Which forks to use? GS1000 or GS1100 forks on a GS1100

[Guest]

I purchased a 81 GS1100E and I have a choice of forks I can use. I ride a 80 GS1000 and I really like the way it handles. I noticed that the stock forks on the 1100 are a leading axle but are adjustable and the 1000 forks have the axle on the bottom. Since I have a choice I wanted some input from the gurus on this site which way I should go.

[Steve]

If you change to leading axle forks, you also need to change the triple trees.

The offset is different, you need to maintain the correct geometry.

The triples for the leading axle forks will be back a bit, might hit the tank at full lock, so check before you commit to them.

.

[bomber737]

That's a good thing to know. The tripple trees on the bike appear to be the stock ones and someone has put the gs1000 forks on the bike. When I picked it up the guy gave me the stock set but they werent on it. I like the idea of adjustable forks but just didnt know if it really worked or if they were more of a gimmic. I have anti-dive forks on my seca and they kinda work but I completely went through them and cleaned them up.

[John Kat]

I believe the GS 1100 forks worked much better than the GS 1000 ones.
If my memory serves me well, there was an article in Cycle or Cycle World in those days that compared both.
Maybe I can find the article for you?

[bomber737]

I would love to read that article.

[tkent02]

There is less friction in the newer forks, and the adjustments do work.

[bomber737]

Thats good to know also. thanks. but with the leading axle forks doesnt that make the rake slightly more and the wheel base longer so the bike turns or responds slower?

[John Kat]

I would live to read that article.

I searched for the article but couldn't find it

[sschering]

Thats good to know also. thanks. but with the leading axle forks doesnt that make the rake slightly more and the wheel base longer so the bike turns or responds slower?

Nope.. The geometry despite appearances is identical.

Leading axle forks have the same rake and trail as the straight leg forks..

L tress has no added rake.. they run parallel to the headstock same as the E

The L trees have 1" less offset than E trees to make up for the position of the leading axle and maintain the same trail.

You want to be careful mixing trees.. E legs in L trees will add to to the trail and give you slower steering.
L legs in E trees would shorten the trail and speed steering.. Possibly dangerously short.

[bomber737]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will probably use the stock adjustable forks and see how I like them. And I was planning on using the correct trees for the forks I use. I will be putting new bearings in the head anyway, I refresh all the bearings in the whole bike every project I do. They cost very little and give me piece of mind.