Please help to identify forks

[Guest]

As my sig indicates, I have a 1981 GS850G. I am trying to rebuild the front forks, only to find out I don't have 1981 GS850G forks. Can someone help me figure out what kind of forks these are? I need a retainer clip at a minimum, and would like to replace the o-rings as well. The tubes measure 37mm OD of the upper tube, and 49mm ID of the lower. The retainer clip is also pictured. They look an awful lot like "L" forks, but the clip in the parts fiche doesn't match.

Any reason to "fear" the L-style forks (if that's what they are)?

Thanks to all,

Mark

[old_skool]

Looks like L forks that I have, is that the clip that holds the fork seal from popping up?, don't think it matters what kind of clip is used, a PO may have replaced the seals at one time, and lost/broke the oem and replaced with whatever worked.

[Steve]

The only reason to "fear" L-style forks is if they have been installed on a bike with "standard" triples.

On the L bikes (and the '80-'81 750E and 1100E), the triples are pulled back a bit so the fork tubes and the steering stem are in a straighter line. Essentially, this leaves the axle in the same place and only moves the fork tubes. If you use L forks in standard triples, the axle is what gets moved, and it will upset your steering geometry, making for a tricky-handling bike.

Take a look at THIS THREAD, especially post #17, where I am explaining this to someone else, but there are pictures so you can see what I am talking about. In post #21 is another good picture that shows the difference.

.

[mrbill5491]

Don't forget to inspect and (replace if needed) the fork bushings inside.

[salty_monk]

I've seen that clip holding in several oil seals on several different GS's. I suspect it's stock.