Fork swapping.

[Guest]

How hard is it to take a front end that doesn't fit, and make it? Would I need to have new bearings and a new steerer tube pressed on?

Also brake lines, are they bolt up or would I need to get a converter?


Lastly, what are the easiest swaps in terms of modern front ends?





Thanks guys.

[Agemax]

pretty much any modern suzuki front end is almost a straight swap on the older GS's.
you may need longer (or shorter) brake lines, but they will be a universal fit, just measure the lengths you need.

[DrunkenChekhov]

So... it'd just be easier to find a gsxr front end than try to fit a kwak. Gotcha.



If I get the entire front end, clip ons, levers, brake m/c, etc; do I need anything else for the front brake? Or is it just lever, m/c, line, calipers and rotors?

[Agemax]

if its a COMPLETE front end, you wont need anything, as long as its all in good working order that is

[duaneage]

USD fork swaps are very popular, search oour site for more information. A guy in Hong Kong did this to his GS so it's an international technique.

[DrunkenChekhov]

Well, currently I am looking at a 636 front end. Now, i know it won't be as easy as the gsxr, but what would need to be done? Is it just having the 636 steerer tube pressed out and my old gs steerer tube pressed in?

[Billy Ricks]

You might be able to use the existing 636 stem if the length is good with your frame. The lower bearing is pretty standard on most bikes. Some will use ball bearings and others will use tapered. I think all that is involved with using rollers is changing the races in the steering head. I have a CBR954 set of triples and the lower bearing is the same as probably every GS that used tapered rollers. The upper bearing is one that SV650 riders use to convert GSX-R forks to their bikes. Those are about the only real considerations you need to worry about at first. Steering stops can be handled later. All I had to do was weld a stop to the bottom of the steering head right in the front for a stop with the 954 triples.

[Agemax]

Well, currently I am looking at a 636 front end. Now, i know it won't be as easy as the gsxr, but what would need to be done? Is it just having the 636 steerer tube pressed out and my old gs steerer tube pressed in?

not sure but try it for size, you may just need new bearings, if it dont fit a stem swap is an easy thing to do

[DrunkenChekhov]

So, I ended up grabbing a 954rr front end. Only need some new brake lines and pads (was gonna get some trick ss ones anyway). Anyhow, its already been fitted to work with a KZ. Anyone know if the KZ is the same as the GS as far as mounting the forks are concerned?

I'm just trying to get all my info/parts ahead of time so the bike can experience as little down time as possible. I love riding it too much. Even thought about buying a second bike to ride while I work on this one. Hah, I guess thats how these addictions begin...

[boontonmike]

KZ's:
Upper: 25 x 47 x 15
Lower: 28 x 52 x 16.5

GS's:

Upper: 25 x 47 x 15
Lower: 30 x 55 x 17

looks like you'll need a different bottom bearing. Give AllBalls a call and they'll set you up.

Got my information from here if you want to double check:
http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/OCRStemSizes.pdf

[boontonmike]

I don't think it was mentioned before, but something to consider is tank to clip on clearances. Some tanks clear fine but others will need to be dented in to give you more clearance for your hands. Also remember you will need to remake mounts for your speedo and tach drive, new headlight brackets, and ignition key mount. I think that is everything.

[hp1000s]

Dennis Kirk has a handy chart for All-Balls steering head bearings vs. most makes & models. You can easily see, comparing parts numbers, that almost all Suzis(street), and many other bikes use the same bearing combination..