Handling Options

[FJools]

I took the FJ for its first "proper" run at the weekend up the old Pacific Highway then off to Kulnura, Wollombi across to Cooranbong back down the freeway to Gosford then back on the old road to the Pie in the Sky for a coffee.
I was in company with an Aprilia (Tuono?) and a Harley sportser. (We are all historic road racers BTW). I was concerned that I may be asking too much of the old FJ as these roads are pretty twisty and most of them 80/100kmh restricted (except old pacific hwy - 60kmh beurocratic madness !)
The bike was starting to show up a few areas that need work:
Front Brakes - not very confidence inspiring poor feel and need a good yank, but ok for trail braking.
Front suspension - clunky, leaking oil seal so will need a good overhaul but likely replaceing with the 43mm R6 forks if the lengths are good.
Rear Suspension: had its day and needs work.
Tyres: Pirelli Dragons - new, rear wheel steers around road surface changes ok once aware of the trait. Front seemed planted.
Motor: - perfect grunt in any gear.
None of this detracts from its cruising capability except maybe the front forks. Having now identified where I need to begin updating; once the Thunderace rear end arrives I will start work as I have all January free at the moment.
The R6 front end will require a little more planning to find some 43mm handlebars that will fit.

[The General]

Great report Jools. It`s about typical for a recent purchase. (Betting you still managed to embarrass the Harley). I`m keen to read of your decisions & progress. If ya make it up to the Bells Line of Road, do call in to the Bellbird Café at Kurrajong for a good coffee & cake. (Say hello to my brother Allan, the owner.) 

[FJools]

I'll put that one on the must visit list 

I tried to put a priority list together and this work currently sits at number 5.............

behind erecting a new shed, reorganising the garage and workshop space (never ending!)
and the two race bike preparations for next year. So probably early in the New Year.

[aviationfred]

For your 92' there are a few other options for the better handling that won't stretch you wallet.

1. Brakes. A bolt on item that is extremely plentiful on eBay and at local wreckers. Blue/Gold/Silver dot calipers. Used on late 90's up to mid 2000's on R1, R6, Fazer 600, Fazer 1000. Stainless steel braided lines and there will be a noticeable improvement.

2. Front suspension. Unless you have your heart set on the R6 front end, there are improvements that can be done to the OEM forks. Rebuild the forks with all new bushings, install the RPM fork valves, and install the RPM fork brace. The OEM fork will inspire just as much confidence as the R6 will without any machining work.

3. Thunderace swingarm. Add the swing arm and the RPM rear shock and you will be amazed. The addition of a 17"x5.5" rim will allow you to use modern sportbike radials in the 180/55/17 size.

Fred

[FJools]

Hey Fred

I'm already on to most of your suggestions there.

The R6 forks I have are complete with Blue spot callipers & master cylinder - just not sure whether to go the whole hog and use an R6 front wheel/axle spacers while I'm there....but the 3 spoke pattern doesn't look the same as the FJ's - straighter spokes ?...
I just measured the R6 forks up for length and they compare nicely, the triple clamp offset is near identical too - but I may need to up the spring rate.

I also bought an entire Thunderace swing arm assembly with shock, linkages, wheel brakes etc and have heard that these bolt in with minimum fuss. Does it alter the wheelbase any ?

Jools

[FJSpringy]

I was in the landrover behind you from beecroft to macas at thornleigh about 8.00 - 8.30 ish you have nice stock FJ with aftermarket cans.

Glad you had a good run, your mate on the aprilla looks like he needs a good feed  

[aviationfred]

Hey Fred

I also bought an entire Thunderace swing arm assembly with shock, linkages, wheel brakes etc and have heard that these bolt in with minimum fuss. Does it alter the wheelbase any ?

Jools

From what i have seen posted by other members that have done the Thunderace swing arm mod. Your wheelbase will shorten about 1 inch.

Fred

[FJSpringy]

The only thing you need to be carefully of with the T/Ace rear conversion is the clearance of the the rear brake master, some replace it with one that exits at a different angle, I modified mine.

From memory Kurt in the US found one that worked for him.

Yes it is shorter and you need to jack it up a few mm, you with either learn to live with the lean on the side stand or do as others have done modify it,

You also have to consider how much clearance you want between the rear tyre and the ground when using the center stand, make a few sets of dog bones to see what works and also how it handles as well.

Also start thinking about which front sprocket you will use to get chain clearance on the rear wheel, I have about 2.5mm

Other than that the T/Ace rear is easy, I am glad I did it some 10 years back.

[FJools]

I was in the landrover behind you from beecroft to macas at thornleigh about 8.00 - 8.30 ish you have nice stock FJ with aftermarket cans.

Glad you had a good run, your mate on the aprilla looks like he needs a good feed  

You will have noticed I was still a bit wobbly on it then..........

Rick is your typical racing snake.........bloody quick on his TZ2503YL - I can't get near him on mine, but then my self preservation receptors are still working.

He'll be racing a P&M 1260 Kwak for the UK team at the Island Classic.

[FJools]

Thanks for the pointers too, I was wondering about the gearing and the other small issues that might crop up.
How much wheel/road clearance do you have on the centre stand with the std set up ?

She is quite a tidy bike for the age & mileage. I have to be careful I don't go over the top (easier said than done) with the mods, while still retaining its looks.

I'll have a look at the brake master - I might look at replacing it with the later brembo types with the small reservoir. The other point that came up is the footrest position. For a tall guy - 6'3" - they don't feel right and something on the RHS is forcing my heel out - I'll look next time - the brake pedal is set to high but his can probably be adjusted.
The comfortable position is with balls of feet on the pegs, so may look at what can be done there - maybe new brackets for the footpegs unless there are any after market bits around.
I must cruise the RPM web pages.