1978 gs1000

[gorilla]

I am in the process of tearing down my 78 GS1000 for a frame up. It is missing a lot of parts and I have decided to do some mods to it. I will post pics as I do everything.

I had a 750 GSXR given to me and am thinking about using some of its parts for this build.

Can I use the front end from the 750 on the 1000 and will I need to upgrade the forks to accommodate the extra weight? (My front end is pooched!)

I will be using the rear end but will butcher it to handle twin external shocks to look original. I might add 4-6 inches to the length to give it a long drag bike look.


G

[Big T]

The 750 front will bolt up, but, depending on the year, may be too short. Measure it up first

[courier11sec]

Wouldn't the '78 have ball bearings in the steering head rather than tapered like the GSXR?
If not, short front end for a drag bike could be just the ticket. Long and low...

[doctorgonzo]

Wouldn't the '78 have ball bearings in the steering head rather than tapered like the GSXR?
If not, short front end for a drag bike could be just the ticket. Long and low...

My 81 1000G has tapered in the stem, off to price them on Bike Bandit right now as a matter of fact.

[bucketsofgs1000]

All Ballz

My 79 1000 had tapered roller bearings. I don't know what I paid for the All Ballz replacements I put in but I bought them, fork seals, and a couple other things for $70.00. Not too bad.

[doctorgonzo]

My 79 1000 had tapered roller bearings. I don't know what I paid for the All Ballz replacements I put in but I bought them, fork seals, and a couple other things for $70.00. Not too bad.

I've been searching for a place to get All Ballz as it'll be over $70.00 just for the upper and lower bearing OEM, any ideas?

[80GS1000]

What year is the GSXR 750?

[courier11sec]

My 79 750 has ball bearings in the neck, but my 81 850 is tapered bearing. Perhaps all the bigger framed bikes are tapered bearing?

[jknappsax]

Changing over to tapered-roller steering head bearings was a common mod on the 1977-79 GS 750.

[Big T]

I've been searching for a place to get All Ballz as it'll be over $70.00 just for the upper and lower bearing OEM, any ideas?

Just go to your local bearing house!!

And why are you replacing them? Rusted?

They last forever in this application

[bucketsofgs1000]

I bought mine through my local suzuki dealer. I was surprised by the price. I think the bearings were only about $40, but its been quite a while. The only reason I replaced mine was I had my frame powder coated and I could not get the races out for the baking process without damaging them. Oh yeah, and I replaced or rebuilt every other part of the bike during that project.

[courier11sec]

Changing over to tapered-roller steering head bearings was a common mod on the 1977-79 GS 750.

Is is just a matter of new races and bearings or is the ID of the steering head different?

[gorilla]

What year is the GSXR 750?

Good question, I will have to look. I think it is a late 80's early 90's. No engine no electrical but everything else is there including the fiberglass. It is a good roller.

G

[gorilla]

Wouldn't the '78 have ball bearings in the steering head rather than tapered like the GSXR?
If not, short front end for a drag bike could be just the ticket. Long and low...

That's the idea! And the rear end stretch!

[Bad Kaw]

You should look at the projects around this site (some of the folks who have replied to your post would be good references) and notice that if you can envision it, it can be done. Like an '80 era GS1000 that has late-model running gear...sound like something you're interested in?
Look. Read. Learn. You've come to the right place. Not only is it "do able"...it's been done...many times.