Front end to soft on my 03

Recently I've noticed that the front end of my 03 seems to be a bit to mushy. I change the fork oil every spring, so maintenance isn't the issue here.

I'm thinking about swapping the front springs for a set of 2004 springs. According to what I read on the web, the 2004 springs are about 10% stiffer on the 2004 model. So my question goes out to any 03 owners out there who have done this mod, can you really feel the differance or should I be looking at aftermarket springs instead of OE replacements?

Also, what about fork oil, thicker or thinner then the stock fluid? I read that thinner will be less harsh, but will that give me a mushy front end once again even after a spring change?

How many miles on the bike? Maybe it's time for a true rebuild and upgrade via GP Suspensions? I put some stiffer springs in my '05 and they helped only marginally and the forks still go sloppy after about 40,000 miles. The Soqui upgrade was phenomenal.

Afast03nNJ said:

Recently I've noticed that the front end of my 03 seems to be a bit to mushy. I change the fork oil every spring, so maintenance isn't the issue here.I'm thinking about swapping the front springs for a set of 2004 springs. According to what I read on the web, the 2004 springs are about 10% stiffer on the 2004 model. So my question goes out to any 03 owners out there who have done this mod, can you really feel the differance or should I be looking at aftermarket springs instead of OE replacements?

Click to expand...

OE replacements are just fine (imo) -- just not the part no. of '03 USA version (MamaYama installed xtra soft springs before bringing the FJR stateside in '03). They (Yam US) were particularly 'ginger' (then) about introducing another Euro-bike that wouldn't sell.... I put Yamaha FJR springs in mine (but not '03) -- I thought it was a Euro part No.? (but, may have been later U.S. no.?). Anyway, noticeably more support.

Also, springs "sack" with age -- loose their 'energy' (happens to the best of us...).

Also, what about fork oil, thicker or thinner then the stock fluid? I read that thinner will be less harsh, but will that give me a mushy front end once again even after a spring change?

Click to expand...

True -- thinner is less harsh (more plush). Oil (whatever viscosity), however, doesn't hold up the bike -- springs do. Oil does affect the quality of the damping, tho, and too thick is often too harsh (especially when cold).

Not to hijack the thread, but this is a classic case for a high VI (viscosity index) -- an oil's resistance to change viscosity due to temperature. So, some oils may/will work better than others.....

About wear?: I don't think the sizes of the orfices change (but, readily admit I don't know and will defer to those that do). Bushings and sliders of course wear -- but, it's been my experience that, it just doesn't happen in normal use in a bike's lifetime. Any wear, too, can be measured -- either against known specs or new parts.

Suspension modifications often are the result of specialist shops (physically) changing the design of the internals to patterns/ideas they've found/promote to be superior to the original design.

Bottom line: the '03 FJR (U.S.) was particularly softly sprung (way too soft, imo) and almost anything in the way of a heavier/longer(shorter?)/thicker/etc. spring will probably improve it. --

Fjroamer had his "03" done during the group buy by GP Suspension and really liked the setup.

Kind of strange, his "03/28000" brass bushing was OK and my "06/18000" brass bushing was toast. Sorry about the side track.

Thanks for the replys, this site is great! :yahoo:

The bike just turned 20K miles, most of which was put on in the last 2 years. I'm a solo rider and usually don't have any baggage. I do realize the 03 is a softer sprung bike, this is the first time I really thought that the front end seems to soft. I don't want to do a complete suspension upgrade, so new 04 OE front springs will definately be going in soon. There only $13 and change each and hopefully will make the differance I'm looking for. The rear seems fine, I always ride on the hard setting and feel the OE setup has plenty of spring and dampening I need in the rear as a solo rider.

I'll order the springs and new fluid this week and give an update as soon as I get the job done.

There have been a couple of owners who have replaced the '03 springs with the '04. Yes, there is a difference and you will feel it moreso because of the mileage on our bike. It is certainly a more inexpensive way to upgrade your forks.

You could go up in viscosity level and it will affect the damping. I suggest only stepping 1 level, say from 5 wt. to 7.5 wt. and see what difference it makes for you.

As an aside, @ 20K, your shock is nearing the end of its life. Even riding solo, the rear spring will begin to lose tension. You might search for anyone who has a lower mileage '04 or '05 shock that they have pulled in order to install an after market shock. That would give you a newer shock and one with stiffer springs rate than your '03, another budget minded upgrade for your bike. I know FJRay did this last year/

I've done both the 03 to 04 springs and the 04 to Wilburs springs. The 03 to 04 springs was a great upgrade probably the best bang for the buck upgrade you can do to the bike.

The 04 to the Wilburs springs wasn't as "awesome". The Wilburs springs are longer and the highway performance, for me, isn't as supple. Instead of the front wheel tracking highway ripples smoothly I get some stiction. In the twisties I don't really notice it. It may be fork oil weight.

You will definately be happy with the 03-04 swap.

Afast03nNJ said:

Recently I've noticed that the front end of my 03 seems to be a bit to mushy. I change the fork oil every spring, so maintenance isn't the issue here.I'm thinking about swapping the front springs for a set of 2004 springs. According to what I read on the web, the 2004 springs are about 10% stiffer on the 2004 model. So my question goes out to any 03 owners out there who have done this mod, can you really feel the differance or should I be looking at aftermarket springs instead of OE replacements?

Also, what about fork oil, thicker or thinner then the stock fluid? I read that thinner will be less harsh, but will that give me a mushy front end once again even after a spring change?

Click to expand...

I did mine before I even rode the bike for the first time, so I have no idea what the '03 springs would have felt like. I just went with the advice from current owners and other web sites as the bike had 35K on the clock. I also threw in an '04 rear shock at the same time. I think it handles great!!! WAY better than my '85 FZ750 I unloaded in the spring. The FJR practically steers itself! I am running 15W oil in the springs though. I guess it's something of personal preference as the how I like things set up .To each there own. BTW the spring swap is very easy.

I ordered the springs today from my local dealer, 37 bucks for the pair. They should be in next Wednesday. Can't wait to do this upgrade but now, thanks to this forum I'm wondering if I should start looking at the rear swap as well. Maybe I'll wait till I take my yearly trip to the dragon for that.

but now, thanks to this forum I'm wondering if I should start looking at the rear swap as well. Maybe I'll wait till I take my yearly trip to the dragon for that.

Don't wait - at 20k miles your rear shock is about used up. I put a Wilburs on my '05 and it really made a difference.

If you feel like a ride down south, I'll give ya the stock pair from my 05.

madmike2 said:

As an aside, @ 20K, your shock is nearing the end of its life. Even riding solo, the rear spring will begin to lose tension. You might search for anyone who has a lower mileage '04 or '05 shock that they have pulled in order to install an after market shock. That would give you a newer shock and one with stiffer springs rate than your '03, another budget minded upgrade for your bike. I know FJRay did this last year/

Click to expand...

And therein could lie your real issue. Ever get a rear flat? Feels for all the world like the front is going down. The rear shock affects the front end feeling quite a bit. You really should consider a complete suspension overhaul - even if it's just stock for stock. JMHO.

OK so now I'm in trouble, if I spend any more $$$ on my bike there is going to be hell to pay here at home.

Just got a small package from Bike Johnny, says on the outside of the package "bike tools".

I wasn't the first to get the mail today. The questions have already started, what did you buy, what are you doing now, how miuch was this???

Uggggg.......

I ordered the tools from Bike Johnny last Saturday, thats 3 business days delivered to me.

So my plans are to overhaul the forks and service the head bearings. Then probably pull the rear apart, lube everything and possibly put in an 05 shock and spring.

Wash wax and ride with a huge smile on my face once again. :yahoo:

I went with 0.95 kg/mm (Racetech was the brand).

10W Spectrol fork oil. Works fine for me. It is one of the mid-to-heavier 10weights.

A big part of why I changed was to get the sag right and help with aggressive fork dive.

I accomplished both. That was almost 20K mls ago.

Mike Carpenter did a most excellent writeup on doing the fork spring change.

Seems like that was posted on FJRtech.com.

I updated it some based on my experience from following his guide.

PM and email, and I can send mine to you.

I just finished installing the 04 springs in my 03, along with new 5W fork fliud from Yamaha. My initial test ride home from my shop had a nice smile on my face. A much firmer front end, a lot less dive when braking also.

BUT.... I now have what seems to be something binding or rubbing inside the forks. When I push the front end up and down I hear what sounds like something rubbing, perhaps the springs? I don't know, the swap is pretty basic, I've done many fork oil flushes, even rebuilt a few and never had anything go wrong. This was a basic stock spring swap, what could possibly be causing the rubbing sound? Almost sounds like the springs are rubbing against the sides of the fork tubes.

Any suggestions before I tare into them again?........

Update:

Fixed it.

Was the left fork, just took it apart and repositioned the spring.

I'm happy again. :yahoo:

Afast,

Glad to hear about the good news!

Thanks for Sharing.