GS1100GK fork specs

[gs58]

Can anyone advise me if all 1100GK forks are the same diameter. I've seen seals that specify 37mm, 41mm and 43mm. If they can be different sizes would all 1982 models be the same, and what would that be?

[sharpy]

Ill be suprised there bigger than 37mm. Thats Katana size and GS1000's are only 36mm.

[Larry D]

Seems like something I should know.......I'm pretty sure the GK's are all the same. 37mm.

[Nessism]

The GK has beefier forks than a regular GS - might be 38mm but I'm not sure. The seal is a different part number than an 1100E for example.

[RedBaron]

I know my 82 gkz seemed like a larger diameter than my 82 GL because I borrowed the headlight mounts off of it and they were a bear to get on the gk forks.

I've always had the best luck with oem fork seals on all the bikes I service anyway.

GK2 GKD and GKZ all show - 51153-27C20 oil seals for 1982

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, the 82-84 GK has 41mm fork tubes. They were beefier to carry the full touring package hardware.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Larry D]

Thanks Cliff. I didn't think 37mm was right. Brian and I replaced the fork seals last year on my GK, but, I couldn't remember what size they were.

The older I get, the less I forget to remember........

[Nessism]

41 sounds too big for GK forks. Are you sure Cliff?

Edit: Okay, 41 mm it is. Learned something today.

[d_hoffman]

41mm is correct.
I'm currently in the process of rebuilding my GK forks. Measuring the seal itself (part # 51153-27C20) the ID is 41mm. Outside is ~54mm.
I also had to have the local machine shop create a fork tool. A 3/4 nut will NOT fit into that inner cylinder . Oh well, gives me time to shine up those outer tubes......

[Larry D]

You know......the more I think about it, I think they are 38mm.

EDIT :: Okay. I'll believe 41mm. How about a picture of that fork tube tool ?

[d_hoffman]

When they get it done I'll be sure to post a pic.

btw - that part number - 51153-27C20 - supersedes 51153-49440 and 51153-28C00. I also looked up the seal for a GS1100GKZ ('82) and according to Alpha's site it uses that same seal. So a 82 GK must also have those larger forks.

[sharpy]

Dam, me too learnt something today. My donor GK is at work so be a nice suprise when i get back in there.

[bwringer]

You know......the more I think about it, I think they are 38mm.

EDIT :: Okay. I'll believe 41mm. How about a picture of that fork tube tool ?

They're definitely 41mm forks, Larry.

However, I do recall a GK that was wearing 37mm forks and triple clamps from another shaftie following an untoward forest rat encounter. I think it was the one Grandpa sold to Josh, and thence to Cole.

And yes, I'd definitely like to find out what the %$#@!&*!!! the tool for holding the damper rod on a GK looks like. More to the point, what are the dimensions needed for the nut or whatever on the end?

[d_hoffman]

I'm pretty sure the machine shop is going to mill down a 3/4 nut to fit in the end of the inner cylinder. Then I'll attach it to a threaded rod.

Last week I bought the "F" attachment the manual SAYS will work
However I can't figure out how to use it. It's just too small. If it was larger I suppose it would catch inside the cylinder and hold sort of like an easy out. But I don't like that idea either.
So I guess I have an "F" attachment that's for sale if anyone is interested...

[RedBaron]

I have the suzuki tool in the basement if I remember i can measure it in the morning. I bought it when the last dealer i was wrenching at shut down. Yall are talking about the external hex on the end of the big long t-handle right?