Fork stansions from MikesXS site

[Guest]

I'm about to start a cleanup and build of my original 78 GS750E, which unfortunately has been disassembled and in storage for a few years. Suspension work is the first thing I'll address and my fork tubes have probably seen better days. I can probably clean up the spot corrosion on the sliders fairly well but if they won't seal afterward, why bother. I know my tubes are 35mm x 613mm. On MikesXS site he has new 35mm tubes for $142 a pair, which is a great price. Of course, they are for a XS and the closest length is 635mm which is about 1" longer. I could adjust for that in the triple tree. My question is, would these work with my lower tubes and caps? In other words, are fork stansions pretty much the same from make to make (Japanese) as long as the length isn't too far off and the width is the same?
These are about half the price of any where else.

[WilliamK]

I asked:
Are fork stansions pretty much the same from make to make (Japanese) as long as the length isn't too far off and the width is the same?

I can't find an answer to this directly in the forums. Someone else asked about replacement fork uppers for I believe a GS550 and Salty Monk responded by saying: Yamaha XS has 35mm tubes.

He didn't elaborate, just made a statement.

[lurch12_2000]

I would look or post in our forum for the '78 GS750E fork tubes. Probably get a good set shipped to you for less than $50. Then you'll know it matches up properly. My GS650E and GS1000G take different size tubes and I wouldn't bet that your XS is a match unless they guarantee(which they probably won't) it before you waste your time and money. You can even hunt CL for a $200 GS750E parts bike with good forks and have other parts for your rebuild of the bike. As long as there is no pitting in your existing ones then maybe a cleanup and polish will make them good and usable.

[hampshirehog]

Probably won't work without a lot of pfaffing around but which model XS are you on about?

[WilliamK]

The stansions I was inquiring about are for the 70's XS650. I've just wondered, because anytime someone on this site says they need lets say 35mm forks, someone else post that online list that has every bike made that comes with 35mm forks (from Aprillia to Yamaha). I've seen it dozens of times. I thought, maybe, all early Japanese forks (for all makes) where made by the same company (like Showa?) and therefore pretty much the same design except for manufactures specified exterior mounting points like the axle, brake and fender. I would assume that forks would be a specialized item outsourced by the motorcycle manufacturers, but I don't know.

[portdave]

Hey William,
I am just up the road from you. When I had my 78 750 I did the conversion to the 37mm tubes found on a lot of the gs suzukis. I have a bunch of extra 37mm tubes. You would have to convert your triple tree. If you need any help I am close by in Rockledge. I was just helping another suzuki owner last night.

[Pete's GS]

Yes, Yamaha and Suzuki and Kawasaki use KYB forks, and Honda uses Showa, which may be a Honda subsidiary. But if you need 35mm fork tubes (stanchions), go on eBay and take your chances or get them from Frank's Forking and be done with it. Be sure that whatever you get is model specific or you'll be sorry.

[WilliamK]

Thanks, David. I'll keep you in mind. I'm still early in the information gathering phase of my rebuild. I haven't turned a wrench yet.

[WilliamK]

Thanks Pete's GS for the info.

[Pendulum]

I have an XS650 and a GS550, and was considering swapping the forks because the XS forks are freshly rebuilt and my GS was leaking. The big difference is how the brake calipers mount. The XS forks are the same diameter and almost the same length as the GS550 forks, though.

I agree w/ Pete. Get something specific to your bike or you're gonna have a lot of little crap to deal with. Besides, all the Mikes XS is just eBay stuff w/ higher prices.

[portdave]

Thanks, David. I'll keep you in mind. I'm still early in the information gathering phase of my rebuild. I haven't turned a wrench yet.

If you need a hand I have all the tools and lots of extra parts. Especially VM carbs. I am about 2 miles from the 195 mile marker on 95. Start getting those tools dirty.