Fork upgrade decisions???????

[candieandy]

I would take $250 for it, but i plan on keeping my Ducati rotors and R1 brakes.

[Yamifj1200]

"While the ride is MUCH better than stock, they still SUCK compared to the stock cartridge forks on my FZ1"

That's why some of us have gone to properly sprung FZ1 front forks. Very nice indeed and looks stock.


Eric M

[skymasteres]

I've got the best components available in my '89 FJ damper rod forks.

See this is what I need qualified. Does this include the RPM valves?

[SlowOldGuy]

I've got the best components available in my '89 FJ damper rod forks.

See this is what I need qualified. Does this include the RPM valves?

Short answer: Yes.

However, it's all relative.   If you're on a time/money budget or your fabrication skills/facilities are limited, then spending $300 on RPM valves and springs gets you one hell of a performance improvement over stock components.

Unfortunately, the FJ fork will never be as good as a true cartridge fork.  At least this has been my direct experience.  My FZ is more compliant and better damped than either of my FJs.  But suspension performance is highly subjective. What one person loves (or is comfortable with) the next rider may consider it trash.

And, it all depends on your budget.  A full suspension conversion can be expensive and time consuming.  But some people are willing to do it anyway.  A spring/valve/fluid change can be accomplished in less than an hour.

DavidR.

[zero26tb4u]

Of the know or documented USD conversions which offers the most external adjustability?

[Pat Conlon]

2 USDs that I know are the YZF750 and the YZF-R1 have both external rebound and compression adjusters.
Tim (axiom-r) has the R-1 USDs and Frank (Flynt) has the YZF750s

[zero26tb4u]

2 USDs that I know are the YZF750 and the YZF-R1 have both external rebound and compression adjusters.
Tim (axiom-r) has the R-1 USDs and Frank (Flynt) has the YZF750s

Thanks, so I'll assume your FZR1000 forks do not have external rebound and compression adjusters. I know the 91-93 FZR1000 are a candidate and I've seen the write ups on the YZF750s but I haven't seen what year(s) YZF750s make good candidates or the same for the R-1. I've also seen pics of the R-1 mod but no write up on the same. Am I missing that somewhere?

[Pat Conlon]

If I recall correctly the YZF750 forks were from the years '97/98.... Frank can you confirm?
What I like about the YZF750 forks (along with external adjustments) is that, unlike the later YZF-R1 forks, the 750 USDs have a mechanical drive where you can still use your oem FJ speedometer.

Correct, my FZR1000 USD forks have no external adjustments for rebound/compression. That is set internally by altering the shim stacks on the Race tech cartridge. Kind of a hassle, I had to r/r my forks a couple of times to get the shims where I wanted it, but once dialed in to my liking,  I have left them alone. I do slightly adjust the 1.0kg/mm spring pre-load depending on solo riding vs touring with luggage loads.

Tim, (axiom-r) has a write up here in this forum on his totally bitchen YZF-R1 front and rear end transplant.

Cheers

[FJmonkey]

Tim, (axiom-r) has a write up here in this forum on his totally bitchen YZF-R1 front and rear end transplant.

Tim did an awsome job on his rear transplant as well. A very modern FJ he has now, FJ porn.

[Pat Conlon]

Tim, (axiom-r) has a write up here in this forum on his totally bitchen YZF-R1 front and rear end transplant.

Tim did an awsome job on his rear transplant as well. A very modern FJ he has now, FJ porn.

This is very true....And to top it off...Tim is a hell of a nice guy...All he needs now is a trip to Oakdale, Ca. for some 1350cc magic from RPM.
I think for over all performance and beauty the top 3 FJs on my tally sheet would be:
Tied for 1st place would be FJs owned by Frank and Frank, both 1350 engines, I like Frank (Flynt) USD forks and I like Frank Moore's custom paint and hard luggage on Brutus.
A close second place would go to Tim's beauty. If/when Tim goes to the 1350cc stump puller, he would move to the top of the tally sheet.

There you have it....the top 3 FJs *in the world*

[zero26tb4u]

Thanks again guys. Actually once I found Tim's write up, again, I did remember reading/following that when he was doing it. I just forgot it was an R-1 front end he was grafting on. I was initially tentative about that mod due to the use of the fork extenders. Not a technical reservation by any means just one of those gut feeling things. I'm sure the dam thing is probably stout as all hell and it certainly looks so from the pics.

[Flynt]

...the top 3 FJs *in the world*

I'm blushing Pat.  Just wish I could ride the fucking thing!

Frank

[Flynt]

what year(s) YZF750s make good candidates

http://www.fjmods.co.uk/MarcRittner2.htm for the run down.

Good question Pat...  You want to get the YZF750R forks and the only ones sold in the US.  I thought '97 and '98, but that's a guess.  YZF750 was '93 -'98.

Frank

[racerman_27410]

Thanks Paddy i happen to think your FJ is a damn fine example as well!

gratuitus Rider, bike, scenery shot in hot rod gentleman's express mode.



not too shabby for some "beater" bodywork




Looking stock.... I'm glad all this bodywork is safely put away.



in keeping with the thread i happen to really like the FZ1 forks...looks pretty stock, super easy install and a whole lot of handling/braking improvements in one fell swoop but losing the speedo drive is a deal breaker for a lot of people.... of course if one is modifying then why stop when you can solve a problem AND make everything better......  



KOokaloo!

[fj11.5]

should be a warning with pics like that,, beware fj porn