Because I can't leave well enough alone I'm looking at making changes to my high mileage 89. With all the moditis around here what would you recommend as a first mod?
I'm thinking the wheel mod or doing the front suspension with the RPM springs and valves.
I am open to suggestions so tell me what you think the biggest overall improvement over stock would be.
Loads of basic maintenance, and a set of stainless screws for the carbs.
Getting it running right is frequently the best gain you can get. :)
Something you use no matter how well its running,... the brakes.
Do the blue dot calipers and a master cylinder.
The files section will have the details.
If you need new rotors, I highly recommend the chinese/galfer rotors.
I have that set-up and love it over stock.
This was my biggest complaint, and my very first mod.
Leon
brakes. on any model, but especially if it's one of the abs models. get rid of all that extra tubing and weight and put on the r1's.
I concur about brakes being your #1 mod, but the first change should be to SS brake lines, then to the "blue spot" or "gold spot" calipers, and last replace your master cylinder.
If you can afford to do all at once, that is even better.
Arnie
With the age of the bike and the mileage...... SS brake lines first and foremost.
Loose those old rubber lines *right now*
You can always use the new lines when you upgrade to the R-1 blue spots....so do those brake lines first.
After the brake lines....The rear shock. It was weak sauce the day it left the factory, only to be much worse 23 years later.
The FJ oem brakes work ok (not as good as the R-1's, but still ok) That oem rear shock sucks big time.
Sometimes when you get a set of late model calipers off ebay, you might find it with the m/c and lines. Those lines could be newish and completely workable. In about 2003 got the whole shebang for like $9.99.. calipers, m/c and lines off an 01 yzf600r. I later did the SS lines purely for bling factor - it didn't make much/any difference in braking..
my point? see what comes with your ebay blue-dots before springing for the SS lines, especially if you on a budget.
also +1 on the brakes as the easiest, least expensive, bang/buck mod.
...so ends my arguably useful fj content posting for the year..
Quote from: ddlewis on May 08, 2012, 10:40:03 AM
Sometimes when you get a set of late model calipers off ebay, you might find it with the m/c and lines. Those lines could be newish and completely workable. In about 2003 got the whole shebang for like $9.99.. calipers, m/c and lines off an 01 yzf600r. I later did the SS lines purely for bling factor - it didn't make much/any difference in braking..
my point? see what comes with your ebay blue-dots before springing for the SS lines, especially if you on a budget.
also +1 on the brakes as the easiest, least expensive, bang/buck mod.
...so ends my arguably useful fj content posting for the year..
'nother benefit to purchasing the master and calipers together (even with rubber hoses attached) is less chance of contamination/moisture. You never know how long somethings been sitting on a shelf, or worse, but I think if it's all together it'll help keep out the crud.
I'll cast my vote for front brakes - blue dots and braided lines. I made the change over the past winter, including new (chinese) rotors. My 89 had low miles on it when I bought it two years ago and the front brakes were very mushy and weak from day one. The upgrade saved my ass (and the rest of me) from becoming a splat on a Dodge Ram tailgate last weekend.
GT
If you don't want to spring for blue dot brakes and m/c yet, someone's discarded later model 4 piston calipers, the right pads and SS steel brake lines will get the back wheel airborne.
The brakelines can then be used on the blue dots at a later date.
My first mod after that would be 17" wheels and decent rubber.
Noel
How's your riding gear, up to par?
It's an '89. He already has 4 piston calipers and the 17 inch front wheel.
DavidR.
Try to find a set of Gold-dots calipers from an 02-03 R1 along with the R1 14mm mastercylinder. I've used all of the early monoblock nonradial calipers and these are the best of the bunch. The stock Sumotomo G-G pads are the best I've found for street use.
If you want to go electrical first, do the headlight relay mod. Not too difficult nor expensive. Makes an incredible difference in headlight brightness.
Wow great stuff. I am new here and love the forum. Please help me understand this mod from the ground up. Seems like the best next mod for my 93 fj1200abs. Two questions why so much dislike for the abs model and why change the rooters? Thank's for the help!
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on May 26, 2012, 09:36:16 AM
Wow great stuff. I am new here and love the forum. Please help me understand this mod from the ground up. Seems like the best next mod for my 93 fj1200abs. Two questions why so much dislike for the abs model and why change the rooters? Thank's for the help!
I was out of order the other day over a pedantic difference in terminology, so I'll let one on you Northern Hemispherians explain why he needs to change his rooters!
Noel
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on May 26, 2012, 09:36:16 AM
Wow great stuff. I am new here and love the forum. Please help me understand this mod from the ground up. Seems like the best next mod for my 93 fj1200abs. Two questions why so much dislike for the abs model and why change the rooters? Thank's for the help!
Note sure where you got the idea to put on ABS -- I read through the post and no one suggested that... you would have to have a complete setup to do something like that -- wheels with sensors -- all the electronics.
Everyone is saying change the brakes to the more modern monobloc calipers and to a 14MM Master. R1 of certain vintage ( read through the posts) work. I concur as it is the most simple one to do mostly just remove and replace. The hardest part is just bleeding the system. The results from OEM dual pistons that you have on is fantastic. The feel is great - one finger braking if you want. And you don't have to change rotors.
Here is an example -- Derek just completed ( now he change his front end too as he has an 86 and you need to do that for this mod on an 86) ..you can still upgrade the front end but you'll do it for other reasons if you want.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6771.msg59793#msg59793 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6771.msg59793#msg59793)
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on May 26, 2012, 09:36:16 AM
Wow great stuff. I am new here and love the forum. Please help me understand this mod from the ground up. Seems like the best next mod for my 93 fj1200abs. Two questions why so much dislike for the abs model and why change the rooters? Thank's for the help!
If you already have a 93 ABS bike, then your brake mods would still include SS lines, and new calipers, and maybe new master cylinder. This assumes that the ABS is still working.
I don't think most here are against ABS except that when it fails it is horrendously expensive to replace the ABS system parts. The rotors for the ABS bikes are different than the non-ABS bikes, and I don't believe that there are any aftermarket replacements.
Most who have had their ABS fail have ended up bypassing or removing it rather than pay $2K or more for new ABS bits.
Arnie
Had the 93 model non AbS did the blue spots
and master cylinder upgrade and Stainless lines
As my first mod, after several very long trips of over 5000 K's my
next and most important mod because unless your
comfortable on the bike you are to easily distracted is
the seat
Thanks for the recommendations guys. I have been in the middle of a move and don't have internet yet at the new house. I'm at the old house for a couple of days to watch the movers pack all our stuff.
First order of business will be carb rebuild and sync - she won't hold idle and leaks gas after shutoff.
Second will be replacing all the worn out panel grommets. easy and fairly cheap.
Third will be the front brakes and lines - new master cylinder?
after that I think a wheel swap and shock upgrade would be in order.
Thank's for the great feedback! My 93 came with abs. It has stopped working long ago and I am not going to fix it. Just seemed like abs was a bad word here. I now have front calipers off of a 02 R1 and an planing to order master cylinder off of fjr1300. Then new stainless lines set. Are there any difference in calipers from the blue dot, gold dot, or other colors? Thank you again. I am also planing headlight mod and new shock later this year. If I do anything with the front forks that will take some investigation.
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on June 03, 2012, 01:30:23 PM
Thank's for the great feedback! My 93 came with abs. It has stopped working long ago and I am not going to fix it. Just seemed like abs was a bad word here. I now have front calipers off of a 02 R1 and an planing to order master cylinder off of fjr1300. Then new stainless lines set. Are there any difference in calipers from the blue dot, gold dot, or other colors? Thank you again. I am also planing headlight mod and new shock later this year. If I do anything with the front forks that will take some investigation.
Except for the color the Blue and Gold dots are the same. You could remove the dots and make them any color you want.
Quote from: FJmonkey on June 03, 2012, 05:36:15 PM
Except for the color the Blue and Gold dots are the same. You could remove the dots and make them any color you want.
PINK DOTS FOR PINK STRIPES
That is all.
Quote from: andyb on June 03, 2012, 07:53:28 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on June 03, 2012, 05:36:15 PM
Except for the color the Blue and Gold dots are the same. You could remove the dots and make them any color you want.
PINK DOTS FOR PINK STRIPES
That is all.
Baldy, your next upgrade, it will match your new shirt....(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7332479422_53c990da54.jpg)
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on June 03, 2012, 01:30:23 PM
Are there any difference in calipers from the blue dot, gold dot, or other colors?
Yes there are. The first generation Blue dots are the ones with the external fluid transfer line. These were fitted to the 1997-2007 YZF600r and the 1997 YZF1000r.These weigh the most and the fluid fitting is in a different location then the others, these can be the cheepest to buy. The Blue dot calipers from the early R6 and R1 do not have the external line. These can be a good buy too. The Gold dots are from the 2002 and 2003 R1 have lighter pistons and do give the best feel. I have used all 3 of these calipers on our bikes. The best setup I found is Gold dots (100 g lighter then the R1 Blue dots), stock Gold dot Sumotomo GG pads, stainless lines, and a late model R1 radial mastercylinder.
All of these calipers are very good, and they all can use the same pads. The Gold dots are just the best.
Personally, I can't stand stock seats. That's always the first thing I change on a bike. The second thing I change is the suspension, as all stock suspension is garbage. After that I do the brakes.
Quote from: JCainFJ on June 04, 2012, 12:16:08 AM
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on June 03, 2012, 01:30:23 PM
Are there any difference in calipers from the blue dot, gold dot, or other colors?
Yes there are. The first generation Blue dots are the ones with the external fluid transfer line. These were fitted to the 1997-2007 YZF600r and the 1997 YZF1000r.These weigh the most and the fluid fitting is in a different location then the others, these can be the cheepest to buy. The Blue dot calipers from the early R6 and R1 do not have the external line. These can be a good buy too. The Gold dots are from the 2002 and 2003 R1 have lighter pistons and do give the best feel. I have used all 3 of these calipers on our bikes. The best setup I found is Gold dots (100 g lighter then the R1 Blue dots), stock Gold dot Sumotomo GG pads, stainless lines, and a late model R1 radial mastercylinder.
All of these calipers are very good, and they all can use the same pads. The Gold dots are just the best.
Thank you JCainFJ!!!! It really helps having your experience with these mods. :good2:
These are my bike brakes, no i can tell you, i have brakes.
(http://image.nettix.fi/extra/bikeimg/1324201_1324300/yamaha-fj-1324279_b_8439b1ea0aba4c4e.jpg)
Quote from: jykkeh on June 08, 2012, 02:44:31 PM
These are my bike brakes, no i can tell you, i have brakes.
(http://image.nettix.fi/extra/bikeimg/1324201_1324300/yamaha-fj-1324279_b_8439b1ea0aba4c4e.jpg)
what calipers are they , I've seen ones like those on eBay off a Suzuki ?? wondered if they would be as good as blue dots or better
WOW who doesn't want six piston calipers? Waht are they off of please tell? :wacko1:
Quote from: fj11.5 on June 08, 2012, 06:15:09 PM
Quote from: jykkeh on June 08, 2012, 02:44:31 PM
These are my bike brakes, no i can tell you, i have brakes.
(http://image.nettix.fi/extra/bikeimg/1324201_1324300/yamaha-fj-1324279_b_8439b1ea0aba4c4e.jpg)
what calipers are they , I've seen ones like those on eBay off a Suzuki ?? wondered if they would be as good as blue dots or better
They look like 6 pot Sumitomo calipers from the YZF750/1000. I've got a pair on my newer FJ. My old FJ has blue spots and the 6 pots are better - lots of power & feel. Buy a pair if you find them. They are a straight bolt on for FJs with 4 pot calipers.
Stuart
nice, thanks , I thought they may have been early hayabusa ones
There are some problems with using the 6 pot Sumitomo calipers from the YZF750/FZR1000.
They weigh a ton, much heavier then the blue or gold spots. They do not fit, the friction material on the pads overlaps the edge of the rotor. Every thing will be good until the overlapped area of the pads touch, then not so good! They also ware the brake pads to a taper (thin at the outer edge). You will also need the master from the downer bike. 12 pots need the larger bore master. I had a set on my FJ before I got my first set of blue spots. They are very nice looking calipers, but they are not better brakes then a sorted pair of blue (or gold) spots. Yamaha abandoned them for the blue spots on the YZF's starting in 97, even the R1's ( a much faster motorcycle then the YZF750/FZR1000 ) used the blue spots.
good info , thank you j Cain , explains why pretty much everyone on here uses blue / gold spots, , think ill keep the blues I have, best brakes I've used ,, wanted some soon as I took a mates r1 for a ride
The last time I saw a MotoGP bike it used 4-piston calipers (granted, carbon fiber, but still), and the same for a World Superbike. I tend to think of 6-piston calipers as a product of 90s penis envy.
YZF750 I believe.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-YZF750-YZF-750-PAIR-BLACK-6-POT-CALIPERS-/170851663700?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item27c78d7f54 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-YZF750-YZF-750-PAIR-BLACK-6-POT-CALIPERS-/170851663700?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item27c78d7f54)
125 British pounds, must charge by the piston :lol:,, they look good though (popcorn)
Quote from: JCainFJ on June 11, 2012, 11:13:43 AM
There are some problems with using the 6 pot Sumitomo calipers from the YZF750/FZR1000.
They weigh a ton, much heavier then the blue or gold spots. They do not fit, the friction material on the pads overlaps the edge of the rotor. Every thing will be good until the overlapped area of the pads touch, then not so good! They also ware the brake pads to a taper (thin at the outer edge). You will also need the master from the downer bike. 12 pots need the larger bore master. I had a set on my FJ before I got my first set of blue spots. They are very nice looking calipers, but they are not better brakes then a sorted pair of blue (or gold) spots. Yamaha abandoned them for the blue spots on the YZF's starting in 97, even the R1's ( a much faster motorcycle then the YZF750/FZR1000 ) used the blue spots.
Once again you are an invaluable source of information. Thank's for the info looks cool but not the best. Just to let you know I bought a set of gold spots off of a 02 R1 working on lines and master cylinder. Thank you !!! again.
Kurt
Kurt,
You will like those brakes! Stock pads? Thats what I use.
And use the stock R1 drilled caliper bolts.
Quote from: FJ Flyer on June 13, 2012, 06:43:51 AM
And use the stock R1 drilled caliper bolts.
Caliper bolts? why change the caliper bolts? :scratch_one-s_head:
Thank's Kurt
A light weight monoblock caliper deserves light weight bolts....less unsprung weight.... very easy to drill and safety wire for track days....
Ko makes perfect sense to me. You are just faster, more high tech than I am but I will catch up. Ordered the stainless hardware kit off ebay this week should be here tomorrow. They were asking $45.00 I placed a bid for $40.00 and it was accepted plus the $8.00 shipping.
Kurt
Six pot calibers like this (http://image.nettix.fi/extra/bikeimg/1324201_1324300/yamaha-fj-1324279_b_7962b1866751ddd2.jpg)
Quote from: Pat Conlon on June 14, 2012, 07:22:24 PM
A light weight monoblock caliper deserves light weight bolts....less unsprung weight.... very easy to drill and safety wire for track days....
Also, they are designed for operating with the heat of breaking. Suppose the FJ bolts would be okay, stay away from stainess. IIR the words of Hippie Cain, they are too brittle.