GS1100E vs GS1100GL :: front forks

[CincinnatiKid]

What are the practical differences between the two? Do they use the same fork seals? I’m in the process of a front end overhaul on my 1981 1100E, been sourcing parts for a while, and this week was supposed to be the install.

i have parts to perform the twinpot brake upgrade, as well as a suspension upgrade with Race Tech cartridge emulators and new single rate springs.

ran into a snag early on when I learned that my fork tube lowers (and likely the full fork setup) is not from an 1100E, but actually from an L model, with the axle on the leading edge of the forks, not bolted with caps to the bottom of the forks. Salty_Monk’s adapter plate for the brake upgrade won’t fit, and we are working on a solution for that. Stay tuned.

I’m worried that my Race tech parts will not fit for some, yet undiscovered, reason. I have new springs and cartridge emulators. Wondering if someone with intimate knowledge of these forks can help with some guidance.

the forks on my bike have a Flat black clicker on the bottom, and on the top, underneath a rubber cap, is a preload adjuster with flatblade slot. They have the air linkage mechanism. FYI.

[bull958]

80 and 81 1100e's have leading axle forks. Sound like stock forks to me....

[Big T]

Yep, what Bull said

[salty_monk]

That's good info, I didn't know that. Are they the same as L forks or different? I wonder if they use the same part number caliper as the L's.

[Grimly]

From my brief sojourn into L land caused by accidentally acquiring a set of L forks, I've come to the conclusion they're actually 1100 forks with the leading axle. The lower end damping adjuster was the clue.
I might eventually get the legs re-chromed and use them on the 850, as they effectively provide a bit extra travel, which I'd like to have back - as well as that damping adjustment just for gits and shiggles.. I'm utterly sure the existing heavier Wilber springs will fit them seeing as they are all 37mm diameter, and so will the calipers once I purchase another L-type caliper mounting bracket.
Suzuki being parts-bin masters, used as many bits as they could cross-over from one to another.
Thank you Suzuki, for not being Honda and changing things just for the sake of it.

[bull958]

The lowers are definitely different as I don't believe the L's had the damping adjusters on the bottom. It wouldn't surprise me that they use the same calipers.

[bull958]

According to the parts fiches they use the same calipers and mounting brackets on both models.

[salty_monk]

According to the parts fiches they use the same calipers and mounting brackets on both models.

Yeah this is what I assumed would be the case. Suzuki didn't usually double up on parts for the fun of it. That's good news as it means everything will be compatible across all L models as far as the brakes go

[CincinnatiKid]

Nice. Thank you for the info, friends. Obviously I could have parts fiche’d the info myself but I’m on my tiny phone and it’s quite a headache to navigate those parts maps and webpages unless I’m at a laptop.

very helpful, and very welcome info.
i feel much better about the suspension package, and hopefully later tonight I can have the caliper adapters outfitted.
its kinda dicey riding with no front brakes, especially after being comfortable ripping this big engine the way it allows me to! But I will say that I am much better at controlling speed with good throttle & smooth downshifts, even after only a day or two of practice. also, the city streets of Chicago are an excellent place to learn... nothing risked, nothing earned!

[salty_monk]

Yeah you need brakes sooner rather than later....

[Rob S.]

...its kinda dicey riding with no front brakes...

You seriously riding an 11E with no front brakes?!?!