Looking to upgrade to better forks on my 82' GS450T

[grcamna2]

I have a pair of GS850 shocks on the back now which ride good and would like to install a pair of better forks.The stock forks and front brake are kind of light duty.What do you folks recommend? I don't have much $, SS being my only small income and would like to know if anybody here has something I could purchase from you once I decide what will work. Bill

[sam000lee]

I put progressive springs in the the forks on my GS450. It really stiffened up the front and significantly improved the handling. Mine were ~$85 from a member here (they were new, though).

That would definitely be the most effective, hassle free and cost efficient upgrade.

[Big T]

Fork brace will stiffen up the front end and minimize brake torque

Twinpot caliper for the brake

[LAB3]

I've been looking into swapping mine too and it seems there's no clear cut easy answers. Have not come across any direct bolt on upgraded calipers or lower legs, it seems that new progressive springs is about all that can be done but I just might try putting some spacers in mine to stiffen the pre-load as it won't cost much to try it. As for less than clear cut I've come across the All Balls Racing steering bearing swap chart which does hold some promise. You can order up the bearings that will match the steering stem to the neck but as to stem length you're still on your own. It does appear that many Suzuki models use the same bearings which does hold some promise. https://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion

[grcamna2]

I've been looking into swapping mine too and it seems there's no clear cut easy answers. Have not come across any direct bolt on upgraded calipers or lower legs, it seems that new progressive springs is about all that can be done but I just might try putting some spacers in mine to stiffen the pre-load as it won't cost much to try it. As for less than clear cut I've come across the All Balls Racing steering bearing swap chart which does hold some promise. You can order up the bearings that will match the steering stem to the neck but as to stem length you're still on your own. It does appear that many Suzuki models use the same bearings which does hold some promise. https://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion

I asked before and it's on another thread in the "suspension" section and that is where I was trying to post but my 'big finger' slipped and it went into this section
They told me last time that a GS650 front end would fit and I'm considering that.

[LAB3]

I asked before and it's on another thread in the "suspension" section and that is where I was trying to post but my 'big finger' slipped and it went into this section
They told me last time that a GS650 front end would fit and I'm considering that.

My thinking is that it's better in the long run to go to a bigger bike that already has better brakes and stiffer forks, I'm going to try the spacers and run what I've got.

[Nessism]

My thinking is that it's better in the long run to go to a bigger bike that already has better brakes and stiffer forks, I'm going to try the spacers and run what I've got.

Chop off a few inches of coils before fabricating your spacers. That will stiffen the spring rate not just increase the preload.

[mnferwerda]

I've been told that the GS850G front end would fit the 650G, so if a 650 will fit a 450, then the 850 will work also. But is probably more than you need...

[grcamna2]

I and thinking of installing a pair of gs450 forks from another GS450 model that will have a top cap that screws down rather than the top cap that I have on my stock txz model which only has a circlip to hold the spring down.I will be able to add spacers much easier with that system.
My forks measure 33mm o.d. and are just about 29.5" long from the center of each axle hole in the lowers to the top of the tube.Do any of you members have a pair of forks in good condition? Mine are rust-pitted in the seal area and that doesn't help me.

[grcamna2]

My thinking is that it's better in the long run to go to a bigger bike that already has better brakes and stiffer forks, I'm going to try the spacers and run what I've got.

I am enjoying the GS450 and will keep it for now,I'm just going to figure out how to improve my front suspension on my 450 for now Sir.

[Big T]

The GS front ends are all pretty much interchangable, the steering stem bearings may have to be changed, also

[grcamna2]

The GS front ends are all pretty much interchangable, the steering stem bearings may have to be changed, also

We're there any GS450's that have 35mm fork tubes? Mine are 33mm

[grcamna2]

I've been told that the GS850G front end would fit the 650G, so if a 650 will fit a 450, then the 850 will work also. But is probably more than you need...

Hi Mark,
I did a little research and I think a GS850G front end might work,do you know the length of the forks ?? Thanks

I did a little more research,a GS850G complete front-end is what I want,anybody have a decent one?