GS/GSX750 fork SWAP and keeping original wheels..

[Nicolas1982]

Hi guys,

I've been searching on the forum, but couldn't my answer. I own 1981 suzuki gs/gsx750 (16 valve engine). It's gonna be cafe/bratstyle bike (pictures soon) and i'm stuck with the front fork issue. Mine's totally wasted, and i have to replace it with something else. I don't wanna use USD forks (i wanna keep kinda old school look), and i'd like to keep the original wheels: 19 on the front,and 18-rear (...well not exactly the stock ones. Front 1,85x19 would be replaced to 2.15x19 from gs 1100 regarding to bigger tire size..unless it's possible to put shinko 712 110/90/19 on the 1.85x19 rim??).
The best (simply bolt on) solution would be buying gs 750/850/1000/1100 forks from late 70's or early 80's bikes, but they're not so easy to get here. Atm I can buy 1980 gs/gsx1100 forks, but they are leading axle type, like original ones, and i'm not sure if they match to this cafe look i wanna achieve.
I can always try to go with gsx1100g or gsx1100f forks, but the axle is bigger.
Could You help me out guys? What are my options?

Thanks a lot!!

Nicolas

[John Kat]

You could fit first generation GSXR 750 forks.
The early models had the same spindle diameter as the GS models.
As the fork tubes are located further apart you will have to use spacers for the wheel but that should be easy.
You will also have to build your own brackets to support the original calipers.
The yokes will fit right in but you will have to build new lock stops.
Nothing impossible but some work for sure
Here's this fork hooked to my 1100 Kat.

[Nicolas1982]

Thanks a lot for the info John Kat.
There's plenty of gsxr forks on the market,so it shouldn't be a problem to find something interesting. I'm fully aware of some additional work with caliper mounting brackets and spacers. Like You wrote - nothing is impossible
BTW, how's Your 1100 kat with the new forks handles now? Much better to the old ones?
Thanks again!!