So I have seen and read a lot about rear wheel conversions from a YZF600 and that people have also slotted up the front wheel. Is there a particular year of YZF or does it matter, I have also read somewhere that the front wheel can be used as well and still use the stock speedo drive, is this so. I ask about the front wheel as apparently it is a 3 1/2" x 17 versus the stock 3" x 17 and is this a worth while effort. I am looking at gathering parts for the conversion and thought it best to ask before getting to far into the wrong thing. What I am riding now is a stock 1990 FJ and would like to get into modern radial tires and to improve handling (and yes a new rear shock is on the list).
Thanks for the input.
Shaun
Shaun. I believe any year yzf600r (non R6) will work for the rear wheel mod. They did not change it from year to year. The front wheel has a different size axle diameter, and there is no bearing size available to mate the axle and wheel to the forks. What you need for the front is an 87-88 fzr1000 wheel. It is a direct bolt on to your existing front forks, retaining stock speedo drive. I have been running a modern radial, 120/70 on my front wheel(89 FJ) with no ill effects. Once this tire is done, I have an 87 fzr wheel that will be going on with the new rubber.
With these mods, you will really like the change. It will handle like a whole new bike... :yahoo:
Cheers...Jake
Thanks for the heads up, hey are you getting out on the back roads yet? You should have a whole playground around you. I'm looking at having a run up the sunshine coast to Powell river hop on the ferry and then back down the Island. Not that long of a trip but an awesome ride along the ocean all the same. Did you get the regulator conversion done for your buddy?
Shaun
I put an FZR wheel on up frt, and beforethat, I ran several radials in 120/70X17 on the stock wheel.... I think the 3.5" wheel works a little better... '90 FJ12.
Shaun. Have been getting out a bit, but never as much as we want..lol..Did a nice ride up to Calabogie a few weeks back to watch the races and played in the Muskokas a bit. Have't done the regulator mod on my buddy's bike yet. He seems content so far with a new battery, but that will change once it is cooked. Up the coast sounds like an awesome ride. I saw Powell river once from the Island side. Coastal mountains paint a nice picture in the background. Have fun.... :biggrin:
Cheers...Jake
I have made the change as well. I used the FZR1000 87-88 front rim with stock tire size and it is a no brainer. Now as far as rear tire goes, I went with the FZR1000 89-? 17x5 1/2". It is a great combo and it changed the handling aspect of my bike dramatically. It is an amazing improvement. I had mine done by a shop in Poway, CA. These guys are FJ guru's' as far as I am concerned. http://www.powaymotorcycle.com/ (http://www.powaymotorcycle.com/) From what I remember they use all your FJ parts and you just need to find a rear rim. The fit is incredible and it look completely stock. I will try to get pics up for all to see. Anyways, I had everything done and purchased a new chain and sprockets and the bill was under $1000. including all machine work parts and shipping cost. I can get the exact cost if you are interested, but it was cheap to me when you consider I was thinking of purchasing the FJR to move myself in the new millennium. But, since I made the updates to my bike, I have no need for a newer bike now. I would recommend the change over to all FJ riders, and it is a must if you are a rider who likes to get close to yours and your bike's limits and potential. Plus it opens up a whole new array of tire choices.
Good luck.
Later, Phil
Hey there, yup I sure would be interested in some pictures and spec of what they did. Like I said earlier I am looking at starting to gather parts and would like to see what you got.
Thanks
Shaun
Quote from: Shaun on July 31, 2009, 05:41:15 PM
Hey there, yup I sure would be interested in some pictures and spec of what they did. Like I said earlier I am looking at starting to gather parts and would like to see what you got.
Thanks
Shaun
Shaun,
I pulled out my receipt for the work done on my bike. The total was $693.47, and the work and parts involved were as fallows:
Front sprocket/rear sprocket
DID x ring 530x130 chain
flange bolt
wheel bearing
Machine work:
Sprocket carrier, sprocket front, rear caliper bracket, countersprocket cover, bend brake stay arm and make Dog bones.
That's it. They will need a few measurements from you to make sure to get proper set up. All you need is a 89-? FZR1000 rear rim, I used a 1990 rim. You can use the original Sprocket hub because the are the same as the FZR1000. The Difference is in bearing and those all get changed out in the machine work.
I'll try to get some pics up soon.
Later......
Hi Shaun,
You will want a first gen FZR 1000 wheel, its a direct bolt on for the '88 and up FJ. While your at it get some early yamaha blue dot calipers, they're cheap and make a big difference. A yzf 600r frontwheel can be used, but I believe the axle diameter is different so you either need to make some sort of bushing . Or you could swap the entire front end, which would require some additional parts and machining, but you would gain modern cartridge forks.
For the YZF 600R rear you will need everything between the swing arm. Machine a few millimeters off the spacer, caliper bracket and the face of the sprocket mount. Modify the caliper stay and Bob's your uncle, modern size tires for you.
You should be able to find the measurements for these mods in the files section, as well as info on other wheel and suspension mods.
From GSXR rear wheels and yzf 750 ud forks to swapping the entire suspension from an FZ 1.
hth and good luck,
Fred
Pics.....
(http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/42004/2961760740045553760S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/24249/2774156940045553760S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/45119/2672943320045553760S600x600Q85.jpg)
^ Do you even ride that thing?! :lol: :lol: Too clean!
I haven't done the front on my `90, as a 120/70R17 mounts fine and works well enough. Typically cups the tire long before it wears out though.
I did go with the YZF rear, and it's quite possibly the best time/effort/money mod I've done yet. I spent about $150 doing it (paid WAY more for the wheel than I should have), and in the course of 3 tire changes I made the money back; better rubber for less money. The OEM wheel doesn't actually give you much choice in what tire you run, you run what fits and hope for the best.
With the 17" wheel, you can run a drag tire, a sporty tire, a touring tire, a middle ground tire... and you can select from more than 3 brands, too!
HighBonzo, thanks for the pics, that looks very cool and the meaty tire up under there looks like it means business. With the improved handling it should be an awesome improvement. Fred, thanks for the insight I will check out the links and see what I can find. I bought the bike for several reasons, that main one is that I always liked them and always wanted one but had to wait because the navy got in the way. Also I like to tinker with things and make them my own, in this case these mods are just the thing I like to do.
Thanks for the input, now I'm hooked in a brand new addiction...mmmmodifications!
Shaun.
Quote from: andyb on August 04, 2009, 10:11:51 AM
^ Do you even ride that thing?! :lol: :lol: Too clean!
A few times a week on average. I hit about 140 mph last time out. :diablo:
I tend to ride mellow for a few ride then I crank it out every month or so. Bikes are like horses, ride them hard but never but them away wet. If you do this you will have a dependable ride.
Later.....
Hello to all. :hi:
Does anyone know if you can use the front wheel from a 92 FZR1000? I plan on doing the rear wheel mod, and I picked up both wheels from a 92. the front is 17 X 3 1/2, the rear is 17 X 5 1/2. I plan on using them on my 90 FJ. I see some of the posts say to use an 87-88 front wheel. Also, does anyone who has done this mod know how much material to take off of the cush drive? I found a machine shop locally who says they can do all the machine work for me. Also, what wheel bearings do I use for the rear wheel/cush drive? I am assuming I have to use a Honda VFR750 front sprocket, and a stock FJ rear sprocket from what I have read. Does anyone know if the stock length chain is used? I plan to replace it, but need to know what length to get. I also have a pair of R1-Gold pot front calipers to go on as well that I picked up used.
Phil, yours looks awesome! and is the inspiration for my endeavor.
My current rear tire is shot, and I figure now is a good time to upgrade.
Sorry about all the questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Alan H.
Mesa, AZ
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 30, 2009, 02:51:51 PM
Does anyone know if you can use the front wheel from a 92 FZR1000?
Its possible, just not as easy as the 87-88.... IIRC the 92 uses a 17mm axle (not 15mm like the FJ and the older FZR)
Use the 17mm FZR axle, spacers, speedo drive, etc.. you will have to bore & tap the FJ forks to accept the 17mm axle.
...uhmm, I think :sarcastic:
I too am interested in the front/rear wheel mod. but someone with the knowledge needs to post exactly which years, which parts, and say front or rear whenever they give details.
and I am sure there is some combo that can be worked out as a bolt on only with no machining needed.
as one example
use a 88 fzr1000 wheel, but the 87-88 wheels are the same and half the people say the 87 wheel is a no go.
or give a list of parts and we can get someone to make and sell the extras needed, this seems to be a top mod so there is a customer base but a lack of cohesiveness on information.
I think some of us are using uk information also, and usually the uk/us bits dont cross the pond well
let alone if you want to goto a usd fork setup.
or im just ranting :dash2:
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 30, 2009, 02:51:51 PM
Hello to all. :hi:
I am assuming I have to use a Honda VFR750 front sprocket,
Thanks.
Alan H.
Mesa, AZ
the countershaft sprocket you will need is sourced from a 1985 Honda VF1000R not the VFR
Kookaloo!
I just put a 89 fzr1000 front wheel on my 89 fj.All I had done was machine work on the bearing housing.I got bearings forthe fj for the wheel.I had asked the same questions you did because I had bought a 89 fzr wheel by accident.I put blue dot brakes on while I was at it.I havent got in a long ride yet but everything works.
Bama, I have often thought that you could have the bearing surfaces machined to fit bearings for the 15mm FJ axle..... You are the first I have heard from that has done it.....well done.......proof of theory!
Cheers
Harvy
Bama,
Did the stock FJ wheel bearings/spacer/seals/axle/and speedo drive work after you had the wheel machined? or did you have to use any of the FZR parts other than the wheel itself? The shop doing my machine work can machine the wheel to fit the FJ bearings no problem. I'm just wondering what else I am going to run into.
Thanks. :good2:
Quote from: bama1 on September 30, 2009, 08:23:35 PM
I just put a 89 fzr1000 front wheel on my 89 fj.All I had done was machine work on the bearing housing.I got bearings forthe fj for the wheel.I had asked the same questions you did because I had bought a 89 fzr wheel by accident.I put blue dot brakes on while I was at it.I havent got in a long ride yet but everything works.
I'm just wondering why you did that mod? You already have a 17" wheel on the 89 FJ. (as opposed to the earlier FJs who have a 16" wheel where that mod would be worthwhile...for better tire selection and handling) Yeah, so the stock 89 front wheel is only 3" wide. Is the 89 FZR1000 wheel 3.5" wide? If so, that alone isn't worth the trouble AT ALL! Much better spending the time to do a whole front fork mod and get the 3.5" wheel that way. Just curious...
Marsh, just from my experience on my '91.......yes the 3.5 inch wheel on the front is a better match-up to the 5.5 on the back....... but I agree that doing up the front forks with new springs and emulators, R1 mono-blocks and adding the Superbrace has only added to the mod. The front tyre does not cup, that's for sure.
My mates '09 Bonny still can't get around the twisties as nimbly as a modded FJ!......even though its about 1/2 the weight.
Harvy
I used all FJ parts for the wheel.I am going this weekend and ride the draggon and the Cherahoa parkway so I will know if everything works well on a long ride.Marsh I just thought the wider wheel looked good.When you have three kids and a stay at home mom its hard to spend a lot of money on stuff that isnt necessary.Wheels are cheap plus there isnt alot of other expensive stuff to buy.There is so much I would love to do but money is a issue.
THANKS
BAMA
Quote from: Harvy on October 02, 2009, 04:29:43 AM
Marsh, just from my experience on my '91.......yes the 3.5 inch wheel on the front is a better match-up to the 5.5 on the back....... but I agree that doing up the front forks with new springs and emulators, R1 mono-blocks and adding the Superbrace has only added to the mod. The front tyre does not cup, that's for sure.
Harvy
Harvy, I think you misunderstood my point. My point is: changing a 17" front wheel that is 3" wide to a 17" front wheel that is 3.5" wide with the stock forks IS an improvement - but it is SO MINOR of an improvement it really makes no difference at all. Unless it was free - I don't think the cost of the wheel, machining, bearings are worth the improvement. I'm not talking about putting springs, emulators yada yada on the stock forks (even if you do all of that - the forks still suck compared to a true cartridge fork). The money would be much better spent putting on Cartridge forks off of another bike - and acquiring the 3.5" front wheel as a result of THAT mod. That's what I'm sayin' - that is how it's usually done.
I honestly had never heard of anyone changing the front wheel on a 89+ FJ without doing a fork swap to forks off of another bike...and in my mind I couldn't follow the logic - that's why I asked the question. I guess I know of 2 people who have done it now! :good2: Hey modding an FJ is good! :yes: I understand - sometimes we get bored in the garage and look for something to do - and can't afford a whole front fork swap. I know I've been there - usually the result of this condition is buying new springs and emulators and such for the stock forks - money that in reality - would nearly cover the costs of, and be MUCH better spent, doing a cartridge fork swap. Just throwing out my $.02
Quote from: bama1 on September 30, 2009, 08:23:35 PM
I just put a 89 fzr1000 front wheel on my 89 fj.All I had done was machine work on the bearing housing.I got bearings forthe fj for the wheel.I had asked the same questions you did because I had bought a 89 fzr wheel by accident.
Ah - I think I may understand now. You had a damaged FJ wheel? So you bought an FZR1000 front wheel by accident - thinking you were buying an FJ wheel? And you already had the FJ front wheel bearings so you machined the wheel out to use the bearings you had and to use the wheel you bought? Makes sense - and you get the wider wheel without spending more money. If that is the case - I think I get it now - good job! :good2:
Quote from: Marsh White on October 02, 2009, 12:04:51 PM
Quote from: Harvy on October 02, 2009, 04:29:43 AM
Marsh, just from my experience on my '91.......yes the 3.5 inch wheel on the front is a better match-up to the 5.5 on the back....... but I agree that doing up the front forks with new springs and emulators, R1 mono-blocks and adding the Superbrace has only added to the mod. The front tyre does not cup, that's for sure.
Harvy
Harvy, I think you misunderstood my point. My point is: changing a 17" front wheel that is 3" wide to a 17" front wheel that is 3.5" wide with the stock forks IS an improvement - but it is SO MINOR of an improvement it really makes no difference at all. Unless it was free - I don't think the cost of the wheel, machining, bearings are worth the improvement. I'm not talking about putting springs, emulators yada yada on the stock forks (even if you do all of that - the forks still suck compared to a true cartridge fork). The money would be much better spent putting on Cartridge forks off of another bike - and acquiring the 3.5" front wheel as a result of THAT mod. That's what I'm sayin' - that is how it's usually done.
I honestly had never heard of anyone changing the front wheel on a 89+ FJ without doing a fork swap to forks off of another bike...and in my mind I couldn't follow the logic - that's why I asked the question. I guess I know of 2 people who have done it now! :good2: Hey modding an FJ is good! :yes: I understand - sometimes we get bored in the garage and look for something to do - and can't afford a whole front fork swap. I know I've been there - usually the result of this condition is buying new springs and emulators and such for the stock forks - money that in reality - would nearly cover the costs of, and be MUCH better spent, doing a cartridge fork swap. Just throwing out my $.02
Marsh, in my case, I did the fork spring, emulator mod when I first bought the bike.....4 or 5 years ago. At that time it was all the talk on the old Yahoo group........I don't recall seeing the cartridge fork mods till a wee while after this. BUT I agree with you....... If I were to do a front end mod now it would be a cartridge setup.
Trouble here is availability and price......you folks have it in Spades over in the States.
I found that the FJ (and probably most other bikes) feels better with the 3.5/5.5 combo than with the 3/5.5 combo.
My $0.02 as well.
Harvy
In other words, the bearings for the 17mm axle actually have a smaller O.D. than the bearings for the 15mm axle? Or is it a depth issue?
TIA, and Kookaloo! (http://i34.tinypic.com/20pd4r4.gif)
Marsh, I did the 3.5" front w/o any fork mods, and I have to disagree with you. The braking improved ability with the added contact patch, and that alone made the change worthwhile.
I still have and plan to install the YZF600 front end with Gold goodies, etc; but until then, this has helped my ol' FJ feel a tad more modern. Damn those carbs, where's fuel injection when you really need it!?!?!?