im looking for some mods to do to my bike, but im curious... what are your top 3 favorite mods youve done to your bike?
shock
wheels
fork
Quote from: Carterc on March 21, 2011, 08:03:27 PM
im looking for some mods to do to my bike, but im curious... what are your top 3 favorite mods youve done to your bike?
The best bang for the buck i did was front brake caliper upgrade(yam.R6)..I also switched from regular motor oil the Rotella Synthetic and my trans shifts SO much better...like butta. After that it would have to be the Pipe/Uni-fliters/jetkit. Good rubber goes a long way too :yes:
Quote from: the fan on March 21, 2011, 08:25:15 PM
shock
wheels
fork
OH yeah....that too..new springs and shock are a wonderful addition to say the least!!
I agree,
Wheels,
Shock,
Fork.
HID
I've got an '85 and the best bang for my buck was a Penske rear shock, then R6 blue dot front calipers (stock calipers are like bricks), followed by 17" front & rear rims. To get the R6 calipers, I installed '89 FJ forks - they're nice, but not a huge improvement over a working set of '85's.
My 2 cents...
Chris, in looking at the pictures of your new bike, it looks like the PO already has done the 17" rear rim conversion and along with braided ss lines and the hot motor, I would recommend:
Big ticket costly items :
1) Penske rear shock. The oem FJ shock was weak the moment the FJ left the assembly line. Getting the rear end raised will help the handling. $700
2) Front end upgrade. Get rid of that heavy narrow 16" front wheel and get some modern radial rubber on the front: Buy 1989 or newer FJ lower sliders, 17" FZR 3.5" rim or 3.0" FJ rim, .90-1.0kg/mm fork springs with cartridge emulators and R-1 monoblock calipers w/14mm brake master cylinder. $300-$600
3) 14mm FJR clutch master cylinder and Barnett spring conversion.
For cheap upgrades: 1) lighting and coil relays 2) Vibranators and foam grips. 3) LED's
When you upgrade the bike, don't forget to upgrade the rider. Full protective gear and track school.
1) maintenance that hadn't been done in years
2) ss bolts in the carbs
3) 17" wheel
Chris, what do you plan to do most with the bike? Drag race/bar hop, long haul touring, twisties (maybe not in FL), show? Usage would dictate mods, it's a compromise when stock and we tend to mod in the direction that suits our riding style. A point often overlooked by eager newbies (I'm guilty!) is how how much doing all the scheduled maintenance that's likely been skipped can contribute to your peace of mind and safety, and sort the bike out so it's smoother, faster, more efficient, just less stressful and more fun. Have you gotten a manual yet? Beyond that, if you're going to explore whatever extra power the P.O. made, I'm thinking quality gear for you, the forks (from an 88-95 FJ) with stiffer springs and front brakes (R6,R1,FZ1 etc. blue dot calipers) might be the most fulfilling mod. Some would argue it's easier to go right to non FJ forks (USD [UpSide Down] from Thunderace and others) with cartridge internals instead of old tech stock FJ damper rod style. A 17" front wheel (comes with the newer forks) with sticky modern rubber and responsive brakes will add some whoa to your go. Looks like the rear wheel is fixed for ya already. For the long haul, quieter pipes (sounds like your's bark good, gets old quick on a trip, especially with a passenger) and a better seat (Corbin), taller windscreen, different sprockets to raise the gearing and lower RPMs. Renntec bars so you don't mangle you and the bike WHEN an oops occurs. I think we've all had one or two.
I could go on forever but I don't want to overwhelm you with choices. The burning question I have is what's the staus on your compression/ fuel/ timing deal? That may limit other things until it's sorted!
Doug
PS- I forgot to answer your question!
MY favorite mods-
1. Rear 17" GSX-R wheel, flashy and grippy tire.
2. Blue dot calipers, R1 master and braided lines, stopping is fun too.
3. 0.95 kg/mm fork springs and 15W oil. My stock forks were like a rocking horse when I used the front brake.
wow thanks for all the ideas!
are there any advantages to the foam grips? and this might be a really dumb question, but would changing the exhaust pipe take the thunder away from the bike? cause youre right, it gets really loud :shok:
and the status of my compression/fuel/timing deal will get answered this Wednesday! someone on this forum heard my cry and talked to their friend who lives close by and hes coming over with his tools and we'll try to figure out whats going on in the inside. which reminds me, how should i repay this guy? good ol' fashion beer?
one more question, the vibranator...does it really work?
and dont worry about my gear, my father was so excited that i got my bike, he flew in and for the first time in my life, welcomed me to the family lol
r1 calipers
17 inch rims
traxxion dynamics fork springs
then
corbin seat
givi rack
braided hoses
then you have a nice base from which to start your more radical mods - see the R1 mod thread for really involved stuff
Quote from: Carterc on March 21, 2011, 11:40:09 PM
one more question, the vibranator...does it really work?
Here are a few testimonials:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3447.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3447.0)
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30227#msg30227 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30227#msg30227)
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30293#msg30293 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30293#msg30293)
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30341#msg30341 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1562.msg30341#msg30341)
There are also a few reviews listed here; http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M/C:Vibranator (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M/C:Vibranator)
I also anticipate as the spring weather is upon us, more of the people who bought them over the dead of winter will get a chance to give theirs a whirl as well.
I know my wife can go for more than 30-45minutes without stopping due to the cramping/tingling she used to get in her hands and forearms.
Randy - RPM
Three words:
suspension
suspension
suspension!
MIke C
Top 3
1. Six pot calipers (front)
2. Rear shock
3. Anti dive away
Quote from: jykkeh on March 31, 2011, 11:48:55 AM
Top 3
1. Six pot calipers (front)
2. Rear shock
3. Anti dive away
(http://urmasmoottori.kuvat.fi/kuvat/takap%C3%A4%C3%A4%20ja%20wirre/P1010273.jpg/_small.jpg)
#1 Front fork upgrade, (springs minimum)
#2 rear shock upgrade, (what ever budget will allow)
#3 comfy seat. (priceless)
Those three things will help out any level of riding ability.
So FJ1250 is right suspension, first.
#4 Vibranaters, if you have bad hands or bad vibrations in the bike. (good reveiws on this product)
#5 Brake upgrade, (blue dots or six pots)
#6 Wheel upgrade, (to late model 17s f/r better tire selection)
4-5 are more performance upgrades.
Thats my top three and my next three.
There are more but thats a good place to start.
Bob W
For an '86,
Front wheel change to later model 17 inch, along with appropriate springs, and monoblock calipers
Corbin seat
Penske rear shock
Do these 3 simple upgrades and you will be amazed with each one.
Then add relays to the headlight circuit.
DavidR.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on March 31, 2011, 09:50:17 PM
For an '86,
Front wheel change to later model 17 inch, along with appropriate springs, and monoblock calipers
Corbin seat
Penske rear shock
Do these 3 simple upgrades and you will be amazed with each one.
Then add relays to the headlight circuit.
DavidR.
X2 on that! The rear is almost done. My goal is to get the front (with emulators) and then the rear shock. WRC is way too soon for my budget...I love a challenge...
Top 3 Mods for under $25.
2" adjustable fish-eye mirror. One on each mirror. Perfect for blind spot and encroaching traffic in the city and on the freeway. I was only using the inside 2" of my mirrors to look and my elbows anyway. $5 for both.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_55_28_0.jpeg)
O Ring Throttle lock. Caterpillar # 8M4991. Does a fair job of holding the throttle in place. Throttle tends to slip back if you don't hold a little pressure on it. Also, I have to be stopped to be able to maneuver the O ring out and off the throttle and back onto the bar end when wearing gloves. -I always wear gloves. - The same diameter O ring with a larger cross section would work better. It's not perfect, but when cruising up the interstate for any extended period of time, well worth the $4 it cost.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_58_24.jpeg)
A magnet secured to the bottom of the footpeg, used to keep the kickstand from rattling when traveling over our pothole filled roads. Works great. I'm investigating a similar mod to the center stand as well. I hate rattles. About $23 with shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Neodymium-Magnet-Countersunk-Hole-Epoxy/dp/B0012DNFTC (http://www.amazon.com/Neodymium-Magnet-Countersunk-Hole-Epoxy/dp/B0012DNFTC) Handle carefully, these magnets are strong little buggers.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_55_31_1.jpeg)
Seems that we all have different things we like the best. I have to say, the top three mods are generally the 3 mods that fixed something that pissed you off the most, because they're the biggest improvement then! :hi:
need more of those "cat" o rings sing out... got about 20 of the buggers from doing code "D" on cat engines..... changing em from 230 to 260 hp cat engines... gotto love FBL's
And the postage to the states would be...? Interested!
Quote from: carsick on April 27, 2011, 09:23:58 AM
And the postage to the states would be...? Interested!
Doug, I've got an extra one. PM me your address.
Quote from: carsick on April 27, 2011, 09:23:58 AM
And the postage to the states would be...? Interested!
dunno.... got a model part from the states ( rear cowl for a 1/32 JU 88... yes im a nerd).... bout the same size... if your really hard up id post em to ya! s' only a coupla bucks..... and ya cant take money to the hole in the ground with ya!!!
Quote from: markmartin on April 27, 2011, 06:29:51 PM
Doug, I've got an extra one. PM me your address.
And thusly does Mark's karma grow.
If I have to choose between the endless mods that I´ve done to my 4 FJs & those on the friends of mine, after a meticulous considerations, I choose
1- brakes
2- Hagon fork springs
3- front rim (3,5 instead of 3)
these are the basic 3 things that I would modify in a new FJ purchased (FJ 1100 next year maybe...)
Quote from: Kopfjaeger on April 27, 2011, 07:44:24 PM
id post em to ya! s' only a coupla bucks
Thank you for the kind offer, it seems there's a source closer to home. No need to make the shipping companies any richer!
Doug
no wukkas carsick. Hope it all works..... only cruise control i have had has been the kwaka with a badly routed clutch cable jamming the throttles open. :good2: :rofl2:
Quote from: markmartin on April 26, 2011, 09:33:53 PM
Top 3 Mods for under $25.
2" adjustable fish-eye mirror. One on each mirror. Perfect for blind spot and encroaching traffic in the city and on the freeway. I was only using the inside 2" of my mirrors to look and my elbows anyway. $5 for both.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_55_28_0.jpeg)
O Ring Throttle lock. Caterpillar # 8M4991. Does a fair job of holding the throttle in place. Throttle tends to slip back if you don't hold a little pressure on it. Also, I have to be stopped to be able to maneuver the O ring out and off the throttle and back onto the bar end when wearing gloves. -I always wear gloves. - The same diameter O ring with a larger cross section would work better. It's not perfect, but when cruising up the interstate for any extended period of time, well worth the $4 it cost.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_58_24.jpeg)
A magnet secured to the bottom of the footpeg, used to keep the kickstand from rattling when traveling over our pothole filled roads. Works great. I'm investigating a similar mod to the center stand as well. I hate rattles. About $23 with shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Neodymium-Magnet-Countersunk-Hole-Epoxy/dp/B0012DNFTC (http://www.amazon.com/Neodymium-Magnet-Countersunk-Hole-Epoxy/dp/B0012DNFTC) Handle carefully, these magnets are strong little buggers.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_26_04_11_7_55_31_1.jpeg)
The spot mirror tip is excellent. I'm going to pick a pair up this week. (much more useful that looking at my own elbows when merging!) :good:
Update on the magnet secured to the footpeg to eliminate kickstand rattle: The magnet broke in two. I was easing the kickstand up as much as possible when I could, because the magnet really slams the kickstand up into place. I was meaning to put a rubber cover of some sort to prevent the magnet from breaking--too late. It works well until the magnet breaks. Back to the drawing board. ahh, it's all in the name of science!
Quote from: markmartin on May 04, 2011, 09:31:35 AM
Update on the magnet secured to the footpeg to eliminate kickstand rattle: The magnet broke in two.
Damn - that sucks! Thanks for letting us know - I was literally a few clicks away from buying that on Amazon! I meant to tell you that I had never heard of that solution and thought it was very ingenious. Maybe we can find a strong magnet that is in a plastic sheath or something like that...
Ask and you shall receive
Maybe this could work? http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=60007 (http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=60007)
These are the magnets I used to move the gas gauge needle back to place without opening anything, they are very strong.
Alain
Voilà!!
Alain
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand002.jpg (http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand002.jpg)
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand003.jpg (http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand003.jpg)
Quote from: delarbreavous on May 04, 2011, 03:24:02 PM
Voilà!!
Alain
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand002.jpg (http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand002.jpg)
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand003.jpg (http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/delarbreavous/photofj1200stand003.jpg)
Wow, you can pick up screws and nails while you are leaned over and perform a public service for fellow riders. In SoCal we need one that works on Pinecones.
Another good source for STRONG magnets is in old harddrives :-)
Many of us have old drives that are no longer being used.
Take them apart and the magnets that control head movement are very strong.
If you have 5 1/4 drives they are probably best, but even the magnets in 3.5 and 2.5 drives are great.
Arnie
Quote from: Arnie on May 04, 2011, 07:59:13 PM
Another good source for STRONG magnets is in old harddrives :-)
Many of us have old drives that are no longer being used.
Take them apart and the magnets that control head movement are very strong.
If you have 5 1/4 drives they are probably best, but even the magnets in 3.5 and 2.5 drives are great.
Arnie
a good source yes....but a royal PITA to get those old hard drives apart.
KOokaloo!
Quote from: Marsh White on May 04, 2011, 09:49:42 AM
I was literally a few clicks away from buying that on Amazon!
That's one of the first things I though of when it broke--I should've extended the field test a little longer. It just worked so well, I got caught up in the excitement. Looks like Alain may have found a better version. --
Alain, the pictures look good. Does it hold enough to keep the stand from rattling? Also, which one do you have? Looks like the 24mm (strongest) .? The price sure is
alot better.
The write up from Applied Magnets (Amazon) did say that the magnet I had was fragile, I was hoping not quite a fragile as it turned out to be. The space between the stand and the bottom of the peg is about 5/16" - 3/8" on my bike and the magnet I had was 1/2", so it would hit every time with varying force depending on where I let it go. I was thinking that maybe a 1/4" thick magnet might be close enough to hold the stand in place without it slamming into the magnet every time.
I'm going to wait for the test results from Alain....
I used the 1 inch cupped magnet (it was the only one I had in the shop +- 35 pounds of force) and made a 1/8
inch rubber washer.
If it does not do the job I'll change it for the 1 inch 1/4 magnet +- 69 pounds of force
It's very strong, nothing moves!!, you have to put some pressure to free it. took 10 minutes to install, not bad
for a 2.50$ upgrade!
I would not be afraid of anything braking because the magnet is in a metal cup, I slammed it a couple of times
indestructible!
I will try it as soon as the weather gets better and will make my report
Alain
(What would McGyver do?)
Quote from: delarbreavous on May 04, 2011, 09:23:17 PM
(What would McGyver do?)
We have many McGyvers here, some are just bold, others just clever, and the best are bold and clever.........I know I am just a little bit bold and a little bit clever. The ho hum jack Of All Trades nerdy Engineering type. And I love the Kookalooo and the corners.......
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2011, 09:31:56 PM
Quote from: delarbreavous on May 04, 2011, 09:23:17 PM
(What would McGyver do?)
We have many McGyvers here, some are just bold, others just clever, and the best are bold and clever.........I know I am just a little bit bold and a little bit clever. The ho hum jack Of All Trades nerdy Engineering type. And I love the Kookalooo and the corners.......
Yes, but are you clever enough to put up a profile pic? :biggrin:
cable tie and gaffa tape..... with an explosive mechanism if the bike gets tampered with. thats what mr macgyver would do.... o and there'd be paddle pop sticks somewhere..... and the mullet hair do on the seat for winter riding....
Quote from: Marsh White on May 04, 2011, 09:34:11 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2011, 09:31:56 PM
Quote from: delarbreavous on May 04, 2011, 09:23:17 PM
(What would McGyver do?)
We have many McGyvers here, some are just bold, others just clever, and the best are bold and clever.........I know I am just a little bit bold and a little bit clever. The ho hum jack Of All Trades nerdy Engineering type. And I love the Kookalooo and the corners.......
Yes, but are you clever enough to put up a profile pic? :biggrin:
Challenge accepted Marsh. I wanted to have a decent avatar for my posts and was holding out till my new matching jacket came for my birthday. My birthday has come and past recently and to my great surprise I got my gift (bought it my damn self). Maybe I will offer a challenge to WCR attendees to take the best avatar pic of me, let the club vote and all will have a face/avatar to match the Monkey. What do you think? In hind site I am really hoping I don't become the new drinks Bitch!!!!! I spill a lot....cuz I drink from every cup. I think I am gonna pay for this in a really bad way.....Like I just pulled the pin and forgot to throw.
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2011, 10:01:27 PM
I think I am gonna pay for this in a really bad way.....Like I just pulled the pin and forgot to throw.
INCOMING!!
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 04, 2011, 10:16:12 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 04, 2011, 10:01:27 PM
I think I am gonna pay for this in a really bad way.....Like I just pulled the pin and forgot to throw.
INCOMING!!
I think this is gonna be a Love/Hate relationship.... Kevlar undies and all the bullets/grenades I can carry. I really need that upgraded rear shock, my ass is gonna be dragging from all the ordinance...Free love....don't forget.....Koookaloo brothers right? I have the Pink FJ 2000 with Blue and green leather, helmet with a bright red Mohawk, and I don't wear glasses.....
One idea on the magnet thing -- put whatever hard magnet you got on and then put a soft magnet over top of it --- like the ones you have on the fridge that sometimes people put business cards on or those magnetic calendars etch -- it might be enough to take the sting off the bounce
stevec
Quote from: moparman70 on May 04, 2011, 10:51:24 PM
One idea on the magnet thing -- put whatever hard magnet you got on and then put a soft magnet over top of it --- like the ones you have on the fridge that sometimes people put business cards on or those magnetic calendars etch -- it might be enough to take the sting off the bounce
stevec
Or the magnets trapped between metal plates. The plates take the hit and the magnets are free from the real shock. Some are really strong.
I followed Alain's lead and bought two 1-1/4" cup magnets from Lee Valley. I attached one to the foot peg to secure the side stand - as Alain showed in his post. Then I screwed the other magnet to the center stand as shown below. It's about 3/8" think (< 10mm) with the washer that it comes with and with the stand up and resting up against the rubber bumper, the magnet is also hitting on and holding to the shock linkage. Looks like it'll work. It finally stopped raining here so I'm going to try it tomorrow.
I don't anticipate the shock linkage moving the stand down very much ( or at all?) when compressing the suspension, however I'm not certain of this. ( ground clearance when cornering would be my only concern if it did move down much) It doesn't seem to move when pushing the suspension down when I'm sitting on it in the garage. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/2/150_11_05_11_4_51_45.jpeg)
Looks nice Mark,
If I did this for my centre stand I would probably put the magnet where the main stand rubber stopper is and shim it with some rubber washers to have the perfect height. The flat surface where the stopper hits the stand is ideal for the magnet.
I did my second ride this evening testing the side stand magnet, it holds well but I think it's transferring some vibrations to the foot peg, yesterday I tested it 100 times to see how the magnet would endure the beating, it holds on perfectly.
Alain