RPM Fork Valves

[wm_Reed]

Found my fork seals leaking last week, so I ordered parts from RPM including RPM Fork Valves and Springs.  Completed the work today.  Everything went well.  I am wondering whether I cut the PVC Spacer to the right length.  Mine are 4 1/8".  Does anybody recall the spacer length in their forks?

I did ride the bike and can feel a difference in handling.

Regards,
Bill

[ELIMINATOR]

Feel the difference? Subtle or vast.

[wm_Reed]

Now that I have ridden a couple hundred miles I will say vast.  Handling is more crisp, quicker, and responsive.  It's like riding a different motorcycle. 

I will be playing with the spacer length and see if I like the difference when I change the preload. 

[Mike Ramos]

wmReed,

I cannot recall the exact spacer length, however you should be able to start the fork cap by hand initially as the preload is reasonably soft.  From there a notch or two on the preload setting should give you the ride quality that suits your taste and riding style.

I would suggest also that you consider the Fork Brace.  It ties the whole front end together, keeping fork tube alignment correct and minimizes the wear of,  and all but eliminates, leakage of the fork seals.

Although you may not get the chicks, the performance equals any front end modifications available for the FJ...  but you know, Mr. B already had a nice gal before he got the USD's... 

Ride safe,

Midget 

[Pat Conlon]

Good point Mike on the fork brace....also, if you've removed the oem brake line holders, dont forget to put a couple of washers between the fender tabs and the fork tabs to compensate for the loss of the line bracket.

Between the fork brace and those washers, your front fender will thank you....

Shame about the chicks Bill...but you're probably married anyway.....poor Mike, he wonders why he can't get a date. 

[Mike Ramos]

Hold on Patrick -

I admit the '91 with the pink stripe did scare off the chicks, but once I bought the '92 (I know, it is not quite as nice as yours!) my dates have increased exponentially...

Good point on the washers for the fender tabs & we certainly agree on the Fork Brace!

Ride safe everyone...

[wm_Reed]

I had previously done the RPM Forkbrace and Spiegler brake hoses.  Will do on the washer for the fender.  As for the preload, I did utilize the changes that the FJ fork cap preload offers and do feel the changes. I am going to try a 5 inch spacer (and then use the fork preload adjustments) since I have the material and it is a quick change.

Thanks for the feedback.

Bill

[ELIMINATOR]

Sooner or later, I just know that I am going to end up doing this mod!

[wm_Reed]

My initial spacer was 4 1/8".  With this spacer length I ended up adjusting the fork cap preload setting to maximum to get the ride where it felt best. 

Yesterday I replaced those spacers with ones 5" in length.  I then went for a spin and adjusted the preload settings trying to find the best feel.  In the end I settled for the lowest setting feeling the best to me.  Min to max setting on the fork caps equals 1/2" of spacer length.