Fork Alignment + Rear Linkage woes.

[X-Ray]

Hello all,

After our SE Qld ride last weekend, I decided to try to fix a problem with the steering on the FJ. That is, take your hands off the bars and she always wants to track to the right. I noticed that one of my fork tubes was poking through the clamps a bit more than the other, (by about 3mm, will wear glasses next time the forks are out). Not sure if righting this will fix the issue or if the the back wheel alignment is out. Will check that next. While I was rocking the bike onto the back wheel, I heard and felt that dreaded clunk from the back end, looks like the swingarm linkage bearings are finally shot. Last time I checked there was a tiny noise and small amount of movement, should have changed them then. Oh well, thats why its called maintenance I guess,    

Might as well take the whole 'arm and linkage out to service to make it worthwhile.

[movenon]

Sounds like some maint and adjustment should be done. Set the forks to the same height for sure....

I don't know which bearing or bearings are bad in the rear but in the parts diagram, item 20 which is the same bearings you use (4 of them). SkyMasters located another part number from Honda that will interchange.  Here is a link, scroll down and look at the diagram and the parts he used. The Honda bearing at least for me is a lot cheaper than the Yamaha one.  Your relay link is slightly different but uses the same bearing.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7691.495

George

[fintip]

Might as well out a new shock while you're in there! Fjowners.wikidot.com/rear-shock

[X-Ray]

Finally got around to taking the back wheel out to check the swingarm noise and it is mainly the lower shock mount on the linkage that has the clunk. But might as well do them all while I am at it, still have to check the main swingarm bearings though. also checked the rear wheel bearings, no movement but one is getting a bit of noise when being rotated. Thanks for the link George.

A new shock at the same time would be nice, but............

[stua1959]

Hi Ray
I have been playing with mine today as well. Cleaned up the GSXR wheel and did a test fit. All went together ok. Have to fit new seals, pads and a rotor, no hurry, I still have some life in the old tyres. Looking for a 18 tooth front sprocket to go with the 43 t rear. Also re fitted the Honda shock so it will be a different bike when I get it together. Waiting on uni pods and 90 degree tyre valves to arrive from Randy.
While we have been hard at work I noticed on facebook that Richard and Julie have been doing the coffee shop circuit on Mt Mee. Some people have it easy

[X-Ray]

Heh Heh, can't beat the coffee circuit!

The GSXR wheel mod is great Stu, you'll love it. I've actually got to do a bit of a clean/rebuild on the Suzuki back brake caliper, I didn't really do this when I got the wheel 5 years ago.

[Bones]

Mine had a clunk when riding that was so bad Ray that people following would comment on the noise, and when on the centre stand could put a post hole shovel under the back tyre and lever it up and down about an inch before the shock would start to compress.

Turned out to be a buggered rear shock. A new Hagon and greased linkage bearings, fixed it but you probably didn't want to hear that now did you.

                                                         Tony.

[X-Ray]

Not really Tony, but when I pull it all apart properly for inspection, if the shock is really bad it will strengthen my case for a new one,   
But I am fairly certain it is the needle bearings only, (they won't be as expensive to fix first),

[andyb]

If it's very expensive to replace, then get it working as well as you can first.

This is true of $1000 shocks on a $2000 bike. 

It's true of the wife.  Making the comparison in actual currency amounts in front of her may raise the price dramatically.

Not recommended.

(Yes, she's out today so I'm safe.  No dummy, here.)

[roverfj1200]

Hi Ray
I have been playing with mine today as well. Cleaned up the GSXR wheel and did a test fit. All went together ok. Have to fit new seals, pads and a rotor, no hurry, I still have some life in the old tyres. Looking for a 18 tooth front sprocket to go with the 43 t rear. Also re fitted the Honda shock so it will be a different bike when I get it together. Waiting on uni pods and 90 degree tyre valves to arrive from Randy.
While we have been hard at work I noticed on facebook that Richard and Julie have been doing the coffee shop circuit on Mt Mee. Some people have it easy

I would fit the 18 front and 40 rear That will give 3800rpm at 100kph For the rear a GT750 sprocket is the one.

I know we would all love a Randy shock but you can have the stock one rebuilt for $180 and a new spring wound for $180 as well.

Its true the wife and I have been out for a spin to the local mountain top coffee shop and I must say the FJ is running fine and a joy to ride right now. We should be posting in the SEQLD FJ page our outings so others can join in.

[X-Ray]

 Actually that's a good idea Richard re getting the standard shock rebuilt.  I was even looking at the Hyperpro shocks for the FJ, and they still run to $700 . For my bike that sits in the shed more than out on the road, a proper rebuild job would be the go.

[stua1959]

Ray, I have a rebuilt original shock I got off Harvy. It has an Eibach 1200 lb spring which is way too heavy and the damping is not up to it. The ride is pretty harsh and it hobby horses over bumps. Thats why I am putting the Honda shock back on. It handles much better even though the spring is too soft. You are welcome to have a play with it if u want.
Richard, I didnt know about the GT750 sprocket, is that for an early model GSXR wheel ( I have an 89 750 wheel 4.5 " ) I know there were some differences with the sprocket fitting

[roverfj1200]

Ray, I have a rebuilt original shock I got off Harvy. It has an Eibach 1200 lb spring which is way too heavy and the damping is not up to it. The ride is pretty harsh and it hobby horses over bumps. Thats why I am putting the Honda shock back on. It handles much better even though the spring is too soft. You are welcome to have a play with it if u want.
Richard, I didnt know about the GT750 sprocket, is that for an early model GSXR wheel ( I have an 89 750 wheel 4.5 " ) I know there were some differences with the sprocket fitting

I have the 89 1100 rear on mine and there is no listing for a 40 tooth sprocket. The GT 750 has a 40 tooth and fits the GSXR rear. I have the part number if you need. Pretty sure the 750 and 1100 have the same pattern.

Local Bike shop here can have most stuff in within a day or two. Good price too.