fork swap? 83 GS850G

[Guest]

Are there any other cruiser forks, small length etc. that would work with very little or no modification? I was possibly looking for something maybe lighter in the front for easier, smoother steering.
I was thinking about that, but couldn't find anything

[Steve]

What do you mean by "any OTHER cruiser forks"? Your 850G is not exactly a "cruiser" by most definitions.

If you have the right size tires that are properly inflated, you really don't want steering that is any easier.

.

[bwringer]

You already have what is potentially one of the sweetest-handing bikes of that era... what have you done so far? What's on the bike right now?

Got fresh modern tires in the correct sizes? For example, the Avon RoadRiders 100/90-19 front and 130/90-17 rear (130/90-16 rear if it's a GL) will sharpen up handling like you wouldn't believe. Lots of bikes are running around with olde tires, or incorrect size tires, and the owners wondering why their bikes handle like pigs. Pirelli, Bridgestone, Continental, Shinko, and Michelin also make great modern tires in the correct sizes.

Fork springs up to snuff? Fresh fluid? Sag set correctly? Don't worry about a fork brace or emulators until everything else is handled.

Got shocks? The stock shocks are junk. Get you some Progressives or Hagons at minimum, with the correct springs for your personal gravitational attraction factor.

Got brakes? Clean GS brakes with stainless lines and fresh modern brake pads work astonishingly well.

How about your steering stem bearings? Notchy or nice?

Are your swingarm bearings greased and adjusted correctly?

Handlebars handled? The stock tillers are an ergonomic and handling disaster. The "Daytona" bend is most popular hereabouts.

Is it running right? A GS850 should start instantly, be smooth as silk down low and scream entertainingly between 6,000 rpm and redline. If not, you gots work ta do.

Got skills? Learn to ride proper-like and you'll find the GS850G is a stealth demon on twisty roads. Total Control Riding is a great course.