List of fork swap compatibility for FJ1100

[ezunix]

Hi guys.

I bought my own FJ1100 just two days ago and I quickly noticed how bad the front breaks are.
At first I thought it was the old tire. But when i put on a brand new one, the problem was still there.
I started searching the internet and found out I can get new calipers and a set of 89->FJ1200 forks and put them on my bike.
The problem is I cannot find any.
Then I came across this site:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=18092.0
There there is a long list of fork swap compatibility.
Do you think I could buy any of the listed forks and mount them on my 1100 ?
I found also this custom build: http://www.customfighters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62630
It's a FJ1200 which in theory has the same forks as my FJ1000.
There the guy used CBR 954 forks. Would they fit my bike?

[great white]

If you're looking for a "bolt on" solution then no, the upside down forks (USD) aren't going to work.

Any model can be made to fit, but they all require some custom fabrication. Could be anything from a custom top clamp to a new stem and anything and everything in between.

If you just want to get a set of R6/R1 brakes on your bike, easiest way is to just find the 89 up forks and bolt 'em on.

Be patient, keep digging. A set will show up.

I would also suggest a look at the brakes that are already on your bike.

The OEM pots aren't going to stop the Queen Mary, but they're certainly capable (when in good shape) of hoisting the rear wheel in the air. Maybe a bit more drama than modern 4 pots, but they will do it....

[Arnie]

Welcome EzUnix,

The forks listed on that DoTheTon site are by fork tube OD.
The FJ fork tubes are 41mm OD.
But, that is only part of the story.

You need forks that will fit the triple clamps (as described by OD), they also have to be of similar length unless you want to change the rake, and they also have to have an axle size that will fit the FJ wheel (unless you use the front wheel from the donor bike) and similar length axle.  Then you have to have springs that are 'right' for the weight of the FJ and you with damping characteristics to match.

OR
You can fit the whole front end from another bike if you swap over the steering tube to the donor bike's triple clamps. (and make the rest of the needed mods)

So, you need to know a lot more than what that site is telling you.
It's a start, but only a start.  You need to know what you are doing or be very lucky.

The reality is: Anything will fit anything, as long as you have enough money
or a big enough hammer.

Cheers,

[FJmonkey]

If you are on a budget here is an option. Remove all the old rubber brake lines. Install steel braided between the master and caliper, forget about the Anti-Dive units. Replace your brake pads with HH rated pads. The rubber lines rob a lot of power by expanding, the braided lines have nearly zero expansion. The HH pads have better bite.

If you have the funds to upgrade to '89 forks then you will really like the difference. In addition to the '89 forks you will need the R1 calipers and a new front wheel. You can use an '89 front wheel. When I did this upgrade on my '86 I used an '88 FZR1000 front wheel that is 17 x 3.5, the '89 is 17 x 3.0. And still change the brake lines and use HH pads.   

[ezunix]

If you are on a budget here is an option. Remove all the old rubber brake lines. Install steel braided between the master and caliper, forget about the Anti-Dive units.

Should I swap the master as well? I read people say it helps a lot as well. What would be the best way to disable the anti-dive function? People can't seem to agree.

Replace your brake pads with HH rated pads. The rubber lines rob a lot of power by expanding, the braided lines have nearly zero expansion. The HH pads have better bite.

Do you guys buy braided lines on ebay or do you have your favourite webshop?

If you have the funds to upgrade to '89 forks then you will really like the difference. In addition to the '89 forks you will need the R1 calipers and a new front wheel. You can use an '89 front wheel. When I did this upgrade on my '86 I used an '88 FZR1000 front wheel that is 17 x 3.5, the '89 is 17 x 3.0. And still change the brake lines and use HH pads.   

Thanks. I've been googling a lot and already made a list of what works and what to get:
- Yamaha R1 or R6 up to 2003 calipers
- FZR1000 87 or 88 front rim
- 90-92 GSXR 750 or 1100 rear rim
- Fit a FZR 600, 1000 or FJR 1300 Nissin (not Brembo) master cylinder

[ezunix]

Will that modification be as good as getting FJ1200 forks?
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=4183.0

[FJmonkey]

Should I swap the master as well? I read people say it helps a lot as well. What would be the best way to disable the anti-dive function? People can't seem to agree.
Just remove the brake lines from it. You can remove the top half, then flip the bottom half over to be slightly less weight and slightly less ugly. If you change forks then you won't have to worry about it.

Do you guys buy braided lines on ebay or do you have your favourite webshop?
Both, some have ordered kits on line I had friend pick up a second set from a shop when he was getting a set.


Thanks. I've been googling a lot and already made a list of what works and what to get:
- Yamaha R1 or R6 up to 2003 calipers
- FZR1000 87 or 88 front rim
- 90-92 GSXR 750 or 1100 rear rim
- Fit a FZR 600, 1000 or FJR 1300 Nissin (not Brembo) master cylinder
Some really like the 14MM master, I am using the stock size and have no issues with the brakes. I know that I can lock up the front with 2 fingers. The 14MM will give you even lighter pull for the same braking. I would be tempted to try it if I could borrow a 14MM master.

[FJmonkey]

Will that modification be as good as getting FJ1200 forks?
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=4183.0

He is talking about using '89+ FJ forks as one of his options. They just don't come up for sale every day. I have two sets of '89 forks, one set on the '89 and the other will go on the '86 when I fixer back up and make her my weekend rider. Unless I pull a Tim and put R1 front and rear on it. The USD forks get the chicks, don'tch ya know. The '89 is my rally machine.

[ezunix]

Would ABS forks type: 3CY work too?

[ezunix]

I also found a brand new rim: http://www.aukcjoner.pl/gallery/020272754-1.html#I1
Will that work?

[FJmonkey]

I also found a brand new rim: http://www.aukcjoner.pl/gallery/020272754-1.html#I1
Will that work?

If that is '89 to '93 then the axial size is 17MM, 15MM is the bolt on size. How much work are you willing to do to fit it?

[ezunix]

Isn't the axial size 17mm on the JF1200 forks anyway?

[FJmonkey]

Isn't the axial size 17mm on the JF1200 forks anyway?

15mm for the front axial, all years for the FJ.

[Sabre093]

I really believe you need to narrow down and determine which direction you wish to go and start your search.....Back and foward on ideas will make this harder....figure out how much you can do and pick a route that will suite your budget and skills..Blue dots are on with masters which i run on ebay all the time...i have a Stock 17" rim with rotors for sale which i ran till i found a FZR rim....There is one member i just sold 89 forks to who wrecked his bike before mounting and is reselling them...Once you settle in on a direction it will piece together from there...I got RPM Valves and Race Tech Springs in my front with R6 2003 Master and brakes Love Them!!!!

[ezunix]

I found these forks: http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-FJ-1200-1988-1989-1990-3CV-FORKS-DAMAGED-USED-MOTORCYCLE-PARTS-/191405052672
Can I just replace the rusty tubes using tubes from my FJ1100?