If you don't have them already, 37mm forks from the larger displacement bikes, or from the later 750s and up (after 81, the 750s had 37mm forks as well) is the easiest way to get close to a cartridge fork. You'd simply have to swap out what is currently on your bike, triple tree and all (to assure you retain correct offset I'd try to find a set of forks that comes complete) for a set of 37mm forks. The steering mast bearings will also have to be changed to accommodate a larger diameter steering stem most likely. There are now a couple of companies that make cartridge emulators for 37mm forks. These are adjustable, drop in cartridge valves that will take the place of the simple damper rod for controlling damping speed. At this point I believe that the valves available only control rebound damping, while oil weight will control compression damping.
There are other options as well, such as a set of 41mm first gen gsxr forks, or even Bandit 1200 forks (same length as GS forks, but the steering stem needs to be either machined down of pressed out and a GS stem installed as it is much too long) but this can open a veritable Pandoras Box of other issues that will have to be addressed to make the bike safe and in some states, pass an inspection. Obviously the larger front rim will run a radial type tire and its not a good idea to mix types. You'll also have to adjust the steering stops, as well as deal with the rear end (using a modern wheel, and brake assembly, which will require custom spacers and such to keep the chain offset correct etc)
If some well, these mods look fantastic! But if done wrong these mods can make the bike an ill handling death trap.
Lots of options for you though, and if you do a thread search, there's also lots of "been there, done that, here's what NOT to do" type information as well
Good luck and welcome!
There are other options as well, such as a set of 41mm first gen gsxr forks, or even Bandit 1200 forks (same length as GS forks, but the steering stem needs to be either machined down of pressed out and a GS stem installed as it is much too long) but this can open a veritable Pandoras Box of other issues that will have to be addressed to make the bike safe and in some states, pass an inspection. Obviously the larger front rim will run a radial type tire and its not a good idea to mix types. You'll also have to adjust the steering stops, as well as deal with the rear end (using a modern wheel, and brake assembly, which will require custom spacers and such to keep the chain offset correct etc)
If some well, these mods look fantastic! But if done wrong these mods can make the bike an ill handling death trap.
Lots of options for you though, and if you do a thread search, there's also lots of "been there, done that, here's what NOT to do" type information as well
Good luck and welcome!
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