'84 FJ1100 tire options

[megsy]

The 1100's & early 1200's look better with the original 16' wheels if you are a collector or show the bike, it's always good to keep them original

I've riden pretty hard on the Metzlers with out an issue

[FJ1100mjk]

The 1100's & early 1200's look better with the original 16' wheels

I tend to agree.

Some of the favorable attributes of 17 inch wheels are undeniable, such as less unsprung weight and much greater selection of tires and compounds. However, I just can't seem to get past some of the stink bug, cat-in-heat looks on some pics of the rears on the switched-over bikes that I've seen. All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.

I think when those 16 inch red rims with polished accents on my '87 are clean, they are what I've heard coined by those across the Pond, the bees knees.

Sorry to offend anyone with 17 inch switch-overs, but the above is only an opinion of mine, and you know how the saying goes for opinions.

[ribbert]

All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.

All that air you speak of is not from the wheel swap. The OD of the 16" and 17" wheels with their respective tyres is much the same to the eye although the 17" does look a little more open because it has a lower combined profile.

The air is a result of two other popular mods, raising the rear end (excessively on some) and trimming the rear mudguard (fender) up to the number plate.

What you end up with doesn't matter, it's your bike. The main thing is that your choice is an informed one made once you are aware of all the facts and the exchange of posts over the last few days suggest that is the case.

It wouldn't suit me but then neither would a completely bright red bike. Each to their own.

Noel

[rktmanfj]

Some of the favorable attributes of 17 inch wheels are undeniable, such as less unsprung weight and much greater selection of tires and compounds. However, I just can't seem to get past some of the stink bug, cat-in-heat looks on some pics of the rears on the switched-over bikes that I've seen. All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.

What Noel said.
But if you ever rode one down a twisty road, you'd get it. 

[FJ1100mjk]

What Noel said.
But if you ever rode one down a twisty road, you'd get it. 

Lib (not):

I do get it. I owned a VFR for many years, and rode it on all sorts of twisties in different areas of the States. You're correct though about me not have ridden an FJ that has been converted to 17 inch hoops. If I did, I would probably be amazed at its handling differences.

Converting my FJs over, is not in the cards for me due to a number of reasons. One of them being lusting after a late nineties Triumph 955i. They come stock with fully adjustable suspension (USD up front) front and rear, 320mm discs up front, and 17 inch hoops. BUT, they are not an FJ. I plan on holding onto mine and enjoying them for a while longer. 

[rktmanfj]

I do get it. I owned a VFR for many years, and rode it on all sorts of twisties in different areas of the States. You're correct though about me not have ridden an FJ that has been converted to 17 inch hoops. If I did, I would probably be amazed at its handling differences.

Converting my FJs over, is not in the cards for me due to a number of reasons. One of them being lusting after a late nineties Triumph 955i. They come stock with fully adjustable suspension (USD up front) front and rear, 320mm discs up front, and 17 inch hoops. BUT, they are not an FJ. I plan on holding onto mine and enjoying them for a while longer. 

Not trying to start anything, really I'm not.   

I think you get it, partially, anyway, IMO.   

But, with a little effort, and a minor fraction of what you'd pay for a 15 year old Triumph 955, one of your FJs could have all those items.  And be an FJ...   Grab a ride on one of those 'cat-in-heat' 'stink bug' FJs, and give it a try.

Not a full-on race bike, but you'd surprised how well they can go, and in relative comfort.  PLUS all the support of this group, and (probably) better parts availability (at least on the hard parts).  A well-modified and ridden FJ is pretty hard to beat.

Again, JMO.  No disrespect intended whatsoever.

[FJ1100mjk]

Again, JMO.  No disrespect intended whatsoever.

Wasn't even on the radar for me.

Regarding that 955i... Those curves, the three cylinder snarl, I'm like a moth drawn to a flame. Build quality is supposed to be pretty good too.

Anyways. Time to move on. Diverged enough from this thread.

[Pat Conlon]

I agree with what everyone says.... Everyone.
IMO, the FJ looks beautiful with the stock 16" rims and beefy tostada 80 series sidewall tires. It just looks right.
I kept my '84 stock for the first 10 years.
Then in the mid 90's I got a chance to ride my friends '86 which had the 17" conversion. I rode that bike for 2 full days through the back highways of San Diego County. The difference was noticeable. Have you ever had the chance to dance with a real good dance partner? It is much less effort. The FJ will never be the precision scalpel  like a GSXR or YZF but I learned, first hand, that the old girl's agility could be improved.

Again, I agree with Marty and Megsy, the FJ just looks 'right' with the 16" oem rims and tires. They fit.
However, she really does function better with the 17" rims and modern tires.

My final thought is to point out that this modification is fully reversible. I have kept all my original gear off my '84 and I can convert her back to oem any time I want.

But in her current state of tune, she is such a good dance partner....

[Klavdy]

You might have kept the OEM gear but how will you ever find it?

[Pat Conlon]

Yea, I forget, you've seen my garage....it's in there...somewhere.....you wanna buy a black hard tail chopper?

[Klavdy]

Yea, I forget, you've seen my garage....it's in there...somewhere.....you wanna buy a black hard tail chopper?

Yes, I do.
how bout the car too?
You want to sell it?

[mr blackstock]

I have an '85 with 16inch front, for tyres I run BT45's.  I tried a few types over the last couple of years, my tyres seem to last around 6 months give or take.  I found some brands to wear quickly, others to loose their edges while the centre is rock hard.  For the cost and feel I belive the BT45's are a good brand and decent tyre. 

I mostly commute at 100kmph over rough sealed roads, 34 psi front, 36 psi rear.

cheers, Gareth

[~JM~]

I have an '85 with 16inch front, for tyres I run BT45's.  I tried a few types over the last couple of years, my tyres seem to last around 6 months give or take.  I found some brands to wear quickly, others to loose their edges while the centre is rock hard.  For the cost and feel I belive the BT45's are a good brand and decent tyre. 

I mostly commute at 100kmph over rough sealed roads, 34 psi front, 36 psi rear.

cheers, Gareth

By any chance did you try the Avon RoadRiders?

I would really like to hear from someone who has ridden the same bike with both the RoadRiders & the BT-45's and find out which of the two they liked better.

Thank you
~JM~

[kensea]

85 FJ1100
16" stock wheels
Fairly sporty rider, but more than likely, slower than you.
I really like the Avon Azaro-ST, aka AV45/AV46. Good grip, reasonable life, will be mounting 2ND pair on the hoops this spring as I have worn out/aged out the current pair.

While I hope this may help someone reading this forum, it is just my opinion, based on my limited observations.  Cheers.   

____________
The Fleet..
85 FJ1100
86 FZ750
08 Ducati 848
13 Husky TE310R

[mr blackstock]

I did not try the avon's, I did try pirelli, I think, metzler, and another brand i cannot remember, could have been a chinese brand.  I will look for some avons next time around.

cheers, Gareth