Forks: Parts Interchange

[justanother54321]

I have a 79 GS 850. One of my fork tubes (they are stock) has some pitting that I believe will necessitate a replacement.

I thinking getting a pair of forks off Ebay.

Does anyone know what models and years use the same fork tube?

[rustybronco]

The inner fork tubes fit these models...
1979 SUZUKI GS850GN - FRONT FORK
1980 SUZUKI GS1000GT - FRONT FORK
1980 SUZUKI GS850GT - FRONT FORK
1981 SUZUKI GS1000GX - FRONT FORK
1981 SUZUKI GS850GX - FRONT FORK

I think the lowers will fit the same models as well.

[justanother54321]

Great. Thanks for the info.

[justanother54321]

Other fork tube options

I was just wondering if there are any other options for swapping fork tubes and retaining the bases.

I am assuming that the GS 850 & 1000 from 79-81 also had the same caliper mounts...

I have found a pair of forks on ebay that are reasonably priced and but they are off an 82 GS850L. Will these work?

Also,

Can I rely on the parts # on a parts fiche to determine if parts are interchangeable between models and years?

[joejeweler]

I was just wondering if there are any other options for swapping fork tubes and retaining the bases.

I am assuming that the GS 850 & 1000 from 79-81 also had the same caliper mounts...

I have found a pair of forks on ebay that are reasonably priced and but they are off an 82 GS850L. Will these work?

Also,

Can I rely on the parts # on a parts fiche to determine if parts are interchangeable between models and years?

I don't believe your forks have the leading axle that the '82 GS850GL have, which is the same as mine. (below)

..... i'm pretty sure that might make your brake calipers a problem to mount?????

.....not absolutely sure though but something to consider, unless the uppers will fit your lowers?

Not sure as the years listed by the other poster didn't include the 1982 GS850GL ???


BTW,.......i saw that set of forks, and thought of buying them myself as a backup. But i already have a full parts bike, as well as an extra rear wheel and final drive!

Good price for sure. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251029244550...84.m1438.l2649

[justanother54321]

polish my existing fork tubes??

Yeah, those forks on ebay are the ones I have been looking at. Everything else I've seen so far is over priced and/or not in any better shape than the forks I'm trying to replace.

I'm wondering if the tiny dents and score lines I've got on my tubes can be polished out. I can't feel them, an they can only be seen when held up to the light...

I'll try to post some pics of them and hopefully get some feedback.

[rustybronco]

The inner tube P/N on those GL forks is 51110-49270.

They appear to only fit the GL models. You would have to find someone with a set that's already apart to get a length measurement and compare it to the ones you have.

[justanother54321]

Thanks Rusty for the info... I guess I will keep looking for now.