FJ11 85 Winter Project

[Country Joe]

I just checked out a 1990 Ninja 750 speedometer on eBay, it still has a mechanical drive. One other possibility is removing the FJ 1100 steering stem from the FJ bottom triple clamp and installing in in the Ninja triple clamp. But the Ninja fork lock may not work with the FJ headstock. Modifications......I love them, once they get worked out.

[Alexis Wenzel]

Nice, thanks for the suggestion guys!

Pat, do you know if I can use this spring on those Ninja's forks? http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFS.95
Or do I need to use a specific Kawasaki spring?

And about mill out the triple clamps, is it something recommended to do? Is there enough material to keep the clamps safely usable?

For the speedometer I'm thinking about use something like this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Arrival-LCD-Digital-Tachometer-Speedometer-Odometer-Motorcycle-Motorbike-12000RPM-Ap511/32663754468.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.BxmzBp

[jscgdunn]

Alex,
Was it this weekend you were coming to Calgary?

Jeff

[oldktmdude]

And about mill out the triple clamps, is it something recommended to do? Is there enough material to keep the clamps safely usable?

You could also use a 1989-90 FZR1000 triple clamp set up. It is 43mm and bolts straight in to the FJ steering head bearings. Steering stops also need modification.
   Regards, Pete.

[Pat Conlon]

And about mill out the triple clamps, is it something recommended to do? Is there enough material to keep the clamps safely usable?

You could also use a 1989-90 FZR1000 triple clamp set up. It is 43mm and bolts straight in to the FJ steering head bearings. Steering stops also need modification.
  Regards, Pete.

Good option Pete ^^^ That would be the way I would go......
To answer Alexis's question, yes you can safely remove 1mm from the sides (2mm across the diameter) of the FJ's top and bottom triple clamps. Several FJ'ers have done this with no reported issues.
However, Pete's solution is the best. Why mill anything when you can plug and play?

Pat, do you know if I can use this spring on those Ninja's forks? http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFS.95
Or do I need to use a specific Kawasaki spring?

On the Race Tech site I see 2 different part #'s for the Kawasaki spring vs FJ spring
Kawasaki fork spring FRSP S3732
Yamaha FJ fork spring FRSP S3234
So the answer is no, you can not use the FJ fork spring in the Kawasaki forks.
The Kawasaki springs from Race Tech are $129.99.

[fj1289]

A 1'' difference in fork length will mean that your bike will have much, much quicker steering. The bike will want to fall into corners. This will get worse if you raise the back end.

Hope this helps.... Pat

Don't forget the FJ forks extend through the upper triple clamp for the clip-ons to mount to.  If you go with a tubular bar conversion (it is a streetfighter after all!), the difference in length becomes almost a wash

[Pat Conlon]

I just remembered about the fork tube spacing...Kawasaki vs FJ/FZR
If there's a difference between the Kawasaki's and the FJ's fork tube spacing, and you decide to use the FJ or FZR triple clamps, now you will have a problem using the Kawasaki wheel, spacer and axle with the different FJ/FZR fork tube spacing. Also your brake calipers now won't line up with your rotors and forget about using a Kawasaki front fender.

The only way to be sure this doesn't happen is to follow Country Joe's option. Use the Kawasaki top and bottom triple clamps (with the correct fork spacing) but press out the Kawasaki stem from the bottom triple and press in a stem from a FJ.
On the Kawasaki and FJ stems, hopefully the diameter are the same, if not you will need to weld material on the FJ stem and turn it on a lathe, to get a larger diameter so it will press fit into the Kawasaki lower triple.

Clear as mud?  
Lots of things to think about, but nothing that can't be done, or problem that can't be solved.

Welcome to modifiers anonymous.

[Alexis Wenzel]

Awesome! Thank you very very much for all your input guys! I appreciate it! =D

I have a lot to think about the front end eh...hehehe.

In the meantime, yesterday was the D-day. Engine out, chassis dismantled. Oh lord...what am I doing...hahahaha







Today I start to sand the chassis and prepare it to receive the EZ Liner...

[Alexis Wenzel]

Good morning guys!

andyoutandabout, this week I'll start with the painting...I bought those yesterday:



I'll paint some smaller parts today and post the results. =)

Thanks!

[andyoutandabout]

Excellent. I tried to be as thoughtful as possible with my truck bed liner spray. I studied all the parts that either, never looked clean, were badly chipped or where a pain the rear to clean on a regular basis and coated them all.
Fun times

[Alexis Wenzel]

I did a test and the result was really good! I'll apply at least one more layer so the liner stick good...

Test on the lower end of the chassis with the ez liner and exhaust pipes with the vht paint:










These "exhaust holders" look like they were left at the bottom of the sea eh...hahaha. Nothing that a sand blast doesn't solve...






And the chassis is half way done. =)







Question: do you know if to paint the engine this kind of spray is good? -> http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/vht-high-temperature-engine-metallic-paint-312g-0473714p.html#srp

I want to give a metallic/gloss finish to the engine, not a matte finish...

Thanks brothers!

[Pat Conlon]

VHT= good stuff....Be careful on engine colors other than silver or black.
Several years ago we had a forum member who painted his engine red. Looked good with fresh paint but after several heat cycles, the engine was no longer red.

[Alexis Wenzel]

Geez...I can imagine his frustation...and that's exacly my concern. Even though this vht is for engines the temperature level is 345C when the one for the exhaust is for almost 1100C.

I know the engine doesn't reach temperatures like the exhaust but...I was just wondering if those vht for engines with temp 345C do the job...

Thanks Pat!

[ribbert]

Geez...I can imagine his frustation...and that's exacly my concern. Even though this vht is for engines the temperature level is 345C when the one for the exhaust is for almost 1100C.

I know the engine doesn't reach temperatures like the exhaust but...I was just wondering if those vht for engines with temp 345C do the job...

Thanks Pat!

VHT Engine Enamel, below, after about 60K. It is suitable for everything except the exhaust and is unaffected by oil and fuel.



Preparation - wash down with kero gun, high pressure clean, air dry, mask, paint, ride. You don't need a spray gun and if you're good with a spray can you can get away with one coat. No primer or undercoat required, it is intended to be applied directly to the job.



Good luck trying to find a DIY product that will last on the exhaust. I tried everything on the market then gave up and reluctantly polished them. Not as bad to keep looking good as I imagined though.

Noel

[Alexis Wenzel]

Awesome! Thanks ribbert!

I'll buy one of those today. =)