Pat and Travis wrote. Additionally, you will find that a set of metric feeler gauges will significantly reduce the math required to convert metric to English and back. I suggested the valve adjustment because many members have reported engine issues that they thought were carb related but cleaning up the valve clearances sometimes helps with engine smoothness. It's also a procedure that many previous owners neglect.
If you are going to work on your own bike, RPM will be your friend. The cost of becoming a contributing member will EASILY be offset in the savings that RPM offers during their sales events. Renting that kit is also a big savings instead of buying the spring hold open tool and an assortment of shims. In addition to this forum, I found YouTube to be helpful with tutorials.
Joe
Just to be clear. The first list of mods are what I know has already been done to the bike by the PO. I may reach out to him and ask him about the valves because I know he did a carb sync just recently too. Which leads me to believe i had asked him about the valves too. It wouldn't hurt to do the measurements myself, which sounds wise anyway. Just to see if they are needed.
I must say, the thing I really loved about this bike was the great amount of fun you can have in making it your own and riding it based on your style. Has anyone had good luck with handle bar risers. I am 6'4" and felt like I had to lean forward just a little too much for my comfort.
Quote from: RevDeal on January 13, 2020, 01:50:04 PM
I must say, the thing I really loved about this bike was the great amount of fun you can have in making it your own and riding it based on your style. Has anyone had good luck with handle bar risers. I am 6'4" and felt like I had to lean forward just a little too much for my comfort.
Welcome to the forum :hi:
The easiest and least expensive option are these.
http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser)
There are other options, but are more expensive.
Fred
Pat is very tall. When he weighs in again I'm sure he can offer tall person advice.
Joe
I'm only 6'3" so the new padre's got me by an inch.
The FZ-1 bars on my YZF750 USD forks along with the Buell lower foot pegs are most helpful.
Quote from: aviationfred on January 13, 2020, 06:53:49 PM
Quote from: RevDeal on January 13, 2020, 01:50:04 PM
I must say, the thing I really loved about this bike was the great amount of fun you can have in making it your own and riding it based on your style. Has anyone had good luck with handle bar risers. I am 6'4" and felt like I had to lean forward just a little too much for my comfort.
Welcome to the forum :hi:
The easiest and least expensive option are these.
http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser)
There are other options, but are more expensive.
Fred
Hi Rev. Welcome and looks like a solid start
Another handlebar option http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpieglerHandleBarKit (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpieglerHandleBarKit)
Welcome aboard! I think you'll be a great influence around here. This flock can wander a bit, but we all mean well.
Quote from: RevDeal on January 13, 2020, 12:41:37 PM
Quote from: 1tinindian on January 13, 2020, 12:14:36 PM
Welcome.
Although the GSXR rear wheel is very popular, the Yamaha FZR rear is also an option that a few of us have done.
Loks like your FJ has already got a great start n the latest mods!
Leon
I only briefly passed along this Yamaha FZR rear wheel conversion. Are there any positives benefits to it? I see the brake is top mounted.
No real advantage to speak of, I liked the challenge of finding the correct year wheels and the process it took to make them fit. But most of all, i kept it all Yamaha!
Quote from: RevDeal on January 13, 2020, 01:50:04 PM
I must say, the thing I really loved about this bike was the great amount of fun you can have in making it your own and riding it based on your style.
If you ever find yourself at one of our rallies (that still have riders using an FJ), you will see all kinds of interesting mods, something to learn from and aspire to!
There are a few of us demented souls that love to polish aluminium, too!
Welcome to the addiction. You say "eastern PA", there's a few of us in the general area. I'm in the Bloomsburg area and have the tools to do the valve adjustment. Let me know if I can be of service. The top end service is not difficult, the shim OVER bucket design makes it fairly easy.
Quote from: Motofun on January 14, 2020, 01:50:02 PM
Welcome to the addiction. You say "eastern PA", there's a few of us in the general area. I'm in the Bloomsburg area and have the tools to do the valve adjustment. Let me know if I can be of service. The top end service is not difficult, the shim OVER bucket design makes it fairly easy.
Well you have uncovered my error in the post. I must be losing my compass! I am in western Pa about 1 hour north of Pittsburgh. I didn't even realize I wrote eastern until you mentioned it. I must have been looking at the east coast rally before I wrote this!
Bloomburg is about 3.5 hours away. *sigh* I was really looking forward to the help
Is there a way to modify this post to change that to "Western"
Welcome to the group.
3.5 hours away is how far a lot of us will ride for a coffee. If you offer beverages, they will come.
Enjoy your new FJ. Treat her right and she will do right by you.
Mark
Quote from: RevDeal on January 14, 2020, 03:07:33 PM
Quote from: Motofun on January 14, 2020, 01:50:02 PM
Welcome to the addiction. You say "eastern PA", there's a few of us in the general area. I'm in the Bloomsburg area and have the tools to do the valve adjustment. Let me know if I can be of service. The top end service is not difficult, the shim OVER bucket design makes it fairly easy.
Well you have uncovered my error in the post. I must be losing my compass! I am in western Pa about 1 hour north of Pittsburgh. I didn't even realize I wrote eastern until you mentioned it. I must have been looking at the east coast rally before I wrote this!
Bloomburg is about 3.5 hours away. *sigh* I was really looking forward to the help
We must drive right by you when we travel from CT to IN (on I 80) - one of these days we'll have to try to call in, say "Hi" and take up an offer a cuppa :good2:
Quote from: RevDeal on January 14, 2020, 03:19:19 PM
Is there a way to modify this post to change that to "Western"
Done
Quote from: Millietant on January 14, 2020, 04:16:59 PM
Quote from: RevDeal on January 14, 2020, 03:07:33 PM
Quote from: Motofun on January 14, 2020, 01:50:02 PM
Welcome to the addiction. You say "eastern PA", there's a few of us in the general area. I'm in the Bloomsburg area and have the tools to do the valve adjustment. Let me know if I can be of service. The top end service is not difficult, the shim OVER bucket design makes it fairly easy.
Well you have uncovered my error in the post. I must be losing my compass! I am in western Pa about 1 hour north of Pittsburgh. I didn't even realize I wrote eastern until you mentioned it. I must have been looking at the east coast rally before I wrote this!
Bloomburg is about 3.5 hours away. *sigh* I was really looking forward to the help
We must drive right by you when we travel from CT to IN (on I 80) - one of these days we'll have to try to call in, say "Hi" and take up an offer a cuppa :good2:
Well I will say, I am right off the exit with the sign that says Sharon, PA. And if I might add I do home brew some beverages! A member of the congregation and I have been brewing together these last 3 years. Darn good stuff! Let me know if you're coming by on 80.
We'll definitely keep you in mind when we next travel across to IN - although as we'll be driving we won't be able to take you up on the offer of trying one (or two) of your brews :sorry:
Quote from: copper on January 14, 2020, 06:48:35 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on January 13, 2020, 06:53:49 PM
Quote from: RevDeal on January 13, 2020, 01:50:04 PM
I must say, the thing I really loved about this bike was the great amount of fun you can have in making it your own and riding it based on your style. Has anyone had good luck with handle bar risers. I am 6'4" and felt like I had to lean forward just a little too much for my comfort.
Welcome to the forum :hi:
The easiest and least expensive option are these.
http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser)
There are other options, but are more expensive.
Fred
Hi Rev. Welcome and looks like a solid start
Another handlebar option http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpieglerHandleBarKit (http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpieglerHandleBarKit)
I never have liked the dirt bike bar's.
I went inverted with extensions on the upper fork xtensions so you can adjust the bars up and down as far as feels good at the time
If you need more make the extensions longer.
Welcome to the madness Rev
If you blow up the picture look at the crash bars. Have forward pegs. So you can stretch out on longer runs
Quote from: giantkiller on January 16, 2020, 06:31:07 PM
If you need more make the extensions longer.
Welcome to the madness Rev
If you blow up the picture look at the crash bars. Have forward pegs. So you can stretch out on longer runs
First, dang that is a clean bike! Second, both those options look awesome and incredibly useful for what I intend to do with the bike.
Did you have to lengthen any cables to do those bar risers? And do you know roughly the max height gain. I believe randy's were 3/4". But I like the option to drop it for a sporty feel.
You can make them as high as you want. I don't remember just how high the one's I have go. The only limit really Is clearance of the fairing. I'm going to work on the house tomorrow. I can measure what I have on the black bike now. I have the extensions on all the bikes welded on to the fork caps and machined down now. I sold the original extensions. But like I said the only limit is clearance with the fairing on your particular year bike. With infinite adjustment in between.
Randy was going to look into making the extensions. For people who wanted to go inverted. I was kinda excited to think something I designed. Might go into production to help others. But I know Randy's got a lot of other things on his plate.
New design. And old. New way is more costly to do.
There's a cheap easy way to. Put forward pegs on the FJ. Get another set of forward engine mount plates. Turn them around and upside down. Then trim them up. And mount them over the original engine mounts. And you have mounting brackets for the pegs with the perfect angle built-in.
Don't have any good pics on my phone. There are some in my gallery. But I can't get them to transfer to a post anymore
Ok down loaded these pictures out of the images I have on the forum. To my phone. And now back to the this Post.
This was mok-up. When I was making them. Then just mount them over the original engine mounts and your good to go. Oh yeah rear passenger pegs work great for forward pegs.
I posted about the RPM handle bar risers. They give about 3/4" of rise. I am much shorter than you at 5'7" tall and the 3/4" rise is noticeable.
To add more information to Dan's comments. I have USD forks installed on my FJ and use a set of Dan's extentions. Whereas Dan manufactured his handle bars, I bought off the shelf units. They are not cheap, but they have the ability for adjustments. I demonstrated this to a few FJ owners this past fall at the RPM Rally. With the aftermarket handle bars and fork extentions, the bars being in the full down position, I have about 2" of travel that can be raised. The handle bars can also be rotated forward or rearward. I have Woodcraft handle bars on my 1995 and I used Tarozzi handle bars on my 89.
These are 41mm dia that will fit the OEM FJ forks
https://www.woodcraft-cfm.com/product/3-inch-clip-on-riser-assembly (https://www.woodcraft-cfm.com/product/3-inch-clip-on-riser-assembly)
On my 1989, I used the Tarozzi handle bars. Like the Woodcraft bars, these are adjustable.
http://www.fastfromthepast.com/clip-ons (http://www.fastfromthepast.com/clip-ons)
Fred
Close up shots of the Woodcraft and Tarozzi bars with Dan's extensions.
In the 1st 2 photos, notice the position of the handle bars. Both photos are at full left steering lock. The first photo is in touring mode, Raised and pulled back. The 2nd photo is dropped bars to the upper triple clamp and moved forward for riding in the twistys.
The last photo are of the Tarozzi handle bars on my 1989.
Fred
Pat mentioned Buell footpegs that will help.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F264302317821 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F264302317821)
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283466646834 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283466646834)
Quote from: aviationfred on January 17, 2020, 01:20:20 AM
Close up shots of the Woodcraft and Tarozzi bars with Dan's extensions.
In the 1st 2 photos, notice the position of the handle bars. Both photos are at full left steering lock. The first photo is in touring mode, Raised and pulled back. The 2nd photo is dropped bars to the upper triple clamp and moved forward for riding in the twistys.
The last photo are of the Tarozzi handle bars on my 1989.
Fred
So Fred and Dan,
Let me see if I have this right. For adjustable set up to do touring and "cafe racer" or even just low and forward I need:
-Dan's fork extensions
-Aftermarket bars
-Aftermarket risers
Dan's fork extensions are set to 41mm?
Quote from: RevDeal on January 17, 2020, 08:49:02 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on January 17, 2020, 01:20:20 AM
Close up shots of the Woodcraft and Tarozzi bars with Dan's extensions.
In the 1st 2 photos, notice the position of the handle bars. Both photos are at full left steering lock. The first photo is in touring mode, Raised and pulled back. The 2nd photo is dropped bars to the upper triple clamp and moved forward for riding in the twistys.
The last photo are of the Tarozzi handle bars on my 1989.
Fred
So Fred and Dan,
Let me see if I have this right. For adjustable set up to do touring and "cafe racer" or even just low and forward I need:
-Dan's fork extensions
-Aftermarket bars
-Aftermarket risers
Dan's fork extensions are set to 41mm?
My fork extensions were made to put. The more modern inverted forks on. They are almost always shorter.
It's an extra from going inverted. But you can get the adjustable bars that Fred has. The forward pegs help a lot. Just to have another place to put your feet for a while. On longer rides. They fold up and are hardly noticable.
The forks on Dan's FJ's and my FJ's are 2008 GSX-R1000 upside down forks. Modified to accept the FJ steering stem. The forks are too short to keep the front end at the proper height. The extensions add about 3 inches to the length of the fork. The diameter of the fork stations that the handle bars clamp too are 50mm.
Fred
Hello, welcome to the club, and congrats on your new FJ! I got my first FJ this past summer, and I've been in love ever since. :biggrin:
- Gabe