'86 FJ Restoration

[Pat Conlon]

Yes Tony, that is the correct route on the anti dive line (inside the fork lower)however the banjo fitting should have a angle so the line does not come straight down to the anti dive. Less stress on the line that way.

Very nice work Johnnie.

[fj johnnie]

 Glad you answered that for me Pat. I wasn't sure. When re-assembling I looked at my untouched 84, and they run this way as well. There certainly is some stress at the fitting. Anyone interested in buying an 86? I have too many of these things.

[Joe Sull]

Really nice job, Johnnie. I think they might put her in penthouse.

[fj johnnie]

 Does that mean she needs to be undressed? I just put her together!

[Joe Sull]

Fear not, I'm sure they would go with a few upskirt shots

[paulfj03]

That restoration turned out awesome!!! I will be getting back at my 84 hopefully this summer. Time and money is always a factor....

Seeing the pictures as you went along shows the fruits of the work you put into it. I can tell you enjoyed it, and are happy with the results.

I'm sure there were times you could have 'pulled your hair out' ... Or were frustrated....
What would you say was the most difficult task? What parts were hard to find? Any? Were any costs triple what you had planned on?

[fj johnnie]

 As I think back on the process, many little thing comes to mind. When stripping the bike I noticed that the frame had a dent in it right where the fairing bolts on.( The frame and side air scoop ). I tried removing the dent but was unsuccessful. My local welding shop cut the backside of the frame out and pressed the dented area out. Then he welded the piece back in to the backside of the frame. Then he ground the whole are smooth. There is no filler or anything to smooth it out and once powder coated it cannot be seen as a repair. At the same time he removed the steering head bearing race. That job is a pain in the caboose.
I installed the speedo / tach cluster before installing the speedo cable. Installing the speedo cable afterwards is a pain.
When reinstalling the shock , swingarm , linkage and chain I must have removed it all four times before I got the order correct. ( It's called tunnel vision.) Re-installing the airbox with the tail section on is another mistake I won't make again. It is not impossible to do but takes a long time and lots of fiddling.
   As far as costs are concerned I must say that because of the condition of the bike when I purchased it the cost was relatively insignificant. Frame, tail section , fairing stay and misc bits came to $270. New brake pads, another $90. Stainless lines, $170. I think I spent $300 with Randy, clutch kit, master cylinder kit, trip meter knob, oil filter adapter, wheel bearings, speedo cable, steering head bearings, sprocket lock washer,misc. grommets etc. The bike came with a corbin seat which was re-covered and a good spare from my 90 went on this one. It also came with the original windscreen, and a Givi screen that is much taller than the factory one.
So all totalled including the cost of the bike $1730. If I add my hours in , about the same as an FJR!. I learned a lot. The next one will take longer and me more involved. I am certainly doing another one as the 84 was test fired recently and runs beautifully. It will get the full blown moditis treatment. ( hopefully )

[TexasDave]

Beautifly done. Yes, you already have full blown moditus. There is no known cure.     Dave

[Pat Conlon]

How much do you want to sell her for johnnie?

[fj johnnie]

 $3000. or best offer. I am flexible .  I know they aren't really worth much. Which is why I bought it in the first place. I don't care either way, if it sells or not. I have five bikes now so.......