I've had my stock 92 FJ for three years now and am considering a few mods to improve the riding experience, the question is where do you start? With so many options, cost considerations, etc, wondering if you guys can chime in with your countless years of wisdom/experience and recommend what modifications you believe are the way to go. Most of my riding is casual cruising here on the North West coast during the spring and summer months, haven't been on any lengthy trips, although I would like to. If you had to pick just a few modifications which ones add the most value in terms of ride, handling improvement and don't break the bank?
Thanks,
Mike
Hello Mike, number one thing is suspension. RPM fork valves, new springs and a fork brace makes a huge difference. Changing the the brake calipers to the ones used on the early R1/R6, blue dots. Then think about changing to a 17" rear wheel. Last but not least new rear shock, this is not cheap but makes a big improvement. Corbin saddle also makes a big change. There are a lot of changes you can make, find something you want to improve and go for it. Hope this helps.
Kurt
http://www.fjowners.wikidot.com/moditus (http://www.fjowners.wikidot.com/moditus)
:good2:
Work in progress, but should help you get started. As you study more, feel free to add to it.
I started with a spin oil filter conversion...... Then it all started........... :dash2: Now I have an addiction... :bye2:
George
For the brakes. The cost of the mod can be reasonable. If your 92' does not have ABS, the blue dot calipers are a simple bolt on, bleed and go. Most that have the ABS version and want the blue dots, deactivate the ABS and replace the front wheel with a non-ABS wheel and rotors. A bit more expense.
Fred
By just replacing the front and rear brake lines. Unplugging a few things, you can deactivate or bypass the ABS.
Kurt
Agreed.
The First mod I did was the brake upgrade.
If you'd go back and read some of my first posts you would see that they were on the disappointing performance of the stock brakes on my 91 FJ.
From there, I would look into the 17 rear wheel mod.
( Don't forget to raise the rear a little bit too!)
This single mod will transform a stock FJ more than any other.
Then move up to the RPM fork valves and a fork brace.
These mods, combined with a nice set of radial tires will get you into the Kookaloo zone with more confidence than you ever had before.
Everything else will fall into place after that.
Leon
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, with so many options trying to figure out which mods are worth the time is difficult. Sounds like up sizing to a 17" rear wheel, new brakes, hoses, RPM fork valves and brace are the most popular. What exactly does the larger wheel on the rear and raising the rear a little do for you?
It increases your turn-in/steering response.
You will also discover lean angles rarely seen on a stock FJ.
Leon
Quote from: 1tinindian on May 26, 2013, 11:08:51 PM
It increases your turn-in/steering response.
You will also discover lean angles rarely seen on a stock FJ.
Leon
Leon, by that do you mean the front end will feel lighter and more responsive, because I've always felt that it was heavy and sluggish?
Thanks,
Mike
Well Mike, that would depend on your riding style. If you highway cruise, as your posts suggests, and you're not into hard cornering, I'd just be looking at safety and comfort.
You're not going to see much value for you money with the 17" rear, expensive rubber, upgraded suspension, changed steering geometry etc if you just cruise.
ALL bikes should have good brakes and this upgrade would be a good one to do.
You could look at a better seat and a lot of guys here have put handlebar risers on.
A better screen with a 'Laminar Lip' or something similar will keep more wind and rain off you.
A mounted and hardwired GPS will encourage you to go exploring and find way better and new places ride, even in your own backyard.
Upgrade your helmet to something light and aerodynamic.
Maybe change you gearing to something more cruise friendly.
As you can see from the replies so far, the forum is skewed towards performance mods. All of them great ideas but if you on a budget make sure you spend the money on something you will get some benefit from.
It all depends on what you want your bike to do better.
Have you done your engine mounts? That's THE best thing you could do to a '92.
Noel
Noel, thanks for the advice, you hit the nail on the head. I'm not racing around, to be quite honest the amount of power these bikes have is scary, I enjoy it when I need it but other than that I take it pretty easy. The mods I would like to make are certainly more in line with safety and trying to smooth out the bike. My 92 only has 29,000 km on it so it's in nice shape, the motor mounts were one of the first maintenance items I did a couple of years ago. Just recently I have removed the carbs, cleaned and synced, new plugs, air and fuel filters, brake pads and will now consider the larger M/C and steel lines. Also, have read quite a bit on the forum debating the Corbin seat so I may also look into that as my butt is sore after an hour of riding.
Thanks again,
Mike
Who debates the Corbin seat?
I have read that if a Corbin sits unused for an extended period of time, the foam will harden and no longer be ideal. But more surface area = less pounds per square inch of pressure all around.
Sheep skin and beads are the other options, and you could also try your hand at building a custom seat yourself (Sargent sells their fancy foam for seats at a very reasonable price if you email them, and there are resources online for how-to), but... Corbins are pretty sweet seats.
The 1 main issue that I have seen on this forum concerning the Corbin seats are..... For members that are over 6' tall the reduced seat hight makes more of an increase in angle at the knee causeing knee cramps. I am a shorty at 5'7" so the reduced seat hight does not effect my knees as much. I would never give up my Corbin..... :lol:
Fred
Interesting, that makes sense; but, if one has one custom made, as they should to really get the Corbin experience, they should be able to build it up and accomodate for that.
I'm 5'10", I stand on the balls of my feet (and my rear shock is properly set) when standing at a light with the Corbin.
Quote from: fintip on May 28, 2013, 04:04:11 PM
Interesting, that makes sense; but, if one has one custom made, as they should to really get the Corbin experience, they should be able to build it up and accomodate for that.
You're right, they'll make it any way you want. Snarky has a corbin that looks 2" higher than mine
When I got my FJ, she already had the SS lines on all the hydraulics, forks were done and a fork brace. She also came with a Givi Monokey II and a Givi Topcase. Great starting point.
The first mod I did was the 17" rear wheel. Very nice improvement on ride and tire choices. Then I did the blue spots and master along with a set of EBC Prolite rotors and sintered pads. That made a huge difference in braking power. It's all just a finger or two to bring her down from any speed fast. The spin on oil filter is another nice mod. It won't improve performance like the others, but sure is nice come oil change time.
But the ultimate upgrade (and most expensive) was the rear shock. This made the bike ride so much smoother and handle so much better. The hobby horse ride on the freeway is now just a memory. The way she drives out of the corners is just amazing. No more wallowing through the corners and she is as stable as anything I have ever ridden. When I take the wife out on rides, we no longer bump helmets when I shift.
So, it depends on your budget as to which mods to do first. If you're going to keep her, do the rubber lines first. That will no doubt save your life one day. After that, the rear shock, brakes, then the 17"wheel.
Kookaloo,
CraigO
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Lots of options, tough part is making the decision on what if anything I'm going to do at this time. Certainly brake/master cylinder upgrades are high in priority for safety sake, possibly a different seat for improved comfort and after that who knows. Plan is to get out riding as soon as the weather clears up here in the northwest.
Again, thanks for all the great ideas.
Mike
Mike, where are you in the world? I can loan you a Corbin Gun fighter and Lady set to test run....
Monkey, I'm just outside of Vancouver British Columbia, I appreciate the offer, but I think it would be a hassle. I've met Tapartacus through the forum and he is only 45 or so minutes away and has a Corbin seat, if we manage to get together for a ride some time in the near future I may be able to test his out. Although, even better would be to get my ass down to the West Coast Rally and have a look at all the options/mods you guys talk about, maybe next year.
Thanks,
Mike
Quote from: Riolongo on May 28, 2013, 09:13:28 PM
Monkey, I'm just outside of Vancouver British Columbia, I appreciate the offer, but I think it would be a hassle. I've met Tapartacus through the forum and he is only 45 or so minutes away and has a Corbin seat, if we manage to get together for a ride some time in the near future I may be able to test his out. Although, even better would be to get my ass down to the West Coast Rally and have a look at all the options/mods you guys talk about, maybe next year.
Thanks,
Mike
Yep, a bit far to test. I have two Corbin's so I thought to make a friendly offer...
Will come out and see you soon Mike.
Andrew