Damaged Forks/Triples 80 GS750E

[JS750]

So I'm helping my friend fix up an 80 GS750E we found on craigslist. Its pretty immaculate mechanically, the guy was selling it cause he couldnt get it to run right with the pod filters he put on it (he gave me a blank look when I asked him if he rejet the carbs). I rode it when I got back and handlebars were like 2-3 degrees off. Anyway, I've been trying to get the front wheel aligned and turns out both forks are slightly bent along with the triples. I'm just curious if any gs750 forks/triple combo will work on this bike.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GS750-Front-Air-Forks-Triple-Clamp-GS1000-GS550-GS1100-/171802788528?hash=item28003e82b0&vxp=mtr

I was looking at these, but I'm not sure if they will work. Slightly different lower clamp and the axle placement is straight instead of staggered. Would there be any change on how the bike would ride if they do work? Is there any difference between the L and E model forks? I know the 850, 1000, 1100 forks are bigger and we'd have to change out the bearings and get the correct triples if we go that route. Forks designs have always been a mystery to me...help me GS Gurus! Thanks much.

Josh

[RichDesmond]

I'm assuming (always dangerous!) that the triple offset will be very different between the standard and leading axle versions. If true, that means you'll need to need to use the new forks as a set, including both triples.
Don't know if the wheel you have will work with those forks.

[JS750]

Thanks for the response. Since everything seems to be at least slightly bent I would think it would best just to get a whole set, forks, triples, and maybe axle too (was in spec but just barely). I'm just not sure what effect putting different style clamps/forks would have and if they will interchange. The triple I have now has a straight lower clamp and the forks are offset for the axle. What would happen if I put on a set of triples with an offset lower and straight axled forks? Like I said the different designs always baffled me.

[RichDesmond]

...What would happen if I put on a set of triples with an offset lower and straight axled forks? Like I said the different designs always baffled me.

Do NOT do this. It will radically change the trail, which is a critical chassis geometry parameter.

[mrbill5491]

There is no difference between the L and E 750 forks, 80/81 models. The 80/81 1100E forks are a direct bolt on.