87 vs 90 Forks

[petetb154]

Hey all, I am working on my front wheel swap, installing a 1990's 17" front wheel on my 87 FJ1200.

I see many people who upgraded also went with the newer forks that don't have anti-dive on them. I understand why, the A/D system is a POS.

Is it possible to install a newer 17" wheel and retain the 87 anti-dive forks? I cant find new forks on ebay yet, and I am eager to do the swap. I've ordered the wheel, but it's not here yet, so I cant check the fit.

This is unscientific, but from the drawing, the outer fork tube looks the same (except for anti-dive). Even the finder mounting holes and the brake mounting holes.

1987 Front Fork IPB
http://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/yam/50042937f8700209bc789081/front-fork

1993 Front Fork IPB
http://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/yam/50042f44f8700209bc78a6ef/front-fork

Thanks in advance.

[FJmonkey]

Brian, you can put an 89/90 FJ front 17" x 3.0" or 87/88 FZR1000 17" x 3.5" front on 84/87 fork lowers. But you have the challenge of rotor/brake caliper fitment. Personally I would hold out for some 89/90 lowers and the FZR1000 wheel (my current set up). But if Moditus is biting hard and you can't sleep till its done then consider adaptor brackets to fit blue dots to the 84/87 lowers. That way you keep the 89/90 rotors and get lighter calipers. Then when you find a set of 89/90 lowers all you need to do is remove the adaptor plates (sell them to the next FJ owner) and you are good to go. Upgrade to HH rated pads and braided lines for more a modern feel and safety. If you stay with the FJ wheel then consider fitting a 110/70/17 tire, the 120 looks too pinched on a 3" wide rim.

[petetb154]

Great advice. Where can I find the brake caliper bracket/adapters?

[FJmonkey]

Great advice. Where can I find the brake caliper bracket/adapters?

I think the V-Max forums have sources for the brackets.

Try this: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9167.msg88004#msg88004

[petetb154]

Found them on ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261420242249
$150 US.. Ouch.. Maybe I will wait for forks.

[fintip]

I did a ton of research on this. See http://fjowners.wikidot.com/forks . Basically, it's a bad idea, unless you can machine your own--then it's a reasonable idea.

That's for fitting blue spot calipers to the old wheel with the old forks, though, if I remember right--they won't allow you to use the old forks and the new 17" rim, unless I'm mistaken.

[petetb154]

I agree, I think I'll wait for late model FJ forks, RPM valves and springs.

Thanks all!

[Pat Conlon]

Smart move Brian!