GS750 Fork Question

[Guest]

Question for the "PROS", I have a 1980 750E cafe that has the stock Showa 4540 forks and I have an extra set of Showa 4523 forks from a "L" model. I plan on switching the front ends complete. I know that the "E" internals differ some but when it comes to handling, is there much difference? My "E" front end needs a complete rebuild (seals, head bearings, oil) rust on the upper tubes, about 35,000 miles. The "L" front is imaculate with about 20,000 and well kept. One owner bike. I have all the seals, bearings and races. Was the "E" 4540 a stiffer handling fork compared to the "L" 4523. I may update the springs and rear shocks along the way but $$ are in short supply.

[RichDesmond]

I'd be more concerned about geometry difference as opposed to internals. Trail and ride height.

[jbird7262]

Well, triples are exactly the same on the "E" and "L" and the tube assemblies are the same length, both forward axle mount opposed to below, what would be different in trail, I thought I would up date the spring rate for the "L", seems you have the answers when it come to that side of the coin. www.sonicsprings.com

[RichDesmond]

Well, triples are exactly the same on the "E" and "L" and the tube assemblies are the same length, both forward axle mount opposed to below, what would be different in trail, I thought I would up date the spring rate for the "L", seems you have the answers when it come to that side of the coin. www.sonicsprings.com

If the triple offset, fork length and axle mount is the same you should be fine. I've never owned an "L" so I wasn't sure. I thought some of them had leading axle forks? I've never measured the fork length or triple offset, just pointing out things to look for.
Be happy to help with springs when you're ready.

[Steve]

Rich, in this case, it won't make much difference, as the '80-'82 750E and 1100E had the same leading fork setup that the L version of the same bikes had, but I think the only year of the L version was 1980.

I have not seen any specs to say what the differences might be, but I would suspect that those forks could be safely swapped.

.

[jbird7262]

Yes, internally the "E" and "L" are completly different so you can't swap parts but as a complete top to bottom swap I think it is a good fit. The only reason I asked is that my bike had a run in with bambi before I took ownership, and there is a slight cant somewhere, I've aligned everything but the price was right for the "L" front end so I jumped on it.

[RichDesmond]

Rich, in this case, it won't make much difference, as the '80-'82 750E and 1100E had the same leading fork setup that the L version of the same bikes had, but I think the only year of the L version was 1980.

I have not seen any specs to say what the differences might be, but I would suspect that those forks could be safely swapped.

.

Thanks for the info, I had no idea that there was a "E' model with leading axle forks. Ya learn something new everyday. (Of course, I forget 2 or 3 things for every new one...)