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rear height adjustment

Started by toys123, January 01, 2016, 02:50:44 PM

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toys123

Have a 1986 fj1200, owned it since it was new. Several mods have been done to it over the years-fzr wheels,brembos, white power shock. I would like the rear to sit about 1-2 inches higher. Does anyone make rear suspension links to do the job? On the internet I have seen later model fj's listed, but not the 1986 years.

FJmonkey

Quote from: toys123 on January 01, 2016, 02:50:44 PM
Have a 1986 fj1200, owned it since it was new. Several mods have been done to it over the years-fzr wheels,brembos, white power shock. I would like the rear to sit about 1-2 inches higher. Does anyone make rear suspension links to do the job? On the internet I have seen later model fj's listed, but not the 1986 years.

The 84/86 suspension is limited as far as adjusting ride height. I wanted the same for my '86. You have several options. Get a Penske shock, they can be adjusted longer or shorter and give you ride height adjustment. Getting it tuned they way you want it may take some time as they are generic and sold for many bikes. Get the RPM shock, it will not change the ride height but will give you a shock specifically tuned to the FJ, you may not feel the need to raise the rear when properly suspended. Search this forum for other shock options, the F4i  and BMW shock mods seem to work. I am enjoying the RPM shock on my '89 and have plans to weld on a new upper shock mount to use the '89 RPM shock on my '86. 
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

giantkiller

The Honda F4i shock raised the 86 just about perfect. But the spring is alittle soft. I put an Eibach 900lb spring on mine (the Honda guys said 900lbs is about the limit for stock valving) I have about $160 into the Honda shock with new spring, spring compression tools,  new bearings and seals. Way way better than stock. But I'm sure no where near as good as the RPM shock.
86 fj1350r
86 fj1380t turbo drag toy (soon)
87 fj1200 865 miles crashed for parts
89 fj1200 touring 2up
87 fzr1000 crashed
87 fzr750r Human Race teams world endurance champion
93 fzr600 Vance n hines ltd for sale
Custom chopper I built
Mini chopper I built for my daughter just like the big 1

toys123

Thanks for the feedback. I've got more info, now I just have to plan what to do next.

Bozo

Quote from: FJmonkey on January 01, 2016, 03:38:47 PM
Quote from: toys123 on January 01, 2016, 02:50:44 PM
Have a 1986 fj1200, owned it since it was new. Several mods have been done to it over the years-fzr wheels,brembos, white power shock. I would like the rear to sit about 1-2 inches higher. Does anyone make rear suspension links to do the job? On the internet I have seen later model fj's listed, but not the 1986 years.

The 84/86 suspension is limited as far as adjusting ride height. I wanted the same for my '86. You have several options. Get a Penske shock, they can be adjusted longer or shorter and give you ride height adjustment. Getting it tuned they way you want it may take some time as they are generic and sold for many bikes. Get the RPM shock, it will not change the ride height but will give you a shock specifically tuned to the FJ, you may not feel the need to raise the rear when properly suspended. Search this forum for other shock options, the F4i  and BMW shock mods seem to work. I am enjoying the RPM shock on my '89 and have plans to weld on a new upper shock mount to use the '89 RPM shock on my '86. 

FJMonkey is right, I know my 1989 FJ is different but I had the same problem with other shocks (Hagon and standard) where I found the rear end "squatted" too much when going through bumpy corners, the RPM shock I have now doesn't have this problem (come to think of it, it has no problems). I did find that the Yank 700lb spring fitted to it too soft for our Oz roads so I now have 750lb fitted which is great for single hard riding (I'm 90kg) but maybe still soft for pillion and panniers (combined +200kg).
First major bike in my life was a Mach III widow maker.
My Second permanent bike 1978 Z1R (owned since Dec 1977)
My Third permanent bike is the 89 FJ12 - nice and fast
Forth bike 89 FJ12 my totally standard workhorse
81 GPZ1100 hybrid - what a bike, built to sell but I can't part with it