I just purchased a wrecked 1997 F3 and am looking rebuild it. The bike is pretty much stock from what I can tell does have a slip on exaust fender eliminator kit. I am looking for front forks, upper fairing stay and a headlight. I am planning on putting a k&n air filter in it doing an oil change. Was wondering if anyone could tell me the stock jet sizes so I can see if I'm able to go up 1 size if needed or if they have already been upgraded. The bike has 19,500 miles on it what other things should I be looking to do to it this winter any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Dont put a k&n filter on

check your steering stem bearings if it had front end damage. the races may be divoted, and it would be an easy job with the forks already off..i would suggest to upgrade to "all ballz" tapered bearings even if no damage is found..

 

Thank you for the advice on the steering stem bearings never even thought about checking them out, and I will upgrade to "all ballz" bearings. I'm going to be trusting this thing with my life so I don't want to shortcut anything!!!

You say not to use a k&n air filter I've heard that they are the best, what is the downside about the filter and what do you recommend.

 

Without stepping on toes here, I think Will.Bass is going to tell you that the K&N filter really changes the airflow characteristics that the carburetors as they sit can't compensate for. Subsequently you get a really nasty flat spot between 5K and 7K RPM. Unless you've got time and money to spend on a Dyno rejetting and tuning, stick with a standard paper filter for the F3.

 

Was also wondering I'm larger than your average sportbike rider 245 lbs in street clothes will the stock suspension be able to be adjusted to my weight or should I upgrade it or swap it for a f4 suspension?

 

The bikes are able to take 2 riders up, so I imagine it won't be a problem. Do a google search on Setting Sag on a Motorcycle and watch the youtube videos. With a friend helping you, you will know for sure if the suspension is going to work for you or not.

 

I got the parts that I needed, was reassembling the bike and could not get front calipers to bolt up to forks. Did some digging around and found out that the are f2 forks. I only need the uppers my lowers are fine, but when I disassembled my f3 forks noticed that the damper rod has a bend in it going to put new seals and springs in the rebuild but my question: are the dampers from the f2 and f3 the same can't quite find a definite answer.

 

I'm not sure. Check "Ron Ayers" original parts diagram on both bikes and compare the part numbers. 91-93 F2 forks are different than 94 F2 forks. But 94 F2 forks are similar to F3 forks so the dampening rod might be the same. Of course the fork lowers are different because of the floating brake discs on the F3.

 

Is there a way to tell if a f2 fork is a cartridge fork or damping fork without opening it up?