GS1000 Front Caliper up grade

[Stephen Todd]

Hi all, I’m currently re commissioning a 1979 GS1000E, I’m very interested in improving the stopping power but have a very limited budget.
I’ve tried following the various threads of which there are many but it’s difficult to find specific GS1000 caliper change out information.
Has anyone found any alternative later Suzuki models which might provide calipers and (but only a secondary consideration) possibly rotors and or master cylinder.
I’ve been looking at GSX1100EZ/ES calipers which look very similar and are available at good prices and I believe some Honda (models?) rotors at 296mm which might bolt straight on.
Thanks in advance but would appreciate GS1000 specific information and in particular from people who have actually found alternative calipers which brought an improvement
cheers desi

[Grimly]

A budget upgrade is to replace the hockey-puck 79 calipers with ones from an 80/81/82 GS1000, 850, and quite probably 1100. Get the non-L model ones, as the caliper brackets are different. They're a bolt-on fit and work much better, especially when paired with stainless flexy lines and a modern master cylinder. I use the Nissin m/c as fitted to the Deauville - same 5/8" bore, but span-adjustable and better ergos.
Make sure you get a pair of low-mileage calipers, as high mileage takes its toll on the slider pins and the holes they slide in. This wear makes for a lot of lost motion at the m/c, and it's something you really don't want.
I also recommend Carbon Lorraine pads, but almost any modern pad of decent make is better than the ancient ones.

[salty_monk]

The link below in my signature shows you one for the GS1000.

Honda CBR Rotors of the correct year, Ninja or SV calipers & a bracket and spacer kit (hub spacer is also a drilling template for some of the rotors) are all you need. I do have some on my shelf if you need some.

Here it is. Not easy to see the signatures sometimes in this new forum format.....

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/forum/technical-forums/performance-tuning-mods/33111-twinpot-brake-upgrade-on-78-skunk?140253-Twinpot-Brake-upgrade-on-78-Skunk%2F=

[steve murdoch]

Salty Monk upgrade on my '78.
Big improvement in stopping power[steel lines went on later] and improved the looks as well.

[hhart]

does this upgrade work with leading axle forks like on a 1980 gs1100e

[salty_monk]

No it doesn't. There has never been enough demand to work out the bracket sizing for it. A couple of people have done it by using the spacers from the set I have and then bolting it up and working out from there how the bracket needs to change & then cutting their own.

I have a pretty good idea of what that bracket looks like but no hard data or template, I've never owned a GS with leading axle forks.

[Suzukian]

I think the leading axle was only on the "L" models. Leading front axles are usually used on larger front tires to help with the center line of the axle bolt to the center line of the steering stem offset.

[Rijko]

I think the leading axle was only on the "L" models. Leading front axles are usually used on larger front tires to help with the center line of the axle bolt to the center line of the steering stem offset.

I think HHART means the 1980 16 valve (called GSX1100ET in Europe)

3eff79_aeafea7c1c654ab8a171890fba70bfbc~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg

[Rijko]

Beautiful bike ...

3eff79_5d341ced3e5f412c95728494ab46b09e~mv2_d_3385_2539_s_4_2.jpg

[1978GS750E]

I think the leading axle was only on the "L" models. Leading front axles are usually used on larger front tires to help with the center line of the axle bolt to the center line of the steering stem offset.

Wrong! I've got a 1981 GS1100E and it has the leading axle forks stock!

[Ukcalling]

Can you use the original discs with the other calipers?

Thanks Nick

[Grimly]

Can you use the original discs with the other calipers?

Thanks Nick

In the case of the 80 to 79 swap (post 2), yes.
Not sure about Salty Monk's.

[Suzukian]

Wrong! I've got a 1981 GS1100E and it has the leading axle forks stock!

I said "I think........" but the offset information and why it is done is spot on. Actually, the post is spot on, as I spoke to the diameter of the rims. You rim is the same as the "L" model. Your front tire has a larger 19" diameter rim. Same as the "L" model. Check a few years later, when the rim diameter decreased and the fork went to the bottom of the lowers, on center. Please read threads more thoroughly, know your bike, and then you will understand the relevancy of what your post may have, if any.

[Ukcalling]

Thanks for the reply - it was salty monks mod I was keen to understand if could use standard discs as just fitted new etc ones

Thanks Nick

[salty_monk]

From memory you need to use the post 80 disks if you use the later square pad calipers. For me there is no reason other than originality on a show bike to use the original ones, especially the early round pad setup.
The upgrade difference is immense & modern traffic isn't getting any better.... plus it's fully reversible if ever it was needed, box them up & store in the loft.