quick forking question?

[butticci]

Ok I have a 82 gs1100g and was wondering if I could swap into a inverted fork or use a newer fork? mine are shot air just leaks out.

[crapwacker]

You can go to an inverted fork. It's just a question of finding the right tree and clamp to match what fork tubes you get. Try to look for length first. But It will be a huge amount of research. Or try a rebuild of yours.

[posplayr]

You can go to an inverted fork. It's just a question of finding the right tree and clamp to match what fork tubes you get. Try to look for length first. But It will be a huge amount of research. Or try a rebuild of yours.

Sorry, don't think so. If you change to some GSXR forks you will run immediately into a ripple effect of changing brakes, wheels, guage mounts, handlebar mounts, steering stops. If your objective is performance and are prepared to either pay for it or do the work; then swap out forks but swapping forks to avoid cost is not going to work unless you get all the parts free and your time and labor are free and you have all the tools to do the work.

the cheapest alternative is rebuild what you have. You are looking at a day of mucking around and about $50-$100 in parts at most to rstore to stock condition.

[bwringer]

Get your forks working correctly before you decide they're not worth keeping. Upgrade to Progressive or Race Tech springs, fresh fork oil, fix the seals, and maybe even a Tarozzi fork brace. And don't forget new tires, brake pads, and stainless brake lines. If you're really feeling frisky, perhaps Race Tech cartridge emulators.

Once it's working correctly, the fork is far from the weakest link in the bike's handling.

[TheCafeKid]

Sorry, don't think so. If you change to some GSXR forks you will run immediately into a ripple effect of changing brakes, wheels, guage mounts, handlebar mounts, steering stops. If your objective is performance and are prepared to either pay for it or do the work; then swap out forks but swapping forks to avoid cost is not going to work unless you get all the parts free and your time and labor are free and you have all the tools to do the work.

the cheapest alternative is rebuild what you have. You are looking at a day of mucking around and about $50-$100 in parts at most to rstore to stock condition.

ITs no use Jim, Ive already tried explaining to him that you cant just throw whatever forks you want on a GS and bolt the rest of your stock components to it...

[butticci]

thanks for the advise I would like to rebuild the oem forks anyone know where to get the components. i had new seals and oil put in but they still leak air. how hard is the fork rebuild process. I do happen to have access to loads of tools.

[twr1776]

buticci, do a search and find BassCliffs website. There is a tutorial on how to rebuild your forks. Progressive is what most here have used for replacement springs. They are about $ 80 and available everywhere. I would recommend not using any air, with the Progressives you can adjust the spacer for the preload and ride firmness you are looking for. Some here still run the air but I personally would not trust the 25+ year old seals.

[wazz]

Along with the others, I suggest some Progressive springs, quality seals and fresh fork oil. Shim the springs as necessary and skip using air altogether. This is precisely what I did on our 1100G and when coupled with Progressive shocks the bike handled great.

my 2 bits

-greg

[kingofvenus]

Air is a lousy spring.....

[crapwacker]

ITs no use Jim, Ive already tried explaining to him that you cant just throw whatever forks you want on a GS and bolt the rest of your stock components to it...

I'm well aware that you can't just bolt your old stuff to it, but it can be done. Maybe some has time, money, and would like the insurmountible challange. Instead of just shooting an idea down, fill in the details. Yes, it may cost more than a new, modern, ans in many cases superior machine, but hey, there has been more ridiculous things done. Gees.The guys original question was IF it could be done, right? And it HAS been done, right? So what the hell, fill him on in on the details.

[jwhelan65]

Re-building forks is no picnic, but doing a late model front end swap opens up a whole new set of rules you must abide by. Take the advice here from Posplayr, TCK , bwringer and others, tear yours down and order some parts. Not only will it be cheaper and less cumbersome, you will be back on the road much sooner.

[solo 2]

If you're looking to make your bike unique and have money, time,etc., there's a ton of info on this site about fork swaps, all it takes is some research. If your looking for a performance upgrade, why bother. With the progressive suspension set up, good fork oil and I might add, a fork brace, you can drag the motor on these bikes.

[dardoonk]

thanks for the advise I would like to rebuild the oem forks anyone know where to get the components. i had new seals and oil put in but they still leak air. how hard is the fork rebuild process. I do happen to have access to loads of tools.

A little help here.... where are you located?? Somebody might be able to help you out.