GT vs GL and compatibility

[refeicul]

Ok i found a decent parts bike thats a 80 GS850GL, i have a 80 GS850GT. now in my little dump that i took, some parts got broken that i wanted to swap. i did several cross references and found somethings i wanted to swap dont quite co-inside ie. the front forks. now i know the inner tube of them are the same length and diameter but the part#'s dont cross. is this for the front fender being different? i know the seat, handlebar styles are different along with other subtle differences. should i worry about them not matching?

[850GT_Rider]

Seats will not match - more importantly, the forks are NOT interchangeable. Front axle configuration doesn't match, Completely different angle on the triple tree and all that. Handling would be a disaster waiting to happen.

[Nessism]

Seats will not match - more importantly, the forks are NOT interchangeable. Front axle configuration doesn't match, Completely different angle on the triple tree and all that. Handling would be a disaster waiting to happen.

I call BS on the forks. They will transfer over just fine.

[refeicul]

well what about swapping out the whole steering stem and forks?

now the only difference i can see is the trail may be a bit off but shouldn't be an issue except at low speeds.

Ness what about the fender?

[850GT_Rider]

I call BS on the forks. They will transfer over just fine.

Admission - no personal experience. Just passing along what I've read here and elsewhere. I thought it was pretty much common knowledge here. Could be wrong...wouldn't be the first time.

[Nessism]

well what about swapping out the whole steering stem and forks?

now the only difference i can see is the trail may be a bit off but shouldn't be an issue except at low speeds.

Ness what about the fender?

You could swap over the entire front end if you want. The trail is different between the two bikes but not a whole lot. My guess is the fender would be different, and I know the brake caliper hanger brackets are different.

[Steve]

Ok i found a decent parts bike thats a 80 GS850GL, i have a 80 GS850GT.

Just so you know, what you found is a GS850GLT.

The T on the end only signifies that it's a 1980 model year.

There are some interesting designations that appear to defy that. There were some models that had a T in them, like the 450T and 750T.
Depending on the year, they would have another letter after that, so an '81 GS450T would actually be a GS450TX. (Putting the '81 and the X is redundant.)

.

[refeicul]

you are correct sir and the T was also used in 96

[refeicul]

ok on the note that it is compatible..

what is the size of the steering nut??? it looks like the second nut after the top of the triple tree is removed. can i fabricate such a socket? or use a punch to remove it?