Help with GS1000G front forks

[Wobbler]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post here while I have been lurking in the shadows for some time. I just want to thank you for all the nice info I have got from here!

I have been fixing my dad's old bike that had been idle for some 9+ years. I was going to replace the fork oil and seals but then I got a little confused because according to the repair manual the bike should have air forks. But in mine it has a screw for adjusting the fork instead. Now after discovering that I have been looking for new springs for this GS1000G 1980 model.

I found (in an old parts catalogue) that there are indeed 51103-45160 and 51104-45160 forks that has this kind of setup. The air forks are 51103-45101 and 51104-45101. Then the bad news to me was that these forks use different springs atleast different part numbers.

Does anyone know is there real difference between these springs? Are the progressive springs compatible with my forks?

I took few pictures if anybody has seen similar forks and attached link to a page with picture that seems to be from the forks I have. http://www.cmsnl.com/products/damper-assyrh_5110345160/#.U4TuRShW-1M

Is it possible that different setups were delivered to different markets? The parts catalogue lists E2, E4, E17, E18, E21, E22, E24, E25, E26, E34, E39 for these forks, but I am not sure what those mean.

-Wobbler

 

[bwringer]

IIRC, shafties in some markets outside the US got adjustable preload.

Approximately where on this big blue marble floating through space are you and the GS?


However, I note that the turn signals and the headlight bucket are not stock, so perhaps there was some front-end damage to the forks as well that got repaired with parts bolted on from another GS.

 

[Flyboy]

I note that the turn signals and the headlight bucket are not stock, so perhaps there was some front-end damage to the forks as well that got repaired with parts bolted on from another GS.

My thoughts exactly Brian.

According to the Sonic website, the springs are the same for the GS1000E/EN/G/L/S

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31_193&osCsid=16ed9e9c34e8e9eca2b62d1fa48b5378

 

[Steve]

However, I note that the turn signals and the headlight bucket are not stock, so perhaps there was some front-end damage to the forks as well that got repaired with parts bolted on from another GS.

I also note that there is a chrome fender. :-k

Was not aware that anything non-"L" that was newer than '79 had chrome fenders.

Yes, the US market had air-assited forks, other markets had other options.

Progressive (brand) springs would be compatible, but Sonic (straight-rate) springs might be just a bit better.

.

 

[Wobbler]

You spot everything . The bike had Windjammer fairing and I replaced it with non original headlamp and turn signals are from some GS1100? I think. I just wanted some square turn signals similar to the ones it had on tail. It had chrome front fender but this one I got used from ebay as the original was in so bad condition.

I live in Finland. Other than the signal lights and headlamp I don't know much what has been done to the bike before my dad bought it used. (Sorry about the dirty bike it was one night in rain and now has pollen every where)

Nice to hear that there shouldn't be problem with the springs. It would be good to be able to buy the springs without opening the forks and measuring them.

 

[landshark]

I also note that there is a chrome fender. :-k

Was not aware that anything non-"L" that was newer than '79 had chrome fenders.
.

We had Chrome Fenders on models other than L's over here after '79, so i assume England and South Africa were probably the same?

 

[Steve]

Nice to hear that there shouldn't be problem with the springs. It would be good to be able to buy the springs without opening the forks and measuring them.

You will find that one spring will fit many bikes, possibly with different fork lengths. That is because they use a spring that the shortest fork can use, then use spacers of varying lengths above the springs for the longer forks.

.

 

[Johno]

We had Chrome Fenders on models other than L's over here after '79, so i assume England and South Africa were probably the same?

Yes my Australia delivered 1981 GS1000G has a chrome front guard and preload adjustable forks - no air.

 

[Brendan W]

Yes my Australia delivered 1981 GS1000G has a chrome front guard and preload adjustable forks - no air.

My 81 850GX , originally UK registered, is the same and the spring lengths are the same as stock for the air assist forks according to the manual.

 

[Flyboy]

My '81 GS1000G, air assist forks and plastic colour coded mudguard.

 

[850 Combat]

Those turn signals are the same as USA stock for 1981.

Interesting about the preload in other markets.