Compatibility of FJ forks

[FJNovaScotia]

Hello Everyone,

Is the lower (outer fork) the same configuration from 84 to 89?   Thinking about caliper and fender attachments. 

The Reason:

Need to replace bent forks, will an 87 or older fork fit an 89 FJ using an 89 FJ fender, brake calipers, Rim etc...

Thanks in Advance

[FJ111200]

The fork tubes are the same, but the outers are different from 1988 onwards.
Calipers from the 1100's and early 1200's won't go with the later type, different spacing on the mounting points.

[andyb]

The upper portion is the same (the bit that goes into the clamps at the top) from 84-93.

The bottom part, not so much.

84-87 should interchange, and 89-93 should interchange, just not with each other.

If you have an 89, anything newer will work, with 89 and 90 being exact swaps.  I believe the fork caps were changed in 91 to a nonadjustable type, but the guts swap over I understand.  Where are things bent?  It's possible that the internals got abused, but I'd think it'd be the upper portion that would be the first to bend (you'd expect the bottom castings to just shatter rather than bend).  If you go with a 91-93 assembly and you have internal damage to your forks, you'd lose adjustability.  Of course, the easiest solution is to throw a set of cartridge emulators under a set of better springs, and get an upgrade in the process.

Alternately, depending on how involved you want things to get, you could swap to a YZF600 front end, or whatever.  There's a bunch of options if you're not just trying to put it back to where it was cheaply.

[craigo]

What Andy said, however, I get a feeling that you have a 3CV (89-90) with bent forks.  You are looking to replace the upper forks above the slider.

Seems to me that the easiest way to go is just find a complete set of 89-93 forks on ebay or such and just bolt them in.  I would upgrade the springs if you have not already done so on your current set.

But from what I see from the parts fiche, the inner fork tubes are the same from an 87 and a 89/90.

CraigO

[FJNovaScotia]

Thanks for the quick replies guys,

Sadly I'm looking for cheap.  I can't find any 89 and up forks on Ebay.  There are 87/86s around.  May have to purchase and reassemble using the outers from my bike.

[andyb]

The stanchions (uppers) look like PN 3CV-23110-00-00 to me.  Same number used from 84-90.  That'll keep your adjustability.

Most likely that's the bent bit.  Unless the damage is really severe, the internals should be okay, though you'll want new bushings/seals as a matter of course.