gsxr forks for my 1150 efe

[Billy Ricks]

'88 and '89 Gixxers use a 4.5" X 17" rear. I believe they went to 5" in '90. For handlebars what I did was pick up a set of used clamps for tubular bars. I drilled a pilot hole from the bottom of the top clamp through one of the mounts for the guage bracket. Then from the topside drilled about halfway through the top clamp and tapped that to accept the handlebar clamps. Clip-ons would have interfered with the tank. I have both a Katana 600 3.5" and GSX-R 4.5" rear wheel. The rotors for both are different. You can use a Kat 600 caliper hanger for either wheel and if fits the stock GS axle.

 

[Gerry]

Hey Adam, sucks to be us :lol:

At this point I'm not sure but I think I'm going to stick with the 87 front end and deal with it as you are. As far as the the bars go I was just going to take it to the machine shop and get them to bore it out the extra 4mm so it will fit without interfering with the faring. The front wheel isn't bought yet so 89 gsxr it is and throw away the brakes i bought.

How do you plan to mount your brakes?

Good luck and keep us posted as I will

Gerry

 

[Anonymous]

At this point I'm not sure but I think I'm going to stick with the 87 front end and deal with it as you are. As far as the the bars go I was just going to take it to the machine shop and get them to bore it out the extra 4mm so it will fit without interfering with the faring.

*** Same here. I got my front in very good shape with the aftermarket fork holder ( polished billet alu 17 mm thick - check the size of your fender holder )) To use all the length of this front end I decided to install bar clamps on the top yoke and use a standart handlebar.

The front wheel isn't bought yet so 89 gsxr it is and throw away the brakes i bought.

*** I wouldn`t throw them away - they are tremendous improvement for GS 1150 over original calipers - I used them with Kawasaki 1000 R master cylinder and was very happy with 2 finger`s front brake I got.
In your situation it is easyier to use original 87 gsxr calipers, but I`m going to reuse Nissins.
Because my front wheel is slimer then gsxr ( 10 mm ), I can make 2 steel brackets 5 mm thick to carry them and in the same time setting them properly with Katana rotors.
By the way, what are you going to do about a rear wheel?
Billy mensioned 4.5 x 17, but my question is did it clear original swingarm?
After my experiences with a front end I wouldn`t like to play additionaly with a rear end )).
Regrds - Adam M.

 

[Billy Ricks]

Billy mensioned 4.5 x 17, but my question is did it clear original swingarm?

I've got an '85 700 and my understanding is the 1150 swingarm is slightly bigger. Now on the swingarm, I just finished measuring from the inside edge of the rim. I'm talking rim, not hub. The portion where the wheel weights fit. The furthermost point to the front of the bike where you could measure the distance between the inside of the swingarm from that point. I am getting 8 1/2". I am running a 160/60 on the 4.5" wheel. I have about 3/8" to spare on each side. Later I'll be switching to a Gixxer swingarm and probably pick up a 5.5" wheel.

When I did the conversion I went with the Gixxer wheel. '88 and '89 models had the 4.5". I am using the Gixxer rotor, caliper, and sprocket. I am using Katana 600 spacers on each side, and Katana caliper hanger. I am using stock axle with stock bearings installed in the wheel. There is a bearing support between the sprocket carrier and hub which is Katana 600. The bearing support inside the hub is my stock piece with a small length of pipe J-B Welded to it so it ends up the same length as the Gixxer piece. The brake torque has to be bent to clear the tire and moved to the bottom of the swingarm. It is a tight squeeze on my bike between the swingarm where the axle fits. May not be a problem on an 1150. I finally used a hydraulic jack to spread the swingarm a little for more clearance. That caused the front to move closer together so you have to wrestle it into the pivot section. I think that about covers it.

 

[Gerry]

*** I wouldn`t throw them away - they are tremendous improvement for GS 1150 over original calipers -

No I wouldn't do that. I would like to use them just don't see how on this front end. I didn't get the 87 brake system on ebay (didn't try to hard). I am leaning toward trying to get an 89 front end.

That is a good idea with the bars to get more height on the front but how will they tuck into the faring or do you have an E ? I don't see how regular bars would be very friendly with my bike.

I wasn't going to do any thing with the rear this year or until I get the front end done. Like you I am just working on the front first. The rim Billy has is tempting but one thing at a time.

Gerry

 

[Anonymous]

GSXR forks on GS 1150.

GSXR forks on GS 1150.

***
I am leaning toward trying to get an 89 front end.

*** There is one on Ebay listed now and price is reasonable.
It lacks front axle, calipers, fender and ignition switch but would be OK for your aplication.

That is a good idea with the bars to get more height on the front but how will they tuck into the faring or do you have an E ? I don't see how regular bars would be very friendly with my bike.

*** Not true. First thing I changed on my GS (and our bikes are identical)
were this terrible clippons. I installed the bars from GSX 550 - little lower then 1150 E bars. I lost sam wind protection, but a ride was much more comfortable. The standart bar I plan to use will be even lower then 550 bar - no interference with the faring is possible. ( GSX 550 bar gave me some interference between master cylinder and faring, when I pushed the bike making sharp left turns).

I wasn't going to do any thing with the rear this year or until I get the front end done. Like you I am just working on the front first. The rim Billy has is tempting but one thing at a time.

*** The rim doesn`t go anywhere as he said and you can eventually use it next winter )) After his explanation in the post above I do not thing instalation of the 4.5 wheel is too difficult and maybe I will choose to go this way as well.
I just finished measuring and drawing all parts necessary to make my conversion and feel pretty good about it. It consist of two brackets for brakes and two spacers for axle. Not so difficult after all.
Regards - Adam M.

 

[Gerry]

There is one on Ebay listed now and price is reasonable

Thanks, I was watching that front end and it is from the same guy I got the 86-7 front end.

Not true. First thing I changed on my GS (and our bikes are identical) were this terrible clippons

Any bar mounts will do? Did you mount them as far back on the triple clamp as you could or are they in the center? I am definitely going to look into this. I have a set of bars from my kz 1000. they have an 1 1/2" rise on them. Would these be close to what your using? What about the big weight at the end of the bars? I just never gave this any thought because when I read about it I said to myself "it will never fit in with the fairing" and I thought you had an "E".

The mod for the rear wheel has got my attention as well.

Thanks Gerry

 

[Billy Ricks]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10066&item=1876701626

These handlebar mounts could be converted to work. They look very similar to what I'm using minus the rubber and the lower piece. I'll bet that bolt coming down through is a hex head inserted from the bottom half of the clamp. That's how mine are. You could get any length bolt you need to make them work. Just drill and tap the clamp as I pointed out in an earlier post.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10066&item=1876791399

The set above look like they will work too. Just replace the bolt with the right length of stud.

 

[Anonymous]

Billy is correct. Those bar mounts should work. Just about any motorcycle dealer who has dirt bikes should have them - either the standard bar diameter or the 'fat' ones. I doubt if the fat bars will fit in your fairing though.

 

[Gerry]

Ok, things are going great. I contacted the owner of the 89 forks for a measurement and after we talked he was willing to cancel the auction and trade front ends. Oh ya this guy is great. So we will do the swap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10066&item=1876791399
The set above look like they will work too. Just replace the bolt with the right length of stud

Thanks Billy, I like these ones so the wife's ebay account is working overtime :lol: . If I read your post right the bar clamps are tapped into the triple clamp and not bolted from underneath. This sounds pretty easy to do. I'll have to look for a master because the angle is going to change for the level of the fluid.
A buddy was over looking at the progress and we were talking about the rear end he offered me a 90 gsxr 750 swingarm. Hummm the plot thickens!!! :twisted: I measured the 1150 swingarm and at the furthest point from the front of the bike it measures 8 3/4 ". just to let you know from an earlier post. I think I will get the front end done and see how much winter (and cash) is left for the rear.

Thanks Gerry

 

[moto_dan]

Ok, things are going great. I contacted the owner of the 89 forks for a measurement and after we talked he was willing to cancel the auction and trade front ends. Oh ya this guy is great. So we will do the swap.

Thanks Gerry

So you're the responsible party that prevented me from spending more money on ebay :evil: Just kiddin, but I was watching that front end out of curiousity to see what it would bring.

 

[Billy Ricks]

That's great he guy swapped you front ends. Takes all the guess work out of things and you can be sure everything will work. One thing I would recommend you do if you don't already have a set, get steel braided lines. I'm using my GS master cylinder up front. With rubber lines the brakes were still better than stock. But you used up alot of lever stopping hard. With steel lines I'm using maybe 3/4" of lever stroke and the feel is very solid.

Take your time on the rear. If you can make the Gixxer rear work for you do it. You'll be able to use newer GSX-R shocks with remote reservoirs and adjustments for everything. I think the '90 used a 5" rear wheel. You'll be able to run 170 and maybe 180 tires. There will be lots of mods you will have to make to have it work. Pegs may have to be altered and a few other minor problems.

 

[Gerry]

That's great he guy swapped you front ends. Takes all the guess work out of things and you can be sure everything will work.

Ya, I'm glad he did it for me. Saves me some coin for my screw up.

I have individual ss lines from the master to each caliper and a bleeder on the master. That got rid of the splitter on the forks. I had SBS pads and two finger brakes. Still want to make the brakes more gooder (new english).

I'm in no hurry to do the rear. He said he ran a 180 on the rear of his gixer. I might take it apart to see how close it is but that will be about it for this year. The pegs are mounted separately so this might work for me.

I have a fox shock mounted with the remote reservoir. It made a big difference when I did that mod. It became a whole different bike. The old 1150 front has progressive springs as well . This made it work well but I think it will be so much better this year with better rubber and front end.

Gerry

 

[Gerry]

Ok, things are going great. I contacted the owner of the 89 forks for a measurement and after we talked he was willing to cancel the auction and trade front ends. Oh ya this guy is great. So we will do the swap.

Thanks Gerry

So you're the responsible party that prevented me from spending more money on ebay :evil: Just kiddin, but I was watching that front end out of curiousity to see what it would bring.

OOPS sorry :twisted: :lol:

 

[Gerry]

Just an update, the 89 forks got here and the fit great. Bolt right up. I installed the fork stops on the lower triple clamp. (3/8 ss bolts). Drilled and taped the upper triple clamp for the bar mounts and installed standard bars. I also bought a new (used katana) brake master to fit the new angle of the bars.
Looks like the difference in ride height is only going to be about an inch and a half.

All I need now is a front wheel. Say, does a 1150 need a front wheel? 8O :lol: :wink:

If you would like to see a picture of the forks in place(the day they came)give the link a click. I will have pictures posted on my web site when its done.

http://www.angelfire.com/trek/biss/nags1.JPG
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/biss/gsside.JPG

Gerry

 

[Billy Ricks]

Looking good Gerry. Amazing how easy it goes together isn't it?

 

[Gerry]

Looking good Gerry. Amazing how easy it goes together isn't it?

Yes and thanks for all your help

Gerry

 

[Gerry]

I'm just waiting for rotors and then I can put the bike back together. I still don't have a speedometer yet. Any Ideas out there for this? The 1150 spedo cable doesn't fit the GSXR drive. If I was to get a GSXR cable does anyone know if it will fit the 1150 speedometer? I know it won't be dead on but it will give me something to work with. I was also thinking about getting a digital one but not sure about that. I think I would like to get a GSXR tack and speedo for the finished product but I think that will be next year or if I can find one cheep enough.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks, Gerry

 

[Billy Ricks]

The Gixxer cable does fit. Get the '90 1100 cable. It should be a little longer than earlier 750 cables. I am running Gixxer guages, so when you get ready to do the swap I can tell you how to hook up the tach.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Billy,
I just started implanting my 4.5``wheel to GS 1150 swingarm.
It looks like this wheel is too wide for the application. The distance between swingarm`s arms is 8.88`` what makes 222 mm, giving me 111 mm for the side. The brake side of the wheel is no problem, however sproket side is simply too long - 117 mm ( using Katana 600 sproket carrier 10 mm shorter then original). Did you have the same situation?
I remember tha you tryed to widen the distance between yours swingarm arms - how wide did you pushed it?
I wouldn`t like to do it, rather to machine Katana`s sprocket carrier, which is necessary for moving the sprocket back as well. Rear sprocket is 10 mm closer to the arm comparing to original, and I will machine some 6 mm from the base and put a 4 mm distance under the front sprocket to make this chain go in a straight line. Only question is do I have enough clearance between the tire edge and a chain ? How does it look in your bike? I will have to cut another 6mm from the front off the carrier ( where a seal covering a bearing sits) and find a slimer bearing and seal to acomodate it in the smaller housing. Looks pretty complicated - do you have any better ideas?
Regards - Adam M.