STLanduyt,

There are several ways to adapt common 22mm (7/8") handlebars to the FJ. Angle plates and riser blocks are an expensive approach, and very limited in the result possibilities.
ABM makes a billet steering crown (top fork clamp) for using regular handlebars. You can spend much more, or much less, on this approach. Try eBay at your own risk; they may have some good stuff, or not. They DO have scammers.
Ordinary (aftermarket) handlebars provide a wide selection of sweep, wingspan, height, angle, positioning, and tilt with the new bars. All of your clamps and switches will bolt on to the 22mm handlebars. With new handlebars, you may need to re-route some cables and hoses, and maybe add extensions if needed.
Lower footpegs may or may not help. If you have foot/ankle damage, a heel-and-toe shifter lever can be a game changer. I had one on my old Ducati, and a couple on the dirt bikes. They take a little time to become familiar and comfortable, but now I would prefer that option on any bike. I saw a DIY bolt-on mod for the FJR1300, with no drilling on the bike, to create a heel-toe shifter. You may also find a usable heel-tow shifter made OEM for another bike. Obviously, you won't damage your shoe-leather with a heel-toe shifter.
With a more upright body position, a touring windscreen may be in order.
Your call.

Quote from: STLanduyt on January 09, 2026, 03:06:55 PMI 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?

 

Quote from: STLanduyt on January 09, 2026, 03:06:55 PMI 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?

A company called LSL made handlebar conversion kits for our FJ's, alas, no longer available.
Unless you find an LSL kit on FleaBay the only current option I'm aware are the RPM FJ spacers, unless you want to swap out your entire front end... (note: USD forks gets the chicks)

Paging Dan McCoy or Aviation Fred, you guys know about those clip ons you have on your GSXR fork tubes...do they make them in the small 41mm size to clamp on the FJ stanchion tubes?
If so, that may be an option.

I've had the RPM spacers on several bikes and they do help but the options in adjustments of handlebars are hard to beat.
Currently I have FZ-1 bars on my YZF750 fork to FJ conversion and they're great.

I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam and what really helps me are a slightly taller seat (1/2") and lower foot pegs, resulting in less of a bend at the knee. The Buell pegs I installed are 1.5" lower than the stock pegs. That may not sound like much, but I can tell you on long days, it makes a world of difference.

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.