Mods; where does a guy start?

[Riolongo]

I've had my stock 92 FJ for three years now and am considering a few mods to improve the riding experience, the question is where do you start?  With so many options, cost considerations, etc, wondering if you guys can chime in with your countless years of wisdom/experience and recommend what modifications you believe are the way to go.  Most of my riding is casual cruising here on the North West coast during the spring and summer months, haven't been on any lengthy trips, although I would like to.  If you had to pick just a few modifications which ones add the most value in terms of ride, handling improvement and don't break the bank?

Thanks,

Mike

[yamaha fj rider]

Hello Mike, number one thing is suspension. RPM fork valves, new springs and a fork brace makes a huge difference. Changing the the brake calipers to the ones used on the early R1/R6, blue dots. Then think about changing to a 17" rear wheel. Last but not least new rear shock, this is not cheap but makes a big improvement.  Corbin saddle also makes a big change. There are a lot of changes you can make, find something you want to improve and go for it. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[fintip]

http://www.fjowners.wikidot.com/moditus



Work in progress, but should help you get started. As you study more, feel free to add to it.

[movenon]

I started with a spin oil filter conversion...... Then it all started...........   Now I have an addiction...
George

[aviationfred]

For the brakes. The cost of the mod can be reasonable. If your 92' does not have ABS, the blue dot calipers are a simple bolt on, bleed and go. Most that have the ABS version and want the blue dots, deactivate the ABS and replace the front wheel with a non-ABS wheel and rotors. A bit more expense.

Fred

[yamaha fj rider]

By just replacing the front and rear brake lines. Unplugging a few things, you can deactivate or bypass the ABS.

Kurt   

[1tinindian]

Agreed.
The First mod I did was the brake upgrade.
If you'd go back and read some of my first posts you would see that they were on the disappointing performance of the stock brakes on my 91 FJ.

From there, I would look into the 17 rear wheel mod.
( Don't forget to raise the rear a little bit too!)
This single mod will transform a stock FJ more than any other.
Then move up to the RPM fork valves and a fork brace.

These mods, combined with a nice set of radial tires will get you into the Kookaloo zone with more confidence than you ever had before.

Everything else will fall into place after that.

Leon

[Riolongo]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, with so many options trying to figure out which mods are worth the time is difficult.  Sounds like up sizing to a 17" rear wheel, new brakes, hoses, RPM fork valves and brace are the most popular.  What exactly does the larger wheel on the rear and raising the rear a little do for you?

[1tinindian]

It increases your turn-in/steering response.
You will also discover lean angles rarely seen on a stock FJ.

Leon

[Riolongo]

It increases your turn-in/steering response.
You will also discover lean angles rarely seen on a stock FJ.

Leon

Leon, by that do you mean the front end will feel lighter and more responsive, because I've always felt that it was heavy and sluggish?

Thanks,

Mike

[ribbert]

Well Mike, that would depend on your riding style. If you highway cruise, as your posts suggests, and you're not into hard cornering, I'd just be looking at safety and comfort.
You're not going to see much value for you money with the 17" rear, expensive rubber, upgraded suspension, changed steering geometry etc if you just cruise.

ALL bikes should have good brakes and this upgrade would be a good one to do.

You could look at a better seat and a lot of guys here have put handlebar risers on.
A better screen with a 'Laminar Lip' or something similar will keep more wind and rain off you.
A mounted and hardwired GPS will encourage you to go exploring and find way better and new places ride, even in your own backyard.
Upgrade your helmet to something light and aerodynamic.
Maybe change you gearing to something more cruise friendly.

As you can see from the replies so far, the forum is skewed towards performance mods. All of them great ideas but if you on a budget make sure you spend the money on something you will get some benefit from.

It all depends on what you want your bike to do better.

Have you done your engine mounts? That's THE best thing you could do to a '92.

Noel

[Riolongo]

Noel, thanks for the advice, you hit the nail on the head.  I'm not racing around, to be quite honest the amount of power these bikes have is scary, I enjoy it when I need it but other than that I take it pretty easy.  The mods I would like to make are certainly more in line with safety and trying to smooth out the bike. My 92 only has 29,000 km on it so it's in nice shape, the motor mounts were one of the first maintenance items I did a couple of years ago. Just recently I have removed the carbs, cleaned and synced, new plugs, air and fuel filters, brake pads and will now consider the larger M/C and steel lines.  Also, have read quite a bit on the forum debating the Corbin seat so I may also look into that as my butt is sore after an hour of riding.

Thanks again,

Mike

[fintip]

Who debates the Corbin seat?

I have read that if a Corbin sits unused for an extended period of time, the foam will harden and no longer be ideal. But more surface area = less pounds per square inch of pressure all around.

Sheep skin and beads are the other options, and you could also try your hand at building a custom seat yourself (Sargent sells their fancy foam for seats at a very reasonable price if you email them, and there are resources online for how-to), but... Corbins are pretty sweet seats.

[aviationfred]

The 1 main issue that I have seen on this forum concerning the Corbin seats are..... For members that are over 6' tall the reduced seat hight makes more of an increase in angle at the knee causeing knee cramps. I am a shorty at 5'7" so the reduced seat hight does not effect my knees as much. I would never give up my Corbin..... 

Fred

[fintip]

Interesting, that makes sense; but, if one has one custom made, as they should to really get the Corbin experience, they should be able to build it up and accomodate for that.

I'm 5'10", I stand on the balls of my feet (and my rear shock is properly set) when standing at a light with the Corbin.