GS1000 Ninja Brake mod w/ pics

[8trackmind]

Again, for those thinking of doing this swap, read this thread carefully. Ask questions. Understand what you're doing BEFORE you start.
So far, this swap has only been done on 1978 GS1000's.
If you are attempting this on another type of GS, ask me, I may be able to help you figure it out for your model.

It only works if you use fork legs from a dual disk bike.
Rotors from a single disk bike.
And the correct calipers.

It's that simple. If you don't understand how, or why it works, read it again, ask questions or don't attempt it.



The parts I used:

1. 1978 GS1000E forks. The fork lowers MUST BE FROM A DUAL DISK BIKE
2. Pair of rotors from a Single disk bike 550 or larger. Any year should work, but 78, to 80 are what I used. 78 1000C 791000N 78,79 GS750 78,79,80 GS550
3. Pair of 1990 something Kawasaki Ninja twin piston calipers. See list below for the correct calipers.
4. Two custom made lower brackets. (made by me) EDIT: These were the prototypes. If you want the real deal, send a message to salty monk Here's the thread: Link
5. If you decide to follow me down this path, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK. This thread is for entertainment only.

This is the list of the Kawasaki models that used the correct caliper for this swap.

EX 250 Ninja 1988 to 2007 (single caliper on right side)
EX 500 Ninja 1994 to 2007 (single caliper on right side)
ZL 600 B1 Eliminator 1995 to 1996
ZR 550 B1/B2/B3 Zephyr 1990 1992 1993
ZX 600 C1-C9 Ninja 600 R 1988 to 1996
ZR 750 C1/C2/C3 1991 to 1993
ZX 750 F1/F2/F3/F4 Ninja 1987 to 1990
ZG 1000 A9-A20 Concours 1994 to 2006
ZX 1000 B1/B2/B3 Ninja ZX10 1988 to 1990

Suzuki also used this caliper on the VX800, GS500 and the GSX1100G


Prototype steel brackets mounted on a 1978 GS1000:

Forks:
Suzuki GS550 (83-86) GS750SD GS850 all GS1000 all GS1100ET/EX/EZ/ED/ESD/GZ/GD/GLZ/GLD/LT/SD GS1150 all used 37mm forks. Caution: Some models use leading axle forks and can not be swapped without the triple.

GS550 (77-82) GS550MZ GT550 GS650 (except Katana) GS750B/C/EC/N/EN/ET/EX/EZ/LT/LX/TZ/TD all used 35mm forks. Caution: Some models use leading axle forks and can not be swapped without the triple.

[humhead]

Looks like it's gonna work! Are those 2 or 4 piston calipers?

Terry

[8trackmind]

Looks like it's gonna work! Are those 2 or 4 piston calipers?

Terry

Two piston.
Since both pistons are on the outside, they are as narrow as a stock GS caliper.

[Hoomgar]

Sweet! Are you going to lose the wire wheels Jeff or is the mag just for mock up?

[8trackmind]

Sweet! Are you going to lose the wire wheels Jeff or is the mag just for mock up?

I think I'm going to have to...Either the front rim is out of round, or the tire was molded incorrectly. The front jumps around a bit at low speed. I'm afraid better brakes will only compound the problem.

[Hoomgar]

I think I'm going to have to...Either the front rim is out of round, or the tire was molded incorrectly. The front jumps around a bit at low speed. I'm afraid better brakes will only compound the problem.

Do you know how to tune them? If so I can almost guarantee that is what it needs. The tire is new but that front rim was severely out of whack after I got the running flat last year. Also, I believe the front is the one that has a bad spoke nut? It still holds the spoke but is cracked. Please look at it closely if you plan to re tune it.

I redid it and it was true but my experience with these is that after one is out of whack as bad as this one was it will need to be re tuned a few times over time as you ride on it to walk it back in. For sure lose it if it doesn't feel safe. The mags look great and work well too but they add unsprung weight as they are heavier.

[8trackmind]

Also, I believe the front is the one that has a bad spoke nut? It still holds the spoke but is cracked. Please look at it closely if you plan to re tune it.

I know how to tune 'em but, to tell you the truth, I don't plan on messing with it. I'm all about low maintenance, thats why I ride a GS. :-D

[Hoomgar]

I know how to tune 'em but, to tell you the truth, I don't plan on messing with it. I'm all about low maintenance, thats why I ride a GS. :-D

FWIIW- I'm probably putting mags on mine too

[Billyboy]

' find an extra set, send 'em my way.

[8trackmind]

' find an extra set, send 'em my way.

Do you realize what it's going to feel like riding a GS1000 that actually has BRAKES! :shock:

[Billyboy]

Do you realize what it's going to feel like riding a GS1000 that actually has BRAKES! :shock:

No Stoppies, Jeff! [-(

[8trackmind]

No Stoppies, Jeff! [-(

This 'aint about tricks, Grandmaster Flash.
I'm trying to avoid being a hood ornament...

[Ghostgs1]

Very interesting 8Track. Did you go with the single discs due to a larger diameter or is there something else that makes them work better than the twin discs? Keep the updates comming. Ray

[Billyboy]

This 'aint about tricks, Grandmaster Flash.
I'm trying to avoid being a hood ornament...

That's gone in the sig! \\/

[8trackmind]

Very interesting 8Track. Did you go with the single discs due to a larger diameter or is there something else that makes them work better than the twin discs? Keep the updates comming. Ray

Using the larger disks allows you to bolt the caliper to the upper mount, so only a lower bracket has to be fabricated.
The other benefit is a larger swept area. The downside is weight.
The Ninja calipers seem to be a bit lighter than the stock GS calipers, so it may even out...

Btw, The reason I don't have both calipers mocked up in the photo, is because the guy I got them from sent me two right's.
I got another pair from a 1994 on ebay today with new pads for...get this...$19.95. You guys need to start snatching these up!


I'm using steel spacers now but...Anybody want to make me some aluminium spacers?