83 GS1100E suspension upgrades

[white79bu]

I have been looking at doing a gsxr fork swap. But I was wondering if I could redo my forks and add bigger brakes and still make it handle better, along with adding wider wheels? I thought if I used stock looking forks it would have that sleeper. If it's possible how much money would I have to spend and were could I get the parts? I have a feeling that in the long run I would be better off with the gsxr stuff. But I would like to be a little different and I am still new to GS's. Thanks Andy

[80GS1000]

IMO, get a complete Gixxer front end cause it'll be easier and cheaper.

The GSXR 1100 front ends are pretty much a bolt on deal for the GS series, and you get vastly better brakes, stiffer forks, and the ability to run a radial tire too.

If you want to go late model GSXR, that's possible too, but a lot more work. See my streetfighter thread for more details on that.

If swapping out the front end, you should also swap out the rear rim too because you shouldn't mix and match bias ply tires (stock GS tires) with radials because of the difference in grip. A Gixxer 1100 5.5x17" rear rim is supposed to be a straight swap in the GS 1100 swingarm, you'll need to get a 5/8" offset front sprocket and do a 530 chain conversion for it to work. This'll let you run a 180 radial in the rear.

And run, don't walk to the nearest trash can and DUMP those stock rear shocks. Get some Progressive, Works, Ikon, or if you have the cash, Ohlins rear shocks.

If you do your homework (do a search on this site and read a LOT of older threads) you'll have a bike that turns and stops MUCH better than stock. And we all know the GS 1100s have the GO part down pat.

Good luck. :-D

[Cassius086]

Just got done with my 82 1100EZ/gsxr conversion.


Rode 850 miles with clip-ons, and no discomfort!! I plan to get some vortex clip ons and risers, as the stock gsxr clip ons nudge the tank; I used 88 1100forks/trees and brakes, with rims from an 87. 1 finger braking!!! Brakes feel fabulous. WOOHOO!!! Running 110/80 ZR18 & 160/60ZR18 Michelin Pilot Roads. The front end got the full Racetech treatment (emulators, 1.0kg springs). Rear suspension is progressives, but plan on getting the Vipex piggyback shocks Brian is working on, or Ikon. Maybe even pony up for some ohlins. Compared to stock, the handling is otherworldly. Granted, it is still a ~510lb. bike (oh, shed lots of weight, too!!), but it really just falls into curves, instead of wrestling it down.

Instead of the 5/8" offset sprocket, I used a 1/8" spacer behind the countershaft sprocket, and had the sprocket carrier turned down 1/2". Was less expensive than a custom made sprocket. ALL smiles here!

[RJ]

My 2c worth is to go with the GSXR USD conversion. Although the 1st gen gixxer front ends are a major improvement over the GS, the 18" wheels limit your tire and brake selection. The 2nd gen front end conversion is a piece of cake, whether you go with the 750 or 1100. With my '82 1100E the rear wheel bolted up with the stock wheel spacers and 530 chain conversion (2nd gen gixxer stuff as well). I have Hayabusa front and rear brakes and radial tires. The bike handles like a dream with 6 piston calipers to slow you down in a hurry. Just Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bonanzadave]

Just Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!

RJ, can we see a bigger pic of your Bike. Looks very nice !

[80GS1000]

RJ, can we see a bigger pic of your Bike. Looks very nice !

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=101866

[white79bu]

What's a complete gsxr front end go for? I would like to have the 2nd gen front end so I can run 17" wheels and tires. I have seen them on Ebay for a 93 750 with the triples for $350. That's pretty much complete.

Also RJ did the Hayabusa brakes just bolt on or did you have to do some modification? Andy

[Cassius086]

I got everything for mine for 500.00, but it is all the evil 1st generation stuff, so there are not 8 billion tire selections, just about 7 or 8. (I got the entire front end, rims, calipers, all the spacers, and the swing arm (for the above mentioned price).

[kingofvenus]

With a conventional fork assy. it will look stock enough that most people will probably not notice the differance. No one has really even noticed my katana swap.

[RJ]

The Hayabusa brakes are actually the exact same 6 piston ones that came on the 2nd gen GSXR 1100 so they bolted right up to my front end. I got the 'Busa units because they were relatively new and I didn't need to worry about rebuilding them. These brakes were used on the TLR1000, Bandit 1200, ZRX1100 and 1200 as well. As far as what you can buy stuff for it's a crap shoot like everything else on eBay. I got my front end for $125 but had to scare up the calipers, wheels, front fender separately, which took about 6 months to do. That also includes getting stuck with 2 bent rims and eventually shelling out the cash to get the best one straightened for $130.

[B12Rider]

I swapped a late model USD fork to my Bandit using triples and wheel from a Busa, forks and brake components from a GSXR 1000. It turned out to be an easy swap, almost a bolt on.
Check out the pics here: http://www.bikepics.com/members/b12rider/03gsf1200/

[Cassius086]

Um, that you, Dave?? (from Maximum Suzuki??). It's me, Mike (East Coast Rider). If it is you, good to see ya over on this side of the fence!! :-D

[white79bu]

Just got done with my 82 1100EZ/gsxr conversion.


Rode 850 miles with clip-ons, and no discomfort!! I plan to get some vortex clip ons and risers, as the stock gsxr clip ons nudge the tank; I used 88 1100forks/trees and brakes, with rims from an 87. 1 finger braking!!! Brakes feel fabulous. WOOHOO!!! Running 110/80 ZR18 & 160/60ZR18 Michelin Pilot Roads. The front end got the full Racetech treatment (emulators, 1.0kg springs). Rear suspension is progressives, but plan on getting the Vipex piggyback shocks Brian is working on, or Ikon. Maybe even pony up for some ohlins. Compared to stock, the handling is otherworldly. Granted, it is still a ~510lb. bike (oh, shed lots of weight, too!!), but it really just falls into curves, instead of wrestling it down.

Instead of the 5/8" offset sprocket, I used a 1/8" spacer behind the countershaft sprocket, and had the sprocket carrier turned down 1/2". Was less expensive than a custom made sprocket. ALL smiles here!

So are you still liking the first gen stuff? I may have located a complete front end. My question is how far can you lean the bike? I am looking to make the bike handle pretty well. I can't find a decent 2nd gen front end anywere. So I thought I would go with the 1st gen set up because I like the 18" wheel and you said how much you liked you swap. Thanks Andy

[Cassius086]

Hey Andy,

I am really liking the 1st gen stuff. I realize the forks on 1st gen stuff are shorter than the later ('89-up) gsxrs, but I have had no clearance issues. Yes, there are limitations as to how many different types of tires you can find in 18" sizes. I am running Pilot Roads, and have about 1,100 miles on them, and am more than satisified. I have yet to ride them in the rain, though.

I was serious when I stated the bike stops using mild pressure with one finger. I have standard EBC organic pads; may try another brand by Speigler, which I can get thru a friend....the brand name fails me at the moment.

As for leaning, the bike is much more compliant to my wishes when riding. I have had it leaned over far enough that I scraped the outside edge of my right boot. Scared the poop out of me for second there. One caveat to that incident, though. If I ride with my feet tucked up close, my ankles get stiff rather quickly. So, I rest the middle of my feet on the pegs so I can flex my feet up and down freely to keep 'em limber. Toes are pointed out and down a bit when riding down the road, so as not to interfere with gear shift or brake pedal. I still have chicken strips on the rear tire, but then again, about 3/4" of the side wall on the pilot road is vertical. If I manage to scrub off the side wall of the rear tire, it is beause I am going down...as in crashing.... :-D

Where are you located? I am in SC, and have a local bike salvage place that actually has a decent selection of later model front ends. If you are just a few hours away, you could make a run down here over a weekend and I could take ya there.....

[white79bu]

That would be great but I'm in Ohio. There aren't many yards around here. Plus the wife and I just had our first born:-D. Andy