Shorter Forks on the "L" Model?

[OklahomaPomade]

Like I've said elsewhere...I have a 79 GS550L that I got for free but I don't really like the rake, can I simply put on another, shorter, set of forks to take some of it away? What do you guys recommend?

 

[Billy Ricks]

You may be able to just raise the forks in the triples to lower the front end. Just go a little at a time because it will change the handling and make it quicker and may cause a little oversteer.

 

[OklahomaPomade]

I thought of that already...I'm saving it for a last resort. Any other year's forks compatible?

 

[cfcubed]

I thought of that already...I'm saving it for a last resort. <snip<

Funny, I used it (raise forks in TT) as a first resort... It's free & easy (if your handlebars/etc. allow more clearance for fork tops/caps.) I raised mine nearly 1 inch & like the results.

Probably a fair amount of compat. replacements tho.

 

[OklahomaPomade]

I took the old measuring tape out and realized I could only get about 1/2 inch because of my drag bars. My old 78 kawasaki...(don't say a word!) forks are a full 3 inches shorter and the same diameter. The solution may be only as far away as the other side of my garage!! I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[speedy400]

I lowered mine 3 inches, had to make my own handle bars though, turned out great never the less.-darren

 

[OklahomaPomade]

I decided against the kawa forks, though they will in all likelihood fit. Seems as though the axles are different...(I guess I could drill out the wheel...) Hmm.