Is it worth fitting blue dot front calipers to a 1991 FJ1200

[bikerjimbob]

Hi all, been reading up on replacing the front calipers for blue dot units on my 1991 model FJ but so far I am quite impressed with the originals that have had a full service and new pads.

If you guys think the replacements are a lot better what's your recommendations please.

Thanks in advance
Jim

[Billy Bananahead]

I've fitted them to my 1988 FJ and to my 1995 XJR and the blue spots are a definite improvement.
Will they bolt straight on to the 1991 FJ? IDK.
You know as well as me that technology evolves and improves and i don't think Yamaha would have continued with the old type of calipers if there was a better alternative.
But the original calipers were not bad, i just find the pistons a bit stiff in operation compared to the blue spots and i overhauled a set of the originals and that's what i found.
I don't think it's a fashion, it is a definite improvement. That's my opinion.

[bikerjimbob]

Thanks for the information, sounds like its another mod on the list, as I understand it Yamaha R1 and R6 units are a direct fit are there particular year models that fit best?
Thanks again for the reply

[Billy Bananahead]

I don't know what years fit but i do know that the newer radially mounted calipers won't fit older bikes.

[Pat Conlon]

Yes they will fit and Yes to me they are a noticeable improvement.

[Bones]

They don't have to be just the blue spots either, the later silver or gold spots fit as well. A lot of different model Yamahas used them so just a matter of picking what colour you want and source a pair. They have to be axiel mounted though not the more modern radial mounted.

[bikerjimbob]

They don't have to be just the blue spots either, the later silver or gold spots fit as well. A lot of different model Yamahas used them so just a matter of picking what colour you want and source a pair. They have to be axiel mounted though not the more modern radial mounted.

Thats great info thank you, so I will start looking here in Australia for any blue, silver or gold spot units 

[red]

Bikerjimbob,

FWIW, my first thought on brakes would be to switch to stainless steel hydraulic hoses, not new calipers.  Most hydraulics shops can duplicate your rubber hoses at reasonable prices.  The new hoses will be covered by stainless steel braiding, and even can be had in a variety of colors. Make sure you get the pivoting banjo ends on the new hoses.  The older banjos did not pivot, and you can not twist a hydraulic hose to fit - the banjos will have to pivot instead.

Personally, I would not want two-finger front brakes; I'd probably lock the front wheel on a panic stop if the front brakes are TOO responsive.

[Billy Bananahead]

Personally, I would not want two-finger front brakes; I'd probably lock the front wheel on a panic stop if the front brakes are TOO responsive.

They are not quite that drastic. 

[FJ1200W]

Yes they will fit and Yes to me they are a noticeable improvement.

I'm trying to understand how they perform better - Are the pistons larger or smaller in diameter?

*** Researching....

Blue DOT calipers, 2 pistons, one 27mm (front piston) and one 30mm (rear) = 47mm = 147.65mm surface area

Stock FJ1200 caliper, a pair of 21mm pistons x 2 = 42mm = 131.95mm surface area

That's about a 11% difference.

The increased piston size in the caliper would increase leverage at the lever - squeeze less for more brakes

[Pat Conlon]

Hi all, been reading up on replacing the front calipers for blue dot units on my 1991 model FJ but so far I am quite impressed with the originals that have had a full service and new pads.

If you guys think the replacements are a lot better what's your recommendations please.

Thanks in advance
Jim

Jim, only consider the blue/silver/gold spots (monoblocks) *IF* you also upgrade the master cylinder.

 The oem FJ master cylinder is a 5/8" dia. piston (16mm) and IMHO does not work well with the monoblocks. It gives a wooden, hard feel at the brake lever.
 For best results you need a smaller 14mm master (or at most a 15mm master) This gives a longer progressive feel at the brake lever.

If you plan to stay with the FJ 5/8" 16mm oem master, stay with the oem FJ calipers.

[Waiex191]

Jim, only consider the blue/silver/gold spots (monoblocks) *IF* you also upgrade the master cylinder.

I put R1 calipers and master on my FJ and they are beyond awesome. 

[giantkiller]

I put the 2008 gixxer 1000 brakes and masters on my bikes and they are awesome. Plus they get the chick's.
But will probably go wth the blue dots on the 1100s

[Millietant]

I put the 2008 gixxer 1000 brakes and masters on my bikes and they are awesome. Plus they get the chick's.
But will probably go wth the blue dots on the 1100s

The blue dots don't fit the mounting lugs on the standard 1100 forks (or the 85/86 1TX model 1200 forks) Dan, you'll need adaptor plates (or later 1200 for bottoms).

The 2908 Gixxer brakes are awesome, but you also need the whole front end as well. And as Pat well knows, USD's do indeed get the chicks 

[giantkiller]

Blue dots dots fit the  89 up don't they. Or am I wrong about that? I have the 89 front end that I removed to put the 2008 gixxer front end on. I put one on my 1350r too. And I have another to put in the turbo bike. I had extensions welded onto the caps on three gixxer inverted front ends that's why I sold the extensions I had made.
I can't wait to get my hands on the 2908 gixxer front end.  That would really get the chick's. Lol.