A stock 1985 Fj1100....many questions and not sure where to start..HELP!

[2001gprix]

HI guys,

Ive got a stock Fj1100 and I want to do a few mods...nothing too weird.  Im mainly looking for power and performance and not too much cosmetic.  Things I want to do is: exhaust, suspension, brake system, jet the carbs, tires and rotors...I like the stock wheels, but im open to maybe changing them out if they look like they COULD'VE come on the bike.  Im very interested in what you all would recommend!   I havent been able to do much research, thats why I just figured Id ask and see what some options were.  Thanks alot guys!  I appreciate any help/ideas anybody can give!

BTW...Ive heard good and bad things about the Vanes & Hines exhaust...anybody out there have it on their Fj?  What do you think?  How does it sound? Feel?

Again, Thanks Alot!

Chris

[Harvy]

HI guys,

Ive got a stock Fj1100 and I want to do a few mods...nothing too weird.  Im mainly looking for power and performance and not too much cosmetic.  Things I want to do is: exhaust, suspension, brake system, jet the carbs, tires and rotors...I like the stock wheels, but im open to maybe changing them out if they look like they COULD'VE come on the bike.  Im very interested in what you all would recommend!   I havent been able to do much research, thats why I just figured Id ask and see what some options were.  Thanks alot guys!  I appreciate any help/ideas anybody can give!

Chris

Welcome to the group Chris.


Make your way to the Modifications section of this site here:

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?board=12.0

Just about covers everything you have asked and then some.........Grab yourself a 6-PACK of your favourite, sit back and start reading......we call it "Moditis" here and from the moment you start to read you will have developed sever symptoms!

Enjoy Chris

Harvy

[Pat Conlon]

Hello Chris, welcome. Here's a good link to review: http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/

I recommend suspension mods before engine mods. Better brakes, tires and suspension components will give you a better handling, safer bike.
Engine mods will give you a faster bike, so I recommend the safer bike first, then go faster.

Be careful of what we call "moditis" it's terribly addictive, and some times expensive.

Cheers, feel free to ask any questions on specifics......Picts. of my '84 are on page 7 of the FJ bike gallery.   Pat

[SILVERGOAT]

Hey there Chris,
            Welcome to probably the best group of guys for help with your FJ. The 84-85 model is, in my opinion, the nicest of the bunch looks wise. Good choice.
             I agree with Pat. Mechanical upgrades, especially wheels for better tires and better brakes is the best spent money. Suspension rebuild or replacement is a close second. Unless your bike is not running 100%, leave the performance upgrades for when you get bored with the engine.
             My '89 came with a V&H 4-1. I hate it. First thing I did was take it off and reinstall the stock system. Carbs were played with. Replaced them with a set of rebuilds. Bike runs better than ever. I gained 5-7 mpg. Be careful when selecting an exhaust. Some require removal to gain access to oil drain plug and some require the center stand to go.
             Good luck with your new "project".

[Mark Olson]

Chris welcome,

the suspension is a good place to start. 

fork springs and emulators.
rear shock.
brakes.
17" wheels..

I run the v&h exhaust and find it just fine. you have to jet your carbs and change your air filters.
if you live in a dry climate it will last a while , if not it will rust out and flake the chrome off.
oil drain plug is blocked by it and has to be removed when you change your oil.
some like it some hate it.

[andyb]

MEH!  The whole reason for an FJ is the motor, the suspension is marginal   In truth though the ability to put great tires on is going to comfortably outweigh everything else.

In true order that I'd personally do, assuming everything works ok as it sits (no oil leaks and such):

Very very first, stainless steel fasteners and new o-rings in the carbs.
Rear wheel to a YZF600R (17x5).
Front wheel to a later FJ (17x3.0) with later fork legs, or a YZF600R front swap (17x3.5 and cartridge forks), preferring the latter.
Monobloc brakes make sense around then, as do SS lines.
Full pipe, lose the airbox, rejet.
Clutch stuff, either dual springs and a better master or the coil conversion.


There's two versions of the V&H pipe.  There's the supersport version (round cannister and black pipes) that I can't tell you anything about.  There's the SS2R version (oval can and plated pipes) and having had two of them I will categorically say that they're better than stock, but they're made like garbage and don't make very good power, almost anything else is a better option.

[SILVERGOAT]

   If you just gotta have an exhaust, check out Remus. Very popular in Europe. Good reputation with other bikes.

[2001gprix]

    Thanks alot everybody!  Im excited to get started on this!  I appreciate all the info and ideas!  Ill keep everybody updated with the progress and THANK YOU ALL for the warm welcome! If anyone thinks of something new or whatever, Im always happy to hear whats on your mind!

Thanks again guys!

-Chris