Improving stock suspension

[a.graham52]

I think a lot of you know what I'm going to say. I'm slightly fluffy and the stick suspension on my 84 12 bottoms out going over a Crack in the road. I just sold my bandit for 1400 and have some money to throw at the fj.

Should Is it possible to rework the stock suspension with now springs and valves or are entire swaps the only way to go.

[Arnie]

Front suspension can be improved hugely with new springs. Spring rate chosen will depend on your weight and riding style and whether you choose to use RaceTech cartridge emulators or the RPM inertial valve inserts.
Rear suspension can be improved with a shock and wheel swap.
Give us some more info and watch the argument about which is best commence :-)

[Dads_FJ]

I think a lot of you know what I'm going to say. I'm slightly fluffy and the stick suspension on my 84 12 bottoms out going over a Crack in the road. I just sold my bandit for 1400 and have some money to throw at the fj.

Should Is it possible to rework the stock suspension with now springs and valves or are entire swaps the only way to go.

*Anything* is going to better than the stock rear shock, it depends on how much you want to spend.  Low budget there is the Honda F4i shock-swap and on the higher end is the FJ-specific shock developed by RPM (There is a banner on the top of this page for a link to his site).

[giantkiller]

The Honda F4i shock. Works much better than the stock one. But since you're "fluffy" you will have to respring it. I put a 900lb eibach on the one I have. Honda guys said that is about the limit with stock valving. At 285lbs will still bottom out on really big bumps. I have about $160 in my F4i with spring new retainer and spring tools. Complete. Way better than stock. But if I had the cash I would go for the RPM shock.

[aviationfred]

Here is a list of Shock suppliers for the FJ.

YSS
Hagon
RPM
Ohlins
Wilbers
Penske

Most have a number of shocks to offer with varying degrees of adjustment and pricing.

Popularity is regional. In the US, the most common seems to be Penske and RPM. The UK and Europe seems to be Hagon. I am not sure about Australia, I know there are a few that use RPM.

Fred

[Flynt]

I just sold my bandit for 1400...

That will cover RPM front and rear...  welcome to modern suspension!

Frank

[a.graham52]

Thanks for the replys. I hade racetech fork springs and gold valves in the bandit. That was an amazing improvement right there. I still need tires and git it running properly so I guess money is going to dictate the pecking order.

[Pat Conlon]

Judging by your question (suspension mods) I think your instinct is spot on. It shows your experience.
Get the bike mechanically sound first. Go through everything...everything. See my signature line.
Only after that is done, start the mods, exception: if you need new fork seals, might as well get those new springs and RPM valves in there at the same time. The oem damper rod forks suck.

In the pecking order of the mods, everyone has an opinion, but mine is
1) Suspension first, of that, the most expensive thing you will by for your bike will be the aftermarket back shock. In my opinion that should be your first purchase. Might as well get it over with. The fork springs, IAT valves and fork brace are less painful by comparison.
2) Brakes and tires. On your early FJ this will involve some modifications for you to run modern 17" tires.
3) For a big guy, you will want to pick up a Corbin seat.
4) Engine goodies: a properly jetted FJ with a pipe and Unipods will net you 120rwhp all day long with better torque than your Bandit. Lightly modded FJ engines will crank out 140 hp. They are amazing engines.

Your dad is proud of you, he's smiling right now, saying "Kookaloo!"

Cheers

[a.graham52]

Judging by your question (suspension mods) I think your instinct is spot on. It shows your experience.
Get the bike mechanically sound first. Go through everything...everything. See my signature line.
Only after that is done, start the mods, exception: if you need new fork seals, might as well get those new springs and RPM valves in there at the same time. The oem damper rod forks suck.

In the pecking order of the mods, everyone has an opinion, but mine is
1) Suspension first, of that, the most expensive thing you will by for your bike will be the aftermarket back shock. In my opinion that should be your first purchase. Might as well get it over with. The fork springs, IAT valves and fork brace are less painful by comparison.
2) Brakes and tires. On your early FJ this will involve some modifications for you to run modern 17" tires.
3) For a big guy, you will want to pick up a Corbin seat.
4) Engine goodies: a properly jetted FJ with a pipe and Unipods will net you 120rwhp all day long with better torque than your Bandit. Lightly modded FJ engines will crank out 140 hp. They are amazing engines.

Your dad is proud of you, he's smiling right now, saying "Kookaloo!"

Cheers

You either have a good memory or you snooped my history lol. I just saw how horrible my phone autocorrected my first post and I'm ashamed to say the least lol.

My thoughts are to rebuild the carbs, get them valves adjusted (20k since last done), and then get some tires on it. It will be at least usable at that point. Looking based on price, racetrach springs and rpm valves will probably be the way to go. A more cost effective rear setup will have to do for now. Mayne even remove the chain on the adjuster and give it a few more turns (to get me by).

I haven't touched the bike in nearly 2 years. I put it on a harbor freight bike dolly any shoved it against the wall. Currently buried in clutter.

[yambutt]

I just put a hyperpro shock on mine, they have a supplier in new jersey, they also will sale you yss and wilbers, also fixn to put rpm fork valves and racetech springs next week on her, hyperpro shock is fabulous, it made me want to upgrade my forks sooner than I wanted..

[FJmonkey]

I just put a hyperpro shock on mine, they have a supplier in new jersey, they also will sale you yss and wilbers, also fixn to put rpm fork valves and racetech springs next week on her, hyperpro shock is fabulous, it made me want to upgrade my forks sooner than I wanted..

I went in the other order. Upgraded my forks to RPM and discovered two very important facts. The RPM valves are awesome on the FJ. The sacked out old OEM shock sucks even worse after you ride on well set up forks. With a well planted front I was much more comfortable in the corners, but now all I could feel was the ass end doing an Irish jig for no real reason. Then the RPM shock was a welcome upgrade.

[FJ1100mjk]

I just put a hyperpro shock on mine, they have a supplier in new jersey, they also will sale you yss and wilbers, also fixn to put rpm fork valves and racetech springs next week on her, hyperpro shock is fabulous, it made me want to upgrade my forks sooner than I wanted..

I have a Hyperpro shock and YSS fork valves with Race Tech springs on the front.  Purchased both from Klaus at EPM Performance. Klaus is awesome.

The Hyperpro five year transferable warranty, and the 10% percent discount for repeat order (bought another Hyperpro shock), is nice too.

Happy with my suspension.

[biggo]

I fitted a Nitron Rear Shock   http://www.nitron.co.uk/catalogue_item.php?catID=12774&prodID=74509

Racetech valves and springs but to me the most important part was having the whole setup 'tuned" by a suspension expert

My write up here http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=15255.0

Best money I ever spent