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looking to get shocks rebuild out of the way

Started by gonzajr, March 15, 2015, 09:46:47 PM

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advice

may be I should start over again
1 (50%)
may be this could still work
1 (50%)
go with the oem springs and gold valves
0 (0%)
go with progressive spring
0 (0%)
I'm just not sure
0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 2

gonzajr

Looking for advice money flowing out and no return yet.I got 89 forks for the 86fj the 89 forks are a part.   
I got from ebay gold valves and springs for the rebuild but missing all the other parts that was not in the sale. Now there may not be very much i can do with this, is their any one that can lead me in the right
direction; i would like to use the gold valve. I see Alan is using  this system and the parts on the 3rd picture is showing the parts i am missing. Thanks       

FJmonkey

We need a bit more information of what you have already modified. Please provide more detail.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

movenon

Quote from: FJmonkey on March 15, 2015, 09:55:07 PM
We need a bit more information of what you have already modified. Please provide more detail.

More details.. 

I run RT type emulators and Race Tech straight rate springs and am real happy with them but you will have to take some time tuning the emulators.  I probably had mine out for adjustment 6 or more times before I got them tuned for me.  Not hard to do, just takes time.  Pitch the old Yamaha springs and I would recommend you go with straight rate springs. Use Race Tech's calculator on there WEB site.
George
Life isn't about having the best, but about making the best of what you have...

1990 FJ 1200

gonzajr

Quote from: FJmonkey on March 15, 2015, 09:55:07 PM
We need a bit more information of what you have already modified. Please provide more detail.
Thanks and good morning  FJmonkey just starting my day here in Colorado. With the dilemma that i am in the the shock are apart and have not done any drilling on tubes, i do have a complete new set of progressive spring in box not opened.

gonzajr

Quote from: movenon on March 16, 2015, 01:17:31 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on March 15, 2015, 09:55:07 PM
We need a bit more information of what you have already modified. Please provide more detail.

More details.. 

I run RT type emulators and Race Tech straight rate springs and am real happy with them but you will have to take some time tuning the emulators.  I probably had mine out for adjustment 6 or more times before I got them tuned for me.  Not hard to do, just takes time.  Pitch the old Yamaha springs and I would recommend you go with straight rate springs. Use Race Tech's calculator on there WEB site.
George
I think you are right about going with RT springs and Gold valve. I am going to stop at a motorcycle shop and see what they have; that i can complete this set thanks.

FJmonkey

If you are considering the RT valves then also consider the RPM valves. The RPM valves were designed specifically for the FJ and they are a full cartridge valve. Unlike George I have not had to tune my valves, they drop in with straight rate springs and were good to go for me.

Warning: When your front end is sorted and working properly... All you will notice after that is how bad the rear end is....
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

movenon

Here is some information to read that might help.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1911.0  (open the PDF file)

http://www.racetech.com/page/title/Emulator%20Tuning%20Guide

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=764.0

Tips: Make sure you get the "tulip" that slips on to the dampener in the correct direction.  Look at a Yamaha parts diagram.
      1/2 turn on the emulator is significant.  On final adjustment I got down to a 1/4 turn.
      IMO if you need new bushings etc. replace them now while the forks are apart.  Put new seals in just because. IMO use factory Yamaha seals.

Hope some of this helps.  Also RPM is a good source for parts.
George

As Mark said, the RPM valves from reports are working great but as I understand it you already have the RT valves on hand.  The RPM valves are a different design and come pre tuned for the FJ.  With the any of the other valves you will have to tune them for your riding style.  Not hard.  Just takes time. I fiddled with mine all summer long off and on until I got it zeroed in in.  Setting the forks in the triple clamp correctly, setting SAG, preload, Emulator adjustment, and fork oil combo.

And Mark is also correct. After your front end is tuned like it should be you will notice how crappy the rear shock is.
Life isn't about having the best, but about making the best of what you have...

1990 FJ 1200

Firehawk068

Gonzajr,
I can help you if you need assistance with your fork rebuild.
Where in Colorado are you?
Send me a PM, and I can give you a hand with what you need to drill, and what else you'll need.  :hi:
Alan H.
Denver, CO
'90 FJ1200

gonzajr

Quote from: FJmonkey on March 16, 2015, 11:07:17 AM
If you are considering the RT valves then also consider the RPM valves. The RPM valves were designed specifically for the FJ and they are a full cartridge valve. Unlike George I have not had to tune my valves, they drop in with straight rate springs and were good to go for me.

Warning: When your front end is sorted and working properly... All you will notice after that is how bad the rear end is....
I truly have all the pieces to make my FJ the best.  Except for steel brake lines, and R1  brake pads these parts will be on be for it is done. The F4I Honda shock is going to be installed,  with the two 17" wheels, 1990  GSXR 1100 rear wheel  180/55/17  and a  FZR f42 3.5 17"  front chrome wheel that was on ebay a view month back this is the part that started the hole idea of the transformation. The R6 brake master and of course  Blue dot calipers. 

gonzajr

Quote from: FJmonkey on March 15, 2015, 09:55:07 PM
We need a bit more information of what you have already modified. Please provide more detail.
I thought i sent this to u this morning fjmonkey. The only thing that i have done is disassemble
forks and cleaned need to think my next move. thanks
   

fjfool

hey gonzajr,
dont know where in co you are but, im in Gypsum
i am finished with my seal driver and dampener rod tool(homemade)- if you need these items let me know and i can send them to you or you can pick up also
i also would be happy to help with the forks, i just did mine with the RPM valve/spring set up so the process is fresh in my mind

FJmonkey

Gonzajr, it looks like you already have many good parts for your upgrade and the helpful information is poring in from fellow mates. What are you missing to finish the work and get your FJ sorted and ready for Kookalooo?
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side