1980 GS 750L Front Forks

[Redbeard990]

I have a 1980 GS750L model. I’m wanting to setup the GS for more of a racing style bike. Should I change the front forks to the E model forks? I’ve read some people use the 1100 forks to fit better tires and brakes?

[Nessism]

1100 forks, wheels, brakes, are same as the 750, other than some have anti-dive (which is no upgrade)

[unfocused]

If my memory serves me correct ( I know LOL ) your fork diameter is 24mm - this number will help when searching out other options.
I have looked at installing 1100 suspension on the front of my stock 77 GS750 - I have x2 750's - aside from the dual disc brakes I haven't seen any other reason to swap.

Go to All Balls - look for fork conversion bearings. They have an extensive list. Although this is only for the bearings. In some cases the triple tree needs to be modified to fit the frame. In my case I installed 2002 GSXR 750 forks and triple tree onto my 77 GS750 with ZERO mods to the GSXR triple tree. I just needed the bearings and All Balls had them and they worked great.

However, other mods will need to be performed. I used the GSXR wheel, brakes, clips ons on the front andthe swing arm, wheel and brakes on the rear - my avatar pic is this bike. There are plenty of references to this swap online.

[Redbeard990]

Ahh okay. Thats why I love this place. There’s so much misinformation on Google. If it’s all the same then I won’t worry with it. I put new progressive springs in the front forks. I know the L model had a longer cruiser style fork. I don’t know much about suspension or the bikes in general but I do know that longer forks give a different rake and trail. Would the L model forks affect the steering that much? I don’t mind buying the E model forks and rebuilding them if it’s going to improve handling. I ride through tight twisty roads in the mountains. Unfocused, I have seen that conversion on YouTube but it seems like a lot of work and changes the look of the bike completely. The swing arm is what gives me pause. I do like the GSXR front forks. I believe I have 35mm fork tubes.

[Nessism]

If you look in the factory manual for your bike, you can compare the steering geometry between the E and L bikes. There is a difference. The L fork is leading axle, which means more offset. It also could be that the 16" rear wheel lowers the backside of the bike, which will change the steering angle. All in all, though, I don't think the differences are enough to cause problems if you swap parts.

[Grimly]

If you look in the factory manual for your bike, you can compare the steering geometry between the E and L bikes. There is a difference. The L fork is leading axle, which means more offset. It also could be that the 16" rear wheel lowers the backside of the bike, which will change the steering angle. All in all, though, I don't think the differences are enough to cause problems if you swap parts.

The triple tree offset (or setback) of the fork line to the steering column is shallower on the L model, which more-or-less compensates for the trail alteration.
Cue stories of dinged fuel tanks...