LOVE this site! So much good information and ideas here. I bought an 86 today and hope to have it waiting on me when I get home. :good2: (I am currently at work in Africa.) The bike is a 2 owner bike, totally stock and has 18000 miles. The previous owner has owned it since 1992. He assures me that it needs nothing. But I am not the kind of person to leave well enough alone. :biggrin: Like most everyone else here I think. :good: So..... Here come my first questions.
I saw in a previous thread here the first recommend mod seems to be brakes. Good, now I have a place to start. I am going to look for a 02-03 R1 gold dot calipers and a FJR1300 Master. I have a question though. Many of the recommendations for front wheel changes say to change out an 86 with 90 or newer front forks. I want to do a fork/front wheel change later and at the same time up grade with Randy's fork parts but that is later. Can I mount the gold dot's to my 86 forks? And where do you recommend I order my SS brake lines?
After the brakes I will likely do the HID lights, vibranators, foam hand grips and depending on how the clutch feels I will do the clutch mods and install a new master cylinder there as well. I also think I will change the seat and install engine guards. Later when the tires need changing I will change the wheels. (It has new tires on it now.)
I am looking forward to playing with my new toy. :yahoo:
You will need to upgrade the forks to '89 and later fork sliders (lowers) in order to mount up the monobloc calipers. I suppose you could do this by using the later screw-in axle.
However, the most amazing mod for my '85 was the 17 inch front wheel. Do that and you can do the brakes (and SS brake lines) at the same time.
DavidR.
Thanks, I was hopeing to do the front end mods one step at a time. I will start looking for the forks first. Anybody got any front forks they would be willing to sell? Drop me a PM please. Guess I'll go on down to the next mod on my list then.
I've found two sets of forks for my upgrade. One set is the complete front end from a 90 front tire and all for $525. He will sell me just the fork assembly's for $300. They need to be rebuilt and I will have to use my upper tubes as there are in bad shape. The lower sliders are supposed to be ok. I found another set for $510 at another source for just the Fork assembly. I think these prices are a bit high. I would also like something that I can use for a little while before I have to rebuild them. What would be a reasonable price for a good, useable set of fork tubes from a 89 and up FJ?
think i paid $200 for my 89 ones, complete with calipers axle ect,,
To make the complete conversion, you really need the 17 inch front wheel and axle.
Those prices do sound a bit high.
DavidR.
I will order a new axel from RPM and want to do a 3.5" FZR wheel change at the same time. I've located the brakes and wheel no problem the forks are the hang up right now. I'll keep on looking. The right deal will come along. Until then I will just ride my bike and collect the other parts. I'm just trying to get an idea what I should pay for the forks. I think $200 to $250 would be fair for a useable set. $300 for something I can't use without repair is to much to me.
FZR or YZF wheel? Doublecheck what you're looking for, so you don't make a mistake.
(I don't know off the top of my head, but I know where you could look... (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1887.0))
That is a very cool summary Andy. Thank you for doing that.....
Excellent summary. I have found several good conditoin 87 88 FZR1000 front wheels. That will be my choice for the front. I plan on doing the YZF600 rear wheel. I'd like to keep it Yamaha if I can it just feels right. Still looking for later model forks to go into my 86 yokes. Anyone have any or hears of any please let me know. After all they money I've spent this month on it already I think I'm going to have to wait to build up my toy fund a bit. :negative:
:dance: Scored forks on Ebay today! Going to put them aside now while I collect the other bit's and pieces for my conversion. Next up will be a 87/88 FZR rim for the front. I have several in my watch list and one on bid. I will get a new front Axle from RPM. Set of R1 Gold Dots, new bearings for my front wheel, FJR master and braided brake lines. Will fake Gaffer rotors work? Which ones should I get? Some for a 89/90 FJ? Will they fit the FZR wheel? Will my 86 fender fit the 89 forks? I plan on upgrading with RPM valves and springs later. Am I missing anything for the front wheel swap? Which tire is recommended? I live in Louisiana so most riding will be touring around. I'm excited it's all coming together.
im using fake galfer rotors, no problems so far, work well withblue spots, and 14mm master, and yes they will bolt straight on 88/89 fj to fzr :good2:
Quote from: I make oil on July 09, 2012, 03:33:13 AM
:dance: Scored forks on Ebay today! <snip> I plan on upgrading with RPM valves and springs later. <snip>
When I did the YZF600 front end, I went all-in and did the Racetech valves & springs. That was an upgrade to the cartridge forks, while the '89 forks are the old damper rod forks. Trust me, do the RPM upgrade at the same time. You'll be glad you did. Otherwise, you're
only gaining the 17" wheel & blue/gold dots. Go the extra mile, you'll be much happier, and you only have to do the job once.
My $0.02
Quote from: simi_ed on July 09, 2012, 08:58:46 AM
Quote from: I make oil on July 09, 2012, 03:33:13 AM
:dance: Scored forks on Ebay today! <snip> I plan on upgrading with RPM valves and springs later. <snip>
When I did the YZF600 front end, I went all-in and did the Racetech valves & springs. That was an upgrade to the cartridge forks, while the '89 forks are the old damper rod forks. Trust me, do the RPM upgrade at the same time. You'll be glad you did. Otherwise, you're only gaining the 17" wheel & blue/gold dots. Go the extra mile, you'll be much happier, and you only have to do the job once.
My $0.02
+1
The forks are already off, just do it!
Leon
I have a lot of stuff to get yet. I plan on doing both front and rear wheel swaps so I guess it does make sense to just do it all at once. I just wanted to get it all done on this trip off. I work 28/28. Does not seem like that is going to happen so I will just continue to collect parts and prepare. Next time I go home i will just do it all at once. :unknown: Want to have my wheels powder coated first anyways.
I ordered a Corbin seat and will order a set of vibrainators and foam grips to install this time while home and ride, ride, ride. :biggrin:
My Corbin seat is in and so are my forks. I've registered the bike and hope to have it delivered next week. I'm ready! Now if the rain down here would slack off so I can ride......
:yahoo: Here is a pic of my FJ as she sits now. Only change since I've got it is to install the Corbin and ride. I wonder if the bike is male or female? I'm pretty sure it's a he it has way to much grunt to be a female.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/3/2627_02_08_12_10_59_45_4.jpeg)
I have my forks in and the FZ rim. The tires on the bike are like new and I am really enjoying riding it the way it is right now. I am going to continue collecting parts and will do some minor modifications before tearing in and changing the forks, rims and brakes. I want to have the rims powder coated and can't decide what color to go. I'm back and forth between polishing them going red or black. :scratch_one-s_head: My clutch is slipping a bit so I think am going to do the clutch mods and install a Barret coil spring kit when I get home. Will post up pics as I go. Heading back to work on Sunday.
I rode the bike to a big bike shop a few towns away to get a headset for my helmet and a tank bag. When I was in the store the guy at the counter asked me what kind of bike I rode. I told him oh it's just an old Yamaha FJ. All of a sudden there where like 6 guy's at the counter asking questions. We went outside and they all went nuts over the bike. I mean this is a shop with hundreds of motorcycles through there every day. I was surprised at the attention the bike got. No one could believe it was a 1986 model and then many of them had stories of FJ's they had known or ridden. I'm proud of the old boy. Guess I need to name him. I think I like Duke.
Quote from: I make oil on August 02, 2012, 12:23:01 PM
I rode the bike to a big bike shop a few towns away to get a headset for my helmet and a tank bag. When I was in the store the guy at the counter asked me what kind of bike I rode. I told him oh it's just an old Yamaha FJ. All of a sudden there where like 6 guy's at the counter asking questions. We went outside and they all went nuts over the bike. I mean this is a shop with hundreds of motorcycles through there every day. I was surprised at the attention the bike got. No one could believe it was a 1986 model and then many of them had stories of FJ's they had known or ridden. I'm proud of the old boy. Guess I need to name him. I think I like Duke.
Yes indeed, this also happened to me. Here's my post from 2010:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 21, 2010, 02:01:31 AM
I've heard nothing but people express fond memories about FJ's.
More times that I could keep track, they would say something like, "That sure was a good bike. I wish I still had one..."
....Last week on a trip with my FJ, I thought I would stop by Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernardino, and oogle at the gear and all the new bikes.
Locked my helmet and walked in...A HUGE store. Yep and a shitload of new fancy bikes. I think my next bike will be a play bike like a supermotard KTM or maybe the new 1200 Aprilla or maybe a V4 Tuono something with upright ergos, sticky rubber and some balls. Try as I might, I cannot get my 6'3" frame comfortable on the new sport bikes. That's one of the many reasons I love my FJ....
Anyhoo, while kicking tires, I get into a conversation with Jerry, the Sales Manager, and he asked me what kind of bike did I ride. I told them that back in '84 I bought the flagship of the Yamaha line, the FJ1100 and I still ride it....Boy howdy, he got all excited. He asked "Is it outside I sure would love to see it." I said "Sure, come on I'll show you." We went outside, he walked around my bike 3 times, like a dog looking for someplace to piss, then he said, "Stay here I'll be right back." 'ole Jerry rushes back into the building. After about 5 minutes he comes back with 5 other guys, younger guys, turns out who were was part of his sales team. Jerry points to my bike and says, "See that bike? That's the first Yamaha FJ1100. That is the bike that really started the sport touring craze. That bike is a significant motorcycle..." One of the youngsters (25ish) piped in and said "Oh yea, I remember the FJ's, my dad had a FJ....He loved it...He would take me for a ride on the back. It was the first bike I ever rode on"
So here we are, on a smoggy Thursday afternoon, in San Bernardino, Calif. standing in the front parking area at Chaparral Motorsports with all six members of the Chaparral sales team talking about FJ's ....and how they evolved into the larger heavier FJR's (which btw they sell) They had lot's of questions.
Standing outside a building that has the floor area of 1/2 a city block, with over 200 shiny new bikes inside, and we are talking about FJ's .
Over 200 new shiny motorcycles ignored, getting jealously pissed off, while we are outside talking about a "significant" motorcycle....
Yea, that was kinda cool.
I too have had many similar experiences with admirers but my favourite was sitting at one of only 2 or 3 sets of lights in a country town with pedestrians crossing in front of me when a very distinguished looking guy in a business suit deviated slightly, smiled broadly and without breaking stride, patted the FJ on the fairing and said "what a bike". I can only imagine from the look on his face that the sight of it stirred some very fond memories from his youth.
If road bikes were your thing in the 80's, there were only two types of riders, those that had an FJ and those that badly lusted after one.
Noel
Some assistance please from the members is requested. I have bought a 1988 FZR1000 wheel for the front. I initially planned on installing a YZF wheel on the back but the GSXR mod seems so much easier. I've found this one on ebay and would like to get it but not sure if it is the right one. I think it is could someone please advise before I purchase. :unknown:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370638747389?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/370638747389?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
Here is the front wheel I bought. Will they match? I am thinking about polishing the front wheel to match the rear.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320940633441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/320940633441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
Your front wheel will bolt on as long as you upgrade your forks to 89' or newer and put some Blue dots on. It looks like this when you put knock-off Galfers on and steel brake lines. No more Anti-Dive crap on the forks, they have the RPM valves in them and work wonders for improved handling, really cuts out the front end dive. Put fresh bearings in while you have easy access.
Not sure about the year of your rear wheel, I used a 92 GSXR 750, very easy upgrade.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/7151242425_b2b9f94fa6_b.jpg)
That rear wheel will fit and it will match the looks of the FZR front wheel. You'll never know they come from two different manufacturers.
The rear wheel will fit but you will still need the cush drive, and rear brake and stay and two spacers (if I recall correctly) . I was able to follow the advice of these who had already done this mod when I did mine, which is to buy the rear wheel complete if you can: wheel, cush, brake disc, brake caliper, brake stay, and spacers. Perhaps you can contact that ebay seller and make a deal for all the parts that you will need. It sounds like he's got the whole bike. It will save you some headaches chasing down matching parts.
As for polishing the front to match, if it were me, I'd have both wheels powder coated.
Thanks, I have a set of 89 front forks. Will rebuild them with RPM's valves, springs etc and do all my upgrades at once. Just collecting parts now and trying to wear out the tires on the bike. In Africa right now won't be home until Sept 6. Should have a bunch of boxes waiting for me. :yes: I think powder coating will be the way to go but that polished rim does look nice. We shall see. Good idea on contacting the seller for the other parts. Maybe I'll get lucky. If not I'll keep on Ebaying. Thanks for the advice. I will be back for more. This site is a wealth of knowledge and it is appriciated. It'll be a while longer before I do the wheel upgrade. Probably around Thanksgiving. I'll order this wheel and send them off to powder coating when I get home. Thinking slate gray? Maybe black?
if nobody else wants the front wheel, that's a bargain , can't think why you want to change colour :lol
I bought the wheel. Waiting on a reply on the other parts. Def going with those rotors FJmonkey. Is that the FZR1000 rim? looks good on your bike.
Quote from: I make oil on August 20, 2012, 03:45:28 PM
I bought the wheel. Waiting on a reply on the other parts. Def going with those rotors FJmonkey. Is that the FZR1000 rim? looks good on your bike.
Yep, 87/88 FZR1000 front wheel, rattle can paint job, LA_Mike found these on Ebay and put many miles them with no issues. Quality knock-offs at half the price of Galfer.
The ebay seller had all the parts I needed for the rear wheel mod and he will send them with the wheel I won. I now have all the peices and parts to do the wheel changes. Now I need to have both wheels powder coated (Have no idea what color to go) get wheel bearings for front and rear. New SS brake and clutch hoses. Gold dot calipers for the front and new rotors for front and rear. FJR clutch and front brake master and do the clutch mods. rebuild my front forks with the RPM parts and get a Penske rear shock! :flag_of_truce: Damn this is getting expensive. :dash2: Maybe I should have just bought a Hayabusa. :bad: I hope all this will be worth it. Once I have all this out of the way I will start on the motor. Hopefully after the first of the year. I guess I will own this bike for a LONNNNNGGGGGG time. No way I will ever get my money out of it.
Well looks like I'm going to have to work over for a week. Won't be leaving Africa untill Sept 11 now. To make myself feel better I made a call to Randy at RPM. What a nice guy and put in a order for some more goodies. Ordered a clutch spring, vibranators and a few other things. Got my shipping confirmation so it should be waiting at home. I live right in the path of Hurricane Isaac and boy are we are getting tons of wind and rain. My wife Brianna tells me everything is good and my son brought my FJ from the house over to my shop for me so that is good. It's a metal shop and much higher than the subdivision where I live. So with that taken care of I am thinking about what I need next...... I am going to order Speigler (sp) braided lines for the bike but I am having difficulty finding an FJ1300 Clutch master cylinder. Any other recommendations? Is the FJR is the best one for the mod? I've found two on Ebay in the UK, I'll just order one of them if I need to. Opinions oh great and knowing forum? How about the front brakes what is the consensus on the best Master cylinder for that mod? I want it to look as OEM as possible. Will braided hoses for a FJ fit these masters? Or will I need to special order?
Best of luck to you and your family for the storm - hope it passes with no damage.
WOW you picked up a clean 86! Sounds like good mods planned for it
Quote from: fj1289 on August 30, 2012, 09:37:25 AM
Best of luck to you and your family for the storm - hope it passes with no damage.
WOW you picked up a clean 86! Sounds like good mods planned for it
I'm not finding it on ebay?
I've found 2 FJR1300 Clutch Master Cylinders on ebay. Both are in the UK. I was hoping to find something in the US. Here are the ones I've found.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380394768470?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/380394768470?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280837123088?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/280837123088?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
I'd like to know what is the best Master Cylinder to use to make the use of a double clutch spring easier. I've read in several threads others have used this one. Is it the best? Or is there another one out there that will work better? I'd prefer to maintain as OEM of a look as possible. I'd also like to know if I do go with the FJR front brake master cylinder as well will I need to order special hoses or will FJ1200 work with these masters?
I am sorry if my previous post was difficult to understand.
My family, home and town made it through the Hurricane. Lots of branches, leaves and debris. Nothing a few days of cleaning won't fix up. Other places were not so lucky. Please keep the victims of the storm in your prayers. They will have a long road back.
Hi
I have fitted a ZZR 1100 D clutch master cylinder. Mimic the OE FJ spec and you don´t need to change the hose, only adapt the electric connector.
Makes the clutch silky smooth
See the pic in my web if you like, Engine section
Regards
Alf
What you're looking for is a 14mm clutch master cylinder. There are many on the market used on other bikes. The FJR is probably the most popular.
DavidR.
I bought FJR MCs for both brake and clutch. They work very well with blue dots (excellent brake feel now, the old radial/urine cup one was hard as a rock) and doubled clutch spring. Bought new from Boats.net. Work fine with std FJ brake and clutch line kits from Spiegler (sp) even though I'm running LDL triple clamp and handlebar kit on top of FZR750 USD forks... I think you'll be fine with the FJ braided line kit.
I believe the MCs are from a '96 FJR. Looks very stock...
Frank
"I've found 2 FJR1300 Clutch Master Cylinders on ebay. Both are in the UK. I was hoping to find something in the US. Here are the ones I've found."
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-FJR1300-FJR-1300-FRONT-LEFT-CLUTCH-MASTER-CYLINDER-W-STOP-SWITCH-ASSY-/380394768470?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58914b8856&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-FJR1300-FJR-1300-FRONT-LEFT-CLUTCH-MASTER-CYLINDER-W-STOP-SWITCH-ASSY-/380394768470?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58914b8856&vxp=mtr)
Eric M
It is good to hear that your family and home are safe. Sounds like you will be busy working on the FJ when you get home. Send pictures please. :good2:
Kurt
Thank you very much for the reply's these are exactly what I needed. Flynt the practical experience that you guy's share is invaluable. Guy's like yall is why this site ROCKS! :good2:
Yamifj1200 you are an Ebay guru. I've searched and searched I guess you have the touch sir. Thank you for looking I do appriciate it. I'm buying that one today. And fj rider I intend to post as I go. Sometimes I get caught up in what I'm doing and don't take pictures while I'm working. I will try to get some as I go. If I can pay forward some of the help here it will be the least I can do.
Quote from: Flynt on August 30, 2012, 08:26:06 PM
a '96 FJR...
That's right, and the handlebars are a modified unicorn horn (no '96 FJR either)...
I meant an '06 FJR.
Frank
Ok FINALLY made it home! :good2: Waiting for me was a stack of goodies just begging to go on my bike. First order of business....
Vibranators from RPM. I rode the bike about 15 miles to ensure I had a good memory of the feel of the bike with out them and then brought it home and installed. Quick and easy installation and they look good too. Good quality finish. It took me more time to gather my tools and open the packages than to install. I took the bike on another 15 mile ride over the same route for comparison.(which turned out to be an hour ride) I have to say the difference is VERY noticeable. Honestly, I was suspect of the reviews I've read in the past. I could not get that some little bar ends could make such a difference over the ride comfort of the bike. They absolutely make a world of difference. If anyone out there is contemplating adding them don't hesitate they are everything you've read and then some. They have to be experienced to be believed, well worth the money. I love my bike but any rides over 30 min where uncomfortable for me. Adding these has changed the way the bike feels and I am much more comfortable with the thought of long distance riding on it. Thank you RPM.
I am looking forward to my next change. Hopefully, it will make it even better for the trips I have planned for next year and my local riding as well give it some of my own personality. This is fun. :yes:
Installed the second clutch spring, removed the keeper spring and replaced the narrow plate with a wide plate. I had no idea how much power I was loosing to the clutch slipping it is simply amazing. This is probably the first thing anyone should to to thier FJ in my opinion. I don't think I will need the FJ1300 clutch master. It works no problem with the stock master for me. I'm going to keep it though, I might install later to see how I like it. I replaced the right mirror I damaged with a factory mirror from Randy(thanks again) and rode it. I will likely install my spin on filter adapter when I return home and change the oil. I have all the parts for the wheel mod now. I need to have them powder coated and buy tires. I plan on wearing out the tires on it before I do the mod. They still have plenty of thread on them so that will be a while. Back to wok until the first of November. The weather should be nice when I return home for riding. It rained to much to ride much his time at home.
yeah , thanks mate, now I need vibranators :lol: , , new the list was missing something :good2:
Ok, finally back home for a little while. Had a few boxes of goodies from RPM. Today I changed my oil, installed my spin on filter adapter, washed and waxed the wee beastie and about to take her out for a ride. The weather is glorious and I'm looking to enjoy the Kookaloo! :good2:
Installed my Rentek bars today from RPM and fixed a crack on my belly pan. They were a tight fit but look nice and I'm happy with the extra protection.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/4/2627_06_11_12_11_28_11.jpeg)
I found a NEW never used belly pan for my bike from a dealer in Florida. It is in my red and white colors so I jumped on it. There is nothing wrong with mine just a small crack that's been repaired and is not noticeable i just want my bike to be as near perfect as possible. I will install my new belly pan and post up a pic this week. I'm not sure if I will keep my old one or put it up for sale. It seems that a lot of people are looking for them. Anyone interested?
uh , yeah . give me a pic , mine is thrashed.