Standard FJ1100

[Russfjr1]

  So I have this early fj11 complete with the anti dive, the condition of the bike is good never been painted or any aftermarket bits fitted the only thing done is an anti dive mod. The question is do I clean it up and use as is 100% original battle scars the lot (in fairness it's clean not many marks) or do I do an all out restoration keeping totally original, every nut and bolt. I have a later front end that could go on as well as a rear but this bike is so clean and good considering the age of it, even the original exhaust is ok.  What to do!  I will be completing the fjr1cbrfzr1200 first but what to do with this one?   

[FJmonkey]

Russ, that is completely up to what you want. A very clean bone stock classic bike (regardless of make or model) looks good a museum display but will not ride as well with some of the current suspension and wheel mods. It would also be great to ride in on it for the Bike Nights gatherings. The mods really don't give you much bang if you are not going to ride it hard or for long miles. But again that is up to you what to do with the FJ. I am sure what ever you choose it will be a nice bike in your stable.   

[Pat Conlon]

That has come up before.
Frank (flynt) had the same decision with a beautiful '84 he acquired. Hope he chimes in.....
Definately don't do any mods that are not reversible.
He rejeted his carbs and put some '92 forks w/RPM valves/springs on the front (with 87/88 FZR rim and R-1 brakes)
I don't know if he converted the rear yet. With that bitchen Avon Storm 3D radial now available, I would think twice on the need for a 17" rear tire, although you may want to match your front rim.
Definately plan on getting a new rear shock.
Do the Transpo (adjustable) voltage regulator mod. Your battery will thank you.
Check the red plug, replace if cooked.
Put a LED headlight in, take the load off the harness.
Watch those shift forks. Be careful with 2nd gear.

I don't need to tell you to beware, it's a slippery slope.

I'm glad you're feeling better Russ. I thought about you when you were offline.

Cheers.  Pat

[PaulG]

Definately don't do any mods that are not reversible.

My sentiments exactly.  If it's in that good of condition for an early model, I (IMHO) would leave it as close to stock as possible.  You are near completeing your customized one - which is turning into a real beaut - so having a stock one would be a nice comparison.  As these become older, a nice clean stock example is even more rare these days.  An original spec resto - if you think necessary - would be as rewarding as your cutomized one.

If it's going to be a frequent/daily rider maybe some of the electrical and internal suspension upgrades, but that's about it.

Good on ya' Russ!

[Flynt]

Frank (flynt) had the same decision with a beautiful '84 he acquired. Hope he chimes in.....

I kept very close to stock for about a year (pod filters and EBC brake pads only) then did some more expensive, but still reversible, mods with excellent results.  For me the trigger was coming into a familiar corner at about 2X normal speed, got the bike completely out of sorts with the rear sliding and hopping around while the front struggled to stay in contact with the bumpy road.  I decided a 100% stock '84 FJ was a dangerous place to be...

The bike is now sure footed and confidence inspiring.  I'm avoiding the 17" conversion so far and have a few Avon front tires to go through while considering it further.  Mods list:

1. A/D removed with bypass plates installed (Much better brake feel and progression on engagement).
2. "Braking" rotors front and rear, EBC HH front and organic rear pads (1 finger stopping power up front, better modulation of a light rear under heavy braking).
3. RPM suspension front and rear (modern technology engineered for our bikes...  no brainer)
4. RPM Exhaust and Uni Pod intakes (much better airflow, much better sound, removes some heavy parts)
5. Rizoma mirrors and LED turn signals (cosmetic mostly, but the stock stuff makes the bike look really dated and the mirrors are MUCH better)
6. LED headlight (bright as heck, no "relay mod" needed)
7. Ignition advance by slotting pickup mounting plate (~4-5 degrees more advance)
8. Tuned carbs for max performance per butt dyno...  using Factory Pro tuning method (takes some time, but these bikes need much more fuel to make their max power).

My '84 is now as much fun to ride as my heavily modified '92 (Wizard).  RPM Randy went down this path as well (keeping 16" wheels with RPM suspension specifically), but found he needed to go to 17" wheels to get the bigger brakes...  he was warping rotors with the 16" setup.  I'm not having that issue, so I think the rotor upgrade is enough for me.  I can't say enough about the suspension bits...  really transformative to the feeling of stability in all riding conditions.

Frank

[fj1289]

I think it would be very cool to have two FJ's at each end of the spectrum - a wildly modified project bike and stock appearing/discretely modified "vintage" bike. 

For the 1100 my list of wants would be:
RPM suspension upgrades: complete fork rebuild (bushings, etc) with fork valves and springs and rear shock.
Best tires you can find for 16" wheels
Upgraded rotors and pads like Flynt used
Upgraded brake lines - RPM sells Speigler braided lines -- and they have a very cool line that looks like vintage rubber lines

Keep the airbox and stock exhaust if you like -- or go with the RPM pipe and pods -- they could be considered appropriate "period" mods (even though they weren't available then - they still keep with the "spirit" of the 4-1's or slip ons and individual filters available then)

Then, if you still need to tinker and play - go with a big bore, mild cams, and clean up the ports (keep the stock Yamaha valve train though!), undercut the transmission and enjoy a vintage appearing bike that will surprise many riders with how good it is at all kinds of riding. 

Either way - enjoy!

[Russfjr1]

OK so best 16" tyre or tire  well what could it be? We all know most of it is down to the individual but can we agree on one in particular? Be it brand, version or even size?  Going to start another thread about this one would love to hear all thoughts about this.

[Russfjr1]

Well I have been trying to get stock exhaust for the 11 ..... no such luck, however, I have got hold of a pair of  early xjr1200 rear cans for £122 they are new never fitted old stock, very shiny bright chrome never fitted as said. They will need some alteration but nothing major, well nothing major that I can see. Might offer them up to the 12 as well ..... just to get an idea.  Will post more as and when they arrive.