1983 GS1100E Bolt On Fork Replacement

[Guest]

Hey Folks, Is there a more modern direct bolt on replacement for the front forks on the 83 GS1100E?
Thanks

[garyS-NJ]

katana front end and wheels on '79 gs1000

I'm looking to swap my '79 gs1000 front end and wheels with that from a '97 katana 600

[Danb4563]

There are options, but I don't know if there is a direct bolt in, at the very least you will likely need to rework the steering stops. Allballs ra ing sells the conversion kits, and they have a chart that shows which forks will work for your bike, but you need to pay attention to the overall length of the forks and try to find something as close as possible.

[mmattockx]

Hey Folks, Is there a more modern direct bolt on replacement for the front forks on the 83 GS1100E?
Thanks

There is no such thing as a direct bolt in replacement. Some are close (early GSXR's, for instance) but all require tinkering. Then there is the fact that the new forks will use a different size front wheel, most likely a wide 17" radial. That necessitates changing the rear to a wider 17" wheel for the companion radial tire to the front. Then there is the problem that almost all modern forks are much shorter than the GS forks, and the 17" radial tire has a significantly smaller rolling radius, both leading to ground clearance issues over speed bumps and around corners.

IMO, your best bet is to rebuild your OEM fork with new seals, bushes, springs and cartridge emulators. A fork brace is worthwhile as well. Properly set up with the correct spring rate, oil weight and volume and emulators it gets you about 80-85% of the way to a modern cartridge fork while keeping everything else the same for no fitment problems or long term tinkering required. This assumes you are looking for increased performance and not just the look of fat USD forks on an old bike. If it is aesthetics you are after then you are on your own.


Mark