What did you do to your FJR today?

[Panman]

Pulled the Forks for a check over most likely a rebuild, have been getting some good head shake so pulled the triple clamps and drove the old races out. Time for a set of All Balls to go in, thanks Mr Green.

Panman,

I believe the ball bearings in the FJR steering head are over-taxed, even with the best quality bearings (Timken, SKF, et c.).
Tapered roller bearings are much better suited to the loads we put on them there. I'd still go with the best available, for that use.
It's the only sure-cure I know for FJR head-shake, long term.
Many threads here to help you with the switch to tapered roller bearings.
Just a thought . . .

The All Balls are are the Tapered/Timken style. Just did this job on the Super Tenere last winter and it appears just like the S-Ten the pressed race on the stem of the triple clamp will be a bitch! The S-Ten I used my Dremel and a bunch of thin cut off blades to cut one side then hit it with a cold chisel. Suggestion always welcome.

[bill lumberg]

I had a new rear tire put on. The PR4GT I was running was thin in the middle. That tire caught a nail on the way home from the install- so the rear I just replaced ran its’ whole life span with a sticky string. Replaced with an RS4
for science.

Going to see a friend for coffee in the morning. Fresh rubber facilitates. Good to be riding a little longer day than I have in a while.

[raYzerman]

To get the race off the steering stem, use an air powered chisel, it will zip right off... Dremel cut to split it even better.

[Festus]

I used my Dremel and a bunch of thin cut off blades to cut one side then hit it with a cold chisel. Suggestion always welcome.

Same. Worked great.

[wheatonFJR]

Sold a couple sets of PR4s to an interested buyer. Of course in this chilly weather, he brought his FJR to pick up the 2 sets of tires. The garage floor slab is carrying less load now than it was.

[bill lumberg]

The tires were mere misdirection. I was there to look at the bikes.

[wheatonFJR]

The tires were mere misdirection. I was there to look at the bikes.

I got a class on how you transport 4 motorcycle tires at one time.

Bikes will be on sale early spring. First, Duane's bike and trailer. Once that is sold, I will list the Jwilly Special.

[Bugnatr]

The tires were mere misdirection. I was there to look at the bikes.

I got a class on how you transport 4 motorcycle tires at one time.

Bikes will be on sale early spring. First, Duane's bike and trailer. Once that is sold, I will list the Jwilly Special.

Excuse my ignorance, what is the Jwilly special ?

[N4HHE]

The All Balls are are the Tapered/Timken style. Just did this job on the Super Tenere last winter and it appears just like the S-Ten the pressed race on the stem of the triple clamp will be a bitch! The S-Ten I used my Dremel and a bunch of thin cut off blades to cut one side then hit it with a cold chisel. Suggestion always welcome.

An air hammer can remove the lower race cleanly but with much violence.

[N4HHE]

To get the race off the steering stem, use an air powered chisel, it will zip right off... Dremel cut to split it even better.

The Dremel-cut race is useful for pressing the new race on.

[bill lumberg]

Paul Harvey should tell that. There’s history in that bike. Even alleged homages to its’ origins…

The tires were mere misdirection. I was there to look at the bikes.

I got a class on how you transport 4 motorcycle tires at one time.

Bikes will be on sale early spring. First, Duane's bike and trailer. Once that is sold, I will list the Jwilly Special.

Excuse my ignorance, what is the Jwilly special ?

[FJRPittsburgh]

To get the race off the steering stem, use an air powered chisel, it will zip right off... Dremel cut to split it even better.

The Dremel-cut race is useful for pressing the new race on.

Ed and I learned this when installing new races and bearings in my Kendon trailer hubs. If we didn't Dremel a slice in the old race, it would get stuck in the hub when using it to press in the new race.

[FjrVfr]

I mounted the RS-IVs that finally arrived. Like Mr. Lumberg I have a certain scientific curiosity about them.

After install, buttoning up, and putting tools away I always do a last walk around that includes checking tire rotation. I'd like to thank the sonuvabitch at Dunlop who thought styling the company logo like an arrow was a good idea. Damn near soiled myself.

[Festus]

480 miles for Saturday, 39 degrees at wheels up, rode over close to Jim, Warm Springs, Covington, close to White Sulphur Springs, Rt 311 over to Paint Bank, over to Salem on 311, up to Blue Ridge Parkway for 103 miles of the Parkway. I’ve only been on that part of the parkway a couple of times. It was outstanding. Sunrise to sunset. Awesome day of riding, was in the upper 50’s mid day.

If you haven’t ridden the extent of Rt 311, if you are in the area, make time for it. It’s so good.

[raYzerman]

I love 311. I can imagine it was a great day.