1980 GS850G Fork upgrade?

[Guest]

I crashed not too long ago, my forks are bent, not bad but i would like to upgrade if i can.

I heard that Katanas forks will work. I found a few on ebay for cheap, i just want to know if anybody had done it. and what year and models will make the swap easy

Thanks.

[portdave]

I have originals that will work if you want to stay that route.

[fer_gloko]

thanks, I want to do an upgrade if i can

[kingofvenus]

I've got the fork from a '83 1100 GK on my '79 850. 41mm tubes (same as a newer gsx katana fork) and everything bolts right up. If you go that route make sure you get the axle, they are longer than any other.

[fer_gloko]

this thread is saying a 94 Katana front end or 1200 Bandit will work

I just want to know more specifics about what i would need etc.

SOURCE: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697455

[kingofvenus]

The katana will bolt right up. The stem on the lower tripple tree on the 1200 bandit is too long and would have to be pressed out, cut and pressed back in. May i ask what are you wanting to use for a front wheel, and what handlebars? This is my 750 that has been heavily modded.

[fer_gloko]

i really have no idea, i was under the impression that my existing tire will fit with the brake mounts and everything, I haven't really thought about it that far i just wanted to get an idea. I have some raiser bars on it now, but i will be switching to some Renthals im making turning my bike into a Brat style something like this http://tarmaccustommotorcycles.com/moto/suzuki-gs850/ or https://www.pinterest.com/pin/209558188885864379/

[kingofvenus]

Stock front wheel will not fit in any new forks, you'll need to use a wheel that the forks originally came with or something very close. And if you use something newer your rear wheel will not match.

[fer_gloko]

Alright so it looks like im going to keep the forks but ive been looking on ebay to buy some in good shape, I have a few questions:

Is there a difference from the 1980 to the 1981-1982?

ive noticed that mine have the clamp at the bottom of the fork and the ones on Ebay are not at the bottom
-example: http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/yj8AAOSw34FVHFLz/$_57.JPG

-mine are like this http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA3NFgxNjAw/z/rtcAAMXQiFxR8D-8/$T2eC16V,!yEE9s5jFKheBR8D-8lIZw~~60_57.JPG

[jsandidge]

The ones like yours are for the 850G. The leading axle forks are for an 850L.

[fer_gloko]

or is it that the 850GL was more of a cruiser compared to the 850G

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs850gl%2081.htm

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs850g%2081.htm

[Dogma]

The ones like yours are for the 850G. The leading axle forks are for an 850L.

Please note that leading axle forks should not be used on a G model bike. They will screw up steering geometry unless you also swap the triple clamps. The clamps compensate for the offset.