Is it worth rebuilding 86 forks with new valves and seals?

[Timbox]

I need to either rebuild the 86 forks or change out he front end.  For those that have put the valve kit in their 86 forks, it is work it?  Need to do the seals so if I have them off are the valves worth doing it?  Or will I not be happy with the current 86 forks and need to change to the 89+ setup?  Really on the fence and just need a push, Thanks

[Pat Conlon]

....Or will I not be happy....

There are degrees of happiness.

Yes, you will be happy using your existing '86 forks and getting rid of the soft sacked out oem springs and installing new springs and RPM Fork Valves.

No question.

You will be happier installing '89+ lower fork sliders with the above improvements. You will be able to run better brakes, lighter rotors and a 17" front tire on a rim that is much lighter than your narrow pig heavy oem 16" rim.
Are lighter rims really important? For your consideration, here is some info. on the advantages of lighter weight rims: http://www.hardracing.com/Rims/WheelWeightInfo.htm

Your tire selection will be expanded. Modern 17" tires are superior.

Question is: What level of happiness will satisfy you? The answer is subjective.

[FJ_Hooligan]

Not sure how much you have researched the front end swap, but Pat's description may be a bit deceiving in its implied simplicity.

It is an easy swap (and you really should do it), but it requires additional hardware from an '89+ model FJ ; the front wheel, axle, brake rotors, and either stock 4-piston calipers, or a set of monoblocks.  I believe you can reuse the '86 spacers and speedometer drive.

[Flynt]

I think you can try the RPM valves and springs without any concern...  they can be moved if you want bigger wheels and brakes.  I'm riding the '84 with 16" Avons and RPM front and rear...  the bike goes pretty well and stops really well (1 finger).  I put RPM's Braking rotors and EBC pads (F=HH, R=organic) on along with the suspension stuff.  I ride it quickly and with confidence.

Frank

[Timbox]

Thanks for the info and point of view about the forks.  I will have to decide sooner or later but I am leaning to the 89+ forks.

[Alf]

Well, depend on your style of riding and your use of the bike

My 3CV with wider & lighter rims and better brakes is more rigid in sport-riding mode, much more stable & confident in all circumstances...

BUT

Travelling this summer 4.000 km. with my "new" 1TX with everything OE, except a better brake master, solo riding, long journeys with the fast mode activated, the tall profile of the tyres help a lot absorbing potholes and irregularities, making much more comfortable the ride and let me arrive more rested each journey. Seriously: on bad shape tarmac roads where my 3CV is uncomfortable, the 1TX ride effortless, absorbing everything

So I decided keep my 1TX original