GSXR forks and other parts conversion

[Guest]

I have an opportunity to purchase the entire front end and the rear wheel and caliper off a 1986 GSXR750. I was wondering what peoples opinions are on this conversion. I do not want to install a set of inverted forks as I feel they look completely out of place on such an old machine. I do however want to improve the performance and braking of my bike with bolt on items. In my opinion this conversion should give me what I am looking for. The forks are better with more adjustments, the brakes are better, and the wheel sizes are better. There are still good choices of tires for the rims. I do not need to run radials to be a happy camper nor do I want a 180 rear tire. By the way this would be going on my 1980 GS750E.

[GER144]

Nothing wrong with that front end and rear wheel for your GS. Yes, it's not the latest greatest, USD-forks, radial braked, 17"-wheeled hi-tech piece that a few people think are a must have, but so what? It will be an improvement over what you got, decent tires are still available, it has way better brakes, the front is pretty much a bolt-on, and you won't have much trouble mounting that rear wheel.
I'd say go for it.

[liloaty]

I would honestly say it depends on how much you're going to pay. It's a pretty easy swap - takes some time but nothing overly difficult to do. I got a great deal on my GSXR inverted front end so I'm a little biased. How much does the seller want?

[doug g]

less than $100 for all.

[liloaty]

less than $100 for all.

Haha, what are you waiting on? Less than $100 for all of that is most definitely worth it - if you change your mind later you can throw it on eBay for more than that.

[doctorgonzo]

No doubt,m if I could find a GSXR front end for my bike for 100 bucks it would already be sitting in the garage.

[jknappsax]

The GSXR 750 front ends are the shortest of the GSXR line; you can have problems with bottoming out the exhaust over bumps. However, for $100, you can hardly go wrong. I remember somebody on one of these threads taliking about the last of the non-USD GSXR 1100 forks being cartridge front ends, so they ride and handle really well. You can probably find it with a search.

[jimbunt1]

I have an 86 GSXR 750 front end on my 81 GS750.
Made 2" fork extensions to get back stock ride height.
GSXR springs aren't strong enough to hold up the GS without frequent bottoming out.Neither were progressive suspension springs.
Early Honda CBR-1000 fork springs were recommended by the folks at progressive and are currently installed and work well.
Welded on steering stops to the lower triple clamps.
Also tubular handlebar adaptors fabricated that bolt to the top triple clamp.
Using Race Tech cartridge emulators but still playing with the damping adjustors.
Forks still do not ride as smooth as the original but the bike handles better with lighter steering and brakes are great.

PS: Sept-07 Bike of the month

[jknappsax]

Were the springs for the CBR oem, or Progressive's replacement?

[jimbunt1]

CBR-1000 (Hurricane) springs from progressive.They are longer than the GSXR springs so the GSXR spacers were not used.

[jknappsax]

That's great! I'll keep it in mind. Thanks.

[doug g]

how did you go about making the 2 inch spacers for the forks?
this is a conversion I would really like to do and the more info I can find the better off I will be.

[jimbunt1]

fork tube extensions

I machined 2 sets.The shorter set is 2 1/2" long and the longer set 4".
I ended up using the shorter set on my bike and still have the second set.
Male end threads into the tube and the endcap threads into the tube extension. Undercut for use of O-ring.
Some folks may feel that using tube extensions causes front end flexing but it has not been an issue.
Picture shows extensions and aluminum rods that allow spring preload adjustment.

[oshanac]

JIMBUNT1, what happens if you used the CBR1000 springs, but no spacers? Would it still be too short? What about short stiff shocks in the rear to get it to sit more level?

[jimbunt1]

A bit of confusion between spacers and tube extensions.
The spacers referenced sit on top of the stock GSXR fork springs, inside the fork tubes. I removed them to allow use of the longer Honda springs.
The springs still sit below the fork tube extensions.
Only the aluminum rods (for spring preload adjustment) pass through the tube extensions.
Fork travel remains the same,only overall lenght has changed to raise the front of the bike back to original height.
If the bike is lowered, cornering clearance will be reduced.
Ok for straight line riding, not so good in the twisties.