OK so I've been lurking for a few weeks since my original introduction post (http://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=30.0 (http://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=30.0)) and the list of stuff we'd done to our bikes (http://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=41.0 (http://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=41.0)) but now I thought I'd share with you guys what's been happening to my FJ over the winter here in the UK.
For those who don't know, "Tyddles" is the name for my FJ1200 as given to her by her previous owner, Barry Edwards (FJMods site). Barry has given up biking completely and now sold all three of his bikes but still plans to keep http://www.btinternet.com/~fjmods/index.html (http://www.btinternet.com/~fjmods/index.html) going so FJer's worldwide don't loose this valuable source of info.
Because he's given up biking "Tyddles" had really been neglected after an accident he'd had 5 years previous. So when we collected her she was in a sorry state and wasn't running so had to be picked up in our F150.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yqdmj2.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yqdmjd.jpg)
But even after a quick clean she looked loads better and we spent a few weeks tinkering in the garage then I was able to take her out for my 1st ride. I spent most of 08 getting acquianted with her to make sure everything was OK.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yqdmjg.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yrvbhf.jpg)
So I decided it was about time she deserved some intensive TLC and had the wiseco 1314 kit fitted that Barry bought but never fitted. Now Mark and I do most of our own stuff but this was a little beyond our knowledge base and as not many people in the UK have ever fitted the big bore kits, even Phil (Doc) who runs our club hadn't so we contacted Dave, another UK member who's FJ is also on Barry's site as it has the thunderace front and rear fitted. He's also done the 1380 kit so was happy to take on the job for us. So off Tyddles went. I feel strange not doing ourselves but he knows what he's doing.
But what I thought was going to be a simple but complicated installation of the 1314 kit for extra power, has turned into a major rebuilt, the more we discussed our 5 year plan with Dave, the more he, Mark and I discussed the ideas, the more it looked like we might be better to do most of the other work we wanted to do while the engine was out anyway. So I guess its no longer a 5 year plan and things have snowballed into a FULL stripdown and rebuild
Dave's been kind enough to keep me updated with regular photos of the progress, but I feel like I've had my right hand cut off cause I'm not helping out like normal and it feels weird without her in the garage. Here's some pics from the stripdown so far.
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2ax.jpg)
How rusty
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2aj.jpg)
She was a little dirty
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2ak.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2al.jpg)
She's lost her rear
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2an.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2ap.jpg)
Frames not at its best
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2ao.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2av.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2aq.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2at.jpg)
All I can think now is OMG what have I started......
Sorry this is in 3 posts but for some reasons it wouldn't load as 1?
Hey Kerry,
it always starts this way but you have to remember this is going to prolong the life of your bike for many more years to come..... and after all..... "tyddles" only wants to transport you in comfort ,safety and style.
proper regular maintenance and "refurbishings" every couple of DECADES are all that it asks in return ;D
you know you are doing the right thing.... Eric and I were just talking about this last weekend and we agreed that there really isn't another motorcycle made that i enjoy just looking at as much as i do a FJ... timeless styling and more then adequate performance combine in a way that strikes a chord for me like no other.
KOokaloo!
Frank
I have to agree there Frank, the FJ has aged gracefully over the years.
Got some more pics for ya...
Dave, the guy sorting this for me is doing this in his own spare time as its not his full time job. He wants her to be restored to her former glory as much as we do (if not more) as she's inspired his and many other FJ projects over the years via Barry's FJ mods site so its a shame not to continue Barry's good work. Dave has had MAJOR problems actually getting the engine apart, with many of the bolts rusted but he was determined to sort it and has. The frame is just as bad.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw7w0j.jpg)
I knew she was gonna be bad as Barry kept her outside all her life and used her to commute into London all year so she's had a hard life weather wise, but I still wasn't expecting her to look as bad as this, but too late to change my mind now.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gf.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gs.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gc.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gl.jpg)
ugggggggghhhhhhhh.... that England weather will eat a bike up.......those pictures are hurting my feelings and i can imagine what it's doing to yours....... Be strong girl.
KOokaloo!
Frank
mmmm but you should see the new pictures of the rolling chassis, it's a beautiful thing :)
I have learned that every 'quick' upgrade will run you 5x what you planned for cost, and 2x as long in time. You can't take 1 thing off without replacing 3.
At least, that's been my experience thus far.
@ Frank
Barrys old bike was his work horse, 365 days of the year in "London", they throw salt down on the roads over here as soon as some1 says jack frost, it eats em for breakfast
@ n8man1068 ,
your right with the 5x as much :D, but we said it would be a 5 year plan, and @ the moment its looking @ half that
regards mark
Here's some more for ya, :yahoo:
So here's a before and after for the frame. Dave rubbed it down to bare ish metal and powered coat it. We also sourced a alternative subframe, what a difference. You'll also see below a before and after of the carbs, again after some TLC.
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywf2ap.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywl7cw.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gf.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yw90gh.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyqh.jpg)
However there's still loads to be done with bits of my FJ all over Dave's garage in boxes etc.
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyo5.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyoe.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyqy.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyq2.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyou.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyqw.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywjyq3.jpg)
Awwww Kerry,
you're missing the guts of the operation..... the hands on part is the part i really like....especially because it is my arse riding the thing... it makes me be more concious of the details
However i can see from the positive results so far that your bike is indeed in good hands. :yes:
KOokaloo! :yahoo:
damn , that is a lot of work to do. It's lookin good though . keep the pics coming maybe I will be brave enough to break the dirt seal on mine and do a restoration. :good2:
I suddenly realised I hadn't updated you guys on progress for a while, so here's some more shots.
Some bits back from powdercoat and paint.
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywl7cu.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywl7cg.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywl7ct.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywl7co.jpg)
Bag of goodies waiting to be fitted
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrf.jpg)
So here's some of her going back together.
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrc.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrd.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrg.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrl.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhrr.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/ywqhr6.jpg)
Its looking good :good2:, cant wait to see the finshed product. keep the photo's coming.
Marty
Your wish is my command.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y02vbz.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y02v99.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y02v9v.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y02vda.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35182404@N04/3399324859#secretb65ea32176-w500-h375 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35182404@N04/3399324859#secretb65ea32176-w500-h375)
whats that bit between the oil cooler and the sump?
looks sweet Kerry :good2:
KOokaloo!
Quote from: racerman_27410 on May 01, 2009, 08:48:38 PM
whats that bit between the oil cooler and the sump?
Thermostatic valve?
Randy T
Indy
Ooooh my, I can't believe I never finished this for ya.
Well after a total of 5 months away from me, Tyddles is now home and has been for a while (but more on that later). It was just so AWESOME to have her back. A simple thank you to my friend for all his hard work and attention to detail just doesn't seem enough, I can't express how much I appreciate what he did.
I thought I'd be more nervous on the ride home but wasn't. Well aware of my 4,000rpm limit all the way home, I behaved myself and only sampled the acceleration a few times but wow! Getting her home was a wonderful feeling and I just stood there taking it all in for quite a while.
So the positives of all this are, the painted engine is just so sexy looking, it gets better once she's started as with loads of new internal bits, there's no rattles or wierd noises, just a lovely deep smooth purr (well what would you expect with a name like Tyddles). The powdercoated frame, engine bars etc etc just look lovely. The new tyres seem great so far. Dave's spend hours polishing paintwork, leaving me with one sweet machine. Pics will follow shortly.
However all these improvements do have some negatives as the other bad bits now stand out like sore thumbs. For example, my mirrors still don't match, the paint on the wheels is rubbish, the general condition of the bodywork leaves a lot to be desired, I need the seat repairing, the clutch mc need tarting up, airscoop need repairing, a newer tank is needed plus the baglux is a bit beat up.
But I was a well HAPPY BUNNY and couldn't stop grinning.
For those who have'nt seen from start to finish (for now) then here's the link to ALL the pics - http://kerryrawsonbikes.fotopic.net/c1629209.html (http://kerryrawsonbikes.fotopic.net/c1629209.html)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eez2.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eez3.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezr.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eez5.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezn.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezg.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezj.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezp.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezz.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezl.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezc.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezb.jpg)
Still to do...
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eez6.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezu.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezv.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezw.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eez0.jpg)
Bear in mind as most of the engine internals are NEW, I had to go through the running in process which meant I was stuck to 4,000 rpm give or take.
My first impression will be something those with high mileage FJ's are familiar with, as we've replaced all the chains in the engine there's no rattle or unpleasant noise when you let the clutch out before/as it bites. The gear change is smoother than I remember. The sound the engine makes is so sweet and tight but you really have to have heard lots of crap FJ's to appreciate it.
Power wise, which after all was the point of increasing her to 1314cc by adding the Wiseco kit, untill she's properly run in then its difficult to tell as I didn't want to cane her straight away, however I was extremely surprised when I opened her up coming out of a 50 into a 70 (70 is the limit at 4,000) as shot off like a startled rabbit comes to mind.
Will post more soon, don't want to bore you all in one go (plus its 11.40pm over here so I'm off to bed).
Quote from: n8man1068 on March 12, 2009, 10:00:05 AM
I have learned that every 'quick' upgrade will run you 5x what you planned for cost, and 2x as long in time. You can't take 1 thing off without replacing 3.
At least, that's been my experience thus far.
And this my friend.......is the absolute truth.
:drinks:
It didn't stop there and Tyddles got some more new bits. My partner Mark fitted a waterproof 12v socket 1st.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0njwp.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0njwu.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0njw0.jpg)
Then he also fitted a techmount for my GPS too
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0njwv.jpg)
Next the tired Corbin seat got recovered.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eezv.jpg)
Original
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0vcap.jpg)
Now recovered
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0vcao.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0wg9c.jpg)
As its still technically Mark's Corbin seat not mine (but its on long term loan), he chose the leather types, shades and stitching design. The original corbin base and foam has not been altered, just recovered to get rid of the split.
Took her on her first long ish trip after that and Tyddles behaved almost perfectly.
Riding her for a longer distance was as comfortable as expected and as I'd passed 500 miles at 4,000 revs was nice to be able to use another 1,000 revs. The extra revs just allows a wee bit more overtaking umph at motorway speeds and was easier to follow Mark on his FJR while both of us wereaccelerating. I was also pleasantly surprised with the fuel ecomomy (although I did not check it accurately) but to say she was FULLY loaded with our large tent, airbed, chairs, plus all the usual stuff I normally carried on the FJR then me and I did hang around, I was pleased.
I did however experience some teething problems. I knew I had an issue with the speedo (needle jumps around at higher speeds) so I fitted a brand new cable from Phil at the UK club, which worked for a while but then gave up the ghost on the way, thank god I had my sat nav on so I knew what speed I was doing - phew!
The other issue was refueling on route cause it added more time to my journey. Mainly cause once stopped due to the tightness of the rebuilt larger bore engine she wouldn't start again till she'd cooled down a bit. Which meant no splash and dash petrol stops. Phil has the same issue with the racer and so does a friend with his 1380 version, but apparently it will get better as she beds in, although there's a rumour that fitting a XJR1300 starter will help.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3651287569_1de1130c20.jpg?v=0)
Tyddles outside our tent in Masham, North Yorkshire, UK (the home of Black Sheep Brewery and Theakstons)
Kerry,
with my 1349 motor all i have to do is slightly crack the throttle when cranking (engine hot) and she will fire right up.
throttle closed and i experience the same stubborn turn over issue as you... and i have the entire XJR engine (including starter :biggrin:)
that seat looks great who did the recover? a local shop?
dont be afraid to twist that throttle and get the revs up.....that whole bedding in thing is hooey.... the trick is to not ride at steady throttle for the first 100 miles or so then run it like ya stole it :good2:
i follow this method with excellant results.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm (http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm)
KOokaloo!
Frank
Thanks for the tip Frank. The seat was done by a local ish guy, about 60 miles way. He only charged £60 (about $95), we've used him for the last 12 years on all our bike seats, his price has always been the same. http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/ (http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/)
Kerry I remember the article from when Tyddles had a mini rebuild and I was smitten with that bike. I thought it was absolutely beautifull, the colouring and all. Very well done.
Quote from: Knuckles on February 03, 2010, 10:44:21 AM
Kerry I remember the article from when Tyddles had a mini rebuild and I was smitten with that bike. I thought it was absolutely beautifull, the colouring and all. Very well done.
Knuckles, I so so sorry I missed this reply (note to self, need to check more often). Yes that was back in 2001 when Barry still owned her (http://www.btinternet.com/~fj1200mods/Rebuild2001/Rebuild2001.htm (http://www.btinternet.com/~fj1200mods/Rebuild2001/Rebuild2001.htm)) unfortunately he neglected her through no fault of his own after that as you can see. She's almost back to her former glory and reading this topic again has made me realise there's actually lots and lots I need to update you guys about so I'll try and sort out some more info over the next few days.
Well to continue (popcorn)
A couple of weeks later. Mark had this mad idea we'd ride down to Phil's (Doc at the UK Owners Club) which was 175 miles one way. The time was now 1.20pm! If we were going to go to Phil's then we should have set off earlier but sure enough we filled the bikes and set off.
Everything was perfect, the sun was out, I was having a good riding day and was on Mark's back wheel, enjoying the extra revs which had made a huge difference. Get her over 4,500 revs and her arse sits down and sets off like a rocket! Woohoo! Then I noticed some increase vibs through the bars but didn't think anything of it. Next we were filtering though traffic, due to an accident and she began to run lumpy. I'd been here before when I rode back on 3 pots, this felt the same.
Anyway I kept going but when it started to rain, we pulled over to shelter under a bridge so I mentioned it to Mark. Out came the tool kit on the hard shoulder in the rain on the M1 and off came the tank to check to see if it was the same issue. Nope! and now we could smell petrol! So we aborted the trip to Phils and returned the 65 miles home again. It was an interesting journey but we made it back, and parked up, but there was still a strong smell of petrol.
So we had a quick look, seemed to be an issue with #2 carb, exhaust not hot and a wet spark plug. Jeez the petrol fumes gave me a headache and there was a puddle under the FJ, all over the bike ramp. So the tank came off, #2 pod air filter off and dried out, #2 carb emptied. :boredom:
The next day Dave arrived and with his able assistant Mark, they checked out the engine since the rebuild and tighten everything that needed it, checked the shims, replaced my leaky fork seals and then started the fuel problem. Dave brought his spare set of carbs so they stripped my set and rebuilt his to fit instead but there was still a problem however now it was a different one as they had fixed the leak but she still was not running right.
More soon, got to get back to work.
OK so next while messing in the garage with the petrol leak, we found what was causing the speedo problem, looks like its the unit IN the wheel itself, so a new part was ordered.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbqw.jpg)
After more carb cleaning and still getting problems it looks like one of the carb bodies was actually broke, difficult to explain but you might be able to see it in the pic below.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbqu.jpg)
So we have Carb No1 with a seezed air screw and Carb No2 is broke... Dave had a spare set, so they swapped all the parts over and fitted his set as a temp fix.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbqz.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbry.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbr1.jpg)
Problem solved or so they thought! But still a fuelling issue. This time they traced it to the fact that mine had been ledared and Dave's hadn't, luckily Mark had some 110 jets spare and fitted those till we can source another set of carbs and get the ledar done.
Trouble is she doesn't like the 110 jets with the S&B and Wiseco so I'd have to get a set of carbs sooner rather than later, bugger!
So Phil from the UK owners club came to the rescue with half a set of carbs. Which meant the boys had more tinkering with the carbs on Tyddles to do. This is what they got up to, I was horrified to see how many bits were scattered all over the garage (apols for the B&W, I forgot to change a setting on my camera). Mark was shocked at how much dirt as in there.
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yali8.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalid.jpg)
But it wasn't long before they had them back together and Tyddles was alive once again which was a relief and appeared not to be leaking fuel this time, thankfully. So it was off for a quick test ride round our street. Mark went first but just outside the house. But Dave decided to go a tad further. Now I find my error, so back to full colour – Doh!
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalip.jpg)
I think there's a HUGE smile under that lid so I assume she's working OK. But the next time I take them a cuppa, Tyddles is in bits again...
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalio.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yaliq.jpg)
Quote from: kerry on February 03, 2011, 09:33:15 AM
After more carb cleaning and still getting problems it looks like one of the carb bodies was actually broke, difficult to explain but you might be able to see it in the pic below.
(http://images.fotopic.net/yztbqu.jpg)
So we have Carb No1 with a seezed air screw and Carb No2 is broke... Dave had a spare set, so they swapped all the parts over and fitted his set as a temp fix.
Not sure about the seezed air screw, but you'r not the first to see a broken float post. I've read where some folks were able to make a JB Weld repair on this.
Someone check me on this?
Then again, a new set of carbs for what, +/- $400, especially with another potentially non-fixable carb issue, sounds like a fairly tidy solution as well.
Dan
Thanks Dan, it would be interesting to see how people fixed theirs. Its not something that's come up too often in the UK so no one had a fix at the time.
:good2:
Here's more anyway (I'm on a roll today). After seeing Tyddles in more bits, don't panic, I was told, this time she wasn't in bits cause of the carbs. They were now sorting the speedo, phew!
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yaliu.jpg)
There's the culpit, broken lugs.
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yaliz.jpg)
But they are not finished with my wheel and decide to service the floating discs.
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yaliw.jpg)
With Tyddles all back together again, Dave goes for another test ride to check the speedo.
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalin.jpg)
Now he says it was fine and that he took it easy but my GPS says otherwise.
I knew the 1314 wiseco kit would be an improvement but 224mph!! - naughty Dave!!!
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalxy.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/1yalx1.jpg)
StreetPilots seem to do that once in a while... I passed under a canopy of trees last summer and mine jumped to 667mph.
I know for a fact that I did not exceed 600... :biggrin:
Randy T
Indy
Quote from: rktmanfj on February 03, 2011, 10:16:43 AM
StreetPilots seem to do that once in a while... I passed under a canopy of trees last summer and mine jumped to 667mph.
I know for a fact that I did not exceed 600... :biggrin:
Randy T
Indy
:biggrin: :biggrin:
Anyway, I don't want to bore you too much in one day so just one more update today. (popcorn)
The boys rode Tyddles a few times after that but were still having more problems with rough running. But I finally got to ride her myself for over 3 hours - yay! I was up at 5am, wrapped up well as it was 40 degrees and on the road for 5.30am with Mark following me in the car, just in case. I had 175 miles to do before I reached my destination and had promised to be there before 10am.
I noticed the problems the boys had been referring to straight away. Compared to when I first collected her from the winter rebuild in Hull, UK, Tyddles was lazy now, there wasn't that crisp acceleration that was there before. At low revs she still kicked me in the butt but from 50-70 in top there was no kick, where as before you got a kick, a slap and a push. So there was definately a problem still.
75 miles into my journey, I could take the cold no longer and stopped for a bathroom break, nose wipe and a warm up. Tyddles had only used 1/4 tank?
Anyway warmed up and with another 100 mile to go I set off again. The other half of the journey was very much the same as the first but in daylight however still cold. I arrived at my destination on time and apart from the fluffy behaviour of Tyddles under acceleration she behaved purrfectly but completed the journey using 3/4 tank which isn't really normal.
So where had I taken her... Well I decided the boys didn't need to mess about with her any longer and gave her to Phil at the UK club to work on as a project for Phil will work on her on his quiet ish days. I gave him a list of things to do and left her with him for a few months.
I felt awful but she was now in the right place. I knew there was quite a few dyno runs on her horizon so it would be interesting to see the results, as well as a suspension overhaul front and back. Phil had already given me a tip as to how to help with her upside down forks cause they kept blowing seals so I won't have to get them coated again.
However I was even more impatient this time about having her back so didn't know how I was going to cope with the waiting.
(http://images.fotopic.net/1ynt0w.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/1ynt00.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/1ynt0z.jpg)
So that's it for today, thanks for reading and more soon.
One of the better solutions that I've seen for a broken float post was done with a very fine drill and safety wire in a figure 8 pattern over the pin. Not the prettiest (and a bit of a hassle) but beats not riding.
Though hell, getting hit in the face with an angry wombat beats not riding, so ymmv.