So i need a new set if tires for my 86 FJ. I am about to buy another set of Avon 45/46. Figured i would ask for some other opinions for a z rated tire that is pretty sticky with the stock rims , 120/80-16 ft and 150/80-16 rear. I know the options are limited for that size.
Ive been very happy with the avons. More than the K91, macadam 90, GT-501. Is it just a rumor that there is a dual comound tire available in this size?
My riding style is extreme canyon carving ( yes the old bike embarasses the new litres) and track days ( yes i take the FJ with me and drag pegs). Hence the need for new tires, i wore the right sides off at Pueblo Motorsports Park. :-)
I have never ran the Avon's, but I know of a few members that have. All have good things to say about them. Kind of hit and miss finding sticky tires for hard canyon riding and track days in the OEM wheel size.
My 2 cents and suggestion .... Get the Avon's. Start looking for a set of 89' and later FJ forks and a 89'/90' 17" front wheel, a set of brake rotors, and a set of blue/gold dot calipers. Also perform the GSXR750/1100 17" rear wheel mod. You will then be able to use 120/70/17 and 180/55/17 tires
Once done you will have unlimited tire choices and the latest/greatest tire technology.
Fred
+1
I'm running the Avon 45/46 combo and pretty satisfied. They replaced the Michelin Lazertecs & I consider them to be a significant improvement. But if you look at the price difference of the Avons and almost any of the modern 120/70-17 & 180/55-17 combos, you can pay for the wheel swap in about 3 to 5 tire changes. Now I just have to take my own advice..... :dash1:
Joe
I ran the Avon AV45/46 before I upgraded to 17" front and rear. I carve the canyons as well but not exactly peg scraping or track days stuff. Pirelli makes the Diablo in the OEM size that a few members here ride on. I think the Avon's are a sportier tire. Your new so be warned about starting tire threads, or Oil, or politics, we have a separate section for guns if that gives you any clue. Tread lightly on these subjects... Enjoy the Kookalooo.
Quote from: badr6man on August 04, 2013, 04:34:25 PM
So i need a new set if tires for my 86 FJ. I am about to buy another set of Avon 45/46. Figured i would ask for some other opinions for a z rated tire that is pretty sticky with the stock rims , 120/80-16 ft and 150/80-16 rear. I know the options are limited for that size.
Ive been very happy with the avons. More than the K91, macadam 90, GT-501. Is it just a rumor that there is a dual comound tire available in this size?
My riding style is extreme canyon carving ( yes the old bike embarasses the new litres) and track days ( yes i take the FJ with me and drag pegs). Hence the need for new tires, i wore the right sides off at Pueblo Motorsports Park. :-)
Pics of this track day carving or it didn't happen.
Quote from: Klavdy on August 04, 2013, 07:06:24 PM
Pics of this track day carving or it didn't happen.
(popcorn)
Quote from: Harvy on August 04, 2013, 11:31:05 PM
Quote from: not a lib on August 04, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Klavdy on August 04, 2013, 07:06:24 PM
Pics of this track day carving or it didn't happen.
(popcorn)
Yeah
Ha Ha. you two so funny. I will as soon as i get new tires and hit the track again.
I tried to mount my gopro on the tank but then all i could see was the speedo cluster and not much else. I need to find a good spot to mount it. I should have just mounted it to the windshield like on my track bike but then you cant see the speedo.
You can see my FJ for a short glimpse and MV at the end of this vid. PMP Fasst 6-14-13 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H99K_lA89Yc#ws)
So no news on any dual compound tires. Looks like another set (fourth) of Avons again for me. They have been an awesome tire.
I've had this FJ since 1996 and have read about wheel and suspension swaps/upgrade. I would rather keep the FJ original as possible.
In other words, it didn't happen.
Based on the information you have given. Sounds like the Avons are the best choice.
Kurt
Quote from: Klavdy on August 05, 2013, 03:09:44 AM
In other words, it didn't happen.
Gotta love the forums and peeps like you. Turning a tire suggestion thread into a prove it or didnt happen thread. Lol
You want me me to prove it to you than bring you and yoir FJ bike to the track and see if you can keep up with me. If you cant back up your skills than dont question mine because i already know you dont have any.
Wait for it....
Quote from: badr6man on August 05, 2013, 08:53:14 PM
Quote from: Klavdy on August 05, 2013, 03:09:44 AM
In other words, it didn't happen.
Gotta love the forums and peeps like you. Turning a tire suggestion thread into a prove it or didnt happen thread. Lol
You want me me to prove it to you than bring you and yoir FJ bike to the track and see if you can keep up with me. If you cant back up your skills than dont question mine because i already know you dont have any.
(popcorn)
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on August 05, 2013, 08:27:44 AM
Based on the information you have given. Sounds like the Avons are the best choice.
Kurt
Thanks Kurt, i have found the avons to handle pretty damn well. I just heard some rumors that there may be a new updated avon tire that would be more track oriented. This an FJ forum so i figured i would ask if anyone knew of anything better on the market as to date.
Avon is not likely to develop a new tire for our aging FJ's... That is why we upgrade to 17"....
Quote from: badr6man on August 05, 2013, 08:53:14 PM
Gotta love the forums and peeps like you...
Funny... Klavdy will surely weigh in, but you're coming across as pretty juvenile (should have guessed from the "badr6" shit) and this is not likely to be your type of forum (nor your type of peeps for that matter) if you want to continue on this path. We eject idiots pretty quickly as a rule.
May want to get to know people a bit more before you start calling them out.
Frank
Door swings both ways frank. Maybe you shouldve got to know me before chiming in and calling me badr6 shit. And yes door swings both ways again, klavy called me out so i called him out. Pretty simple to me.
Come on, somene asking me to prove it or it didnt happen sounds pretty juvenile to me. So you going to delete klavy from site?
Easy... Many make claims, if you are what you claim then be steady and prove your worth. Simple as that.. Nothing more, nothing less... Just some FNG welcome...
Dear Bad arse sex man,
you have posted a boring video of someone at a track which has at the end a ,in your words, "glimpse" of what looks like the tail section of an FJ.
How you possibly expect anyone to believe that video relates to you "carving" a track , let alone legitimises your claim that you can do so on an FJ is unfathomable.
Once again,either put up pictures of you "carving" a track or be revealed for what you are.
Oh, this is going to be "one of THOSE threads"! (popcorn) (popcorn) (popcorn)
This ought to be good!
Leon
Quote from: Klavdy on August 05, 2013, 09:39:50 PM
Bad arse sex man,
i like that, never been called that one before. lmao
Instead of you being an idiot, why dont you just say :
I bought a set of shinko tires for my FJ and they work awesome for me since all i do is travel at the posted speed limit.
Or you can just shut it now or you can keep trying to be the forum thug.
I have no idea where never mind is located so that I can prove to you how slow your non riding skills, i wanna be attitude, and how you have all of the upgraded tires, suspension, and motor. It doesnt matter how much you have in or what you have improved on your bike. It is all about rider skill and I know I have more than you
Quote from: badr6man on August 05, 2013, 10:25:49 PM
It is all about rider skill and I know I have more than you
How can you possibly "know" that? I'm thinking I'm coming down on the side that you're not the most evolved forum citizen, based on that statement alone.
Dan
Interesting attempt at deflection and projection by our latest member,the altogether eponymous bad arse sex man.
As suspected, he cannot show his awesome track carving skills.
No pics, no credibility.
badr6man you are unknown and are calling out a long time well known and well liked member of this forum. If you are as fast as you claim, in time someone or something will bear witness to that. I have no idea what your skill level is but until you are a proven commodity, might be wise to let it go.
Kurt
block this troll...
who's in?
Frank
As previously mentioned, it's an interesting attempt at deflection and projection by our latest member,the altogether eponymous bad arse sex man.
As suspected, he cannot show his awesome track carving skills.
No pics, no credibility.
Mind you, he's no troll.
He's a real live one, our new mate.
Got some huge chicken strips on his FJ though,
(http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KZSmmfoCkm0/UgCKm5-jZvI/AAAAAAAANZI/MtfuiBPT7Uc/w604-h453-no/Chicken+Strips.jpg)
Matching bargain basement leathers don't make up for that now, do they John,
(http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YhIet2sxJs8/UgCKr8jI-bI/AAAAAAAANZY/Ki4ao2vfzR8/w604-h453-no/Scary+John.jpg)
There are however,a few excruciatingly boring videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFbc7NVektI#ws) of some amateur track day zero who, even though he's completely alone on a track, continually misses apex's, blows gear changes and runs so far wide on turns that it'd be embarrassing to even watch.
They appear to be posted by
John Corman
here he is ,
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eE-WA04zTcQ/UgCM7ugZ0-I/AAAAAAAANZs/27LJMADcgiU/w410-h324-no/photo.jpg)
Don't know why he's hanging around the restrooms, you'll have to ask him yourself,
There's a couple of addresses for John Corman that are near Pueblo Motorsports Park,
719-265-5955
Address
5285 War Paint Pl Colorado Springs, CO 80922-3602 but that's a nice house, too nice for our John so it's probably the ghetto apartment in Potter drive.
Mind you, John used to live in Bellafonte, Philadelphia.
There's also the hilarious other John Corman video channel (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzIY-cYg1Ajhn8zlIVSIMCQ), it's got lots of breast milk,people pissing on people, need for speed,you know, those type of videos.
Wonder what Allen and Lannie will say when they find out John has been telling lies again?
(http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0K9iGFEzW70/UgCKeEeBQDI/AAAAAAAANZA/QuMWZUuWDos/w588-h441-no/Fearsome+John.jpg)
Glad you posted that, Klavdy... I was beginning to think it was irishluck, part deux. :biggrin:
Quote from: Flynt on August 05, 2013, 11:59:05 PM
block this troll...
who's in?
Frank
Cut it out, Frank. Yer ruinin' my ennertainment. :)
Rossi
This is getting good........................... (popcorn)
(popcorn)
(popcorn) (popcorn)
(popcorn) (popcorn) (popcorn)
(http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/6417/5yqy.jpg)
Quote from: craigo on August 07, 2013, 12:16:13 PM
(http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/6417/5yqy.jpg)
That's a fact, Jack!! :flag_of_truce:
Joe
Well... Glad to see this is still an active thread. Entertaining and educational. But I've actually got a question about tires. So, the Avon AV45/46, they still make and sell? I looked 'em up, and find a lot of posts saying they were old school back in '06. Last time I bought hotrod tires for an FJ, they were Metzlers. Back around '04. Avon still around? If so, I'm calling. If not, what's the best deal on a rear or both for around $200 and change?
And I did watch the vid. The word "pedestrian" came to mind. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedestrian (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedestrian)
The synonyms pretty much cover it. "arid, colorless, drab, dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat, heavy, ho-hum, humdrum, jading, jejune, leaden, mind-numbing, monochromatic, monotonous, numbing, old, boring, ponderous, slow, stale, stodgy, stuffy, stupid, tame, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying". Pedestrian.
I'm not saying I'm good, but I'm better than that. And you'll have to take my word on it till I get some new tires. And some film for my polaroid camera...
So, what kind of tires ARE all the rage for stock 93 FJ rims these days? 'Cause I need some...
Hi
Well, not too much to choose around. BT45s work fantastic in my CBX 750, but I have not tested on a FJ. Continental make again TKV11/12 too, with new compound, and I´ve read very good feelings from the Avon Roadrider. But all of them are cross-ply. Avon continue selling the Azaro ST radial tyres and it look like the best option
http://avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/azaro-st (http://avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/azaro-st)
http://avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/roadrider (http://avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/roadrider)
Until very recently I had two stock bikes. One had Parelli and the other Dunlop. Dunlop handled better but got out of shape after 0nly 3000klms. The Pirelli were a little "Woody" but were still good when pushed and lasted really well. I would never get a knee down on either. Chicken strips on the Parelli`s are 4mm on the rear and 8mm on the front (fwiw).(Not radial tyres).
IMO on the 89' and later FJ's it is a no brainer to do the wheel mods to a 17"x5.5" rear. For the earlier years, I know that a fork/wheel/brake rotor swap is required.
We have 130hp engines rolling on stock bicycle size tires. That is like putting 180/75/13 tires on an Chevy Impala SS and expecting the car to handle well.
Tires and brakes keep us upright and away from road rash and worse. Members on this thread are talking about fast laps on a track or canyon carving. Tire manufacturers are making radial tires that are DOT approved and have just barely less grip than full on race slicks. Take 2 FJ's that are bone stock except one has 16" front and back wheels, the other has 17" front and back wheels. Put the best 120/70/16 and 150/80/16 tires on one, put Ultra sport 120/70/17 and 180/55/17 tires on the other. Use the same rider and you will have dramatically different lap times.
I understand that many owners want to keep their FJ's as stock as possible. Again IMO, if you are a weekend rider that rides at sedate pace then stock wheels and tires will work just fine. If you want to carve canyons and regularly attend track days, upgrade your forks if needed and wheels to put premium tires on.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on August 09, 2013, 02:15:52 AM
Tire manufacturers are making radial tires that are DOT approved and have just barely less grip than full on race slicks.
Fred
My tyre man tells me there is a major decline in track day tyre sales because of this. He says some of his previous track day tyre customers now use tyres such as the ones I use on the road AND I get a respectable life from them. What amazed me was trying them out on a bike with modern ABS in the wet. I didn't know I could stop that fast in the dry!
Noel
looks like I found a pretty good deal at www.motorcycletiremaniac.com (http://www.motorcycletiremaniac.com) Avon Azaro-ST 150/80/R16 for $147.71. Free shipping.
Plus $45 to mount and balance at the local Yamaha dealer. (Who also wanted to sell me an Azaro for $210)
I'll be changing out the front tire in a couple of weeks.
Any big differences between Bridgestone Battlax BT-023-GT 120/70ZR-17 and the Avon Storm 2 Ultra Sport 120/70R17 Front Tire?
Besides the Storm is $20 more at http://www.jpcycles.com/ (http://www.jpcycles.com/) Battle Ax $115, Storm $139.
These were the best prices I could find, and seem pretty good to me. Though what I was really looking for was a super sticky race tire that lasts about 50,000 miles for under a hundred bucks...
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 12:15:51 AM
Well... Glad to see this is still an active thread. Entertaining and educational. But I've actually got a question about tires. So, the Avon AV45/46, they still make and sell? I looked 'em up, and find a lot of posts saying they were old school back in '06. Last time I bought hotrod tires for an FJ, they were Metzlers. Back around '04. Avon still around? If so, I'm calling. If not, what's the best deal on a rear or both for around $200 and change?
The best deal is swapping wheels. Yes, the Avon's are getting old. They're better than the other options, which were getting old back in 1988!
The properly sized wheels have tires that are terribly old because they were designed in 1995.... and those will flat out stomp all over any of that horrible crap that was used back in the 80's, full stop.
If you're spending $200 and don't want to spend more, then swap wheels and use a used takeoff tire, as a modern tire with half the tread life will still destroy even a good tire of the old types.
I used to by tires off a guy that raced. He wore off the sides and I wore off the tops, mostly commuting back then.
I've compared fj,s back to back 16" wheels f & r , 17" f 16" r and 17" both ends, the seventeens win hands down , and its all down to tyre compound,and the èxtra width :biggrin:, the 17" win hands down, late model tyres are far superior
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Any big differences between Bridgestone Battlax BT-023-GT 120/70ZR-17 and the Avon Storm 2 Ultra Sport 120/70R17 Front Tire?
Besides the Storm is $20 more at http://www.jpcycles.com/ (http://www.jpcycles.com/) Battle Ax $115, Storm $139.
These were the best prices I could find, and seem pretty good to me. Though what I was really looking for was a super sticky race tire that lasts about 50,000 miles for under a hundred bucks...
For my own money, it's well worth $20. :unknown:
I had 2 BT-45a and hated them. Loved the Avons, though.
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Though what I was really looking for was a super sticky race tire that lasts about 50,000 miles for under a hundred bucks...
That's a joke...Right?
Leon
Thanks for the wisdom. I went ahead and ordered the Avon for $147, just to get back on the road. The tires were beyond wasted when I bought the bike, so it was a safety issue, with financial considerations thrown in. I'm going to get the 17 wheel as soon as I wear out this next set. Should be around the end of the year. My upgrade plan is back tire, front tire, seat, windscreen, new wheel, new exhaust, custom paint job.
Yeah, I'm gonna have my best friend (the one I gave my first 1100 to) who is a professional artist, paint my bike. There are few FJ's I've ever seen whose looks were improved by putting custom paint over the stock job, but it can be done. And having lived in Minneapolis, I just can't have a purple motorcycle. Somebody might think I was The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, and run me off the road. I'm not dissing the '93 with the purple paint, I just really like white.
My plan is to do a negative of the '89 white/silver scheme, with silver on top and bottom and white in the middle. Black stripes instead of red. I think it will look pretty cool. Then I'm going to have my artist friend paint Pablo Picasso's Don Quixote (minus Sancho Panza) on the air scoops. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote_%28Picasso%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote_%28Picasso%29). If my bro ever gets another FJ, he can paint Sancho on his. Then all I'll need is a vanity plate: RCNANT, and I'll be ready to tilt at windmills with one wheel in the air. Probably the front wheel, since I've got ABS, which makes the reverse wheelies pretty difficult. And speaking of ABS, I think I'm gonna keep it hooked up.
Quote from: not a lib on August 09, 2013, 11:31:54 PM
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Any big differences between Bridgestone Battlax BT-023-GT 120/70ZR-17 and the Avon Storm 2 Ultra Sport 120/70R17 Front Tire?
Besides the Storm is $20 more at http://www.jpcycles.com/ (http://www.jpcycles.com/) Battle Ax $115, Storm $139.
These were the best prices I could find, and seem pretty good to me. Though what I was really looking for was a super sticky race tire that lasts about 50,000 miles for under a hundred bucks...
For my own money, it's well worth $20. :unknown:
I had 2 BT-45a and hated them. Loved the Avons, though.
The BT023GT is a good tire. The BT45 is not.
I too am looking for a super sticky tire that lasts for 50k and I'd even be willing to pay $200 for one. :rofl:
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 10, 2013, 03:37:33 AMYeah, I'm gonna have my best friend (the one I gave my first 1100 to) who is a professional artist, paint my bike. My plan is to do a negative of the '89 white/silver scheme, with silver on top and bottom and white in the middle. Black stripes instead of red. I think it will look pretty cool.
FJ MCC VII,
Just had to check out your new color scheme, there. Silver does not photograph well, but quick-n-dirty . . .
.
(http://user.xmission.com/~red/FJreverse.jpg)
Cheers,
Red
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
....Though what I was really looking for was a super sticky race tire that lasts about 50,000 miles for under a hundred bucks...
Quote from: andyb on August 10, 2013, 08:09:45 AM
I too am looking for a super sticky tire that lasts for 50k and I'd even be willing to pay $200 for one. :rofl:
Heck..I'd like a sticky gumball that lasts 25k and I'll pay $300 for one... :greeting:
Quote from: red on August 10, 2013, 12:11:52 PM
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 10, 2013, 03:37:33 AMYeah, I'm gonna have my best friend (the one I gave my first 1100 to) who is a professional artist, paint my bike. My plan is to do a negative of the '89 white/silver scheme, with silver on top and bottom and white in the middle. Black stripes instead of red. I think it will look pretty cool.
FJ MCC VII,
Just had to check out your new color scheme, there. Silver does not photograph well, but quick-n-dirty . . .
Cheers,
Red
Looks like a negative of tRoy's '86:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=203 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=203)
I have these:
http://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/battlax/bt57.html (http://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/battlax/bt57.html)
on my '92...seem really good but I do not think they will last 10KKms (YZF 600 Wheels) . On stock wheels on the other 92, we got about 7500 KMs out of a set of Avons. Front is still ok but back is right down.
Jeff
Red, Thanks for the comment and interesting pics. Food for thought. Maybe all white, with black accents, like my previous custom paint job...
Jeff, I looked at the Battleax too, but will probably go with the Avon for the front as well. You eat those up in 7,500 klicks? That's about 4,500 miles or so, right? I usually try to get a year or around 8,000 miles out of a set of tires, but I probably don't ride as hard as you do. But I'll bet you get your money's worth of fun out of your tires! Ride on, Brother!
I am also going ahead and ordering the spin on oil filter adapter from RPM, put it on next oil change in about another 1,00 miles.
I am really stoked to be a part of this forum. Everybody seems really cool, and I'm getting a real education from reading the archives. I'm gonna have to pitch in a few bucks to the site. Thanks to everyone.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 10, 2013, 12:24:01 PM
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 09, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Heck..I'd like a sticky gumball that lasts 25k and I'll pay $300 for one... :greeting:
I'm happy to get 8,000km's out of a sticky one and we ALREADY have to pay $300 for it
.
Actually, I really AM looking for a sticky race tire that lasts 50K miles and costs $100. Been looking since 1990. Still haven't found it, but I'm still looking. Also looking for a 25 year old millionaire supermodel nymphomaniac with a fetish for old men. (Who likes FJ's, of course.) Still looking in that department too, but I'm still looking!
Ain't gonna happen. There is no such beast that fits on a bike that'll get you that kinda mileage and be sticky too. Forget about that kinda mileage altogether.... :mad: :ireful: :diablo:
But I still love it when I get new tires and clean up her rear wheel hub. Can't wait to start shredding these babies up!!! New Conti Motions 120/70-17 on the front and a 180/55-17 on the rear. They shipped the wrong front as I ordered a 120/60-17. But I mounted it anyway... :good:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1004851_10201753868312595_268401839_n.jpg)
CraigO
Quote from: craigo on August 11, 2013, 08:58:11 PM
But I still love it when I get new tires
CraigO
I just pulled the old rubber off the rear today and mounted a new one, no dealer or mechanic. Cut the old one off and with some cable tiles and soap slipped the new one on. I need to check the miles as I don't need to swap out the front yet. Too many miles on the slab to square off the rear. The Motions held up well with minor cupping on the rear, I like these tires. Way better wear that my old 16" Avons and they feel planted. Thanks Craig for the suggestion on these gems ($185 a set delivered).
I got mine @ Americanmotorcycletire.com. I paid $165 for the pair (roughly) and paid Vey's to mount them. $35 for both.
Yeah, I love these tires, especially at these prices. :yes:
Here's the front:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_108_869&products_id=4847 (http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_108_869&products_id=4847)
And the rear:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_108_869&products_id=4851 (http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_108_869&products_id=4851)
Can't wait to take 2 brand new tires out. Can't remember the last time that happened... :good2:
Bike at 42,790 miles. I expect to see over 4000 miles on this set, the way I ride.
May you have the best ride of your life every time you throw a leg over your FJ. :good:
CraigO
FJmonkey, you DO inspire me, along with the whose ever signature it is that says "I am my own service department." Truly inspirational! Still, I'm pretty superstitious about not having a "professional" work on my bike. On the other hand, I know I can cook a better steak at home than I can get at any restaurant in town. Probably the same with wrenching on bikes, with the major difference that if I screw up cooking a steak, I have to chew more beef, but if I screw up on my FJ, I might have to end up chewing more street.
Craigo, thanks for the link. The rear Avon is already paid for and on its way, but the front is still open for consideration. That picture of your new tire actually made me salivate. I know what ya mean by "FJ porn".
FJ MCC VII
Take your time, don't force it, when frustrated take a break. The more you do the better you will get. The big difference between you and a tech is experience. Bikes are not hard to work on. You will do a better job than the local service department. Don't work on the bike last minute. Hope this helps?
Keep the wheels turning.
Kurt
CraigO, if you like the Conti's, give the Road Attack 2's a try next time. If you ride hard and ride in the wet you will be surprised.
Quote from: ribbert on August 12, 2013, 09:47:52 AM
CraigO, if you like the Conti's, give the Road Attack 2's a try next time. If you ride hard and ride in the wet you will be surprised.
Thanks for the suggestion, :hi: but my bike has never, or hopefully will never get caught out in the rain. I don't commute on her as she's a weekend toy. My weekends are in the middle of the week though. :dash2:
CraigO
Quote from: craigo on August 12, 2013, 11:36:04 AM
Quote from: ribbert on August 12, 2013, 09:47:52 AM
CraigO, if you like the Conti's, give the Road Attack 2's a try next time. If you ride hard and ride in the wet you will be surprised.
Thanks for the suggestion, :hi: but my bike has never, or hopefully will never get caught out in the rain. I don't commute on her as she's a weekend toy. My weekends are in the middle of the week though. :dash2:
CraigO
Jeez you Kalifornia beach boys really do live up to the hype..."never out in the rain"! :ireful: I guess that means no freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice crystals or black ice either. :bad:
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 10, 2013, 04:03:44 PM
Red, Thanks for the comment and interesting pics. Food for thought. Maybe all white, with black accents, like my previous custom paint job...
Jeff, I looked at the Battleax too, but will probably go with the Avon for the front as well. You eat those up in 7,500 klicks? That's about 4,500 miles or so, right? I usually try to get a year or around 8,000 miles out of a set of tires, but I probably don't ride as hard as you do. But I'll bet you get your money's worth of fun out of your tires! Ride on, Brother!
I wish I rode hard...but really to old to claim that! The Avons are really sure footed though. We also have a bias ply Battleax on our 84 with over 8,000 kms and still have 5MM tread depth.
Here is a brand new Avon next to the one with about 7,000 KMs:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9497015152_52fed74ecf.jpg)
Here is a shot of tread depth on the new one, 7MM:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9494214927_7c496b2f73.jpg)
Here is a shot of tread depth on the old one, 2MM:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9497024372_2d68788719.jpg)
Front is the same depth
They seem to be a bad design as they only wear out in the middle. :rofl2:
I doubt if these guys have the same issue
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9497015356_f0d9dbe920.jpg)
Quote from: jscgdunn on August 12, 2013, 01:18:06 PM
I doubt if these guys have the same issue
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9497015356_f0d9dbe920.jpg)
No tread to worry about, just some dimples near the edges that keep getting shallower with every lap.
Quote from: jscgdunn on August 12, 2013, 12:05:29 PM
Jeez you Kalifornia beach boys really do live up to the hype..."never out in the rain"! :ireful: I guess that means no freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice crystals or black ice either. :bad:
I used to ride in the rain, back in my collage years when all I had was a motorcycle. I loved the rain when out of the dirtbike. Don't hang out at the beach much, if at all. I love the mountains and the roads that climb, twist, switchback, & drop. You know, where the roads go on forever.
CraigO
Sounds awesome....we really do not have many great curvy riding roads within a few hours. It does get better further west. I thought everyone in California spent 1/2 the day at the beach and 1/2 the day lounging around the pool...and it never rains. I saw it in the tourism commercials so it must be true. :nea:
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 11, 2013, 11:22:49 PM
I'm pretty superstitious about not having a "professional" work on my bike. On the other hand, I know I can cook a better steak at home than I can get at any restaurant in town. Probably the same with wrenching on bikes, with the major difference that if I screw up cooking a steak, I have to chew more beef, but if I screw up on my FJ, I might have to end up chewing more street.
No one cares about your bike more than you do...certainly not the average "wrench" working in a dealership! Once I got over that superstition of having the "professional" do all the motorcycle work, I dug in. Litterally removing, examining, then (re-installing/replacing/powdercoating when appropriate) every nut, bolt, clip, washer, gasket, bearing, seal and cable on the FJ. In the process, I was shocked to find numerous mistakes or outright deceptions that "professional" mechanics duped me over in the past.
I work on my bike as if my life depended on it. A mechanic will work on your bike as if his $862 paycheck at the end of the week depended on it. Take your time, learn about your bike and you will develop an amazing relationship with... and trust in... the FJ in the process.
I still haven't mounted/balanced my own tires though...Have my eye on a No-Mar setup. Would have paid for itself EASILY by now!
PS: Next time I'm in Austin, I'm stopping by for a steak. :nyam1:
Cap'n Ron. . .
I did some poking around on tire changers and found the Cycle Hill unit. The reviews are really good and seeing it on YouTube makes tire changing look Stupid Simple. The pay back for me is about 3 years. Here is a good link to it. It is made by No-mar, consider it the upgraded version. But I saving for an RPM shock so it will have to wait.
http://www.dm.net/~bahwolf/tire/tire.htm (http://www.dm.net/~bahwolf/tire/tire.htm)
Here is the YouTube link.
Cycle Hill Motorcycle Tire Changer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOlFE_JHCqQ#)
Quote from: FJmonkey on August 13, 2013, 06:36:31 AM
I did some poking around on tire changers and found the Cycle Hill unit. The reviews are really good and seeing it on YouTube makes tire changing look Stupid Simple. The pay back for me is about 3 years. Here is a good link to it. It is made by No-mar, consider it the upgraded version. But I saving for an RPM shock so it will have to wait.
Those things are the shit.
I got to check out a live demo at the MotoGP a couple of years ago, and could not believe how easy it was to use.
They didn't have the hitch mount out then, though.
Quote from: Capn Ron on August 13, 2013, 12:17:42 AM
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 11, 2013, 11:22:49 PM
I'm pretty superstitious about not having a "professional" work on my bike. On the other hand, I know I can cook a better steak at home than I can get at any restaurant in town. Probably the same with wrenching on bikes, with the major difference that if I screw up cooking a steak, I have to chew more beef, but if I screw up on my FJ, I might have to end up chewing more street.
No one cares about your bike more than you do...certainly not the average "wrench"
Cap'n Ron. . .
Ron's mostly on the money, I've worked with or employed dozens of mechanics over the decades and there are a few good ones but they're like hens teeth. In fact, I can think of only two, ever, that I would trust my bike to. Bike mechanics are worse than car mechanics. If they are trained and qualified they
know how, but most just don't give a shit.
Cap'n Ron is right about working on it yourself,
if you're comfortable and you want to that is. The FJ is about as simple as a bike and an engine get. There is nothing you will ever want to do to your bike that hasn't already been done hundreds of times by forum members.
There is a staggering amount of information here and plenty of people to help talk you through.
Even if you just manage the servicing and minor repairs you will be miles in front and it will give you immense satisfaction.
No one is ever mocked for asking really basic questions, you've got to wait until you start offering advice for that. :biggrin: If you have ever fitted new blades to your lawnmower, you can work on the FJ.
From a safety perspective, ask enough questions and you can't go wrong.
It is like cooking a steak with a room full of chefs looking over your shoulder telling you what to do and making sure you get it right.
There are plenty of people of course who just want to ride and are not even interested in doing their own work, which is fine if that's your thing, plenty of members do you use mechanics. But, if you want to learn and it interests you, this is the place. There are many here who have successfully carried out procedures, with the help of the forum, that they never dreamed they were capable of.
Noel
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 13, 2013, 10:41:30 AM
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Wait, and drinking and getting laid too, -right? :)
Not with each other.
Half right, maybe.
Quote from: andyb on August 13, 2013, 11:02:26 AM
Not with each other.
Half right, maybe.
Not that there's anything
wrong with that. [Seinfeld reference, not sure it that translates across the pond...]
It also about what if something goes wrong? Two hours from my house there is nothing for a hundred miles in places. Some of these places barely a gas pump. If you can't fix it you are screwed. If you have a working understanding of the bike, at least you have a fighting chance. No knowledge, no help what are you going to do now. Also add a Sunday, these small towns in Utah roll up the side walks. IMO, this is a must for a motorcyclist. Much easier to learn this in your garage than on the side of some road. How many people had a bike towed over a loose battery cable? All they knew was it would not start, no power.
Keep the wheels turning.
Kurt
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 10:52:24 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 13, 2013, 10:41:30 AM
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Wait, and drinking and getting laid too, -right? :)
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
Leon
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
Leon
I'm with Leon (So to speak)! Reminded me of the quote from Blazing Saddles:
"Well, Jim, since you are my guest and I am your host, what's your pleasure? What do you like to do?
Oh, I don't know. Play chess... screw...
Well, let's play chess!"
Cap'n Ron. . .
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 11:41:06 AM
Quote from: andyb on August 13, 2013, 11:02:26 AM
Not with each other.
Half right, maybe.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. [Seinfeld reference, not sure it that translates across the pond...]
"What you talkin bout Willis?"... It`s not everything "we don`t get" mate, but thanks for tha reference on a "just in case" basis.
If "the boot was on tha other foot" we wouldn`t give ya any hint at all...It`d spoil our warped sense of fun.
Interestingly the You tube version of that scene was a dilemma for Warner Bros and successfully had it blocked. (Tha Video clip! ...).
Okay okay...for you guys across the ditch...a dilemma is when you have ta share the Queen size bed at a Rally with two other mates. One is your gorgeous wife and the other is a nice FJ rider that is totally Gay...Which one do ya turn your back on? :pardon:
As usual I have de-railed the thread...
So a man moves out into the country side. His nearest neighbor was 55 miles away. He'd been there a couple of months and was getting a bit stir-crazy when there was a knock at the door. He opened the door to find his neighbor, who promptly introduced himself and said "hey listen, I'm having a party this Friday night, there's gonna be drinking and dancing and fightin' and fuckin' -you wanna come?"
The man said: "sure sounds like fun -what should I bring?"
The neighbor says: "don't matter, just gonna be you and me..."
:)
Dan
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
There is life outside of rallies -I think there is at least.
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 10:52:24 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 13, 2013, 10:41:30 AM
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Wait, and drinking and getting laid too, -right? :)
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
Leon
I agree............we somehow need to recruit more ladies to the rallies! :greeting:
Quote from: Firehawk068 on August 13, 2013, 08:19:47 PM
I agree............we somehow need to recruit more ladies to the rallies! :greeting:
Any ideas..... You could be a real hero on this...
Quote from: Firehawk068 on August 13, 2013, 08:19:47 PM
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 10:52:24 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 13, 2013, 10:41:30 AM
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Wait, and drinking and getting laid too, -right? :)
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
Leon
I agree............we somehow need to recruit more ladies to the rallies! :greeting:
I`m not so sure about that...They drank all me Port at our last Rally !... :pardon:
Quote from: Firehawk068 on August 13, 2013, 08:19:47 PM
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 10:52:24 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 13, 2013, 10:41:30 AM
Yep, spot on Noel....That's what we are all about......helping each other. :good2:
Wait, and drinking and getting laid too, -right? :)
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
Leon
I agree............we somehow need to recruit more ladies to the rallies! :greeting:
Ohhh!..Whaat you just said!! LOL!
Leon
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 13, 2013, 03:46:11 PM
Quote from: 1tinindian on August 13, 2013, 12:44:40 PM
There has never been enough ladies to go around at the rallies I have attended, so I'll stick to the drinking!
There is life outside of rallies -I think there is at least.
Let's get back on topic Dan! :praising:
Now, this thing about more women sounds interesting...LOL!
:rofl: :bomb: :flag_of_truce:
Leon
Thanks for all the encouragement. I've had 7 FJ's, put around 100,000 miles on 'em, and never changed the oil myself. I was proud to know how to get the seat off so I could read the owner's manual. Which I have, along with the official Yamaha service manual. I actually DID adjust the rear wheel on one of my FJ's once. The mechanic at the dealer put it back on crooked. Took me about half an afternoon to get it where I thought it should be.
But I'm getting "froggy". I sent the check for the spin on oil adapter to RPM yesterday, and when 1,000 more miles roll around, Py Gott, I'm changing my own damn oil and spinnin' that sucker on. That'll be a real milestone for me. I'm not really a mechanical kind of guy, never was interested in working on cars or bikes. But I can see the financial and safety advantages, and it's never too late to learn...
Probably have to buy some tools. Yamahas use metric, right? :wacko1: (Just kidding!)
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 14, 2013, 12:53:12 AM
Thanks for all the encouragement.
I'm not really a mechanical kind of guy, never was interested in working on cars or bikes. But I can see the financial and safety advantages, and it's never too late to learn...
Ribbert above got it right...You have to be comfortable with mechanical things...and WANT to actually do it. One of my early jobs was managing a bicycle/downhill ski shop in upstate NY right out of high school. There were TWO mechanics over all those years that I would trust to work on anything of mine. On the other end of the spectrum:
We hired a clothing buyer for downhill ski equipment to put in the orders for the upcoming winter. After that was done, we had about 3 months until the snow came so the owner of the shop told me to train this guy how to wrench on bicycles. Ever try to explain in words the "feel" of torque to someone who has never turned a bolt? He was NOT a mechanic and had NO business holding a screwdriver. He was a good guy and we started to have a lot of fun poking fun at his lack of mechanical ability surrounded by 25 mechanics! One day, he was attempting to tighten a bolt holding a rear rack on a bike and he asked me to hand him an adjustable wrench. There were about five of us standing around the shop and I thought I'd be funny and handed him a kickstand..."There you go!" :rofl2: He looked at me...chuckled a little...and said, "c'mon...even I know that's not an adjustable wrench!" We all had a good laugh and I said, "Sorry...just giving you some shit..." and then handed him an adjustable wrench. He got FURIOUS! "Stop fucking around...I'm not an idiot!!! Now hand me a fucking adjustable wrench!" :mad: Ummmmm...okay.
If you're anything like him...leave the wrenching to the pros!
Cap'n Ron. . .
Quote from: Capn Ron on August 14, 2013, 01:22:54 AM
Ever try to explain in words the "feel" of torque to someone who has never turned a bolt? He was NOT a mechanic and had NO business holding a screwdriver.
Cap'n Ron. . .
You're absolutely right Cap'n, although most people can learn, some people just don't have the dexterity to fiddle with mechanical things, their brains are not wired for it. I have a customer with a collection of 14 pre-war cars I look after. After 50 years of tinkering with them I sometimes think he would do a better job with his elbows. The stuff ups he brings me to fix beggars belief. He is now retired unfortunately and has the time to "help." I tell him that will be an extra $20/hr and he thinks I'm joking.
He was recently helping me put a motor in one of his cars. He handed me a nut, I told him it was the wrong thread (these cars often have mixed threads) he suggested a bit of cutting oil might help, I repeated, IT'S THE WRONG THREAD. He suggested maybe a socket and a long bar would tighten it. I repeated, I-T-'S T-H-E W-R-O-N-G T-H-R-E-A-D. He said, well it's the only one I can find, it will have to do!
A different use for the long bar was quickly forming in my mind at this point.
He just has not got the "feel", even after 50 years of practicing. He's a clever bloke, a successful lawyer with a razor sharp mind, but should never be let near a car with anything but the keys. I tell him this and he thinks I'm joking.
It's interesting, this lack of manual dexterity extends to his driving. He has no feel for a clutch and manual gearbox, even after a lifetime of driving old cars.
Then there are people who just plain aren't interested, couldn't care less, just want to ride and pay the man when it needs fixing.
My brother has put 140,000km's on his bike in 3.5 years. He doesn't commute and he's only been riding 4.5 years. His interest in the mechanical side of his bike is limited to opening the fuel cap. His only interest is in riding.
Then there's us poor suckers who not only know how to save money doing our own servicing and repairs, WE know enough to spend those savings 3 times over, tinkering and modding, because we're so clever, "aaaaaaaaaaaand loving it" (apologies to Maxwell Smart)
Noel
What's happened to dear John, the original poster?
Quote from: Klavdy on August 14, 2013, 05:05:23 PM
What's happened to dear John, the original poster?
Still trying to find a way around that track that sticks those entries and exits.
He was either scared off, or realised he has ever actually owned an fj, or any other bike over 49cc :biggrin::
Quote from: Klavdy on August 14, 2013, 05:05:23 PM
What's happened to dear John, the original poster?
He probably lapped himself and disappeared up his own arse.
Quote from: Klavdy on August 14, 2013, 05:05:23 PM
What's happened to dear John, the original poster?
Less than thirty six hours on the forum. Is this a new record? I don't think he had a clue that Pandora's box was about to be opened.
Kurt
Quote from: FJ MCC VII on August 14, 2013, 12:53:12 AM
Thanks for all the encouragement. I've had 7 FJ's, put around 100,000 miles on 'em, and never changed the oil myself. I was proud to know how to get the seat off so I could read the owner's manual. Which I have, along with the official Yamaha service manual. I actually DID adjust the rear wheel on one of my FJ's once. The mechanic at the dealer put it back on crooked. Took me about half an afternoon to get it where I thought it should be.
But I'm getting "froggy". I sent the check for the spin on oil adapter to RPM yesterday, and when 1,000 more miles roll around, Py Gott, I'm changing my own damn oil and spinnin' that sucker on. That'll be a real milestone for me. I'm not really a mechanical kind of guy, never was interested in working on cars or bikes. But I can see the financial and safety advantages, and it's never too late to learn...
Probably have to buy some tools. Yamahas use metric, right? :wacko1: (Just kidding!)
25 years I've been fixing bikes and I still enjoy it. Still don't like getting my hands dirty though!!