Taller front end for '82 GS450?

[CrawlingForward]

I posted this in my introduction thread, but I figure this is probably the better place to post it.

I've got a GS450 I'm building into a scrambler build and I'm debating swapping out the front end with taller forks for a couple different reasons:

• Greater ground clearance
• Stiffer forks for offroad
• Allowing to match the rear with taller, longer travel shocks with more clearance between tires and fenders
• Possibility of dual disc brakes?
• Flat-footed, I'm still 2-3" above the seat.

I've been doing a whole bunch of searching, both on this site and the internet in general and I've found info on bearing sizes and fork tube diameters, etc, but I can't find any info on fork length or travel.

I've read that GS550 and 650s are supposedly straight swaps along with 90s model GSXRs, but I was curious what the normal reasoning for front end swaps were and if there was a go-to standard (I know with Jeeps, there are lots of possible axle swaps for the dana 35, but 90% of guys going with a Ford 8.8, for instance)

If the front swap isn't likely to yield the extra height, any recommendations on how to go about that? Lots of info on how to lower a bike, not much on how to raise it...

 

[Big Rich]

A front end from a GS850G will raise the front end, and has dual caliper mounts on the forks. Any GS or GT front hub from the era will work, and you could lace up a 21" wheel for even more height.

As far as raising the rear end goes, I think the limiting factor will be the chain rubbing on the swingarm.

 

[CrawlingForward]

Still getting used to this forum and apparently didn't have notifications set up for replies.

Thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for!

In terms of the rear end, I ended up swapping the rear swingarm for that of a ninja250 and I'll be doing a monoshock conversion, so I'm just going to weld the shock mounts in a manner that gives me my desired height.

I also dug up your build thread for reference as I go along, so thanks in advance for that!

 

[CrawlingForward]

A front end from a GS850G will raise the front end, and has dual caliper mounts on the forks. Any GS or GT front hub from the era will work, and you could lace up a 21" wheel for even more height.

Actually, wait....

You mentioned a GS850 here, but a GR650 in your thread. Do both work? Any preference between the two?

EDIT: Read further in and noticed the second fork swap.

 

[CrawlingForward]

And as long as I'm cluttering up my own thread with bits, the fact that you had an exchange with Pete (the two of you being my most referenced threads) about The Offspring just makes me feel like I've come to the right place, ha ha.

 

[bwringer]

GS850 forks would be a little longer, but you'll still only have about four inches of suspension travel.

I'd be looking for a set of dirtbike or dual-sport forks. Even forks from something low-tech like a KLR650 would give you a lot more suspension travel, and there are lots of KLR parts out there. (1987-2007 KLR forks are 38mm diameter, 10 inches of travel).

Of course, with dual-sport forks you're going to be stuck with a single front brake disk. However, there are usually solutions for this... my KLR is wearing a larger-diameter fornt disk along with a dual-piston caliper from an SV650, so it stops quite well.

 

[Big Rich]

Whatever you do, check closely at the bearing sizes and steering stem lengths. Some swaps are easier than others, but usually a Suzuki front end will be easiest. Maybe a DR650 front end?

 

[CrawlingForward]

Hmmm, still not getting email notifications. I'm going to have to check to make sure they're set up correctly.

Anyhow, I ended up getting a great deal on a full GS850 front end including brakes and calipers! Worked perfectly, thanks! Bolted right up! Dual disc, air assist shocks and raised the height perfectly. Between the new swingarm and new front-end I have 10" of ground clearance at the frame! That's better than my Jeep diffs!

Thanks again!

 

[Big Rich]

What swingarm did you use?