front wheel

[FJmonkey]

Pat's mostly right, just really strange...

Mostly right? As in, almost right? Did I miss something? 

Like almost pregnant?

[chixson]

ok, is the purpose of going to the '89 front wheel and lowers for better brakes? Im asking because everything i'm finding is saying the Fj's had 16" front wheels until '92...i like the better brakeing idea emensly.. another question, i did the gsxr conversion on the rear and the brakes for the gixer are a llittle weak for the 500+ pounder, is there anywhay to help with that? I used the underslug caliper with mny conversion.
thanks everyone for all the help and advise..
chris

[FJmonkey]

ok, is the purpose of going to the '89 front wheel and lowers for better brakes? Im asking because everything i'm finding is saying the Fj's had 16" front wheels until '92...i like the better brakeing idea emensly.. another question, i did the gsxr conversion on the rear and the brakes for the gixer are a llittle weak for the 500+ pounder, is there anywhay to help with that? I used the underslug caliper with mny conversion.
thanks everyone for all the help and advise..
chris

Don't count on improved breaking by upgrading the rear. Under slung is just as effective as over, just cosmetics. As weight shifts forward during breaking (assuming you are traveling forward) the rear breaking effect is reduced the harder you brake with the more effective front brake. To the point of pulling a rear wheel wheelie, but you front is planted and your ass end raises up. Same effect allows for pulling a rear wheel wheelie but in reverse weight transfer.... 80% or more of your breaking comes from the front, depending on lean angle. Stopping at a light you can get more rear wheel braking. Slowing down in a turn cuz you misjudged it better be from the front. The slightest over brake in the rear while leaned over (the more leaned over the more critical) will wash out the rear and low side you and your wonderful bike. Don't take the rear breaks off, just know that your fronts are the real work horses and keeping them in top shape is more important. Upgrade when possible to Blue dots or better, steel braided lines, good brake master, good rotor and pads....Etc....

[chixson]

Thanks for all the advice and steering in the right direction..time for some ebay theropy..
stay safe everyone..

[SlowOldGuy]

ok, is the purpose of going to the '89 front wheel and lowers for better brakes? Im asking because everything i'm finding is saying the Fj's had 16" front wheels until '92..

The 16" front wheel stopped in '88/'89.  From personal experience on my '85, the handling improvement going to a 17 inch front wheel was amazing.  I used an '89, but any non-ABS 17 inch FJ front wheel will work.  As already stated, you'll need the fork lowers, axle, rotors and calipers also.  Speedo drive and spacer are identical. 

Bottomline: You get much better rubber selection and drastically improved handling with this mod.  Well worth the effort and money.

DavidR.

[ccsct203]

I upgraded to a 1988 fz 1000 front fork
a 1992 17" wheel
ducati rotors
2001 blue dots
BIG difference

[chixson]

Chris, the front is easy to change up to a 17" x 3" or 17" x 3.5". The wider tire may or may not be more expensive. You need an 89" or newer front end from an FJ to get the 3.0" wide wheel. I am in the process of putting an 88" FZR1000 front wheel to get the wider 3.5" on my 86'. Basically you need all the bits from the wheel to the triple tree.... Wheel, Blue or Gold dot calipers, 89' forks (lowers will do). Upgrade to braided lines while you are at it. 14MM brake master, put a set of straight rate springs and some of Randy's cartridge inserts. You can do it on a budget but remember your brake lines are really old now.... Did I miss anything???

Wanted to thank you for the information on my front wheel mod. I've found a complete '89 front end for $350 with shipping, should be hee this week. I'll post pictures of the old girl when I have her back to gether..
thanks to everyone for your help!!