84 lower fork legs exchange with later non antidive analog?

[azure]

Hello, and thanks for any knowledge regarding losing the antidive units. I cannot find the block off plates anywhere.
All best to this great group!
Ben

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Ben, as you have noticed, the link for block off plates I had down in the Suspension Files (Demon Speed Racing) no longer works.
I Googled them to see if they were still in business but I could not find them, so I have deleted my outdated File post.

Stand by, let's see if we can find another source.

[FJmonkey]

Ben, you don't need the Block Off plates to lose the AD function. Unless you are looking a for a cosmetic approach. Take the AD units off, take the top half off the lower half. Flip the lower half over and reinstall. Save or toss the top half to taste. Or get 89+ forks, they offer some upgrade options like a 17" front wheel and more modern brakes that bolt on.

[FJ1100mjk]

Fast From the Past has them for $90...

http://www.fastfromthepast.com/fork-anti-dive-bypass

[jscgdunn]

Yep...for $90 I think it is better to upgrade to 3CV forks, brakes, 17 inch wheel.

[Pat Conlon]

Thank you Marty. I have updated the Suspension Files with your information

Yes, I agree, rather than spending $90 on AD block off plates, put that money towards some '89-93 fork lowers.

[azure]

Thank you guys! 89-93 lower fork legs, here I come!

[FJ_Hooligan]

Don't forget, you'll need the front wheel, axle, brake rotors and calipers.

[azure]

Ah, thanks. With all that hardware, is this the best way to improve the front end on my 84? Would I be better off swapping for a more modern alternative?

[Pat Conlon]

For the easiest, most cost effective, good performing front end mod: I recommend the 89/93 lowers, RPM valves and springs, fork brace, R-1/R-6 mono block blue or gold spot calipers, ss lines, EBC HH pads, 87/88 FZR 750/1000 front wheel and a modern radial tire, compound of your choice.

I have '92 FZR1000 USD (upside down) cartridge forks on my '84 and they are good forks. This winter I will be converting over to the YZF750 USD's for external adjustability of compression/rebound.

On my last trip up to Oakdale to visit RPM, Randy wanted me to ride his bike equipped with the RPM fork valves so as to compare with my cartridge forks...
I can say that his bike was the smoothest riding FJ I have ever ridden.....ever.
The compliance speed of the IAT valves in responding to (smoothing out) sharp roadway imperfections was much faster than my FZR cartridge forks. A very nice ride.
There are structural advantages the USD forks have that the spindly 41mm RU forks don't have, and will never have, however, smooth riding is not one of them.

I think it's fair to say that the general consensus agrees that the sexy USD forks gets the chicks.....

Yes, you can spend your time and money going to a newer USD fork conversion, but if you want a smooth front end, the RPM valves are hard to beat.
Here is some additional reading on fork swaps for you:  www.fjmods.co.uk

Cheers, hope this helps.....

Pat

[azure]

Thanks Pat, Hooligan, and everyone else who replied. I am very happy with the Race tech valves and springs I used on the Gold Wing front end on my sohc Honda, so why the heck not?!

[Pat Conlon]

Race Tech cartridge emulator valves are '80's technology.
I've had those and yes, they are better than the oem damper rod forks.

Time marches on...
The IAT valves are 21st century technology.

Ride a FJ with RPM valves and see for yourself.

[krusty]

To keep cost under control go for the later forks (with RPM valves if you wish) and calipers. Save money by keeping your original 16" front wheel fitted with (early) Vmax rotors.

[azure]

Thanks Pat and Kristy

Interesting concerning the improvement in cartridge emulators, Pat. Aside from experientially feeling the difference,  what is the difference between the RPM and Racetech emulators physically?

[Pat Conlon]

From the Suspension Files:
RPM fork valves explained http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7486.0