I am sure this has been covered over and over again, but search function isn't being kind. :dash2:
From everything I have read a USD conversion is a better suspension than standard and would give the best suspension available at this time to the FJ. A quick look through the gallery only showed a few people with USD fronts most prominently Pat Conlon's shiny FZR1000 front end. More popular seems to be the YZF conversion, though I admit the ease of installation (all things being relative) make me lean toward Franks FZ1 front conversion even with manual speedo loss. Besides I already decided to follow his footstep with the rear end cause I like the way the extra length in the swingarm makes his ass look (really just the bikes) over the stock swingarm.
The bike is multipurpose, it would be a daily driver to work on freeways with plan on taking some weekend touring or twisty hunting with good friends to get rid of some steam. I am no racer and like my wheels to stay on the ground, but I do like to push my limits and better myself as a rider. One thing I don't plan on is tricks, just not my style on on anything but a dirt bike. The thing that is most important to me is stability and safety, not a 1/4 top-speed demon. My riding is limited to cruisers in the past so I haven't much experience in this bikes arena. Already looking into classes to get better as a rider and looking into appropriate gear.
So from the lack of threads I found, is the USD option less popular due to cost? Is handling not improved as much over newer standard setups? Is it just to damn complicated to do? Or am I just missing the posts about the awesomeness of USD and how easy they are to install cause I am uber noob and can't read all the shorthand lingo still? In the modifications section there are numerous swaps of front wheels but in first 10-15 pages maybe 1 topic on USD conversion (Mark Alva's FJ). Is Alva's pretty much the gold standard and a case of "if not broke don't fix it" so no other threads needed and to reference this? Is the USD past the performance levels the rest of the bike can contribute so lends to being an over the top modification (meaning newer standard forks are quite good enough for the bike)?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Big AK
Unless you want usd because they look awesome, or want the challenge, , try a set of rpm fork valves and springs, , much much improved front end,
Randy's fork valves and springs or conventional cartridge forks are other options. I think these are the most popular. Hope this helps.
Kurt
Quote from: Big AK on September 27, 2012, 04:50:12 PM
From everything I have read a USD conversion is a better suspension than standard and would give the best suspension available at this time to the FJ.
Big AK
Here is some reading that is the latest technology, easy to install and much cheaper than converting over to USD forks. There are also several posts documenting the results for the RPM fork valves. By the way, the is a new new rear shock already being tested that should be ready soon.
Randy - RPM
RPM fork valves explained (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7486.0)
RPM Fork Valves (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6114.0)
What happened to my pogo stick? (RPM fork valves installed) (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6779.0)
RPM Fork Valves - worth every penny (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6276.0)
RPM Fork Valves installed/ First test ride impressions. (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6992.0)
Let the fun begin...RPM Rear Shock (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7469.0)
I used the gsxr 1000 2008 front end on mine. (over sprung for gsxr so I figured wouldn't have to respring for fj, and I didn't) I got my bike after it was sitting in storage for 11 years. So everything that had to do with brake fluid was toast(calipers,clutch and brake masters, forks anti dive) so rather than spend money repairing and also improving the forks. I just bought a complete gsxr front.You have to make sure you get the years that had hydraulic clutch. I used the gsxr triples, with the stem from the fj. You have to add some weld to the bottom of fj stem and machine down to press fit the gsxr lower triple and make a collar for the upper triple. Make fork extensions(or buy them from billet bike bits? I don't remember). Used the clippons from gsxr cut the bars off flipped them over and made risers and bars to match fj bars and mounted them on top. I used Trail tech Voyager for my speedo. Because I wanted one for the offroad GPS for my ATVs. You just have to get different sending units from trailtech for each machine. Then you can use the head unit for different machines. But there lots of digital speedos out there. Then do the rear wheel gsxr conversion and You have a lighter better handling fj. With awesome brakes. I have a thread in fj projects. Oh yeah I also did the honda shock conversion $78 including the shock. I've been told by Jeff @ east coast fall rally :good2: :good2: :good2: that It needs about a 200lb stiffer spring.
Quote from: giantkiller on September 27, 2012, 05:32:54 PMI've been told by Jeff @ east coast fall rally :good2: :good2: :good2: that It needs about a 200lb stiffer spring.
But he didn't say 'Your suspension sucks!" ? :unknown:
No he said the front end was great. After he set it up for me... Again thanks Jeff :good2: And the rebound and compression on the honda shock was good but the "spring sucks"
What colour is your spring, red or yellow, maybe rated different, , as mine works fantastic, but i only weigh nine stone
Hello Big AK,
I would suggest that you go with the Fork Valves and Fork Brace from RPM.
After initial resistance to even trying the Fork Valves once I did, I soon added the Brace as well. You will quickly find that together they allow the front end to equal in performance any other front end modification you can find.
It is a fact that together they actually out perform (or at least equal) the original design parameters of the rest of the frame. I soon blew out my rear shock and somewhere along the way I tweaked the front rim.
Since then I have modified & installed a much better shock; however based on my experience with the Fork Valves, I eagerly await the new rear shock from R.P.M. & to that end I have had my swing arm strengthened (while maintaining all the stock mounting points) and I have installed all new bearings as well. I have no doubt that it will enable a much improved ride.
I have written in previous posts just how well they perform and there is a video clip as well that shows the new valves allowing the forks unprecedented action, allowing the wheel to track properly and stay planted on the road surface. There is also a video of the Gunnision Rally that shows the forks working quite well.
My statements are based on many thousands of miles on a wide variety of road conditions. From a soft highway ride to spirited back road riding, they are hard to beat.
Ride carefully,
Mike Ramos.
Quote from: Mike Ramos on September 27, 2012, 06:05:12 PM
I have written in previous posts just how well they perform and there is a video clip as well that shows the new valves allowing the forks unprecedented action, allowing the wheel to track properly and stay planted on the road surface.
Mike Ramos.
I forgot about the videos documenting the fork action...
Fork Video I (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg55876#msg55876)
Fork Video II (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6114.msg55878#msg55878)
Fork Video III (http://youtu.be/EO7Ohvpil-k)
Randy - RPM
Just watched one vid, im sold on the valves, , :good2: :good2:
+1 on the RPM approach... 100% good reviews and relatively low cost. I think it is an obvious choice. :good:
I have the YZF 750 USD option and they are pretty fine as well. The biggest advantage is likely the thicker, shorter forks and increased stiffness. Mine are adjusted quite nicely for spring rate, preload, compression, and rebound. The Ohlins rear is adjusted the same. It is quite capable, stable, and comfortable compared to my old stock '90, but then I have not ridden Randy's bike...
I'd go for RPM first and maybe last, then upgrade to the deep end if you feel you're missing something USD can provide (and I have no idea what that is).
Frank
Ask Mike Ramos....he knows....the USD's gets the chicks.... (popcorn)
Seriously, you have to remember what life was like before RPM. We did not have a lot of choices. We did not have it so fucking easy...you kids nowadays have no idea...no clue..you're spoiled...soft...mamby pambys.
The only way we could get cartridges in our forks was to change the forks (excepting Jon Cain's trick F-3 Honda cartridge adapters which I have a set in my '92)
I'm not talking about cartridge emulators, I'm talking about the real deal, compression/rebound tunable cartridges.
Prior to RPM life was hard...we had 3 choices:
1) stay with the damper rod forks (sucks)
2) heavier springs and RaceTech cartridge emulators (sucks less)
3) Spend months aquiring parts and Actually do some fucking work and convert your forks to cartridge forks....
Now with these newfangled RPM thingies...all you have to do is spend 1/2 hour with some basic tools and you're all done....It 'ain't fuckin fair I tell 'ya. All the work is done for you, ya bunch of milk toast wussies.
(you know that I'm just kidding.....not really....)
Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 28, 2012, 12:42:12 AM
Ask Mike Ramos....he knows....the USD's gets the chicks.... (popcorn)
Seriously, you have to remember what life was like before RPM. We did not have a lot of choices. We did not have it so fucking easy...you kids nowadays have no idea...no clue..you're spoiled...soft...mamby pambys.
The only way we could get cartridges in our forks was to change the forks (excepting Jon Cain's trick F-3 Honda cartridge adapters which I have a set in my '92)
I'm not talking about cartridge emulators, I'm talking about the real deal, compression/rebound tunable cartridges.
Prior to RPM life was hard...we had 3 choices:
1) stay with the damper rod forks (sucks)
2) heavier springs and RaceTech cartridge emulators (sucks less)
3) Spend months aquiring parts and Actually do some fucking work and convert your forks to cartridge forks....
Now with these newfangled RPM thingies...all you have to do is spend 1/2 hour with some basic tools and you're all done....It 'ain't fuckin fair I tell 'ya. All the work is done for you, ya bunch of milk toast wussies.
(you know that I'm just kidding.....not really....)
You tell 'em Pat!
Couldn't have put it better myself :rofl: :sarcastic:
Harvy
Not far off pat :good2:,, when i changed my 84 front end over to 89 7 years ago, just done by guess work, measurements, and lots of ebaying, , think i found some info on this site by one of the andy,s, ,but cant remember what my id was, , anyway thank fuck for rpm, all we need now is cash :good2:
Damn Pat, can't stop laughing and grinning after your post. :rofl:
I knew that RPM made good stuff, as you all attest to its quality and ease of installation and overall betterment of the old warhorse. I meant no offense to the product but as I said know little about such sporty rides and thought the original forks were best tossed cause of how shitty they were stock. Also wasn't paying attention to the dates of the posts in mods vs RPM's product coming out. If it is that good then Randy looks to be getting some of my cash hopefully sooner rather than later.
Seems that USD gets the girls and many looks, but I am married and want to stay that way, so maybe USD on another FJ should I ever acquire one and truly pimp it out.
Back to standard fork swap or upgraded stock then. I should do some more reading but it is 130 am and need to sleep, but don't I need to swap to 88-ish forks to swap to a 17in front rim? Basically hunt for those, buy RPM kit, get 17in wheel, and ride like I belong here?
Thanks again, and for the laughs Pat.
Big AK
Late nights suck was even later than I thought too. Think I found my answers though, need a 89-93 fork set and then Pat Conlon detailed my next few steps it looks like with the following from another thread:
1) If you still have the 20 year old rubber brake lines, start with those, they are long over due for replacement.
2) R1 blue spot calipers will bolt right up to your '92 fork legs, easy peesey.
3) Get a 14mm front brake master cylinder for the best feel.
4) New Fork springs and RPM fork valves are the best bang for the buck for the front.
5) That oem rear shock was weak sauce, the day it rolled off the Yamaha assembly line so a RPM shock would be a major enhancement along with some slightly shorter dogbones (shock links) to get more weight on the front tire.
Finally...
6) A 17" rear rim conversion will allow you to remove that outdated 150/80-16 rear donut and allow a wide selection of modern radial tires.
7) Meantime...Keep a eye out for A 1987 or '88 FZR front rim which is 3.5" wide (vs. your oem 3.0" rim) for better sidewall support of a modern 120/70-17 front tire, and is a direct replacement....like plug and play.
Only bummer is I have a 86 so no dogbones :(
Anyway, guess I got some work to do on ebay.
Quote from: Big AK on September 28, 2012, 12:21:24 PM
Only bummer is I have a 86 so no dogbones :(
Randy mentioned that he might have a solution for us 84 to 87 year FJs that want to alter the rear wheel height as his shock is not length adjustable. My RPM list is getting longer, I really don't need to eat 3 meals a day, with my current list I need to cut back to 3 meals a week.
First let me say thank you Randy. For the unbelievable amount of work and dedication you have done. To bring us the best quality and prices.. You have made the resurrection of my 86 possible.
If my stock front end would have been in good shape. I would have used Rpm valves,blocked off antidive and put better brakes and wheel.
I had some work to do to the bike after ECFR. So I pulled the gsxr front end off and weighed it, against stock, fj components. The difference was not as much as I thought. The gsxr was 9.8lbs lighter. But since almost all of that is unsprung weight. Its a significant amount.
Just sayin