Old FJ Owner

[ct7088]

I bought my 85 in January 1985 but I have let it set for twenty years. The list of repairs, OH and replacements was extensive and as usual my initial estimate was tripled by the time it was road worthy. I have read much good advise on this forum which i have and will continue to use. Special thanks to Randy at RPM for jetting and sprocket advice(good parts, quick shipping. On a different note does anyone know the length of the brake line from master cylinder to the divider joint in the Spiegler  S-YA0132 (1985 FJ with anti-dive) brake line kit? I have installed the RPM riser kit and while the original line works it needs to be longer.     Red and White 

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the forum 

It is great that you found us. As an original owner, you already know the great attributes of the FJ. It is always a joy to read about an owner bringing their FJ back to life.

I often ride in Oklahoma. Usually down to Stillwater and Warwick once or twice a year. Rides to Blackwell and through Ponca City are pretty regular.

Fred

[movenon]

Welcome to the group ! I was born not to far from OKC (Thomas) and still have relatives in the area. Hoping to ride down there after the Central FJ rally in June.
George

[Pat Conlon]

Hello Chris, welcome. I'm glad you're getting your bike back into action.

Re: The Spiegler kit vs. RPM's bar risers. You will be "ok" with the standard length the kit offers...just ok...the advantage on dealing with Spiegler is they can add line length to any kit they offer...that's what I would do.
Give them a call and ask them to add 1" to the line running from the m/c to the splitter. They will look up on their tables what line length they normally use, and add to that length.

Sorry but I don't have that length for you, I run a double line from my m/c to the calipers. 2 less less banjo fittings that way. Years ago I had that T fitting crack so I never went back to it...

Cheers

[moparman70]

Welcome Chris -- I can vouch for what Pat says -- I had a set of front brake lines that were from an 86  and I put them on my 90 model with risers and the length was no issue.  I also bypassed the T-joint -- If you are going to the trouble of replacing you may want to do the same.  I could give the length of the set I have and you just have to get a double banjo bolt for the master.    Less places for air to hide and easier to bleed too without all the extra connections.


PS --- we are all od FJ owners.... aren't we?
sc2

[Mark Olson]

Hi Chris,
I have pats old ss brake lines from his 84 on my 86 . I rececenty installed the rpm risers and they fit with the master cylinder end of brake line clocked straight down. I would suggest adding 2" to the line length so you have some room for a different master cylinder in the future. I am using an fjr1300 brake master.

[FJ_Hooligan]

Another reason to add some length is to provide slack so you can remove the master cylinder from the fork tube without removing the brake line.  Makes changing fork oil easier.

[ct7088]

Thanks for the advice. I sent an email to Spiegler but a phone call may be a better choice. I was thinking about one inch extra but now two inches extra sounds better. The master cylinder is in good condition and I hope it will last a while longer. My wish list exceeds available funds. Has anyone used the replacement sight glass? http://newrivercyclesalvage.com/sight-glass.html My clutch master sight glass oozes especially when its cold. I'm looking forward to opportunities to ride and meet other FJers even Hooligans.

[FJ_Hooligan]

I'm looking forward to opportunities to ride and meet other FJers even Hooligans.

Arkansas in June!  Get it ready by then.

You might want to check out VENHILL for brakelines.  I got less than stellar customer service when I tried asking Spiegler questions.

[Country Joe]

I second the recommendation for Venhill brake lines. Great quality and great customer service.

[ribbert]

I second the recommendation for Venhill brake lines. Great quality and great customer service.

Good sercice doesn't really come to the fore until you have a problem. How a company then deals with it is what sets them apart from the rest.

I had an issue with hose length and the way they handled it was outstanding.

IMO brake hoses are brake hoses and as long as they come from a known company and have rotatable banjos there is bugger all difference between them but I do think some companies capitalise on brand snobbery for what is an incredible simple item.

Call me cynical but I wouldn't be surprised if many of these companies bought their components from the same suppliers.

I bought Venhill for a range of reasons and the price was attractive. Their great service only became apparent after I had bought their product, they already had my money.

I also didn't waste a lot of brain power arriving at my decision, they are after all just a brake line!

Venhill gets a thumbs up from me and I have plenty of experience to measure them against.

Noel

[FJ1100mjk]

Has anyone used the replacement sight glass? http://newrivercyclesalvage.com/sight-glass.html My clutch master sight glass oozes especially when its cold.

I did for a front brake's master cylinder. Going on 3+ years of use, and works fine. I embedded it in its bore with a clear RTV sealant. I am running silicone brake fluid in the brake systems, so the adhesive is compatible with it.

If you are still going to run non-silicone fluid (DOT 3, DOT 4, ...) in your clutch system, check with New River Cycle Salvage on what glue/adhesive to bond the sight glass with.

[mark1969]

I've got Venhill brake lines, and they look the same quality as any other brands I've used in the past. I've not had a chance to test them yet having fitted recently, but they will be great I'm sure.  

[ct7088]

Venhill is checking the price for brake 85 FJ brake lines. Sight glass ordered, RTV is the recommended sealant for DOT 3, 4 and 5.1. Eighteen degrees with snow here, its warmer in Idaho!