different front end

[clintonroberts1]

ive customized all but the front end of my 82 gs850 does anyone know if there is an interchangeable fork or triple tree?

[Agemax]

ive customized all but the front end of my 82 gs850 does anyone know if there is an interchangeable fork or triple tree?

almost any suzuki front end is a direct bolt on. the choice is down to your imagination

[salty_monk]

Whilst the stem & bearings are the same there are degrees of "bolt on".

Some have a different amount of length or travel, all have different steerer stops, you'll need to work out how to attach gauges & ignition barrel, how to drive the speedo etc.

None of the more modern front ends are exactly the same length or 100% bolt on, you always have to fabricate some parts.

You also have to think about tyre choice & wheels as it's not recommended to use a more modern radial with the bias ply rear (you're rear is likely set as it's a shaft drive...) although some have.

Dan

[Agemax]

Whilst the stem & bearings are the same there are degrees of "bolt on".

Some have a different amount of length or travel, all have different steerer stops, you'll need to work out how to attach gauges & ignition barrel, how to drive the speedo etc.

None of the more modern front ends are exactly the same length or 100% bolt on, you always have to fabricate some parts.

You also have to think about tyre choice & wheels as it's not recommended to use a more modern radial with the bias ply rear (you're rear is likely set as it's a shaft drive...) although some have.

Dan

hence, why i said the choice is down to his imagination. how much work he wants to do or whether he just wants to bolt another front end on and ride it

[salty_monk]

But no other models front end is a direct "bolt-on" even swapping Gs Model to GS model causes some of the above problems.

Just making sure he understands it's not like changing fork oil.. it's not that simple.

Some people seem to be lacking in the "imagination" dept until it's too late if some of the remnants on Craigslist & Ebay are to considered...

[Agemax]

all i am trying to say is that you can BOLT ON a gsxr front end as it is a direct replacement with no mods to steering head bearings etc but then you need the imagination and the knowledge to get it to work, as with all the little bits that come with it, like brakes and electrics etc

[salty_monk]

We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work

[posplayr]

We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work

Dan,
I think technically the forks "nut on" .
Jim

[jwhelan65]

We're from the same country & can't agree on terminology...

To me a "bolt on" modification is one that just simply bolts on & works with nothing else left to do such as a Vance & Hines exhaust, Dyna S etc.

Using my definition a front end is far from "bolt on". Although you physically can bolt it to the frame there is loads left to do to get it to work

I could not agree more, the "Direct Bolt up" phrase that is refererred to so frequently on front end conversions here is some what misleading. I think it is safe to say the head bearings fit, beyond that its a whole new dimension.

[clintonroberts1]

gentlemen i appreciate the input i apologise for not being more specific i am quite versed in the specifics of going to a different front end ieignition barrel). i guess my question was do the triple tree or fork tubes interchange with any other make of bike. for example a friend of mine put a sportster front end on his xj650 to give it a drag bike look. i on the other hand am looking for longer fork tubes

[SqDancerLynn1]

If you are looking for longer fork tubes you are out of luck. Most of the newer forks are slightly shorter. For extended forks Look up forks by Frank. They can make any length you want

[salty_monk]

The cheapest way to get a longer fork is to run a GS750/700 monoshock front end but with your stock 850 19" front wheel instead of the stock 16".

That would gain you approx 2-3" extra depending on whether you used the 750 risers/clipons or mounted some risers on the top triple. I believe it may be a straight swap, you might need to mix & match speedo drives & spacers.

You'd also have to mess with the fender as it will need the mounting tabs extended to work.

I have a 750ES front end so can take measurements for you if necessary.. I might be persuaded to sell it complete for the right price too.

I guess it's possible you could mix & match internals so you got the longer fork tubes with the 850 lowers & triples, the tubes are the same dia but the triple is about 10mm wider.

Dan

[RJ]

For the love of God, please no more ruining a perfectly good motorcycle to achieve some sort of idiotic chopper look. Save that crap for the "I'm stupid enough to pay $60K for a barely functional Harley-based Discovery Channel wannabe" people.

[slow_heavy_750]

For the love of God, please no more ruining a perfectly good motorcycle to achieve some sort of idiotic chopper look. Save that crap for the "I'm stupid enough to pay $60K for a barely functional Harley-based Discovery Channel wannabe" people.

Wow...perfectly rational response to his question

[Agemax]

gentlemen i appreciate the input i apologise for not being more specific i am quite versed in the specifics of going to a different front end ieignition barrel). i guess my question was do the triple tree or fork tubes interchange with any other make of bike. for example a friend of mine put a sportster front end on his xj650 to give it a drag bike look. i on the other hand am looking for longer fork tubes

i fitted 1100 katana forks on my gs, "direct" bolt on but slightly longer than stock forks