The weather is starting to change and soon it is time for the maint and mod of our beloved fj's. I was wondering what plans some of you have , so I thought I would kick it off with my plans and everybody can post up with what they have in mind.
Every winter is the usual maint.
change oil
check plugs
check wheel brgs
tighten all bolts to spec
change brake and clutch fluids
lube cables and speedo
grease moving parts(swingarm ect.)
mods in mind.
coil relay
headlight relay
bat regulator
oil cooler upgrade
starter rebuild
just to name a few.
I've got a number of those items on my list as well.
Add to that:
Try to pull my rear sub-frame straight. It's tweaked a bit..maybe not enough to even worry about..
Touch up right engine bar
Do headlight relay mod correctly (quick hack job to get me home)
Pat's taillight mod (didn't like being pulled over by state cop at 5am and changing out taillights in the dark while raining)
Install the Dyna coils I've had sitting in a box for several years now...
GSXR mirror mod
Perhaps an oil temp. gauge
Think about installing the remote voltage regulator I have..
Plus the Ninja needs a few things..
Off season? I just finished my (get) off season (...get it?) My riding season is starting. Ya gotta love winter in the Desert.
Got some work to do on the '84. It will be better than new when I'm done. The '92 is ready to boogie.
That's why guys need 2 FJ's. 1 to trick out while you ride the other....
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 21, 2011, 02:39:27 PM
That's why guys need 2 FJ's. 1 to trick out while you ride the other....
Also applies to women, but getting in trouble is so very possible...
Problem is there are too many things to list!! So much to do so little budget to do it with :dash2: That and in AZ the nice riding season has just begun!!! The other fact that my fj is my only mode of transportation at the moment, can't do anything that takes longer than an afternoon or at most one full day. :scratch_one-s_head: I like your idea Pat to have 2!! I need to adjust valves, add second clutch spring, headlight relay mod, replace fork oil, (want to add new springs at same time.) clean and rebuild carbs, ect... Not to mention all mods I would love to do... priorities first. Must get and keep her running well!!!
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 21, 2011, 02:39:27 PM
Off season? I just finished my (get) off season (...get it?) My riding season is starting. Ya gotta love winter in the Desert.
Amen to Southern California winters! :yes:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 21, 2011, 02:39:27 PM
Got some work to do on the '84. It will be better than new when I'm done. The '92 is ready to boogie.
That's why guys need 2 FJ's. 1 to trick out while you ride the other....
Pat, before the crash, it was better than new. Is it going to be even better? Can't see how unless you put all those beautiful mods on a 3CV...... :mocking:
Cheers,
CraigO
Quote from: Striker on October 21, 2011, 03:47:04 PM
I need to adjust valves, add second clutch spring, headlight relay mod, replace fork oil, (want to add new springs at same time.) clean and rebuild carbs, ect... Not to mention all mods I would love to do... priorities first. Must get and keep her running well!!!
Adjust valves, clean/balance carbs, drain forks add oil and new springs, add 2nd clutch spring all can be done by 2 guys in one afternoon....with the right tools, parts and selection of valve shims. Riding the Arizona highways on a beautiful winter day = priceless. Hmmmmm, Perhaps a field trip is in order?
Quote from: craigo on October 21, 2011, 04:02:50 PM
Pat, before the crash, it was better than new. Is it going to be even better? Can't see how unless you put all those beautiful mods on a 3CV...... :mocking:
Cheers, CraigO
You all have been warned: This FJ moditis is a chronic affliction which progressively gets worse.
I have a 1st Gen FJ and the 3rd gen FJ, but no 2nd gen..... I really do like those silver/white '89's and the blue grey/ white '90's.
Just finnished this mod. Added CBR mirrors, and installed a digital voltmeter behind the glass. (hope this photo works)
(http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i381/rd400g/10062011376.jpg)
Still to be done this winter..
I have a couple of feelers out for a GSXR rear wheel and necessary bits for the 17" conversion.
Then I'll put radials on when that is done. The rear shock will be done for next season as well.
Mods I've already done -
Second gear done
Spin on oil filter
Factory Pro emulsion tubes
Raised back end (dog bones)
Blue dots
Braided steel lines (front only)
Urin cup master cylinder
Emulators
Sonic 1.0 kg/mm straight rate springs
DDM HID
Heated grips
Remote idle speed adjustment
Automatic chain oiler
Numerous other little things
I wonder if it will ever end.........
Kevin
Nice!
Quote from: Mark Olson on October 21, 2011, 01:26:40 PM
The weather is starting to change and soon it is time for the maint and mod of our beloved fj's. I was wondering what plans some of you have , so I thought I would kick it off with my plans and everybody can post up with what they have in mind.
Every winter is the usual maint.
change oil
check plugs
check wheel brgs
tighten all bolts to spec
change brake and clutch fluids
lube cables and speedo
grease moving parts(swingarm ect.)
mods in mind.
coil relay
headlight relay
bat regulator
oil cooler upgrade
starter rebuild
just to name a few.
Those relay mods are nice. I have them on 3 bikes and they work well.
I always tell myself no more mods to the fj. draw a line in the sand ,but then the tide comes in and washes it back.
It is a sickness to keep messing with the fj.
The socal guys have it nice with good weather but up in norcal it is not as bad as all that as I can ride all year as well if I don't mind a little water and temp hardly drops below 40.
I think there is maybe 2 weeks in jan when I just won't ride due to the cold .
keep them ideas coming and maybe I will add them to my list. :good2:
Quote from: Mark Olson on October 21, 2011, 01:26:40 PM
change oil
check plugs
check wheel brgs
tighten all bolts to spec
change brake and clutch fluids
lube cables and speedo
grease moving parts(swingarm ect.)
+1!
Also planning to do the relay mod, safe-fix the petcock (tomorrow!), spin-on oil adapter, fork brace, Renntec engine bars, new rear brake pad and more...
I don´t have an off season because the climate here is always like in spring, but this... well... "winter" I'm going to make the clutch mod and possibly get a gear indicator fitted... and an oil temperature gauge fitted on the fairing, maybe
I have more work with my Honda: dual headlight to install, rear wheel bearings to change, gear indicator to fit and a switch to switch off the dashboard lights when daylight riding
Quote from: Alf on October 22, 2011, 03:41:03 PM
and possibly get a gear indicator fitted...
I'm having trouble finding gear indicators that would work and look something like the one Marsh fitted on his bike, but which would still fit within a restrained budget...
Found this http://www.electronics-lab.com/projects/automotive/006/index.html (http://www.electronics-lab.com/projects/automotive/006/index.html) but fear I ain't experienced enough to put one together...
Looks cool though!
Quote from: WhiteBeard on October 22, 2011, 04:25:34 PM
I'm having trouble finding gear indicators that would work and look something like the one Marsh fitted on his bike, but which would still fit within a restrained budget...
This will work, but it is going to depend on your budget...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2379.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2379.0)
Randy - RPM
This will work, but it is going to depend on your budget...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2379.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2379.0)
Randy - RPM
[/quote]
WOW! Awesome system and expensive!
I´m still saving for a Sigma slippery clutch. I NEED it :wacko1: so I´ll continue looking for the 6th gear in my FJ
Hmm I didn't realize all that could be done in an afternoon...definitely will have to rethink what I can do on the fj this winter! Well Pat there are some incredible roads here in AZ for riding!haha :good2:
Quote from: Alf on October 22, 2011, 05:02:34 PM
I´m still saving for a Sigma slippery clutch. I NEED it....
Hola Alf. Seriously? Pardon the questions but I am curious....
What have you done where you "need" a slipper clutch? Do you have a big block motor and/or a lightened crank? Do you track your FJ? Are you experiencing wheel hop or wiggles on deceleration or down shifting? If not, what are your symptoms where you think you need a slipper?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 24, 2011, 08:19:30 PM
Quote from: Alf on October 22, 2011, 05:02:34 PM
I´m still saving for a Sigma slippery clutch. I NEED it....
Hola Alf. Seriously? Pardon the questions but I am curious....
What have you done where you "need" a slipper clutch? Do you have a big block motor and/or a lightened crank? Do you track your FJ? Are you experiencing wheel hop or wiggles on deceleration or down shifting? If not, what are your symptoms where you think you need a slipper?
Hola Pat
Well, I NEED each gizmo that I could fit to my FJ, :biggrin:
Seriously: after riding my CBX on the Tenerife tortuose roads with its slippery clutch really this clutch is an inversion in safe riding. And yes, when riding the Yamaha after riding the Honda you can´t down shifting with the same careless.
Scenary: 2nd gear 90 or 120º bend, 50 - 150 mts straight, 3rd gear, 8.000 rpm. furious brake, 2nd gear, 120º or 180º bend again. And in a road that 2 cars at opposite ways near must stop when crossing
That 2nd gear change is problematic with the FJ. Yes, I could do it in 3rd, but then the R1 guy could trap me :negative:
Have a slipper on my kawi. Never really use the effect, too many years of releasing the clutch gently.
Your money, though, do what you want with it!
Quotebig block motor and/or a lightened crank?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a lightened crank (all else assumed to be equal, but who does 'just' the crank and not everything else also?!) should be less skittish than a heavy crank on downshifting, less inertia to spin up, ya? The engine should gain revs faster and lose them faster as well.
Hey Andy...Yep, often the lightened crank goes along with big pistons, so with the lighter crank the rpms drop fast to begin with, coupled with the added volume and compression from the pistons, it just increases the effect..
On my 1349, I kept my crank stock but with the 82mm pistons, and I noticed that with just the big pistons, the added compression braking slows things down quicker when I let off the throttle. It's not bad, but I'm very sure a lighter crank would have made it more pronounced. No big deal.
Like Frank says, you just have to control the throttle more precisely. Rev matching with little throttle blips seem to help downshifting.
With a slipper, slowing down hard from 90 to 20, squeezing the front brake lever, it would be nice to bang down a couple of downshifts from 4th to 2nd without dicking around with clutch engagement and throttle blips. Try as I have, I have not been able to master the technique to roll my wrist and blip the throttle (rev match) while squeezing the brake lever.
Although I have been able to heel toe the brake and gas pedal in my Miata, which makes downshifting fun while standing on the brakes....
Slipper would be useful on a track bike but how many of us (besides the UK blokes) track our FJ's?
Would you use it on the street? Dunno, sounds like Alf would.... How much added maintenance would a slipper clutch add to our FJ chores? Dunno.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 27, 2011, 02:01:10 AM
.... How much added maintenance would a slipper clutch add to our FJ chores? Dunno.
Mmmmmmm. I´ve not thinking about that. I don´t want to disassembly the clutch twice in a year. Thanks, Pat.
Not that much added maintenance. You'd just need to check your stack height periodically (yearly perhaps, more often if you were wanting more consistency from it at trackdays or races), and the clutch will wear out a bit quicker, as you're intentionally slipping it more often... but not remotely as fast as if it's just slipping at high revs while on the gas because of a lack of static pressure, for example.
Everything. The bike is in pieces right now. Every nut and bolt off the FJ has a place in a labeled Ziploc bag. There are also two bags of stainless bolts and screws to replace the old hardware. On the list for winter:
Head rebuild
Powder coat frame (& rims...?)
Hone cylinders
Clean engine (outside)
Replace wheel bearings/chain/brake & clutch lines/tires/plugs/oil/etc...
Repair cracks in fairing
Paint plastic pieces
Reassemble the whole bike
Good thing there is a heater in the garage.
what to do, what to do...!
Seeing as how I just finished up my 17" rear wheel swap, I will be continuing with the 3.5" wide front wheel swap.
Then I have this nice FJR clutch master and steel braided clutch line to install.
I've also been very interested in doing the HID headlight conversion, too.
After that, who knows what will catch my interest...but I'm sure there will be SOMETHING to do!
Leon
I dont really have an off season but with the addition of the new bike I can finely tear into the FJ
I am gonna start off with all the basic checks my manual tells me, then some more of the attention areas.
Once all the problems are routed out, a good advanced riding class, a set of UNI pods from Randy, some service work, shim the heads, carb work etc, then hook up the cam Im getting for xmas and hit a few laps at the local race track. Also gonna go on a hunt for the gixxer 17inch rear swap, then I should be happy with the FJ.. well until I can afford a big block kit and some heavy end motor work :diablo:
I've got my motor apart on the bench taking out many of the "goodies"
1250 big bore kit, and Falicon Supercrank are listed on ebay right now.
Putting it back together with a 1219 fresh top end, new main and rod bearing on a low milage crank
and will be putting the old girl up for sale when back together.
I'll list here first, then ebay if no activity.
Drop me a line if your interested in any/all of it,
Mike
Quote from: FJt!llD3@th on October 28, 2011, 01:31:16 AM
Also gonna go on a hunt for the gixxer 17inch rear swap, then I should be happy with the FJ.. well until I can afford a big block kit and some heavy end motor work
Jesse,
Do the 17 inch FRONT wheel mod first. Much more bang for the buck on an '85 model. That 16 inch front wheel is a turd for handling on the early models.
You'll need the fork sliders (lowers), front wheel, axle, and brake rotors off of an '89 and up FJ. You will also need the brake calipers, but this is a good time to swap to the R1/R6/FZ1 monoblock calipers. Also a good time to put in straight rate springs and new fork seals and oil.
This mod is well documented in here somewhere.
Screw the engine work, suspension and wheel mods are FAR MORE EFFICIENT at making you go quicker in everyday riding and on the track (note that I didn't say faster). You can have a monster motor, but if you don't handle worth a snot, the 250s will be blowing right by you.
Quick, someone back me up on this!
DavidR.
+1 David.
I know my 91 FJ will stay with the other bikes at the ECFR , power wise, but it's all about the handling that makes a bike fast through the twisties, and also knowing HOW to ride is the other part of that.
Horse power has very little to do with it.
Leon
Just received my 92 GSXR wheel today!!! I will be installing that, rear brake system, 4 into 1 exhaust, rejetting carbs, fix oil leak at valve cover, front suspension upgrade aaaand..........whatever else you gents can think of hah!! OH and the smoke integrated tail light from randy!
Thanks David, I found a couple :good2:
Got a bit ahead of myself with the 17 inc rear swap :biggrin: but glad you brought it to my attention about the front being more of a neccessity. With quite a bit being involved(if I use all the suggestions you mentioned) it may take me a while to get all the parts(ebay is my new friend :crazy:, money is not :shout:)
But the motor work is way more expensive and something I hope to do much later in life. As you said suspension is key. I didnt think about the front being a problem as I had heard so many people commenting about how great the rear swap was, needless to say I hadnt taken into account they had 17inc fronts. I think my main problem would be my shock - really old and soft
My maintenance list comes first. The oil leaks are a priority before I even go near a track or some spirited riding. Otherwise if it works out too expensiv to upgrade the 85 I'll pick up a 1200 post '90. There are a few around.. but these are all future plans :good2:
as i did the front 17" swap on my 84 years before finding this forum i used an 89 wheel and forks, would it be worth changing to a later front ? , , its worth the effort jesse,better choice of tyres and handling is improved heaps
Quote from: fj11.5 on November 04, 2011, 05:40:45 AM
as i did the front 17" swap on my 84 years before finding this forum i used an 89 wheel and forks, would it be worth changing to a later front ? , , its worth the effort jesse,better choice of tyres and handling is improved heaps
I've got the same '89 front wheel setup on my '85. Still amazed at the transformation it made to the handling compared to the stock 16 inch wheel.
It's fine for me, but others have said the 3.0 inch FJ rim pinches the front tire and prefer a later model 3.5 inch rim. Most of those upgrades lose the stock speedometer. I believe the FZR wheel will retain the speedo, but I haven't really looked into it as I'm still more than satisfied with what I've got.
DavidR.
Hola
120/70/17 modern tyres are designed for a 3,5" rim. A 110/70/17 suits better the 3" rim
Change the front rim and the difference is amazing, more when braking hard
FZR 1000 Génesis 1987-88 rim fits straight on. Exup rim fit with a bearings and spacer change, or fit the Exup front axel, fitting a helicoil to the FJ left fork vase to admit the new axel thread
Alf is correct with the tire sizes.. I have the 90 with the original rim 3" . I had the 120-70-17 on it and I definitely noticed the pinching. The AVON site shows for tire sizes -- 120-70-17 will fit 3 - 3.5 inch rim. The 110-7-17 fits 2.75 -3 inch rim. So both sizes will work but you can see that with the 120 and 3 inch rim you are on the losing end of the size chart but the 110 your rim is on the larger end. The 120 did not look correct on the 3in rim -- the profile was extreme at the edges.
From my experience I much prefer the 110 I have now as far as fit/handling etc. So if you go with an 89 yr FJ front end you can keep the 3 inch rim if you want just go with the 110.
stevecc
than you alf and steve ,think ill try a 110 next time effies due ,but in the mean time ,lock up your spare fizzer wheels :lol: :flag_of_truce: