GS1100GKE Front Fork Anti-friction metal source

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  • esolliday
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    GS1100GKE Front Fork Anti-friction metal source

    Does anyone know if and where you can get the anti-friction metal used on the inner and outer tubes of the front forks?

    Thanks
    Eric
  • bwringer
    Forum LongTimer
    Bard Award Winner
    GSResource Superstar
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    Super Site Supporter
    • Oct 2003
    • 17066
    • Indianapolis

    #2
    I'd swear we JUST covered this... hang on a bit.




    Ah, here we go:

    Beware -- the following thread is full of people who are constantly confusing the 41mm GK forks with the 37mm found on most other GS models. Also, it looks like the story of the Racetech bushings may or may not be complete




    One other possibility that hasn't been tried out yet is bushings from later models with 41mm forks, such as the VX800.
    Last edited by bwringer; 12-16-2015, 05:20 PM.
    1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
    2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
    2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
    Eat more venison.

    Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

    Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

    SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

    Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

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    • Guest

      #3
      Originally posted by esolliday
      Does anyone know if and where you can get the anti-friction metal used on the inner and outer tubes of the front forks?

      Thanks
      Eric
      Your forks are 37mm right. I went to a 83 GS1100E fork parts list and ordered the upper fork bushing using that part#, the lower bushing you should be able to order yet from the GS1100GKE parts list. If not, I'm some what sure the one from the 83 GS1100E would work. Remember they are teflon coated so don't mar them.

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      • esolliday

        #4
        Just checked...I have the 41mm forks

        Comment

        • esolliday

          #5
          Just checked the Race Tech site...they had the bushings!
          Thanks guys!

          Comment

          • Guest

            #6
            Originally posted by esolliday
            Just checked the Race Tech site...they had the bushings!
            Thanks guys!
            Good deal, those will tighten up the forks nicely.

            Comment

            • esolliday

              #7
              Just a follow-up on the bushings...
              If anyone found the thread on the differences between the '84 GS1100GKE and earlier models, one additional difference is the fork tube diameter. The '84 (at least mine did) has 41 mm diameter tubes, while it seems the '83 and earlier GS1100's have the 37 mm tubes. The Race Tech site did not have an entry for the '84 so I originally ordered what showed up for the '83 and earlier. After the discussions above, I double checked the measurement and found I had ordered the wrong bushings.

              On their website, they have a link to a more complete listing of bushings here. Lesson learned...always follow-up and make sure you order what you need.

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              • bwringer
                Forum LongTimer
                Bard Award Winner
                GSResource Superstar
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                • Oct 2003
                • 17066
                • Indianapolis

                #8
                As you're finding out and every GK owner knows, confusion reigns.

                Very few parts suppliers (and, it appears, many people on this forum) have EVER heard of the GK... and most application guides leave out the 1100G shafties or mix them in with the chain drive 1100E models.

                The 1100G/GL shafties ('82-'83 in the US) and chain drive/16V 1100E/1100L models have 37mm diameter forks. There are lots of other differences between the forks on the various 1100 models as well -- all they shared was the fork tube diameter. If someone tells me they have a GS1100, they haven't told me much at all.

                The 1100GK models ('82-'84 in the US) have 41mm diameter forks, intended to give added load carrying ability and stiffness to support the large fairing and bags.
                1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                Eat more venison.

                Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

                Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

                SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

                Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

                Comment

                • Guest

                  #9
                  Originally posted by bwringer
                  As you're finding out and every GK owner knows, confusion reigns.

                  Very few parts suppliers (and, it appears, many people on this forum) have EVER heard of the GK... and most application guides leave out the 1100G shafties or mix them in with the chain drive 1100E models.

                  The 1100G/GL shafties ('82-'83 in the US) and chain drive/16V 1100E/1100L models have 37mm diameter forks. There are lots of other differences between the forks on the various 1100 models as well -- all they shared was the fork tube diameter. If someone tells me they have a GS1100, they haven't told me much at all.

                  The 1100GK models ('82-'84 in the US) have 41mm diameter forks, intended to give added load carrying ability and stiffness to support the large fairing and bags.

                  Glad you cleared that up, Now I'm in the know between the GK and the GS forks.

                  Comment

                  • bonanzadave
                    Forum Guru
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Jul 2006
                    • 9623
                    • Minnesota

                    #10
                    Originally posted by esolliday
                    I double checked the measurement and found I had ordered the wrong bushings.
                    What did you do with the 37s ? I changed mine with Suzuki bushings and my forks are still loose as a goose. I believe its the root cause of my high speed (+90mph) weave.
                    82 1100 EZ (red)

                    "You co-opting words of KV only thickens the scent of your BS. A thief and a putter-on of airs most foul. " JEEPRUSTY

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                    • esolliday

                      #11
                      I was able to get back to Race Tech and change the order before they shipped.
                      I haven't looked into them, but someone has talked about a fork brace that is supposed to help. I'll post the reference if I can find it again.
                      Last edited by Guest; 12-19-2015, 10:29 AM.

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                      • Guest

                        #12
                        Originally posted by esolliday
                        I was able to get back to Race Tech and change the order before they shipped.
                        I haven't looked into them, but someone has talked about a fork brace that is supposed to help. I'll post the reference if I can find it again.
                        Can you please post the Race Tech part number for the GKE (41mm) bushings?

                        Comment

                        • esolliday

                          #13
                          King...

                          Inner: FMBI 41201 P (41 mm diameter, 20 mm width, 1 mm thick)
                          Outer: FMBO 41122 P (41 mm diameter, 12 mm width, 2 mm thick)

                          Their full listing of sizes is -> HERE <-
                          Last edited by Guest; 12-19-2015, 05:08 PM.

                          Comment

                          • Guest

                            #14
                            Thanks, will now order a set.

                            Comment

                            • bonanzadave
                              Forum Guru
                              Past Site Supporter
                              • Jul 2006
                              • 9623
                              • Minnesota

                              #15
                              Originally posted by esolliday
                              someone has talked about a fork brace that is supposed to help.
                              Got one and it does help......a little. Its a band aide until the forks get tightened up.
                              82 1100 EZ (red)

                              "You co-opting words of KV only thickens the scent of your BS. A thief and a putter-on of airs most foul. " JEEPRUSTY

                              Comment

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