'80 GS1000G Forks

[RichSPK]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but a search for "GS1000 forks" didn't turn up anything useful.

I just bought a 1980 GS1000G with the original air forks. They need new seals and possibly more. I've been told that these big shafties weren't great handlers even when they're in good shape, so I thought an upgrade might be in order, rather than a simple refurbishment. What are my options? I'd be interested in hearing about anything from different oil weights or spring spacers to swapping in the front end from a modern sportbike. I'm mainly interested in bolt-on upgrades, though. I don't really want to get into hacking and welding on the frame to fit a new front end.

Thanks!

[SqDancerLynn1]

Unless you are going racing? Do an upgrade-- new progressive springs
15 wt fork oil maybe a fork brace. as to complete replacement I have seen the the GSX 1100 89-91 ???? recomended as up grade. YOU can use almost any front end if you are creative the main thing is the length

[RichSPK]

Unless you are going racing?

No, I won't be going racing. I may try a track day at NHIS some day, but not any time soon. I'm not even a particularly fast rider on the street. I just want a suspension that inspires confidence. I don't want to worry about getting into a high-speed tankslapper, or have the bike get out of shape because I wasn't perfectly smooth with my inputs. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions! Fork oil won't be a problem. I'll go look at sources for fork springs now.

[bwringer]

No, those big shafties don't handle at all... :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Evidence of poor handling in a GS850:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/viewtopic.php?t=38518&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=39

It's just pitiful, really. It's good of us to take these pathetic old motorcycles out for a slow, careful ride around the block once in a while.