Dog Bone Modification

[ANGRYJOE]

I've been lurking in the shadows for quite a while reading and learning.

One of the biggest issues I have had with my FJ since I got it was that it rode like it had a cinder block for shock.
No matter what I did with pre-load on the Ohlins shock I could not seem to improve the ride height and allowing the exhaust bracket to contact the swing arm. Much of this due to my ample fram at 6ft4 and 265lbs

I stumbled over a bunch of threads regarding shortening the dog bones. Following the directions and suggestions I made some from steel bar moving the holes .5" center to center allowing the tire to just contact the ground as suggested.

Best. Modification. Ever!

If you are thinking about this mod because of issues like I describe...DO IT! Literally a whole new bike, smooth, stable, turns better and my teeth don't rattle across every singe bump.

I'll go back to lurking now...just wanted to say thanks and keep on doing what you're doing here.

I simply used some 1/4" X 1.5" bar, cut it, drilled the 12mm holes and dressed up the ends. Took an hour and a half

[ribbert]

.....I've been lurking in the shadows for quite a while reading and learning.

.....I'll go back to lurking now...just wanted to say thanks and keep on doing what you're doing here.

Angry, don't lurk, join in! The forum could do with someone called "Angry Joe" as a regular contributor and don't be shy about throwing in your 2 cents worth, on any subject.

In fact, I'm considering changing my name to "Annihilator Noel" or "Rip it Ribbert" or something similar to give me more forum cred.

Glad the shortened dog bones worked for you, it's a good mod.

Post your experiences with your bike, working or riding, and we love pictures.

Noel

[yamaha fj rider]

Hello Joe,

As Noel said, keep posting.

The shorter dog bones make a dramatic change in the handling of the FJ1200. Simple mod, very effective.

Welcome to the group.

Kurt

[Easterntide]

I have a machinist friend. Exact measurements for a 91 fj dog one mod?

[X-Ray]

Try 11.5cm centre to centre, this is a good starting point if you have the GSXR wheel mod, and works quite well with the std profile wheel/tyre as well. This gives me around 1/4" ground clearance for the back tyre, plus it improves the handling out of sight.

[Easterntide]

12mm holes that are 11.5" ctc apart using 1/4" thick plate correct?

As it is I can't get my bike on the center stand most days w/o a bit of help...and it's slow to turn in in the road. This will improve both issues?

[X-Ray]

Those figures are what I used, and theres some pics on page 2&3 here that I posted of mine   http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=12370.15   The first set I made, then a mate made me a much nicer set, does the same job though.

It is so easy to put the bike on the centre stand now, really easy. Plus turn in for me has improved, the back end is raised = reduced rake=slightly quicker steering.  Nice improvement.

[ZOA NOM]

In fact, I'm considering changing my name to "Annihilator Noel" or "Rip it Ribbert" or something similar to give me more forum cred.

Noel

Try "Noel-It-All"  

(P.S. - I can't take credit for that one. I heard someone else say it. )

[Steve_in_Florida]

12mm holes that are 11.5" ctc apart using 1/4" thick plate correct?

This COULD be a problem...   

Here is what you were told:

Try 11.5cm centre to centre, this is a good starting point...

Do you see an issue in the translation?

Hmmm...

Steve
ATPA (Always The Pedantic Arse)

[ribbert]

In fact, I'm considering changing my name to "Annihilator Noel" or "Rip it Ribbert" or something similar to give me more forum cred.

Noel

Try "Noel-It-All"  

(P.S. - I can't take credit for that one. I heard someone else say it. )

Yes, that would be the obvious and most appropriate choice, but modesty prevented me suggesting it myself.

Thank you

(I believe your mate coined that term)

Noel

[FJmonkey]

12mm holes that are 11.5" ctc apart using 1/4" thick plate correct?

This COULD be a problem...   

Here is what you were told:

Try 11.5cm centre to centre, this is a good starting point...

Do you see an issue in the translation?

Hmmm...

Steve
ATPA (Always The Pedantic Arse)

I think he has it correct 11.5cm is 115mm, that is very close to my DB on my '89.

[X-Ray]

Yep, definatley 115mm, 

[Steve_in_Florida]

I agree that 11.5cm = 115mm, however, Easterntide was confirming that 11.5 INCHES = 11.5 CENTIMETERS, which it **DOES NOT**.

...might make an interesting ride height, though.

<cue music>
Low-Ri-Der, He's the one to meet, Yeah!



Steve

12mm holes that are 11.5" ctc apart using 1/4" thick plate correct?

This COULD be a problem...   

Here is what you were told:

Try 11.5cm centre to centre, this is a good starting point...

Do you see an issue in the translation?

Hmmm...

Steve
ATPA (Always The Pedantic Arse)

I think he has it correct 11.5cm is 115mm, that is very close to my DB on my '89.

[FJmonkey]

12mm holes that are 11.5" ctc apart using 1/4" thick plate correct?

Not to too be critical but that is like picking fly shit out of the pepper....

On the other hand I see the humor from the technical side.

My FJ is an 86' (86 feet long) or, My FJ is an '86 (was built/sold in 1986)

Guess I bored, post on friends....

[Steve_in_Florida]

On the other hand I see the humor from the technical side.

The Hubble Space Telescope team was probably amused, too.

     Hubble Team Member:  Sir, the pics are a little blurry.

     Hubble Team Leader:   Hmmm. Do you think they'll notice?


Steve
I _LIKE_ Pepper