katana forks on a gs700e

[tc.young]

The stock front end on the gs700e is lacking to me. I was considering a few routes to go, salty_monk's upgrade to twin pot brakes was my first choice. but after seeing all the other rubber i had to replace (orings for compressed air) and the impossible (to me) fork cap removal i threw in the towel.

Billy ricks gsx-r swap looked dope. but i have none of the skill/expertise/knowledge to do that, plus i wanted to do this on a budget, and from the look billy's swap has the front wheel a little to close to the headers, though i'm sure he has it properly sprung and isn't a issue.

Anyway, did some research, found out that the gsx600 katana bearings are the same. the only thing in question was the stem length. one of the mechanics at the shop i do the books for has a katana with a complete front end that he took off to put in hayabusa front end so i bought the whole thing for 50 bucks (missing fender and handlebars)

That's where i am currently, everything bolts up fine. the stem is slightly short so i might mill out the upper triple tree so it sits lower and flush with the top of the stem. I also plan on running superbike bars so i have handlebar mounts on order. looks like this project will cost me 150, i have a 17inch front wheel, dual 4 pot calipers and slightly better forks which will be upgraded with better springs at a future date.

Here is the katana trees on the bike

one of the issues that needs addressing, the ignition barrel does not fit. i flipped it backwards so it's there but it won't lock and it is only secured by 1 bolt.

how she sits now.

New seals and a front tire is on order.

too late now, but i hope the stock controls are 7/8 because i ordered mounts that only work for 7/8 bars. will have better photos and possibly an update later.

 

[salty_monk]

I have some single bolt handlebar mounts to go on the top triple if you're in need...

 

[Guest]

Had a kat fork on mine for a while. Here is a pic.

 

[Smokinapankake]

Not to worry - your stock controls are 7/8th.

 

[Carter Turk]

Had a kat fork on mine for a while.

Curious how the superior front end makes the stock back end feel? Was there accommodation for the taller front wheel as far a geometry goes, or is it riding higher now with the Kat front end and 17'' inch wheel.

 

[tc.young]

I have some single bolt handlebar mounts to go on the top triple if you're in need...

thanks salty, too late though ordered mounts. i hope they work.

Not to worry - your stock controls are 7/8th.

thanks for the confirmation.

Had a kat fork on mine for a while.

Curious how the superior front end makes the stock back end feel? Was there accommodation for the taller front wheel as far a geometry goes, or is it riding higher now with the Kat front end and 17'' inch wheel.

i was going to match the ride height of the old front end so i'll let the forks go more into the triple tree counting it doesn't touch my handlebars. i think if it's a longer distance then more effort is required to countersteer and it's slower.

 

[Guest]

Had a kat fork on mine for a while.

Curious how the superior front end makes the stock back end feel? Was there accommodation for the taller front wheel as far a geometry goes, or is it riding higher now with the Kat front end and 17'' inch wheel.

Handling was great, even with the tired original stock shock. I think the total diameter of the two wheels are close enough that there was no height differance. Also had the matching kat rear wheel on it too.

 

[tc.young]

well got around to getting it done,

here it is

bracket for clocks

not bad eh

and here she is in the nyc adv tag-o-rama