Gs850GT air forks conversion to non-air

[V8GRIFFITH]

Hi all I am restoring an American 1980 gs850g but I want to get rid of the air assistance as used on UK models. I have managed to find a set of GL forks which have the leading axle. My question is can I use the internal springs and spacers from the GL as it is my understanding (I stand to be corrected) the air springs are shorter or weaker.
thanks
Ken

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Going to a leading axle fork will change the handling/geometry of the bike, not advised. I've seen posts where folks have inserted a small PVC pipe spacer between the top of the spring and the air cap. Use the same cab, just don't put any air in. You may have to experiment w/ how long a piece of pipe you want depending on the pre-load you want.

[V8GRIFFITH]

Thanks Rich
I wasn't planning on changing the fork legs just the springs and caps as my air cap is broken and I can't find a replacement. If I'm honest I have also heard that air forks don't work well anyway. I am aware without the air the springs are too soft with too much sag. As you say I could put a pipe in to give preload but the springs on the air springs are shorter and already have a 4 inch spacer so I'm concerned adding more preload may cause the spring to bind on braking or hitting bumps. I have a set of springs from a GL with no air. The springs are two per side main spring and a softer helper spring at the top but appear slightly longer combined than G. I might just have a go and see what happens.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

RichDesmond is the resident fork guru, and (former? - I forget) owner of Sonic Springs. If he doesn't chime here with some advice, send him a PM.

[Nessism]

I wouldn't bother with the L fork springs. Take your original springs, chop off 4" of coils, and then fashion a PVC spacer to take up the lost length. This will stiffen up the front end a fair bit. A better solution is to change the fork springs to something stiffer all together.

[Rob S.]

Sonic or Race Tech STRAIGHT RATE springs. Use your fully geared up weight, not how much you expect to be in Spring after your Winter diet.

[salty_monk]

I wouldn't bother with the L fork springs. Take your original springs, chop off 4" of coils, and then fashion a PVC spacer to take up the lost length. This will stiffen up the front end a fair bit. A better solution is to change the fork springs to something stiffer all together.

If you're going to do this Chop it off from the closely wound end & dress the cut edge. Put a metal washer between the spring and the PVC spacer...