Recommend A First Mod

[fjfanatic]

Because I can't leave well enough alone I'm looking at making changes to my high mileage 89. With all the moditis around here what would you recommend as a first mod?
I'm thinking the wheel mod or doing the front suspension with the RPM springs and valves.
I am open to suggestions so tell me what you think the biggest overall improvement over stock would be.
 

[andyb]

Loads of basic maintenance, and a set of stainless screws for the carbs.

Getting it running right is frequently the best gain you can get.

[1tinindian]

Something you use no matter how well its running,... the brakes.
Do the blue dot calipers and a master cylinder.
The files section will have the details.
If you need new rotors, I highly recommend the chinese/galfer rotors.
I have that set-up and love it over stock.

This was my biggest complaint, and my very first mod.

Leon

[mst3kguy]

brakes.  on any model, but especially if it's one of the abs models.  get rid of all that extra tubing and weight and put on the r1's.

[Arnie]

I concur about brakes being your #1 mod, but the first change should be to SS brake lines, then to the "blue spot" or "gold spot" calipers, and last replace your master cylinder. 
If you can afford to do all at once, that is even better.

Arnie

[Pat Conlon]

With the age of the bike and the mileage...... SS brake lines first and foremost.
Loose those old rubber lines *right now*
You can always use the new lines when you upgrade to the R-1 blue spots....so do those brake lines first.

After the brake lines....The rear shock. It was weak sauce the day it left the factory, only to be much worse  23 years later.

The FJ oem brakes work ok (not as good as the R-1's, but still ok)  That oem rear shock sucks big time.

[ddlewis]

Sometimes when you get a set of late model calipers off ebay, you might find it with the m/c and lines.  Those lines could be newish and completely workable.  In about 2003 got the whole shebang for like $9.99.. calipers, m/c and lines off an 01 yzf600r.  I later did the SS lines purely for bling factor - it didn't make much/any difference in braking..

my point?  see what comes with your ebay blue-dots before springing for the SS lines, especially if you on a budget.

also +1 on the brakes as the easiest, least expensive, bang/buck mod.  

...so ends my arguably useful fj content posting for the year..

[Dads_FJ]

Sometimes when you get a set of late model calipers off ebay, you might find it with the m/c and lines.  Those lines could be newish and completely workable.  In about 2003 got the whole shebang for like $9.99.. calipers, m/c and lines off an 01 yzf600r.  I later did the SS lines purely for bling factor - it didn't make much/any difference in braking..

my point?  see what comes with your ebay blue-dots before springing for the SS lines, especially if you on a budget.

also +1 on the brakes as the easiest, least expensive, bang/buck mod.  

...so ends my arguably useful fj content posting for the year..

'nother benefit to purchasing the master and calipers together (even with rubber hoses attached) is less chance of contamination/moisture. You never know how long somethings been sitting on a shelf, or worse, but I think if it's all together it'll help keep out the crud.

[cyclenutk75]

I'll cast my vote for front brakes - blue dots and braided lines.  I made the change over the past winter, including new (chinese) rotors.  My 89 had low miles on it when I bought it two years ago and the front brakes were very mushy and weak from day one.  The upgrade saved my ass (and the rest of me) from becoming a splat on a Dodge Ram tailgate last weekend.

GT

[ribbert]

If you don't want to spring for blue dot brakes and m/c yet, someone's discarded later model 4 piston calipers, the right pads and SS steel brake lines will get the back wheel airborne. 
The brakelines can then be used on the blue dots at a later date.

My first mod after that would be 17" wheels and decent rubber.

Noel

[Dads_FJ]

How's your riding gear, up to par?

[SlowOldGuy]

It's an '89.  He already has 4 piston calipers and the 17 inch front wheel.

DavidR.

[JCainFJ]

 Try to find a set of Gold-dots calipers from an 02-03 R1 along with the R1 14mm mastercylinder. I've used all of the early monoblock nonradial calipers and these are the best of the bunch. The stock Sumotomo G-G pads are the best I've found for street use.

[FJ Flyer]

If you want to go electrical first, do the headlight relay mod.  Not too difficult nor expensive.  Makes an incredible difference in headlight brightness.

[yamaha fj rider]

Wow great stuff. I am new here and love the forum. Please help me understand this mod from the ground up. Seems like the best next mod for my 93 fj1200abs. Two questions why so much dislike for the abs model and why change the rooters? Thank's for the help!