Hudson
Well-known member
Went to GP in Portland yesterday and had them install the Ohlins, as well as their own fork upgrade. I was pretty impressed with the shop. They machine their own valves and parts (even working on a triple clamp!) with some pretty high end expensive (like $300k!) Computer CNC machines. Comparing the stock FJR fork setup with the GP one really makes you appreciate where your money is being spent. GP has done almost 100 FJR's (plus mailed out a lot more kits), and says that the stock suspension is really the weak part of the bike, not able to handle the weight of the rider and the gear. At 13k, my suspension felt shot, the bike was very loose, and not particularly stable into corners or under hard braking.
But first:
Look at the difference b/t Gen I and Gen II internals.
The Gen I on the right has a nice strong washer where the spring sits, allowing an upgrade to new springs. The Gen II on the left, the springs sit on the teeny edges of the nut, barely supported. GP has heard stories of folks doing spring upgrades where the spring ends slip over the nut and collapse (this is only on Gen 2 bikes).
Also, the Gen II fork tubes are machined with less tolerance than the Gen I, leading to greatly increased bushing wear. Mine on the right have 13k miles, and you can see compared to new how the teflon has worn down.
Now compare the springs. The stock FJR's are pear shaped in the middle, whereas GP is much sturdier. Note the ends, which have a delrin ring with a machined washer.
The valves are also less impressive on the stock FJR. Stock on top, GP on the bottom. GP's valves let much more fluid through and allow much better control.
When they were done with the set up, I got on the bike and immediately noticed how much more solid it was. For the 250 mile trip home, I took 503 up the east side of Mt. St. Helens, up through FS90 and FS25/26. Oh my, the bike was quite solid. I felt immediately more comfortable. Under heaving braking, the bike no longer dives, it just squats. Into corners, much more predictable feel. On long high speed sweepers, the bike feels so planted.
Awesome upgrade. The guys walked me throught the entire install while I watched, stopping to show me the differences b/t theirs and stock, and explaining it all very simply. I am totally sold on this upgrade, and on GP's quality and attention to detail. Plus, they honored the group buy rate well after it had expired.
Go get yours done. You won't regret it. The bike now greatly exceeds my capabilities.
But first:
Look at the difference b/t Gen I and Gen II internals.
The Gen I on the right has a nice strong washer where the spring sits, allowing an upgrade to new springs. The Gen II on the left, the springs sit on the teeny edges of the nut, barely supported. GP has heard stories of folks doing spring upgrades where the spring ends slip over the nut and collapse (this is only on Gen 2 bikes).
Also, the Gen II fork tubes are machined with less tolerance than the Gen I, leading to greatly increased bushing wear. Mine on the right have 13k miles, and you can see compared to new how the teflon has worn down.
Now compare the springs. The stock FJR's are pear shaped in the middle, whereas GP is much sturdier. Note the ends, which have a delrin ring with a machined washer.
The valves are also less impressive on the stock FJR. Stock on top, GP on the bottom. GP's valves let much more fluid through and allow much better control.
When they were done with the set up, I got on the bike and immediately noticed how much more solid it was. For the 250 mile trip home, I took 503 up the east side of Mt. St. Helens, up through FS90 and FS25/26. Oh my, the bike was quite solid. I felt immediately more comfortable. Under heaving braking, the bike no longer dives, it just squats. Into corners, much more predictable feel. On long high speed sweepers, the bike feels so planted.
Awesome upgrade. The guys walked me throught the entire install while I watched, stopping to show me the differences b/t theirs and stock, and explaining it all very simply. I am totally sold on this upgrade, and on GP's quality and attention to detail. Plus, they honored the group buy rate well after it had expired.
Go get yours done. You won't regret it. The bike now greatly exceeds my capabilities.
