Two 1984 FJ1100s at Mount Crawford, South Australia

[nchattaway]

Thanks Paul, Pat and Troy.

Most of my riding is on very winding hills roads, so it sounds like the Airhawk wouldn't be good for that. But the stock seat does the trick there anyway. I don't get time to get sore knees. So for this riding, I wouldn't want the pegs any lower. They scrape easily enough as it is, along with the 4-1 collector pipe. And on the longer trips, I ride with guys on cruisers, so high speed cornering isn't really the name of the game then. Perhaps the Airhawk for long trips and not for commuting. It'd be nice to have adjustable peg height without having to go to the bother of changing them over for long trips.

I quite like the feel of the 16" wheels on the long and low stock FJ1100 chassis, and would prefer to keep the bike looking period correct for the big things, so I can't see myself going down the late model forks/brakes/wheels route. I'd sooner buy a Thunderace for 3 or 4k if that was the goal. I'll probably leave the anti-dive in place and just fork out (nyuk nyuk) for the extra two braided hoses to connect 'em up.

Opinion seems divided around here about the RPM vs Racetech emulators, with most US guys going for the RPM and most Aussies going for the RT. We like em stiffer down under. No concrete boulevard highways with expansion seams around here mate. Just horrible roads with potholes and cracks. Sounds like the 1.0kg/mm spring rate might be better for me with the twisty commute, even though I won't be carrying a pillion or much gear normally.

Thanks all! Keep the suggestions coming.

[copper]

My opinion FWIW. I started with Racetech emulators and later upgraded to the RPM fork valves. RPM vs Racetech is like comparing apples to oranges, when trying to make an apple pie. The RPM valves are made for the FJ specifically. Like apples are made for apple pies. The race tech emulators are the oranges in this equation. Here is a list of the bikes the Racetech emulators for the "FJ" fit. As you will see there are a wide variety of bikes, with extremely different weights and riding styles than the "FJ". The Racetech valves, while better than the stock valving, just can't beat a good apple pie....errrrrr.... I mean the RPM valves  
BMW-
2012 - F650GS
2012 - G650GS
2011 - F650GS
2011 - G650GS
2010 - F650GS
2010 - G650GS
2009 - F650GS
2009 - G650GS
2007 - F650GS
2007 - F650GS Dakar
2006 - F650GS
2006 - F650GS Dakar
2005 - F650GS
2005 - F650GS Dakar
2005 - F650GS ABS
2005 - F650GS Dakar ABS
2004 - F650GS
2004 - F650GS Dakar
2004 - F650GS Dakar ABS
2003 - F650GS
2003 - F650GS Dakar
2003 - F650GS ABS
2003 - F650GS Dakar ABS
2002 - F650GS
2002 - F650GS Dakar
2002 - F650GS ABS
2002 - F650GS Dakar ABS
2001 - F650GS
2001 - F650GS Dakar
2001 - F650GS ABS
2000 - F650
1999 - F650
1998 - F650
1997 - F650
1997 - K1100LT
1997 - K1100LT High Line
1997 - K1100LT Special Edition
1996 - K1100LT
1995 - K75RT
1995 - K75S
1995 - K1100LT
1995 - K75
1995 - K75/3
1995 - K75/3A
1995 - K75RT ABS
1995 - K75S ABS
1994 - K75RT
1994 - K75S
1994 - K100RS
1994 - K1100LT
1994 - K1100LT Special Edition
1994 - K75
1994 - K75RT ABS
1994 - K75S ABS
1994 - K75A
1993 - K100LT
1993 - K75RT
1993 - K75S
1993 - K100RS
1993 - K1100LT
1993 - K75
1993 - K75RT ABS
1993 - K75S ABS
1992 - K100LT
1992 - K100LT ABS
1992 - K75RT
1992 - K75S
1992 - K100RS
1992 - K1100LT
1992 - K75
1992 - K75RT ABS
1992 - K75S ABS
1991 - K100LT
1991 - K100LT ABS
1991 - K75RT
1991 - K75S
1991 - K100RS
1991 - K75
1991 - K75RT ABS
1991 - K75S ABS
1990 - K100LT
1990 - K100LT ABS
1990 - K75RT
1990 - K75S
1990 - K100RS
1990 - K75
1989 - K100LT
1989 - K100LT ABS
1989 - K75S
1989 - K100RS ABS
1989 - K100RS
1989 - K75
1988 - K75S
1988 - K100RT
1988 - K75C
1988 - K75
1987 - K75S
1987 - K100RT
1987 - K75C
1987 - K75T
1987 - K75
1986 - K75S
1986 - K100RT
1986 - K75C
1986 - K75T
Honda-
2013 - NC700X
2013 - NC700XD
2012 - NC700X
2012 - NC700XD
2008 - VTX1300C Custom
2008 - VTX1300R Retro cast
2008 - VTX1300T Tourer
2007 - VTX1300C Custom
2007 - VTX1300R Retro cast
2007 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2007 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2007 - VTX1300S Retro spoke
2006 - VTX1300C Custom
2006 - VTX1300R Retro cast
2006 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2006 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2006 - VTX1300S Retro spoke
2005 - VTX1300C Custom
2005 - VTX1300R Retro cast
2005 - CB600F 599
2005 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2005 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2005 - VTX1300S Retro spoke
2004 - VTX1300C Custom
2004 - CB600F 599
2004 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2004 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2004 - VTX1300S Retro spoke
2003 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2003 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2003 - VTX1300S Retro spoke
2003 - CB750 Nighthawk
2003 - VF750C Magna
2002 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2002 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2002 - CB750 Nighthawk
2002 - VF750C Magna
2002 - VT1100C3 Shadow Aero
2002 - VT1100CT Shadow ACE Tour
2001 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2001 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2001 - CB750 Nighthawk
2001 - VF750C Magna
2001 - VT1100C3 Shadow Aero
2001 - VT1100CT Shadow ACE Tour
2000 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
2000 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
2000 - CB750 Nighthawk
2000 - VF750C Magna
2000 - VT750C Shadow A.C.E.
2000 - VT1100C3 Shadow Aero
2000 - VT1100CT Shadow ACE Tour
1999 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1999 - VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre
1999 - CB750 Nighthawk
1999 - VF750C Magna
1999 - VT750C Shadow A.C.E.
1999 - VT1100C3 Shadow Aero
1999 - VT1100CT Shadow ACE Tour
1999 - VT1100C2 Shadow ACE
1998 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1998 - CB750 Nighthawk
1998 - VF750C Magna
1998 - VT750C Shadow A.C.E.
1998 - VT1100C3 Shadow Aero
1998 - VT1100CT Shadow ACE Tour
1998 - VT1100C2 Shadow ACE
1998 - VT1100C Shadow
1997 - VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1997 - CB750 Nighthawk
1997 - VF750C Magna
1997 - VT1100C2 Shadow ACE
1997 - VT1100C Shadow
1996 - CB750 Nighthawk
1996 - VF750C Magna
1996 - VT1100C2 Shadow ACE
1996 - VT1100C Shadow
1995 - CB750 Nighthawk
1995 - VF750C Magna
1995 - VT1100C2 Shadow ACE
1995 - VT1100C Shadow
1994 - CB750 Nighthawk
1994 - VF750C Magna
1994 - VT1100C Shadow
1993 - CB750 Nighthawk
1993 - VT1100C Shadow
1993 - CBR600F F2
1992 - CB750 Nighthawk
1992 - VT1100C Shadow
1992 - CBR600F F2
1991 - CB750 Nighthawk
1991 - CBR600F F2
1991 - NT650 Hawk GT
1990 - PC800 Pacific Coast
1990 - VT1100C Shadow
1990 - NT650 Hawk GT
1990 - CB400F CB-1
1989 - PC800 Pacific Coast
1989 - VT1100C Shadow
1989 - NT650 Hawk GT
1989 - CB400F CB-1
1988 - VT1100C Shadow
1988 - CBR1000F Hurricane
1988 - NT650 Hawk GT
1987 - CBR1000F Hurricane
1987 - GL1200A Gold Wing Aspencade
1987 - GL1200I Gold Wing Interstate
1987 - GL1200 Gold Wing
1986 - GL1200A Gold Wing Aspencade
1986 - GL1200I Gold Wing Interstate
1986 - GL1200SEI Gold Wing Aspencade
1986 - VF1000R Interceptor
1986 - VF1100C V65 Magna
1986 - GL1200 Gold Wing
1985 - GL1200A Gold Wing Aspencade
1985 - GL1200I Gold Wing Interstate
1985 - VF1000R Interceptor
1985 - VF1100C V65 Magna
1985 - GL1200L Gold Wing Limited
1985 - VF1100S V65 Sabre
1985 - GL1200 Gold Wing
1984 - GL1200A Gold Wing Aspencade
1984 - GL1200I Gold Wing Interstate
1984 - VF1100C V65 Magna
1984 - VF1100S V65 Sabre
1984 - GL1200 Gold Wing
1984 - VF1000F Interceptor
Kawasaki-
2011 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2010 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2009 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2008 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2007 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2006 - EX650 Ninja 650R
2004 - ZX600 ZZ-R 600
2003 - ZX600 ZZ-R 600
2002 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
2001 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
2000 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1999 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1998 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1997 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1997 - GPZ1100/ ABS
1996 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1996 - GPZ1100/ ABS
1995 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1995 - GPZ1100/ ABS
1994 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1993 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1992 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1992 - ZR750C Zephyr
1991 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1991 - ZR750C Zephyr
1990 - ZX600 Ninja ZX-6
1990 - ZX1000 Ninja ZX-10
1989 - ZX1000 Ninja ZX-10
Suzuki-
2012 - C50T Boulevard
2011 - C50 Boulevard
2011 - C50T Boulevard
2011 - GSX650F
2011 - SFV650 Gladius
2010 - C50 Boulevard
2010 - GSX650F
2010 - SFV650 Gladius
2009 - C50 Boulevard
2009 - C50 Boulevard SE
2009 - C50T Boulevard
2009 - GSX650F
2009 - SFV650 Gladius
2009 - SV650S
2009 - SV650SA ABS
2009 - SV650
2009 - SV650A ABS
2008 - C50 Boulevard
2008 - C50T Boulevard
2008 - GSX650F
2008 - SV650S
2008 - SV650SA ABS
2008 - C50B Boulevard
2008 - C50C Boulevard
2008 - SV650
2008 - SV650A ABS
2007 - C50 Boulevard
2007 - C50T Boulevard
2007 - SV650S
2007 - SV650SA ABS
2007 - C50B Boulevard
2007 - C50C Boulevard
2007 - SV650
2007 - SV650A ABS
2006 - C50 Boulevard
2006 - C50T Boulevard
2006 - SV650S
2006 - C50B Boulevard
2006 - C50C Boulevard
2006 - SV650
2006 - GSX600F Katana
2006 - GSX750F Katana
2005 - C50 Boulevard
2005 - C50T Boulevard
2005 - SV650S
2005 - C50B Boulevard
2005 - SV650
2005 - GSX600F Katana
2005 - GSX750F Katana
2004 - SV650S
2004 - SV650
2004 - GSX600F Katana
2004 - GSX750F Katana
2004 - VL800 Intruder Volusia
2004 - GSF600S Bandit
2003 - SV650S
2003 - SV650
2003 - GSX600F Katana
2003 - GSX750F Katana
2003 - VL800 Intruder Volusia
2003 - GSF600S Bandit
2002 - GSX600F Katana
2002 - GSX750F Katana
2002 - VL800 Intruder Volusia
2002 - GSF600S Bandit
2001 - GSX600F Katana
2001 - GSX750F Katana
2001 - VL800 Intruder Volusia
2001 - GSF600S Bandit
2000 - GSX600F Katana
2000 - GSX750F Katana
2000 - GSF600S Bandit
1999 - GSX600F Katana
1999 - GSX750F Katana
1999 - GSF600S Bandit
1998 - GSX600F Katana
1998 - GSX750F Katana
1998 - GSF600S Bandit
1997 - GSX600F Katana
1997 - GSF600S Bandit
1996 - GSX600F Katana
1996 - GSF600S Bandit
1996 - RF600
1995 - GSX600F Katana
1995 - RF600
1994 - GSX600F Katana
1994 - RF600
1993 - GSX600F Katana
1992 - GSX600F Katana
1992 - GSF400 Bandit
1991 - GSX600F Katana
1991 - GSF400 Bandit
1990 - GSX600F Katana
1989 - GSX600F Katana
1988 - GSX600F Katana
1988 - GSX-R1100
1988 - GSX1100F Katana
1987 - GSX-R750
1987 - GSX-R1100
1986 - GSX-R750
Triumph-
2013 - Rocket III Touring
2012 - Rocket III Touring
2011 - Rocket III Touring
2010 - Rocket III Touring
Victory-
2007 - Vegas
Yamaha-
2012 - FZS600 FZ6R
2011 - FZS600 FZ6R
2010 - FZS600 FZ6R
2009 - FZS600 FZ6
2008 - FZS600 FZ6
2007 - FZS600 FZ6
2006 - FZS600 FZ6
2005 - FZS600 FZ6
2004 - FZS600 FZ6
1995 - YZF600R
1993 - FJ1200
1992 - FJ1200
1991 - FJ1200
1990 - FJ1200
1989 - FJ1200
1988 - FZR1000
1988 - FJ1200
1988 - FZR750R
1987 - FZR1000
1987 - FJ1200
1987 - FZR750R
1986 - FJ1200
1985 - FJ1100
1984 - FJ1100

[nchattaway]

Hi Copper.

Are you on a stock FJ1100?
How much do you weigh?
Are you in the US or Australia?
What type of riding do you mostly do?
What type of roads do you mostly ride on?
What type of bike do you think an FJ1100 is and should be? A sporty tourer, a comfy sportsbike? A classic musclebike? This is your definition of an apple pie, but it won't be everyone's.
What specifically didn't you like about the RT emulators in your FJ?
What do you specifically prefer about the RPM valves, having used both back-to-back on the same bike?
Answers to these questions would help me understand your opinion if you're willing to spend the time. I wouldn't imagine many of us have the experience back to back like you do, so your opinion carries weight for that.

Cheers,
Nathan

[ribbert]

Opinion seems divided around here ......... No concrete boulevard highways with expansion seams around here mate. Just horrible roads with potholes and cracks.

I think you've nailed it Nathan. I have IAT suspension and it works like a dream over cracks, cats eyes, man hole covers, expansion joints, over banding, railway lines etc. makes them disappear. Unfortunately 99% of our roads are as you describe, get out on some secondary roads and they're even worse.
An average days ride for me will see my arse in the air plenty of times, the wind knocked out of me a few times and unable to talk while riding over bumpy roads at speed. I know plenty of people who live, work or holiday in the US who will all tell you the same thing, they don't know what a bad road is.

American cars are notorious for falling apart here, they are simply not made for our roads. Jeeps are very popular, but you could travel the length and breadth of the Australian Outback (where every vehicle is a 4WD) visit every farm and mine in the country and not see a single Jeep for this reason (but the cities are crawling with them and they're very popular at suburban boat ramps and school pick up time) they are simply not robust enough for the conditions.

One place I was happy with my set up was out here.....



...on corrugated dirt roads. At speeds even up to 160kph the suspension handled it well.

I've never used RT components so I'm not pushing a barrow for them either.

Noel

[copper]

Hi Copper.

Are you on a stock FJ1100?
I started with the racetechs on my stock 86 which had the anti dive unit on it when I acquired it. I then upgraded to the RPM fork valves. I now have a 92 and when I sold the 86 I put the emulators back into it and took my RPM valves with me to my 92. After riding it with just the front done I eventually put the RPM shock on as well as I got more comfortable in the twistys with the FJ I noticed I didn't like how the rear felt anymore with the sacked out rear shock, something I didn't notice with the stock or the RT, as it felt the front end was glued to the road now and the rear was like riding a pogo stick
How much do you weigh?
I'm about 215-220lbs with riding gear. I was at a .95 kg spring with the RT and now am at a .85 with the RPM
Are you in the US or Australia?
I'm in the US (all over the place for work)
What type of riding do you mostly do?
I do a lot of slabbing during the week and every chance I get I try to get up to the twistys. I try every for weekend but sometimes I have to settle for maybe twice a month
What type of roads do you mostly ride on?
Freeway, goat trails, occasionally some dirt. Anything that can accommodate two wheels really
What type of bike do you think an FJ1100 is and should be? A sporty tourer, a comfy sportsbike? A classic musclebike? This is your definition of an apple pie, but it won't be everyone's.
For me the FJ is a cross breed between all three. It has unbelievable power, it is more comfortable than my crotch rockets, when I still had them, making it better to ride for long periods of time for my ever aging body, and I can ride it faster than most the yocals on their current sportsbikes. So to me it is the classic trifecta of awesome.
What specifically didn't you like about the RT emulators in your FJ?
It's not that I didn't like them, like I said they are better than the stock under sprung stuff that Yamaha started with
What do you specifically prefer about the RPM valves, having used both back-to-back on the same bike?
I wanted to try the RPM valves after reading all the reviews on here about them. Right from the start I noticed the RPM valves took high speed bumps, low speed bumps, long fast sweepers, short tight turns, and really everything more comfortably with better feedback. The RPM valves did take a bit of adjusting but the adjustment is done with the washers that come with the springs, and is done without removing the springs or the valves. Whereas the RT took a lot more to dial in and they are more of a PITA to adjust as you have to physically remove the springs and the valves to adjust them. All in all I have a smoother ride for the bumpy roads around the US and I have far more confidence when ripping up the mountain roads with the RPM valves than I ever did with the RT. Adding the 17" rear and the RPM shock just absolutely put this bike over the top for me.
Answers to these questions would help me understand your opinion if you're willing to spend the time. I wouldn't imagine many of us have the experience back to back like you do, so your opinion carries weight for that.
I think I remember seeing a post of someone else doing it before I did but maybe i'm wrong.

[nchattaway]

Hello again all. It's now a year since I picked up this FJ1100 and I don't seem to have made a lot of progress on the project. Last time I posted I had bought a clutch slave kit and braided clutch line to fit. Since then I've splurged on a full front and rear braided brake line set, including the lines to retain the anti-dive. Yes, I've decided to keep her looking mostly original.
All braided lines are from HEL in Queensland AUS. Thanks HEL! They're in stock looking black, although I had to use stainless banjos because they'd run out of black ones. I kept the factory rubber boots on the master cylinder ends, so it looks pretty stock to the casual observer.

Anyway, enough about the looks, they feel great! I'm actually confident enough to return to 2 finger braking, which I've been missing since getting on this FJ. Just getting rid of those spongey 32 year old hoses has made an amazing improvement to the feel of all brakes and the clutch too. Money well spent. My philosophy here is to get the bike running and performing reliably first, before tackling any purely cosmetic improvements. I get a bit of a kick from riding around on such a daggy looking old girl, knowing she starts and purrs and can handle a spirited ride whenever I'm in the mood. Because I know you all love pics, feast your eyes on the splendour of HEL...

[nchattaway]

And some more...

[The General]

Hi Nathan, I have an Air Hawk that get`s loaned out to those long trip riders heading to the FJ Natioanl Rally in March each year. (you`ve got first dibbs). Borrowers usually buy one after they`ve tried it. Pillions love it. Get the air pressure right (Almost zero is the trick) and they are great for everything including spirited handling.
I also loaned out a Corbin gunfighter seat at the 2013 Rally and the borrower tried every trick in the book ta get out of giving it back!.....in the end we agreeed on a substantial sum of money along with weeks of labour at my place. (I miss that Corbin.)   

[nchattaway]

As you can see from the pics, this bike is far from pristine, and there's a lot of every sort of work to keep me out of trouble if I can find the time. The wiring needs a good sorting out! There are custom wires in evidence all over the place, and I'm too scared to hook the horn up because last time I did it blew a fuse. Sometimes, the headlight needs a few goes to come on.

All the metal surfaces are furry and pitted from spending many years near the coast. The paint is faded in places, and missing from wherever hydraulic fluid has been spilled over the years of less than careful ownership by those who have gone before me. What jobs would you recommend be done at the same time as fork rebuild? I'm thinking check and repack headstem roller bearings, replace front wheel bearings, perhaps remove the fairing and try to paint up some of the rusty bits on the frame.

[Davo231481]

I haven't regoed mine yet but only a few days away from that event. Anyhow I'm following you on the same path but ticking of the must does in slightly different order. Had to replace speedo and am about to do sprockets and chain. Did you get your braided lines direct or from a shop. That's the next thing on the list and then I'll tackle suspension. I'm looking forward to its first run on the open road