1993 Restoration

[wirehairs]

OK.  So after some delays, I replaced the rear tire and got it back on.  Sure took some wiggling to squeeze it in. 

I'm always unclear on how folks prop up their front ends when they pull off their front tires.  The manual talks about jacks under the motor, but the collector box or plastic is always in the way.  Anyways, I just did this:



I also used allballs bearings on the front:



One of those dust seals sure was smaller than the stock one.  Anyways, I'll change the gas filter tomorrow, and then finally take it for its first ride of the year.  Yes, I still need to replace all 9 brake/clutch lines, but I'm waiting until the end of the month, and after I take a longer drive up to Duluth.

I still haven't decided on what luggage to get for this thing.  What do folks think about the Cortesh 2.0 saddlebags with the matching tailbag?  http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/51376/i/cortech-super-2-0-36-liter-saddlebags

[Mark Olson]

For supporting the fj with the front wheel off , The common way is to remove the lower chin faring and use jacks on the frame rails.

[movenon]

Or variantes of this.


But because of dirt bikes I have a special place in my heart for quality milk crates.... Hard to find the old wire ones..
George

[ribbert]

I'm always unclear on how folks prop up their front ends when they pull off their front tires.  The manual talks about jacks under the motor, but the collector box or plastic is always in the way.  Anyways, I just did this:

I raise my front wheel every week for washing and occasional removal. A bottle jack will fit between the headers and there is a lug in front of the drain plug that I have been using for years. It's not as stable as Georges Ikea number but I've never had a problem and it is quick and doesn't require removing the belly pan.



BTW George, how do you elevate the front of the bike to get the stand under there?

Noel

[movenon]

I roll the bike up onto the 2X8 on the center stand then push down on the tail and have a helper insert the front stand. That's if I want both wheels up off the ground.  For just working on the front end I don't use the 2X8 under the center stand.

If you have modified the rear end height you will have to do some experimenting on using a 2X8. Might have to shim up a bit.  Not my design another member on in the form designed it.  I have since modified it by lowering the front plywood height as I have a member here that has and FJ with a Vance Hines exhaust and for it to clear I had to lower the cross support.
George

[jscgdunn]

I'm always unclear on how folks prop up their front ends when they pull off their front tires.  The manual talks about jacks under the motor, but the collector box or plastic is always in the way.  Anyways, I just did this:

I raise my front wheel every week for washing and occasional removal. A bottle jack will fit between the headers and there is a lug in front of the drain plug that I have been using for years. It's not as stable as Georges Ikea number but I've never had a problem and it is quick and doesn't require removing the belly pan.



Great hint Noel  I have always been a bit nervous about using the lug....but it will make things easier. Two fifty pounds bags of oats or a medium sized child on the back of the seat will lift the front end.

Jeff

BTW George, how do you elevate the front of the bike to get the stand under there?

Noel

[wirehairs]

Quick question: the breather line for the tank - it doesn't go anywhere?  It just goes down by the battery and empties out by the rear shock?  I wasn't sure if the tube I'm looking at was a leftover acid battery tube (I have a gel in there now).  On my XJ, it's a vacuum tube that goes to an intake boot, so that's why I'm confused.

[Pat Conlon]

That line has nothing to do with venting your tank.
You have a recessed gas cap, that line serves as a drain line in case you over fill and get fuel in the recessed area of the gas cap.

It's a nice feature that alas, our '84/85 FJ's don't have.

[X-Ray]

Following on with the "Support Your Front End" query, I've done it both ways  
On the centrestand with tie downs pulling the back down, and with a copy of Georges wooden support, with a bag of cement on the seat for stability,  

Again Noel, you bike is waaayyyy to shiny and lustrous,  

[wirehairs]

So here are a couple of pictures of the bike currently.





Luggage selection was difficult.  I ended up buying a GIVI kit from the Ebay user "2nd-gear" - http://www.ebay.com/usr/2nd-gear?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754  for $150 including shipping, and then bought a monokey box locally for $230 or something.  Currently, I'm planning on getting soft sidebags.

[JPaganel]

I'm always unclear on how folks prop up their front ends when they pull off their front tires.  The manual talks about jacks under the motor, but the collector box or plastic is always in the way.  Anyways, I just did this:

I have three concrete landscaping blocks I put on the back of the bike when it sits on the center stand. Front end stays up just fine.

Quick question: the breather line for the tank - it doesn't go anywhere? 

You have a recessed gas cap, that line serves as a drain line in case you over fill and get fuel in the recessed area of the gas cap.

Pat is correct, but there is more. This tube also drains rainwater, making it important to keep it clear. I didn't and got a bunch of water in my carbs for my troubles, with the end result being having to walk the bike back home. Had to do a complete tank drain and dry. I used compressed air and a bicycle spoke to clear it, and haven't had trouble since.

[Pat Conlon]

Quick question: the breather line for the tank - it doesn't go anywhere? 

You have a recessed gas cap, that line serves as a drain line in case you over fill and get fuel in the recessed area of the gas cap.

Pat is correct, but there is more. This tube also drains rainwater, making it important to keep it clear. I didn't ...

Oh, good catch!

I live in the desert, so rain didn't occur to me.

[PaulG]

Luggage selection was difficult.  I ended up buying a GIVI kit from the Ebay user "2nd-gear" - http://www.ebay.com/usr/2nd-gear?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754  for $150 including shipping, and then bought a monokey box locally for $230 or something.  Currently, I'm planning on getting soft sidebags.

One issue I had with my soft luggage was wear and tear on the passenger portion of the stock seat.  When I bought my '92 (in '07) it came with a set of Joe Rocket bags. Over the years it wore the seat down to where the foam is showing through pits in the vinyl covering.  Of course I realized this too late.  I now have an old set of Krauser hard cases (and gave the JR's to a friend).

I realized I should have put an underpad beneath the straps to avoid this, but come to think of it.... this was the first time in 30yrs of riding that I had a bike with soft bags.   

[ribbert]

One issue I had with my soft luggage was wear and tear on the passenger portion of the stock seat.  When I bought my '92 (in '07) it came with a set of Joe Rocket bags. Over the years it wore the seat down to where the foam is showing through pits in the vinyl covering.  Of course I realized this too late.  I now have an old set of Krauser hard cases (and gave the JR's to a friend).

I realized I should have put an underpad beneath the straps to avoid this, but come to think of it.... this was the first time in 30yrs of riding that I had a bike with soft bags.   

I use a top box for regular riding and these bags for trips. Even though I do 4 or 5 trips a year I just can't bring myself to spring the $1500 for hard luggage. The bags work well, the only issue being constant heavy rain.





I have probably done 50,000km's with these and I carry all the heavy stuff, tools, oil, fuel, spares, water etc, in the front one, clothing in the rear.

I have used this piece of lambswool since day one and it gives complete protection to the paint and seat, even from corrugations, mud and dust.



The various qualities of lambswool makes it a good choice for this application.

[wirehairs]

OK.  Time for an update.  Each spring after taking this bike out of hibernation and priming the carbs, gas out leak out from the carbs somewhere for a bit until stopping.  I figured I had some old o-rings in there that would dry up over the winter, and then re-seal once exposed to gas.  But that also meant they were in need of replacement.  I pulled the rack apart and sure enough one of those gas transfer tubes had a deformed o ring: 


So yeah, I'll replace all the o-rings in there that came witih my RPM kit.  I also ordered the handle riser kit from them, and the spin-off oil filter; haven't installed them yet.

Now, the big work I have left, is that my bike had the original brakelines.  I bought the Gaffer 9 line stainless line kit; clutch line included.  I've already drained the lines and removed the master cylinder for the clutch and brakes.  And yes, I'm leaving the anti-lock unit on this bike.  I'd like to hear from anyone who's installed these lines for tips on refilling the system.  My current plan is to use my MityVac until I only have a few bubbles, and then do the brake lever - nipple/open/closed deal to remove the final tiny air bubbles.  But I'd appreciate any other tips to speed up the process. 

And if I need to replace the rubber components in my master clutch/brake cylinder, I welcome suggestions on where to purchase the kits in the US and good brands.