GS1100ED & GS1150 front wheel interchangeability

[wiso2]

I purchased a GS1100ED from another forum member a few months back and the bike has a 16" front wheel of unknown origin fitted . I purchased an orignal 19" wheel from rapidray which I have not installed because I had originally wanted to return the bike to its original configuration but have been having second thoughts about doing that. The reason for the smaller front wheel was to lower the bike(also shorter rear shocks) for the original owners short stature and to provide clearance for a Star Racing Pro drag pipe. My question is will a GS1150 front wheel bolt on with no modifications? The front wheel thats on there now had some issues with the front caliper mounts and I was told that there was some machining done to make the set-up work but exactly what was done was long forgotten. I have another complete front end off of a GS1100EZ so I have a supply of "original parts" if anything is needed. I just want to know if this is a straight bolt on swap? Any info will be very much appreciated.

Nick

[Billy Ricks]

We're talking about Dom's bike aren't we. IIRC the front wheel was a 16" off of an 1150.

[wiso2]

Yes we are, the front wheel doesn't look like any Suzuki wheel that I'm familar with. It has three double spokes but they are directional unlike the rear stock wheel. I just want a more uniform look(matched set)and there are several on evilbay that can be had reasonably. I just don't want to get into having parts machined to put one on and I don't want to collect parts I couldn't use.

[Billy Ricks]

I checked Dom's ex-bike out in the Gallery. Check out the FJ1100, it almost looks like that's what the wheel is from.

[Griffin]

Your wheel looks like this? I have a spare rear one if you'd like to match your front.

[wiso2]

The Wheel thats on the bike is exactly whats on the FJ1100,thank you for solving that mystery! The rear wheel on Dom's ex bike is the correct stock wheel for the 83 model year, I would like to get a matching front wheel (like on your 700ES)and want to get something that hopefully will just bolt on. As I stated earlier I have a complete front end off of an 82 1100EZ which is identical so I have all original parts if I have to replace something. Dom had mentioned that something was machined but he couldn't remember what as it was probably done almost ten years ago. Any suggestions on a wheel from a different Suzuki model other then a GS1150 or if anyone knows for sure if this will work I would gladly like to hear from.

[Billy Ricks]

You could use either the 16 off of an 1150 for a wider tire or the wheel off of a 700 or 750 with a narrower tire.

[Griffin]

I have a spare front wheel identical to the one in the picture too, by the way.

Just for reference, here are the stock wheel sizes:

1982/83 GS1100E: Front - 1.85 x 19; Rear - 2.50 x 17
1983 GS750E/ES: Front - 2.15 x 16; Rear - 2.50 x 17
1984 GS1150ES: Front - 2.50 x 16; Rear - 3.00 x 17
1985 GS700E/ES: Front & Rear - Same as '83 GS750
1985/86 GS1150E/ES: Front - 2.75 x 16; Rear - 3.50 x 17

Stock tire widths on the GS1100E and GS 750/700 are 100 (3.5 for 1100E) up front and 120 (4.5 for 1100E) in back.

The '84-'86 GS1150 had a 110 up front and a 130 in back.

[wiso2]

Guys, thank you for the information. I'll be checking the tire size and the condition to see which size wheel I'll be needing. I'm fairly sure the tire is not to old and I'd like to reuse it if possible. Griffin, I'll get back to you in case you'd like to part with the spare wheel if its the width that I need.

[Griffin]

Guys, thank you for the information. I'll be checking the tire size and the condition to see which size wheel I'll be needing. I'm fairly sure the tire is not to old and I'd like to reuse it if possible. Griffin, I'll get back to you in case you'd like to part with the spare wheel if its the width that I need.

You can put either a 100/90-16 or 110/90-16 on the wheel I have.

[blowerbike]

1150 front wheel has a wider hub(can be used if using 1150 triple clamps).
the 700/750 front wheel is a bolt on for an 1100.
this is 15+ years ago memory but i'm 99% sure.

[Griffin]

1150 front wheel has a wider hub(can be used if using 1150 triple clamps).
the 700/750 front wheel is a bolt on for an 1100.
this is 15+ years ago memory but i'm 99% sure.

I think you're right. I remember my 1150 (destroyed in '05) had a fork brace that was way too wide (and the wrong diameter to boot) to fit on my 700.

[Greg B]

750 & 1100 forks are totally different. At least '83 750 are.
750 --legs are longer, no adjustable preload or damping.
Fender & caliper mounts are different.
750 triple is wider. (1150 is even wider still)
Besides the obvious difference in wheel diameter, 750 is 2.15 wide. 1100 is 1.85 wide.

[wiso2]

Griffin, PM sent.