Has anyone used a GSF1200 Bandit front wheel on a FJ1200?

[Persistant]

I love the rear wheel swap (GSF1200 Bandit) I did on the rear of my 93 FJ1200 last year and want to match the spoke pattern by replacing the front as well (also to have a 17x3.5" front).  I believe the rear was a 2001-2005 bandit wheel.  If anyone has done it or knows of a write up explaining if any mods or machining needs doing, years that work, if any parts need swapping, I would appreciate it.  Cheers!

[aviationfred]

Look at this thread.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=11483.0

Fred

[Persistant]

Look at this thread.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=11483.0

Fred

Could be just too late for me tonight but I only see reference to replacing a front fender with one from a Bandit....I'm looking for a front wheel swap from FJ to Bandit.  Did I miss something?

Cheers,

Andrew

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Andrew, I have not done this conversion but I can give you some hints as to what is involved.

The Bandit being a newer designed motorcycle uses a 17mm front axle...our FJ's use a 15mm axle.
I confirmed this by looking here: http://scandalon.com/2009/06/motorcycle-front-axle-diameter-chart/

Unfortunately, there are no wheel bearings that I am aware of that have the OD that will fit rims designed for 17mm axles that convert down to the ID needed for our 15mm axles.
That would be the holy grail for front rim conversions on our FJ's. We need to work on that issue.

So you are left with 2 choices, drill out your fork lowers for the 17mm axle or get some 1mm thick bushings to slide over your 15mm FJ axle.
I do not recommend the bushing solution. The material thickness of 1mm is very thin for the loads subjected by the front end. All you need is a cracked bushing and your can experience a very bad day.
In all fairness, others on this forum have done the thin bushing route and have reported no problems, yet.
Call me paranoid....it just gives me the heebie jeebies.

Second, there is the issue of the speedometer drive....Does the Bandit have a mechanical speedometer drive? You need one or plan on converting your speedo over to electronic or a GPS speedo.

Third, there is the issue of axle spacers...What is the spacing of the Bandit forks? You might need custom spacers made.

Last is the brake rotors....will the Bandit rotors line up with your calipers on the FJ lower sliders?  

Many questions as you can see....Pat

[Persistant]

Hi Pat,  thanks for the input.  Yes many questions and it would be awesome if it was as simple as my experiment with the bandit rear wheel swap!  I have a FJ expert mechanic friend (woman) that has had FJ's since the the first 1100, raced, and owned a couple shops who has done them in the past.  Unfortunately the swap info, specs, years and parts list are in a box somewhere from the recent move of her home and shop.  Being the start of riding season she is super swamped with those like most of us want their bikes now rather than having tuned during the winter......  In the mean time I will keep looking for info.

Ultimately I just want a 17x3.5 wheel with the same spoke pattern that will be a easy swap to match up with my blue dots etc......

Cheers!

[Country Joe]

Ultimately I just want a 17x3.5 wheel with the same spoke pattern that will be a easy swap to match up with my blue dots etc......

Cheers!

Well, the easy part with matching spoke pattern limits your choices to
only one. If you are willing to have the axle holes in the lower fork legs bored out to 17 mm that will open up the possible wheels.

Joe
Joe

[Country Joe]

Ultimately I just want a 17x3.5 wheel with the same spoke pattern that will be a easy swap to match up with my blue dots etc......

Cheers!

If you find a suitable match for the rear, that will be very good news...