handling

[chiz]

Hi
I started this by mentioning tires the rear is a Macadam AND the front a Laser I don't think this is a matched pair

The pairing of those tyres is unlikely to cause any problems.

...regardless of tire make tires still loose air??

No. Shouldn't lose more than a couple of pound over 6 mths., if that.

Noel

Forks sat on bench apart for weeks waiting for parts the bushes never arrived in time ...tooo impatient.
Got seals that have two springs each instead of the normal one Wonder how much stiction this added???
   anyone know what the three washers down at the bottom of each damper rod are for two of them are not flat but dished

[chiz]

Got my  kids to pick up some packages at the warehouse across the border (my pasport expired) among the stuff was a set of Progressive springs for the forks.
   I know they are not well liked....  they were about 3 inches longer than stock and the wire they were made of were considerably thicker I installed them minus the stock spacers. It would seem that the static sag is about 1 inch as apposed to 2 with stock springs.
   Greased a stanchion and hit the brakes with the anti dive adjusted all in and all out there seems to be no difference when I measure the grease mark what gives or do I have the wrong idea about how this system works?
     Thanks Chiz

[Pat Conlon]

  "..what gives or do I have the wrong idea about how this system works?
   

Yea, you are assuming the system worked to begin with...

Even when working, the anti dive system didn't really work....as far as I could tell.....

[markmartin]

It would seem that the static sag is about 1 inch as apposed to 2 with stock springs.
 

I'd say that is too stiff.  Get your money back and get some proper springs. You can get advice on this sight as to which springs you need and what options there are to you.

[racerrad8]

Did you take your forks to the guy who was going to "blue print" them for you as well as shim the bushings?

If so, what did the "blue printing " include because if something internally was modified then who knows where to start.

You have basically three options over the stock fork/spring set-up, unless you decide to modify & convert over some form of USD fork assembly.

a) progressive fork springs - You already to do not like them
b) Racetech fork valves and heavy springs - The middle of the road as far as performance results and cost with universal products adapted to the FJ.
c) RPM fork valves and softer springs - Specifically designed and patented fork springs for the FJ combined with softer fork springs for the best ride and performance available for the FJ.

There is numerous write ups on the RPM fork valves and comparisons to the RT products as well as this link to the files section.

RPM fork valves explained


Randy - RPM

[chiz]

I really don't know about not looking them just kind of repeating what has been said in the past about them. I don't know zilch about springs and such like but they seem more robust than the stock set I have not ridden the bike more than 100 yds since installing so cant comment.   I did make frightening discovery in that I had not tightened the handle bar pinch bolts although the allens holdind them down were tight.
    Trying to imagine what effect this would have had on the ride perhaps more than I suspect. Took of the top yoke yesterday and poked around at the stem nuts and tried to see if there was any play could mot find any. 
  Will try to discover on my next ride if a difference is noticed.
Thanks Chiz 

[higbonzo]

You can go on and on chasing the best handling fj.  Upside down forks, stronger swing arm, better shock, fork springs, etc.  But one of the quickest, yet not least expensive, ways to change the handling of the fj is to put a 17x 5.5 rear rim with a 180/55 tire and a 17x 3.5 front rim with the 120/70 tire on the bike.  Brings the bike quickly into the new millennium.  This will give you a great choice of performance tires and you can refine the rest of the handle aspect from there.  Ask anyone that has made the change and they will tell you it is a night and day difference in the bikes overall performance of the motorcycle.  I would have sent my fj down the road a long time ago if it were not for this set up.  Now, I can't come up with a good excuse to ever own any other bike.  It really makes a difference.

But, that is just my opinion.

Hope it helps.

Later....

[aviationfred]

You can go on and on chasing the best handling fj.  Upside down forks, stronger swing arm, better shock, fork springs, etc.  But one of the quickest, yet not least expensive, ways to change the handling of the fj is to put a 17x 5.5 rear rim with a 180/55 tire and a 17x 3.5 front rim with the 120/70 tire on the bike.  Brings the bike quickly into the new millennium.  This will give you a great choice of performance tires and you can refine the rest of the handle aspect from there.  Ask anyone that has made the change and they will tell you it is a night and day difference in the bikes overall performance of the motorcycle.  I would have sent my fj down the road a long time ago if it were not for this set up.  Now, I can't come up with a good excuse to ever own any other bike.  It really makes a difference.

But, that is just my opinion.

Hope it helps.

Later....

+1  I agree with this. Modern size radial tires make a world of difference.

Fred