Swapping forks?

[TwoWheelsGood]

Hi. I'm a newbie at this great site. In an earlier search I found a thread listing models and interchange compatibility, but now I can't find it. So I appreciate your patience and help!
I recently rescued a 1983 GS850G from my neighbor's garage, where he left it (in disgust) after accidentally hitting it with his car in 1991. First task: replace the bent forks. I see various forks for sale on eBay, but I wonder, will any from the various years of the GS850G series fit? How about from other GS displacements?
Also, if I find forks from a GS850GL, will they fit? And if they do, will they have much effect on handling or appearance? (I know the GL has a slightly longer wheelbase, so I would expect some differences in handling.)
Finally, I saw one set listed as 31-mm forks. That seems to be the right diameter for my bike. Were there other sizes? Again -- many thanks!

[monte]

850 forks

Just replaced a rusty fork on my 81 1100e with a 850 fork. Matched the other side perfectly. If you are willing to go down a mm. the gs 750 tree and forks will fit the steering head ok. Good luck

[psyguy]

your forks are 37mm
any 850 or up forks wil fit regardles of the year
as for the 750 forks i think year 80 an up would fit to,but not sure

L forks will fit just fine, but the wheel is mounted in front of the forks, not at the end of the forks, so you'll get a bit longer wheelbase (as you discovered) but the height of the front end should remain the same

[TheCafeKid]

your forks are 37mm
any 850 or up forks wil fit regardles of the year
as for the 750 forks i think year 80 an up would fit to,but not sure

L forks will fit just fine, but the wheel is mounted in front of the forks, not at the end of the forks, so you'll get a bit longer wheelbase (as you discovered) but the height of the front end should remain the same

US model 750 forks, as far as i know, were ALL 35mm. Maybe when they got up to the ES models they got bigger? Not sure. But he's right, all 850 and up bikes were fitted with 37mm forks. However, "L" models have a leading axle, so to use THOSE, I do believe the whole tree and clamps would have to be changed out. I would stick with the standard models, if thats what you have, as changing to an L model *may* mess with rake/trail, although im not entirely certain they ever changed the neck angle from E to L either.

[psyguy]

, although im not entirely certain they ever changed the neck angle from E to L either.

hope someone in the know can confirm this, i'd like to know for sure, too

[Suzuki mad]

How bad are the fork bottoms? You can save yourself a load of headaches and just get new fork tubes (the chrome bits) strip and refit all the springs etc back in. A lot easier than hunting for new or second hand parts.

Most tubes are avaliable as non genuine parts, a ste of new seals and some oil. If they are not too badly bent its an easy job.

I'd check the front wheel, spindle and yokes (tripple tree's) for being bent also. You may have to get some new tyres if it hasn't run for 17 years.

Do you have anybody locally with a 'jig' who can check the frame a steering head is straight just in case.

Suzuki mad

[TwoWheelsGood]

Thanks, all, for the info. and suggestions. My mistake about 31 mm -- I had meant to say 37 mm. I will take a look at just replacing the fork tubes, and if that isn't possible, I see I have a lot of options in finding a new set of forks. Will also check the yokes, etc. And new tires, plus new battery, change all fluids, coat the gas tank, clean the carbs, etc., are definitely in order.

Will also try to locate a jig to check the frame and steering head. Did take a very close look at the frame around the triple tree and saw no evidence of paint chipping or cracking, which can be a giveaway for frame damage. Thanks again!