85 FJ 1100 front fork maint

[Jpn]

Never had the front forks apart on my steed, plan to replace the springs and install the gold fork valve emulators this winter. Looking at the exploded view diagram to determine what parts I will need is confusing. Any suggestions as to which seals need to be replaced for the described work. Yes I could take them apart and figure it out, trying to save some time though and have parts on hand. Any help would be appreciated.

[Pat Conlon]

RPM took the guesswork out:

http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFJ41ForkR%2FBKit

Get the bug shield option...then get one of these:

http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AForkBrace

Your front fender tabs will thank you.

[Motofun]

As far as seals go....buy OEM, don't trust aftermarket seals.  Don't wait for the "I told you so"....

[Paul.1478]

Doing the front and rear suspension was the one most noticeable difference on my FJ hands down.
In my opinion, stock suspension on every bike I ever owned (excluding the Ducati) are woefully inadequate.

[Pat Conlon]

Doing the front and rear suspension was the one most noticeable difference on my FJ hands down.
In my opinion, stock suspension on every bike I ever owned (excluding the Ducati) are woefully inadequate.

Agree 100%

On our FJ's, the stock damper rod forks, springs and shock needs an upgrade.
Then...the narrow pig heavy 16" rims and biasply tires
Then....the front brakes....
Then....
Then....

[Motofun]

Pat's old enough to remember when the FJ was one of the newest hotest things around.  We didn't complain (much) back then, just kookaloo'd the hell out them.  I bet Pat thinks his 1984 desk top computer was kinda clunky too....

[Billy Bananahead]

Doing the front and rear suspension was the one most noticeable difference on my FJ hands down.
In my opinion, stock suspension on every bike I ever owned (excluding the Ducati) are woefully inadequate.

Agree 100%

On our FJ's, the stock damper rod forks, springs and shock needs an upgrade.
Then...the narrow pig heavy 16" rims and biasply tires
Then....the front brakes....
Then....
Then....

I've put a XJR1200 front wheel which is 3.5" wide, a matching pair of Avon Storm radial tyres, a set of XJR1200 forks with 1300 adjuster units and a Hagon rear shock on my 3CV. Out of the 4 FJ's that i've owned this one is by far the best handling that i've owned. XJR forks are 43mm with Hagon progressive springs. You can see the adjuster on the top of the forks in the photo, click to enlarge.
IMG_20240412_152207578 by XJR1200 TIGER, on Flickr

[Jpn]

Pat's old enough to remember when the FJ was one of the newest hotest things around.  We didn't complain (much) back then, just kookaloo'd the hell out them.  I bet Pat thinks his 1984 desk top computer was kinda clunky too....

1985- I was due to graduate high school in 1 year and I had the Yamaha 1985 FJ lineup poster on my wall along with Heather Thomas in a Pink Bikini. Never really thought Id ever own an FJ yet here I am...