Comings and goings at R.P.M......

[Mike Ramos]

Comings and goings at RPM....

In preparing for the West Coast Rally,I phoned to make an appointment with R.P.M. to have the valves adjusted, oils changed,and the motorcycle given a "once over" to ensure continued safe travels.  It seems as if other FJ owners (and a few Legend car owners) had the same idea.  Even the Wizard with a new set of tires, along with a new engine being assembled, are there awaiting its owner...  Yet despite RPM's usual busy schedule they were most accommodating.

For those lucky enough to be in Northern California, good news about tires...

While making the appointment, I mentioned that after my visit all that would be needed was a new set of tires (my winter tires with almost 10,000 miles, while still having more life in them, should be replaced with the softer compound tires in an attempt to keep pace with Mr. Conlon and his USD equipped, highly modified FJ). Low and behold, the operator said "Little man, R.P.M now has tires available for those who order ahead & come by the shop for installation."  So, hearing about Olsen and following Mr.B's lead, a set was ordered and mounted.  It is worth mentioning the price of the tires was quite reasonable as was the installation and speed balancing price.

For those who have purchased suspension products, interesting news...

Speaking of valves and such, I would like to address another type of valve, that being the Fork Valves offered by RPM.  In early 2012 I purchased a set of Fork Valves and have never looked back.  Between the original '91 and now the (not quite as nice as Mr. Conlon's) '92 there are over 100,000 documented miles on the original set.  Although there was no diminution in performance, Randy replaced this original set and is sending them back to the manufacturer to check for wear.  With this new set of Fork Valves installed, there is no difference in handling or the quality of the ride as compared to the high mileage Fork Valves.  It will be interesting to see the results of the manufacturer's assessment.   

In reviewing the FJ Forum, it appears that the RPM shock is on back order.  From my experience, I would suggest it well worth the wait.  As noted some time ago, I was given a prototype shock for testing.  I rode that prototype for 25,000 miles, at which time I purchased my own shock and returned the prototype to Randy. Interestingly there was no perceptual difference in performance. Randy sent that shock back and there was a lack of noticeable wear; as a preventative maintenance, new bushings & seals were installed and the oil was changed. That is the shock Randy took to Australia and is now installed on his daily rider.

Time and miles got away from me and I finally sent in the production shock with 41,000 plus miles on it, long overdue for servicing. The extended miles resulted in excessive wear on the shaft bushing & shaft; they were replaced along with new seals & oil and the shock again has no perceptual difference in performance. Although it was my error in letting the miles add up, Randy took care of this rebuild as a test of the service interval of the shock. Randy said he is going to update the recommended rebuild mileage to 25-30k, which is significantly longer than the vaunted Penske recommendation of 8500-10,000 miles.

I wasn't aware the gentlemen at RPM had added brake rotors to the stocking parts. I was in need of a new rear rotor and had ordered an EBC until I saw what Randy had added--I now have a much nicer rotor than the EBC that I had originally purchased.

Well gentlemen, see you at the WCR & continue to ride safe.

Midget

[Capn Ron]

Nice writeup, Mike as always!   

I, too did a bit of rally prep today.  Nothing too serious...just swapping out to my "touring tires" as I'm doing both the WCR and the BHR and then heading up into Canada.  I'll be logging at a minimum, 6,500 miles and that calls for Metzeler ME880's.  Along with that, an oil change, lubing up the chain and a bit of Zaino polish on the painted bits.

While I was installing the front wheel/tire, I noticed that my front brake pads were getting wafer-thin!!!  I was thrilled that RPM stocks the EBC-HH pads!!!  With a week before leaving for the rally, I ordered the front sets knowing they'll be on my doorstep in plenty of time to swap them out!   

[Mark Olson]

Yes indeed , I asked out of the blue about my favorite front tire pilot power and the price was better than anywhere else ..

So since I was going there to pick up my engine anyway I brought the wheel and had them change it over . RPM has a slick tire machine and balancer that made it easy .

Rpm is becoming quite the one stop shop for everything Fj... 

I was treated to lunch with Randy and Robert and had a great time. 

I am still wondering how much I have to spend before I get a t-shirt though. 

With Mike "midget" Ramos being a big part of the R&D going on at RPM I am waiting to hear about the fuel injection.

[Flying Scotsman]

What did he charge for tires ?
I looked and did not see them.

[Mark Olson]

you gotta call and ask , my tire was 99.00 +20.00 mount and balance ...pilot power.

they have a lot more services and parts than listed... just ask.

[Pat Conlon]

....With Mike "midget" Ramos being a big part of the R&D going on at RPM I am waiting to hear about the fuel injection.

That perked my ears up....Mark are you saying that Mike has been riding around with fuel injection?

[Mark Olson]

No, he is not ...yet.

[Steve_in_Florida]

Fuck you guys that live so close to Randy! FUCK YOU!!!

Kid in a candy store, I'd be.

I picture a line of anxious FJ owners outside Randy's shop each morning, waiting to hear the click of the lock.

Sure wish I lived closer. Any jobs out there?

Oh, that'd mean living in Kalifornia. Hmmm...

Kidding aside, Randy's the bomb. He's always helped me, even from afar.

I *AM* happy for you, Mike. Really.

Steve

[ribbert]

Fuck you guys that live so close to Randy! FUCK YOU!!!

Steve

Steve, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel about it.


Noel

[ZOA NOM]

Fuck you guys that live so close to Randy! FUCK YOU!!!

Kid in a candy store, I'd be.

I picture a line of anxious FJ owners outside Randy's shop each morning, waiting to hear the click of the lock.

Sure wish I lived closer. Any jobs out there?

Oh, that'd mean living in Kalifornia. Hmmm...

Kidding aside, Randy's the bomb. He's always helped me, even from afar.

I *AM* happy for you, Mike. Really.

Steve

Haha!  I know how you feel, Steve.

I take it for granted sometimes, tho. Like the Golden Gate Bridge, I don't visit nearly often enough, when it's right in my back yard.

I wonder who of us NorCal guys is closest to the RPM Candy Store... it's 62 miles one way for me. 

[winddancer]

Fuck you guys that live so close to Randy! FUCK YOU!!!

Kid in a candy store, I'd be.

I picture a line of anxious FJ owners outside Randy's shop each morning, waiting to hear the click of the lock.

Sure wish I lived closer. Any jobs out there?

Oh, that'd mean living in Kalifornia. Hmmm...

Kidding aside, Randy's the bomb. He's always helped me, even from afar.

I *AM* happy for you, Mike. Really.

Steve

Haha!  I know how you feel, Steve.

I take it for granted sometimes, tho. Like the Golden Gate Bridge, I don't visit nearly often enough, when it's right in my back yard.

I wonder who of us NorCal guys is closest to the RPM Candy Store... it's 62 miles one way for me. 





sorry it is 12.1 miles for me