FZR600 rear wheel conversion to 1991 FJ in Australia Where to find a wheel?

[bikerjimbob]

Hi all,

I am looking into a 17" rear wheel conversion, reading all I can find it looks like the rear wheel from a YZF600 Thundercat is the easiest conversion to do (am I correct in this assumption)

So I am looking for a complete rear wheel with disc and sprocket carrier (is there anything else I should get before starting the conversion? as I am new to the FJ1200 and indeed to Australia any help and advice including where to try and source a used wheel.

As said any help and advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers Jim

[Sparky84]

EBay, wreckers, gumtree all these places and more.
Just have to keep looking.
Will you be changing front wheel to the wider rim at the same time ?

Maybe some has a spare one on here

[bikerjimbob]

I have found a pair of YZF600 wheels, rear has a disc but no sprocket carrier (does the FJ1200 one fit by any chance?) the front wheel has no discs (is the YZF600 front wheel used on the FJ1200?)
 So many questions but I am learning an awful lot about the FJ as I go along.
Thanks for the information so far very helpful.

[Millietant]

I wrote up some guidance based on the document originally done by Jon Cain but this swap - do have it?

The best place I've found to get the parts is by joining the YZF 600R Thundercat owners groups on Facebook. There are Buy and Sell groups where the parts are regularly advertised for sale by owners Breaking bikes.

That would be my first place to look.

[bikerjimbob]

Hi, I don't have that document and it would be very handy to have, is there any chance you can send me a link or something so I can see it please.
 I will get on the thundercat facebook group and see what I can find thanks for the info.
   

[fj1289]

https://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1567.0

[Millietant]

Hi, I don't have that document and it would be very handy to have, is there any chance you can send me a link or something so I can see it please.
 I will get on the thundercat facebook group and see what I can find thanks for the info.
   

I've sent you a message.

[Millietant]

I have found a pair of YZF600 wheels, rear has a disc but no sprocket carrier (does the FJ1200 one fit by any chance?) the front wheel has no discs (is the YZF600 front wheel used on the FJ1200?)
 So many questions but I am learning an awful lot about the FJ as I go along.
Thanks for the information so far very helpful.

No, the YZF 600 front wheel is different to the FJ and is not a direct replacement. Those who have used it, usually have used the complete YZF front end.

[bikerjimbob]

Hi All,

Just thought I would give an update, the rear wheel conversion is done, fits perfectly and by following the detailed instructions from all of you it was way easier then I could have hoped for.

So a very big thank you to all of you for all your help and advice, couldn't have done it without you.

Next job is to make some new dog bones using the 3/4" ply under the rear wheel method with the bike on the centre stand.

Cheers Jim

[Pat Conlon]

  Good on ya! 

I find on my '89 with the YZF600 rim, being only 5" wide, a 170/60-17 tire is my best choice and is almost an exact height to the oem 150/80-16 donut it replaced. 

 On my '84 I have a wider 5.5" (T-Ace) rim so I run a 180/55-17 tire, so with that tire being shorter than the oem 150/80 I corrected my rear ride height with my Penske shock.

Between the two 17" tire sizes 170/60 vs. 180/55 I find the taller 170 tire to be  slightly more nimble.

Both choices are still light years better than that narrow pig heavy 150/80-16 tire.

The 3/4" plywood trick is perfect for dialing in the rear ride height. You will notice an improvement.
Be sure to clamp those bones together when you drill your holes (drill both right/left bones together)
 You gotta be *dead nuts* on those holes lining up or you will ruin the swing arm needle bearings if you load the bearings unevenly by having mismatched dog bones.....don't ask....

[bikerjimbob]

Good on ya! 

I find on my '89 with the YZF600 rim, being only 5" wide, a 170/60-17 tire is my best choice and is almost an exact height to the oem 150/80-16 donut it replaced. 

 On my '84 I have a wider 5.5" (T-Ace) rim so I run a 180/55-17 tire, so with that tire being shorter than the oem 150/80 I corrected my rear ride height with my Penske shock.

Between the two 17" tire sizes 170/60 vs. 180/55 I find the taller 170 tire to be  slightly more nimble.

Both choices are still light years better than that narrow pig heavy 150/80-16 tire.

The 3/4" plywood trick is perfect for dialing in the rear ride height. You will notice an improvement.
Be sure to clamp those bones together when you drill your holes (drill both right/left bones together)
 You gotta be *dead nuts* on those holes lining up or you will ruin the swing arm needle bearings if you load the bearings unevenly by having mismatched dog bones.....don't ask....

All done new dog bones made, both wheels refurbished with new bearings, paint etc new tyres fitted and a test ride done ABSOLUTELY AMAZING now the bike is a pleasure to ride and a definite keeper that's for sure.
Cheers Jim