My Initial Tear Down and Surprises lol 1992 Fj1200

[ribbert]

Personally, I really don't understand this fascination of putting turn signal lights on the centre of the bike....but maybe that comes from having a friend put in a wheelchair and his wife killed, when they got rear-ended by a car.

I agree entirely, the standard indicators do nothing for the lines of the FJ, but safety first. I like the fact they're big and stick out and I have LED globes in them. We also have minimum separation distance and colour requirements here but they don't seem to be policed and we don't have annual inspections.

I also have a very bright LED brake light globe and have fitted a modulator that gives a rapid flash for a few seconds when applied then settles into a solid light. The duration and rate of the flash are independently adjustable. It's very attention grabbing. If I'm the only, or first vehicle at an intersection, I sometimes release and reapply the brake to start the flashing sequence again if a car is approaching from behind. I'm also more comfortable being able to see behind while stopped since ditching my standard mirrors in favour of units that show something other than my elbows. There are a number of things I do to minimise the risk of being rear ended.

Noel

[RevDeal]

Saparately though Rev, can do you put a link for the FB FJ page (if that's OK) - I've trawled and can't find anything other than a U.K. FJ group and an Aussie FJ group.

I posted it in the general discussion,  but here it is.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2331723123/?ref=share

[RevDeal]

Personally, I really don't understand this fascination of putting turn signal lights on the centre of the bike....but maybe that comes from having a friend put in a wheelchair and his wife killed, when they got rear-ended by a car.

I agree entirely, the standard indicators do nothing for the lines of the FJ, but safety first. I like the fact they're big and stick out and I have LED globes in them. We also have minimum separation distance and colour requirements here but they don't seem to be policed and we don't have annual inspections.

I also have a very bright LED brake light globe and have fitted a modulator that gives a rapid flash for a few seconds when applied then settles into a solid light. The duration and rate of the flash are independently adjustable. It's very attention grabbing. If I'm the only, or first vehicle at an intersection, I sometimes release and reapply the brake to start the flashing sequence again if a car is approaching from behind. I'm also more comfortable being able to see behind while stopped since ditching my standard mirrors in favour of units that show something other than my elbows. There are a number of things I do to minimise the risk of being rear ended.

Noel

You guys aren't wrong. The logic for this is sound. There isn't really an argument against safety or visibility other than that some choose to ignore it for the image of the bike. I was willing to do that until it was made known that it was illegal.

The RPM break and turn signal is pretty nice, and it does everything it is suppose to do, but you do loose that extra visibility that the separated turn signal provides.

The mirrors are something to change for sure. Will probably do that soonish.
Jacob

[Millietant]

Saparately though Rev, can do you put a link for the FB FJ page (if that's OK) - I've trawled and can't find anything other than a U.K. FJ group and an Aussie FJ group.

I posted it in the general discussion,  but here it is.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2331723123/?ref=share

Thank you, I've sent a joining request 

[Millietant]

I dont have an issue with visibility from my mirrors, but one glass has started to vibrate a bit, audibly, at very low revs, so I'm thinking about the best replacement option.

Seems Honda mirrors, from a CBR300 or CBR600 might be the favourites ?

[RevDeal]

Ended up not having to bend the exhaust pipe. There was enough play in it to slightly bed it down and welded an additional piece onto the bracket. I went to an exhaust shop and they were worried that the exhaust metal may be so thin that bending it would ruin it.
So here it is without having been bent. And if I ever want to go back. Grind the weld and it's all good.

Side note: It felt so good to do a short trip today. 65miles of enjoyment

[Millietant]

Just out of curiosity, why did you not just make up a bracket with hole centres you've ended up with - or does the bracket not unbolt from the silencer ?

[RevDeal]

That is a good idea to do in the future. I had not even thought about just pushing down and remounting. So I learned something at the shop and was glad I hadn't  attempted a bend.

Jacob

[Reloader]

Is the f4i a viable rear spring option for a 1992 fj1200?

"No.
https://www.racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Honda/CBR600F4i/2001-06
A search thru the Race Tech web site for the specs on the 2001-2006 Honda CBR600 F4i shows the oem rear shock spring to be 795 lbs/in (14.2 kg/mm) which might be fine for a light 425 lb 600cc sport bike, but is too light for our 550 lb FJ's.

For a 200 lb solo rider my FJ Penske shock spring rate is 1,000 lbs/inch shock spring. (17.8 kg/mm)
For a FJ with 2 riders and luggage you are looking at 1100-1200 lbs/inch (19.6-21.4 kg/mm)

Remember the old saying, the spring controls the motorcycle, but the shock controls the spring.
If you are planning on the CBR600 shock, also plan on upping the spring rate *and* re valving the shock so you can properly control the heavier spring.

Cheers
Pat"

I am rekindling this thread to find out if the f4i shock will physically fit a 1992 FJ1200D? I can not find a definitive answer or I have overlooked it.

I understand Pat's response to the original question, however, it is my understanding that the spring rate can be increased up to 900lbs which would take care of my needs.

Thanks in advance.

Marc

[Pat Conlon]

I can't answer the shock fitment question but you will be ok with a 900lb spring....for solo riding.

[Millietant]

I think the clear answer is that "with some machining of parts and modifications" it will fit.

Personally with a a second hand shock of unknown life and condition, with a lass than ideal spring and which needs machining and messing about, I wouldn't bother - I'd go with a Hagon, set from the factory for your weight and riding, for around $500 delivered to your doorstep in the USA, in around a week, complete with a manufacturer's warranty - or a YSS for around $600.

By the time you add up all your spending, messing and risk with a second hand, near 20 year old CBR600 shock, it seems like money well spent buying a new one made by specialists for your bike and you. Just my two cents worth ! 

[Pat Conlon]

Yep, listen to Dean

[Reloader]

Thank you Gentlemen for the information and advice which is well taken.

Marc