• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

different front end

  • Thread starter Thread starter clintonroberts1
  • Start date Start date
C

clintonroberts1

Guest
ive customized all but the front end of my 82 gs850 does anyone know if there is an interchangeable fork or triple tree?
 
Whilst the stem & bearings are the same there are degrees of "bolt on".

Some have a different amount of length or travel, all have different steerer stops, you'll need to work out how to attach gauges & ignition barrel, how to drive the speedo etc.

None of the more modern front ends are exactly the same length or 100% bolt on, you always have to fabricate some parts.

You also have to think about tyre choice & wheels as it's not recommended to use a more modern radial with the bias ply rear (you're rear is likely set as it's a shaft drive...) although some have.

Dan :)
 
salty_monk said:
Whilst the stem & bearings are the same there are degrees of "bolt on".

Some have a different amount of length or travel, all have different steerer stops, you'll need to work out how to attach gauges & ignition barrel, how to drive the speedo etc.

None of the more modern front ends are exactly the same length or 100% bolt on, you always have to fabricate some parts.

You also have to think about tyre choice & wheels as it's not recommended to use a more modern radial with the bias ply rear (you're rear is likely set as it's a shaft drive...) although some have.

Dan :)
Click to expand...
hence, why i said the choice is down to his imagination. how much work he wants to do or whether he just wants to bolt another front end on and ride it
 
But no other models front end is a direct "bolt-on" even swapping Gs Model to GS model causes some of the above problems.

Just making sure he understands it's not like changing fork oil.. it's not that simple.

Some people seem to be lacking in the "imagination" dept until it's too late if some of the remnants on Craigslist & Ebay are to considered... :lol:

:)
 
all i am trying to say is that you can BOLT ON a gsxr front end as it is a direct replacement with no mods to steering head bearings etc but then you need the imagination and the knowledge to get it to work, as with all the little bits that come with it, like brakes and electrics etc
 
:lol: We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work :D
 
salty_monk said:
:lol: We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work :D
Click to expand...

Dan,
I think technically the forks "nut on" :rolleyes:.
Jim
 
salty_monk said:
:lol: We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work :D
Click to expand...

I could not agree more, the "Direct Bolt up" phrase that is refererred to so frequently on front end conversions here is some what misleading. I think it is safe to say the head bearings fit, beyond that its a whole new dimension.
 
Last edited:
gentlemen i appreciate the input i apologise for not being more specific i am quite versed in the specifics of going to a different front end ie:(ignition barrel). i guess my question was do the triple tree or fork tubes interchange with any other make of bike. for example a friend of mine put a sportster front end on his xj650 to give it a drag bike look. i on the other hand am looking for longer fork tubes
 
If you are looking for longer fork tubes you are out of luck. Most of the newer forks are slightly shorter. For extended forks Look up forks by Frank. They can make any length you want
 
The cheapest way to get a longer fork is to run a GS750/700 monoshock front end but with your stock 850 19" front wheel instead of the stock 16".

That would gain you approx 2-3" extra depending on whether you used the 750 risers/clipons or mounted some risers on the top triple. I believe it may be a straight swap, you might need to mix & match speedo drives & spacers.

You'd also have to mess with the fender as it will need the mounting tabs extended to work.

I have a 750ES front end so can take measurements for you if necessary.. I might be persuaded to sell it complete for the right price too.

I guess it's possible you could mix & match internals so you got the longer fork tubes with the 850 lowers & triples, the tubes are the same dia but the triple is about 10mm wider.

Dan :)
 
For the love of God, please no more ruining a perfectly good motorcycle to achieve some sort of idiotic chopper look. Save that crap for the "I'm stupid enough to pay $60K for a barely functional Harley-based Discovery Channel wannabe" people.
 
RJ said:
For the love of God, please no more ruining a perfectly good motorcycle to achieve some sort of idiotic chopper look. Save that crap for the "I'm stupid enough to pay $60K for a barely functional Harley-based Discovery Channel wannabe" people.
Click to expand...

Wow...perfectly rational response to his question :rolleyes:
 
clintonroberts1 said:
gentlemen i appreciate the input i apologise for not being more specific i am quite versed in the specifics of going to a different front end ie:(ignition barrel). i guess my question was do the triple tree or fork tubes interchange with any other make of bike. for example a friend of mine put a sportster front end on his xj650 to give it a drag bike look. i on the other hand am looking for longer fork tubes
Click to expand...
i fitted 1100 katana forks on my gs, "direct" bolt on but slightly longer than stock forks
 
The 83 750/700/1150 forks are about 3" longer & will fit the 850 triple as they are 37mm. You'll have to mess with spacers & fender mounting. :)
 
RJ said:
For the love of God, please no more ruining a perfectly good motorcycle to achieve some sort of idiotic chopper look. Save that crap for the "I'm stupid enough to pay $60K for a barely functional Harley-based Discovery Channel wannabe" people.
Click to expand...

I would say that is a personal preferance and not an answer to my question.
 
clintonroberts1 said:
I would say that is a personal preferance and not an answer to my question.
Click to expand...
Yep. What's wrong with modifying your bike's look or stance. Next thing you know someone will put how they think you should only have a black gs so it's just like theirs. Cut it, chopit, paint it, or change it how you like. Isn't that the point? Hell he'd crap if he looked at my bike lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top