Modding a GS 750

[Dizzixx]

So I have done this and that to my bike and am happy with the performance of the engine but have not been able to get decent ride out of the suspension.

Currently I have progress springs in front and progressive shocks in back. The back is appropriately firm and rides well but the front sags tremendously and is super soft. I just read the thread on sag and think that I just need to monkey with some different spacers.

But I would like to replace the front and back end completely and update it.

What are my options?

I have heard a GSF 600 or 1200 front and back can fit. OR a gsxr 750 or 1000 front. Which of these is the best , and which are the easiest and why?

And I have done several searches and have been relatively fruitless so I would greatly appreciate it if someone took the time to respond.

[andrewclaycomb]

I've been sort of reading the mods and now it seems like the easiest is a bandit rear and a late 80s early 90s GSXR front. Also it sounds like you will have to get at least new bearings for the front.

Also when buying, buy the entire front end, from the wheel to the master cylinder.

Now wait for somebody who has actually done it to chime in.

[Dizzixx]

Thanks for the reply

And is it a 1200 rear or can a 600 work as well?

And when did they introduce the upsidedown forks to the gsxr line?
And which gsxr a 750 or 1000?

Yeah I hope someone that knows how to do this chimes in.

[Junkie]

I believe the USD forks came along in 88 or so, and an 1100 is what you want them from (ideally a somewhat later one though).

[tone]

Just to give you an idea this is what i'm working on at the mo its a gsx frame but theres no real differance with any of the early gs frames so the same things apply :-D

Bandit 12 front end in bandit yokes & a slingshot wheel, stock gsx bearings all that was needed was to change the steering stem for one from an early model ive done a few of these, in this case i used a stem from an efe but one from a gs gsx or a (real) katana would have done just as well all i need to do now is weld on a new lockstop to suit the yoke

early stems are a couple of thou smaller where they go through the yoke so it needs to be knurled to take up the differance & i usually stick a roll pin through them as well just to be sure, all the above applies to early gsxr yokes inc the L & M model usd's later ones (busa srad) have a bigger stem so a new made up one is the easiest way to do it

on this bike i'm trying something new to me eg getting a 180 tyre in the stock swingarm i think i can do it ok & if i manage it i'll shorten the arm by 2" or so ...... should be fun :-D

[Junkie]

We call the GSXs GSs here - even the monoshocked ones. my GS700 was known there as the GSX750, for example (well slightly different engine but just barely).

and wow, that should be quick handling with a 2" shorter swingarm.

[Dizzixx]

So bandit 1200 front end and then a older steering stem? And what about the swingarm in the back? I would like to convert it to a monoshock, I think it is awesome that you are for whatever reason trying to jam a wide tire into the stock platform but I kinda want an updated retro look with the significant increases in suspension performance that come along as well.

[tone]

Yep for simplicity the bandit forks etc give you the right ride height as per stock, gsxr usd forks are shorter but still usable i by the same method you just need to sort the heights out or put up with the drop at the front

I've put all sorts of swingarms in gs frames, most of the suzuki stuff (06 gsxr 600 in my efe) ive even fitted R1 & yzf arms but by far the easiest to fit is the complete rear end from a bandit 12, you will need 2 top hat spacers, a bearing spacer to fit the arm in then the brackets & a bit of tube welding in for the top shock mount & linkage mount :-D top braced arms can catch the frame & batt box on otherwise stock bikes

The only real fly in the ointment is the arm may rub on the rear footrest mounts depending on the exact model of bike, wheel alignment will need checking & the chain run sorting both dead easy with a bit of common sense :-D

btw my arm is now 55mm shorter & the seat rails are lower \\/

[Dizzixx]

Are the USD forks a better ride or the bandit forks? If I got bandit forks and then gold valves and nice springs would it ride better than the older USDs?

How noticable is shortening the swingarm? Which is the better swingarm too use, the 600, gsxr 1100, or bandt 1200? Or even others?

[tone]

I cant comment on which is the best ride really, any good condition late model & properly set up pair of forks will do the job there's a better range of ajustment on the later usd's but something like b12 forks are far cheaper i suppose a lot depends on you riding style & the look you are after

As i said the easiest swingarm to fit is b12 & they are a good & strong ally construction, slingshot arms are similar but not as pretty, some of the arms from smaller stuff steel & poor quality, the choice is yours :-D just be aware virtually any bandit shock more that 3 years old will have gone off so budget for a replacement, i prefer hagons for price & quality