FJ1200 gets modern forks

[aviationfred]

The old 1980's fork technology stayed with the FJ1200 throughout it's production run 1986 to 1995. I purchased this 1995 FJ1200 after my 1989 FJ1200 was stolen last year. I began ordering the parts needed for the upgrade almost immediately. 8 months later, and 2 evenings of work and the old sport tourer has some much newer legs. The complete front end was donated from a number of 2008 GSX-R1000's. A small amount of machining work done and the end result works wonderfully.




Fred

[Sport-Touring]

[kver]

The old 1980's fork technology stayed with the FJ1200 throughout it's production run 1986 to 1995. I purchased this 1995 FJ1200 after my 1989 FJ1200 was stolen last year. I began ordering the parts needed for the upgrade almost immediately. 8 months later, and 2 evenings of work and the old sport tourer has some much newer legs. The complete front end was donated from a number of 2008 GSX-R1000's. A small amount of machining work done and the end result works wonderfully.




Fred

looks damned good - like it was OEM - just upside down.    Did you change the internals too? springs? valving? oil? or just swap legs and triple T's?  

[rajflyboy]

I really enjoy the pics you post  

Beautiful bikes  

[aviationfred]

looks damned good - like it was OEM - just upside down.    Did you change the internals too? springs? valving? oil? or just swap legs and triple T's?  

No internal changes at all. The 2007/2008 GSX-R1000's came severely over sprung from the factory. Just about perfect for the heavier FJ1200. I used the Suzuki lower and upper triples, modified to accept the FJ1200 steering stem. I also sourced a set of extensions that lengthen the forks by 3 inches.

[HipGnosis]

I would have lost money on a bet that fork extensions are actually a thing
Esp. for a GSXR.

[rajflyboy]

Fred

 

Keep the pictures coming of the beautiful machines.  

[aviationfred]

I would have lost money on a bet that fork extensions are actually a thing
Esp. for a GSXR.

The extensions are not an off the shelf item. These were designed by a friend of mine and he had a machinist make them. I saw his bike a few years ago and asked if I could get a set made for me. The red and white FJ is my friends, mine with OEM forks is in the foreground.



Fred

[spinalator]

I love those old FJ's, with new suspension and brakes they would be amazing!

[rajflyboy]

Aviation Fred has got it going on  

[jay547]

He's a good dude.