North American Fj1200's new Aussie life

[oz.fj]

Great news re the new local FJ owner  
Troyskie

Not confirmed yet so don't tell anyone! 

Alf (ZRX) has just bought Phil's (wainot) FJ 1100. Unfortunately it won't be ready in time for the 2016 Rally but certainly will be for next years. 

It was only a matter of time 

[X-Ray]

    Have to agree.  I love Alfs Kawa, the FJ should be something special when he is finished with it.

[FJools]

Good to hear,

now all you need to do is get him on here Pete.................

[oldktmdude]

   He's tried to join a couple of times but doesn't seem to work for him. Maybe owning a Kawasaki had something to do with it? 

[FJools]

   He's tried to join a couple of times but doesn't seem to work for him. Maybe owning a Kawasaki had something to do with it? 

Chubby non compliant fingers you mean ?

[Troyskie]

Okey dokey, bit the bullet and bought a 17" front end, wheel, callipers, disks, and forks off a wrecked 91 from Joes in Canberra. Blown seals, but tubes 'looked' ok (when I had a quick look some weeks ago).
It should be delivered at home next week some time, so I'll have more info then.
I've also bought a new set of pads for the rear, so that should make Yummy rideable to try and unfreeze the rings (if that is what the smoke is from).
This will also make her useful as a spare bike for anyone stuck for a bike for the rally (if I get her together in time.... ).

[Troyskie]

Here is the 91 1200 front end.

I've had a look at the parts microfiche and can't see any real mods except the braided lines and discs (rotors). I didn't realise the FJ went to twin spots on the front, but the microfiche doesn't lie (only confuses me sometimes).

If anyone can pick up on any changes it would be appreciated as I'm going to order some new bushes, seals, tyre, and pads before I put it on.
As I type I realise I'll be checking the bearings as well.

As what you see above is going apart, should I change the forks any more? I've Race Tech Emulators in my 1100 front end (be gone you anti-dive sort of worked, thing of the past).

Emulators and stiffer springs proved to be a great fix, and also showed that progressive springs are a thing of the past as well. If you disagree, fine, but this 'feels' way better to me. I'll always humbly point out that the FJ1100 was more bike than I was rider in the 80's, (16", and anti-dive included-shows my level huh?). Age has not improved my riding (my pie is always luke warm).

So, my question is,...does the 91 front end need more/better/newer/moditits? If so is it as simple as the emulators/stiffer springs that fixed the 11?

I will attempt the GSXR rear swap, but not yet. Not just before the rally when someone (ALAN - aka Sparky84) might need my spare bike (with added 'Bond' effect).

I can get the basic bits in and ready before the rally, but extras might put the needy in the pillion seat, or Harley (aka - ute, every dog needs a master).

[Arnie]

Troy,

The OEM springs in the '91 were even more soft than the 1100s had.
I've got RaceTech emulators and 0.95kg/mm springs in mine and I'm happy with the way it works.
Your other real option would be the RPM inertial fork inserts and stiffer springs.  I've not had a chance to try this setup, so can't make any comment. 
Check with Doug or Noel or others who have them for their impressions.

[Urban_Legend]

Hey Troy.

Plus one to what Arnie said. I have the 89 forks on my 1100 with Racetech emulators and 0.95kg springs. It is far superior to the standard setup.

Mark

[oldktmdude]

Hey Troy.

Plus one to what Arnie said. I have the 89 forks on my 1100 with Racetech emulators and 0.95kg springs. It is far superior to the standard setup.

Mark

Troy, that's also what I'm running although my forks are '90 FZR 1000 43mm. Seems to work well. Massive improvement over original FJ set-up.
Regards, Pete.

[Bones]

I've got RPM valves in with .85 race tech springs. Vast improvement over the standard soggy setup, rides well.

[Troyskie]

I've followed the collective wisdom.

Emulators and 0.95 springs.

I rushed the job and got Glenn Henry to do this work, but I'll be putting the bits in.

Some recent simple oil change incompetence has slowed me down from breaking her open any more (RTFM Troy!!!!  ), until I grow some extra brain cells.

I should be able to pop the front end in just before departing for the rally, but as Alan doesn't need her she can have a little sleep and become familiar with her new front end (Effie, far from jealous has been on her best behaviour, and should be growling nicely all the way to Harrietville).

Pics to follow installation and my general incompetence  .

Whoops, forgot to say, a very nervous run for about 20k's seems to have loosened up the frozen rings. Nervous as I didn't really have much in the way of brakes, enough to stop normally, but in a necessary, unplanned stop, I'd be a hood ornament.

Anyway, most of the smoky motor is gone, but the I feel the valve stem guide seals are hardened and will need to be replaced sooner than later.

Rear brake done, but disc is buggered, so I'll change that. Disc is good for a little while longer, probably another 5000k or so, but as it is a project, it will be done sooner than later (with the GSXR swap  ).

[Troyskie]

Picked up the rebuilt forks and super duper looking tyre for the 17".

After the rally I feel the need for more twisties.

I'll start putting it back on this weekend. Pics of stupidity to follow.

[Arnie]

Go ride the Lion's road.  That'll keep the sidewalls working :-) and you can judge the value of your fork mods.

Arnie

[Troyskie]

Thanks mate, Lions road hey...Where is that?
The forks and emulators worked well on the 1100 last weekend, and that is pretty much the same set-up as for the new Yummy, but the bigger wheel will add a new dimension  pardon the pun.