GS(X)1100SD/SZ Katana linear fork springs?

[Agemax]

I am trying with no luck to get some linear fork springs here in the UK for the 1100 Katana.
Loads of progressive springs available but nobody seems to do the linear springs.
I am happy to order overseas and the obvious choice based on searching the forums seems to be Sonic springs.
However, Sonic dont list the Katana in their range of springs so my question is has any one purchased a set of springs for their Kat from sonic and if so what part number springs are they, or is there any where else in the world that would sell or make linear springs for the Kat
Also i am thinking of buying some cartridge emulators, does any one have experience with these on a Kat?
TIA.

 

[Guest]

There are guys here on the Katana Australia forum that have had emulators put in, but to my knowledge they've all been done by professionals. There's one guy in NZ who's just finished a 650G Kat and put them in that himself and he's found them to be a brilliant improvement. I think he's considering doing the same to his 1100 Kat but hasn't yet. What are you looking for exactly? Just whether it's worth the effort or not or tips etc.?

Pretty sure linear fork springs have been sourced by some also, will ask the question.

 

[Agemax]

There are guys here on the Katana Australia forum that have had emulators put in, but to my knowledge they've all been done by professionals. There's one guy in NZ who's just finished a 650G Kat and put them in that himself and he's found them to be a brilliant improvement. I think he's considering doing the same to his 1100 Kat but hasn't yet. What are you looking for exactly? Just whether it's worth the effort or not or tips etc.


Pretty sure linear fork springs have been sourced by some also, will ask the question.

Thanks Pete, i want to fit the emulators but i cant find anyone who lists them for the Kat. After more googling i suspect they are sold (fork) size specific rather than model specific so i want to make sure i am ordering the right ones. Having real trouble finding linear springs anywhere so any source would be appreciated.

 

[Guest]

However, Sonic dont list the Katana in their range of springs so my question is has any one purchased a set of springs for their Kat from sonic and if so what part number springs are they, or is there any where else in the world that would sell or make linear springs for the Kat
Also i am thinking of buying some cartridge emulators, does any one have experience with these on a Kat?
TIA.

PM Rich Desmond on this forum. He is the owner of Sonic and can answer your questions directly. Are your forks significantly different than the standard 1100E forks from the same year? To fit emulators you really only need to know the maximum OD that fits inside the upper tube and the ID of the top of the damper rod where the emulator sits. If the emulator fits those two dimensions then you are good to go.


Mark

 

[Agemax]

PM Rich Desmond on this forum. He is the owner of Sonic and can answer your questions directly. Are your forks significantly different than the standard 1100E forks from the same year? To fit emulators you really only need to know the maximum OD that fits inside the upper tube and the ID of the top of the damper rod where the emulator sits. If the emulator fits those two dimensions then you are good to go.


Mark

not sure about the diameter of the forks but i am pretty sure the Kat springs are a fair bit longer than the E models

 

[Nessism]

The length of the spring is not critical as long as it's not too long. PVC pipe is used for a spacer and can be cut to any length needed. Critical thing is the OD of the spring and the spring rate you want.

 

[Agemax]

The length of the spring is not critical as long as it's not too long. PVC pipe is used for a spacer and can be cut to any length needed. Critical thing is the OD of the spring and the spring rate you want.

I disagree with you there, if the spring is to short then you will lose travel and risk the fork bottoming out. This is one of the reasons why i want a linear spring as opposed to a pogressive.

 

[RichDesmond]

What year is the bike and what is the diameter of the fork tubes? I'm assuming you're talking about the '82-era bikes?
If so, I know Sonic will have them, I remember selling one or sets for the US models when I owned the company.

 

[Agemax]

What year is the bike and what is the diameter of the fork tubes? I'm assuming you're talking about the '82-era bikes?
If so, I know Sonic will have them, I remember selling one or sets for the US models when I owned the company.

Hi Rich, yes its 82/83 katana with 37mm forks.

 

[RichDesmond]

Hi Rich, yes its 82/83 katana with 37mm forks.

Good, that makes life easy. Just order the GS1000 fork springs

 

[Agemax]

Good, that makes life easy. Just order the GS1000 fork springs

They are much shorter than the Kat forks, will that matter?

EDIT. just checked out the difference in length and they are not that much shorter, the cartridge emulator should make up most of the difference so i have just ordered the GS1000 springs.
Thankyou Rich.

 

[RichDesmond]

As Ed said, the length isn't important, the springs will come with spacer material and instructions on cutting it to the correct length.
Very important, the new stack height will be different than stock. DON'T cut the spacer to make the new total length the same as stock. Follow the instructions on determining spacer length.
Ping me if you have questions.

 

[Guest]

Ok looks like your spring question is answered nicely cheers Rich!

The guys here have used RaceTech linear springs incidentally.

As for the emulators, one guy went with MikesXS emulators and had a spacer machined up to make them fit the Kat forks (they're too small) but only did that due to $$ issues at the time.

The RaceTech emulators used are FEGV 3301 which apparently is based on the diameter of the fork tubes (37mm). They come with alternative valve springs to cater for different rider weights and preferences too.

 

[Guest]

One of the other guys said the info is embedded in the RaceTech site there somewhere but I'm struggling to find it myself... under GS1100S apparently which isn't surprising

 

[Agemax]

Ok looks like your spring question is answered nicely cheers Rich!

The guys here have used RaceTech linear springs incidentally.

As for the emulators, one guy went with MikesXS emulators and had a spacer machined up to make them fit the Kat forks (they're too small) but only did that due to $$ issues at the time.

The RaceTech emulators used are FEGV 3301 which apparently is based on the diameter of the fork tubes (37mm). They come with alternative valve springs to cater for different rider weights and preferences too.

Thanks Pete, i have ordered Sonic springs now and will order the correct emulator from Racetech.

 

[Guest]

Cool, let us know how it works out!

Something I'm sticking in the back of my mind for later after I get the head rebuilt at this stage. Would love the front forks not to be so harsh.

 

[Agemax]

Cool, let us know how it works out!

Something I'm sticking in the back of my mind for later after I get the head rebuilt at this stage. Would love the front forks not to be so harsh.

I am gathering parts together for a winter upgrade. I have got 310mm rotors with Brembo 4 pot calipers to fit so wanted to refresh the forks and improve them to cope with the new brake set up.

 

[Agemax]

I have just ordered a set of Race tech emulators, i found a distribuor in the UK so didnt have to order from USA and pay extortionate shipping costs and import tax

 

[Guest]

Awesome, sounds good!