time for new tires, chain, sprockets, fork seals and fork springs?

[anson45]

I haven't done this in a while, obviously.
I've got a pretty much stock '89 that needs all of the above. Dunlop no longer make the tires I have been running so I'm looking for a new brand. Any suggestions? I've been running 17-40 sprockets and I'm thinking of going to 17-38. I'm tired   of searching for 6th. Any problems? Since my right fork seal is leaking anyway I thinking of switching to Progressive Fork springs. I have them in my other bikes and have liked the change. Any experience with them? And then there is "changing the fork seals". I have done simpler forks, XS650's, but the more I read the Clymer manuel the more confused I get. Is there a better description out there?
Thanks for any input.
Anson
1980 XS650SG
1981 XS650H
1983 XVZ1200 (original owner)
1989 FJ1200

[rktmanfj]

The perfect time to do the real wheel conversion!   

Randy T
Indy

[pdxfj]

FJ forks are really no different than any other damper rod fork found in other bikes.  Be sure to use only OEM Yamaha seals.  Also replace the dust caps while you're at it.  If you use another other seals (leak proof for example) you'll be replacing them again.

As randy mentioned, doing the rear wheel swap now would be perfect.  Then you have virtually unlimited tire choices.   

[anson45]

Rear wheel conversion is to 17 inch? What is the donor wheel?

[anson45]

I just read in a post down the page, YZF600R? for a donor wheel?

[mz_rider]

Anson,

Tyres – I'd recommend Avon Radials – Storm front, Azaro rear.

Gearing – no problem with 17-38, you could also go 18–40 or 18–39.

Springs – Progressives are a must to eliminate sag (I've also used K-Tech)

Seals – Fairly easy. My Haynes manual is pretty clear. You will need a special tool to dismantle (see my home made at the Yahoo site under "files/FJ maintenance files/fork tool.jpg") A piece of tube of the correct diameter to seat the seal is also helpful.

Stuart, Glasgow, Scotland.
1991 & 92 FJ1200 3XW
2007 Honda CBF250

[andyb]

I just read in a post down the page, YZF600R? for a donor wheel?

A 3-spoke YZF600R is the proper donor, yes.  You'd need one from a 97-00 bike or so.

To do the conversion, you need everything that goes inside the swingarm from the donor bike:  wheel, cushdrive, brake caliper perch, spacers.

There's some machining (cutting) on the spacers and on the face of the cushdrive required.  Guy with a lathe can do it fairly quickly.

The wheel is a 17x5.0 and allows a 160/60, 160/70, 170/60 tire to mount nicely, and there's a bunch of options in those tire sizes.  One thing to note is that the various tire sizes will change your gearing slightly, a 170/60R17 will be a touch shorter (about equal to +1 on the rear sprocket if you have a 17t front).

Gearing options overall are 18, 17, 16t in the front and 38-42, 47, 49t rears in standard sizes.  With a custom company such as sprocketspecialists (i think?) you could get 36-80t depending on what you want.  The FJ will pull a taller gearing such as 18/40 very well, so don't be afraid of going to longer gears.

[rktmanfj]

I just read in a post down the page, YZF600R? for a donor wheel?

The wheel is a 17x5.0 and allows a 160/60, 160/70, 170/60 tire to mount nicely, and there's a bunch of options in those tire sizes.  One thing to note is that the various tire sizes will change your gearing slightly, a 170/60R17 will be a touch shorter (about equal to +1 on the rear sprocket if you have a 17t front).

I went with the 160 the first time around, and found it fairly easy to ride off the edge of the tire in somewhat aggressive riding.

I swapped it for a 170 of the same tire in the middle of the ECSR this year.  The 170 works a lot better.

I chose the 18/40 gears, and the only time I regret it is during 2-up riding on the freeway.                   

Randy T
Indy

[Arnie]

Anson,

As others have said, changing to a 17" rear wheel will open up your choices tremendously and improve the handling at the same time.
However, if you don't want to change then Avon make a 16" radial and you may still be able to find a Michelin of correct size.  There are several choices if you want a bias or bias/belted rear from Dunlop, Metzler, Bridgestone, and others.
The FJ will pull a 17-38, but you'll lose some of the neck snapping acceleration (in case that matters to you).  You can also get an 18t c/s sprocket.  General opinion is that straight rate springs from Race-Tech or Sonic are a better choice than Progressive.  Fork seal change is straightforward, just make sure you get the damping adjusting rod back in the right hole.

Cheers,
Arnie

[anson45]

Thank you for all the input.
Anson