85 FJ1100 Front End Issues

[MN Made]

Hi All: I have read several posts about the flaky front ends on the FJs and different modifications to improve handling and response. Alas, I have done no modifications to my FJs suspension since I purchased it. I don't get to ride it much, but on a recent ride I had some disconcerting experiences with the front end handing. I noticed that when driving over nearly ANY surface imperfections that were in-line with the front wheel (as opposed to crossing the lane of traffic at a 90 deg angle) the front end gets really squirrelly. Cracks, crack repairs, combed concrete - anything - the front end wants to track back and fourth somewhat unpredictably. I was wondering if it is more tire-related or suspension related in your opinion. I don't recall the tire manufacturer etc. at present, but the front end is stock with the brake anti-dive system still on it. I have checked the adjustments (anti-dive and preload) to make sure they are set to the same on both sides, etc. I think I filled the forks with the recommended weight of motor oil on last change - 10W-30 perhaps? Whatever the Haynes service manual recommended.

Oh, this is in addition to the constant shimmy at speed (even after balancing the front wheel) as well as noticeable deceleration wobble.....Not exactly confidence building.

Any ideas would be appreciated. 

[The General]

Hi All: I have read several posts about the flaky front ends on the FJs and different modifications to improve handling and response. Alas, I have done no modifications to my FJs suspension since I purchased it. I don't get to ride it much, but on a recent ride I had some disconcerting experiences with the front end handing. I noticed that when driving over nearly ANY surface imperfections that were in-line with the front wheel (as opposed to crossing the lane of traffic at a 90 deg angle) the front end gets really squirrelly. Cracks, crack repairs, combed concrete - anything - the front end wants to track back and fourth somewhat unpredictably. I was wondering if it is more tire-related or suspension related in your opinion. I don't recall the tire manufacturer etc. at present, but the front end is stock with the brake anti-dive system still on it. I have checked the adjustments (anti-dive and preload) to make sure they are set to the same on both sides, etc. I think I filled the forks with the recommended weight of motor oil on last change - 10W-30 perhaps? Whatever the Haynes service manual recommended.

Oh, this is in addition to the constant shimmy at speed (even after balancing the front wheel) as well as noticeable deceleration wobble.....Not exactly confidence building.

Any ideas would be appreciated. 

If air pressures are good, I bet it`s primarily a tyre wear problem. (First place to start I reckon.) 

[ribbert]

Hi All: I have read several posts about the flaky front ends on the FJs and different modifications to improve handling and response.

If air pressures are good, I bet it`s primarily a tyre wear problem. (First place to start I reckon.) 

I agree with Doug, what you describe is classic tyres. If it is severe, I would look at tyre compatibility, not with the bike, but each other.
I assume you have checked all the obvious stuff like things left loose, wheel alignment etc

IMO, the "flaky front end" reputation on the FJ is rubbish. Yes, it can be improved on, just like many other parts of the bike, but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with a standard front end, assuming it is in good order. The forks on the vast majority of FJ's out there remain standard, mine included, in fact it's about the only thing that remains standard on my bike.

They can be made better, but it's never going to get you into trouble (like me for saying this) if everything else is in good order.

Noel

Usual disclaimer

[red]

Hi All: I have done no modifications to my FJs suspension since I purchased it. on a recent ride I had some disconcerting experiences with the front end handing. I noticed that when driving over nearly ANY surface imperfections that were in-line with the front wheel (as opposed to crossing the lane of traffic at a 90 deg angle) the front end gets really squirrelly. Cracks, crack repairs, combed concrete - anything - the front end wants to track back and fourth somewhat unpredictably. I was wondering if it is more tire-related or suspension related in your opinion.  Oh, this is in addition to the constant shimmy at speed (even after balancing the front wheel) as well as noticeable deceleration wobble.....Not exactly confidence building.  Any ideas would be appreciated.  

MN Made,

I had similar complaints with my FJ1100, until I changed the tires out for Pirelli Sport Demons.  It was like getting a new bike!  The handling became inspiring.  Roadway grooves are seldom felt, and a very minor concern even then.  Sixteen inch tire sets are not available in many brands of tires now.  Avon makes radial tires in the correct sizes, but I have not tried them.  Wheel balancing is very important, of course.

Cheers,
Red

[Tiger]

I bet it`s primarily a tyre wear problem. (First place to start I reckon.) 

+1 

IMO, the "flaky front end" reputation on the FJ is rubbish. Yes, it can be improved on, just like many other parts of the bike, but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with a standard front end, assuming it is in good order. The forks on the vast majority of FJ's out there remain standard, mine included, in fact it's about the only thing that remains standard on my bike.

They can be made better, but it's never going to get you into trouble (like me for saying this) if everything else is in good order. Noel Usual disclaimer

+1 

Pirelli Sport Demons. Wheel balancing is very important, of course. Cheers, Red

+1   

If everything else checks out...Straight forks, good seals, the right fork oil/level, a brake caliper(s) not binding, binding hmmmm, bad gas, bloated belly, constipation, oooops wrong thread etc, then check/replace your tire(s), balance and go ride/enjoy your FJ buddy...

John.

[oz.fj]

/quote]

I agree on the tyres. I Just fitted my second set of Avon's. The new Storm 3Ds  and after a 100km scrub in ride 2 words come to mind Confidence Inspiring. I had to keep reminding myself not to push it in the corners as I was scrubbing them in.
Bye the time I got to my favourite set of twisties all bets were off.  It was turning in with very little input. Holding its line well through corners  with no wobbles or shakes and all this with standard suspension.
IMO these tyres are as close to the feel of 17" mod as you will get with 16" tyres.
http://avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/storm-3d-x-m

No I don't work for Avon.

Darran

[movenon]

Check your fork brace also. An aftermarket fork brace is a nice add on.    Just get it on the center stand and check everything out closely. Head bearings down to the tire. It is fixable.  Let us know what you fine out.  
George

[Burns]

be sure to check your steering stem bearings.

[FJmonkey]

I ran on the Avon AV 45/46 combo for a few years before I upgraded to 17". Good tires, mileage is low if you stay in the twisties.  3 to 4 K miles at best... I also ride with others that like the Pirelli Sport Demon in 16", seems like a good tire as well...

[andyoutandabout]

Order of operations:
new front tire (usually the cure) ($120)
wheel bearings (often neglected) ($50)
head bearings (no experience with these as yet) (?)
fork brace (a welcome and easy addition) ($130)
fork springs (a little involved, but worth it) ($150)
fork valves ( the icing on the cake) ($150)

Andy
(I'm kinda guessing the prices a bit)

[racerrad8]

My 93 with bias ply tires rides this same way with all of the RPM fork & suspension upgrades incorporated.

I am riding it this way as I gather all of the parts to change over to the wider front wheel and the 17" rear over the rainy season.

Randy- RPM

[MN Made]

Has anyone tried to install a steering damper? It seems like it would help - especially with the deceleration wobble.

[Pat Conlon]

Steering dampers are not needed on our FJ's unless your running the salt flats.
...or drag racers? Calling AndyB for that question.

The rake, trail and length of the wheelbase dictates that we have very stable bikes.

If you need a damper, something's wrong.

http://bikearama.com/theory/motorcycle-rake-trail-explained/

[FJmonkey]

The FJ does not need a steering damper, when set up properly, it is rock solid in the corners. However, if you chose to install one it may mask or hide issues till they become worse and you have to fix what you needed to fix in the first place. Properly set up stock forks, good bearings, good tires, proper air pressure etc.... Before I upgraded to 89+ forks, RPM fork valves & fork brace, 87/88 FZR1000 front wheel, Blue dot calipers, Braided lines, Galfer knock off rotors, HH pads and a cool miniature Red Power Ranger taped to the front fender. I ran on the Avons and still rubbed the tires to the edges on the Kalifornia Kanyons. The FJ is a stable platform to ride in nearly any condition. I am sure many will offer their opinions from around the world...

[TexasDave]

Steering dampers are not needed on our FJ's unless your running the salt flats.
...or drag racers? Calling AndyB for that question.

The rake, tail and length of the wheelbase dictates that we have very stable bikes.

If you need a damper, something's wrong.

+1 Pat.  I would not put a band aid on to fix the problem. There has been some very good advice given already. Start with one thing at a time. First I would get a new front tire and make sure it is properly balanced and inflated. Dave 84 Fj1100