For what it's worth I purchased new 17/41 sprockets and after a few hundred miles grew tired of needing to switch gears so much, I'm happy with 18/40 and honestly wish I did that from the start.

As for risers I think some others may be able to chime in I'm still using stock bars

Quote from: 86FJNJ on January 08, 2026, 07:36:20 AMNot sure how confident you are in your wheel bearings (if they are original) but if you are pulling the wheels off to replace tires changing the bearings out is not that difficult and bearings are not much money IMO for the confidence to know the bearings are good and new. You just need a bearing puller set. The bearings in my FJ were original they seemed ok but being 40 years old I replaced them anyway.

I also imagine you are updating sprockets and chain to new, if so you may want to consider changing gearing. I went from stock 17/41 to 18/40 and like it a lot better, I don't notice any power loss on the bottom end and each gear is a bit longer making for a more enjoyable ride, also bringing my RPM's down a little at highway speeds.

Agree totally on the wheel bearings - don't do a restoration on a near 40 year old bike without changing them. 

My FJ originally had 17/40 sprockets. I went to 18/40 at my first chain change to make the bike feel a little less "busy" at highway speeds, then went to 18/38 at my second chain change. The difference from stock is great, making the bike feel much more relaxed at 70+ mph and pretty much eliminating the elusive search for 6th gear that plagued the stock FJ 1200.

Since changing to 18/38, I've not felt the need to make any further changes and most of the FJ riding friends I have, have also settled on the 18/38 sprocket combination as ideal for all round use.

Eric, I will be replacing the wheel bearings and the chain as you suggested. Any gearing changes will likely be future modifications, but you make it sound very appealing.  At this point I am primarily focused on getting the bike back into a mechanically sound condition and back on the road.

I do have another concern, however. This may be sacrilege to some (most?) FJ riders, but I am at an age that no longer tolerates riding in a forward bent position and I am hoping to find a modification that will result in a more upright riding position.  Do you know if there are others on the list who have, or are looking to modify their FJ's to accommodate aging backs?  If so, what modifications have they have made?  I see that RPM offers a handle bar riser.  Do you know what the experience has been with that riser?

 

Is the work ( removal fairing iot replace dashbulbs) more or less the same as for a FJ1100/1200?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdnTJ934xGA&t=268

Quote from: filsurs on December 30, 2025, 01:04:11 PM

Quote from: racerrad8 on November 24, 2025, 07:50:27 AM

Quote from: filsurs on November 24, 2025, 05:54:03 AMThxs so no changes in chains and sprockets. Top

We have you covered regarding chain and sprockets. You'll just need to decide which sprockets sizes you want to use.

Randy - RPM

https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DIDChain

https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RearSprocket

https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFDS

https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A17t

Thxs...I will report after the job... happy 2026

All fixed... runs great.. thxs all

For the discount there was a code I think it was winter 25 or winter 2025. The person I spoke with knew all about it, but it new at that time. This was months ago, people forget thing. I hope this helps.

Best wishes
Kurt

Not sure how confident you are in your wheel bearings (if they are original) but if you are pulling the wheels off to replace tires changing the bearings out is not that difficult and bearings are not much money IMO for the confidence to know the bearings are good and new. You just need a bearing puller set. The bearings in my FJ were original they seemed ok but being 40 years old I replaced them anyway.

I also imagine you are updating sprockets and chain to new, if so you may want to consider changing gearing. I went from stock 17/41 to 18/40 and like it a lot better, I don't notice any power loss on the bottom end and each gear is a bit longer making for a more enjoyable ride, also bringing my RPM's down a little at highway speeds.

The carbs are packed up to ship to RPM tomorrow, which is also when I am expecting the new Pirelli Sport Demons to arrive.  They will replace the original Dunlop (rear) and Bridgestone (front) tires.

Still in the early restoration and acquisition stage. 

Quote from: LA Mike on January 07, 2026, 02:46:46 AMI hear the BAND getting back together!

Pat text me that the WCR is on this year in Willits, and that even the Convict from down under is being let back into the country for it. Willits was my favorite camp site of all the rally spots we used.

Count Me In!! It will be good to see old friends, sit around the camp fire and especially ride SKAGGS SPRINGS RD again.

I saw a post that there is a discount available, what do we need when we make our reservation?

LA Mike

Excellent!  I was wondering if we'd see you.  Hope all's well Mike and look forward to seeing everyone, even Klavdy, in the Spring.

Frank

Hey Mike!

I did get the discount but only after the person I spoke to looked up another member's res and found that they were receiving it. Seemed like they thought it was a mistake but gave it to me anyway.

 

tim