Quick front end question...

[sclay115]

Second post(first was in the classifieds) so go easy on me if this is common knowledge. Are all GS front ends the same? Wheel size/for tubes, nothing really ever changed right? I think the only thing I know of is that in 89 is it? They came with clip ons as apposed to top mount tubular bars? Right?

Steve

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Yep, they're all the same. '02+ have a different logo on em, but functionally, they're the same. I just swapped my bent '02 forks for a pair of nice '89 forks. No issues.

[dgyver]

Yep, they're all the same. '02+ have a different logo on em, but functionally, they're the same. I just swapped my bent '02 forks for a pair of nice '89 forks. No issues.

Aside from the externals being all the same....I thought I read about some of the internals (springs or spacers) were a little different.

[Turd Ferguson]

Yep, they're all the same. '02+ have a different logo on em, but functionally, they're the same. I just swapped my bent '02 forks for a pair of nice '89 forks. No issues.

Aside from the externals being all the same....I thought I read about some of the internals (springs or spacers) were a little different.

+1  I'm pretty sure there were some internal changes along the way.  Alpha would know...

-T.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

The bolt at the bottom is different, so the '02+ require the use of the Suzuki tool for disassembling them, versus the homemade tool that many here have used with great success. At least, that's my understanding of things.

[l3uddha]

04 bikes (and possibly later) were made in Spain (maybe 02 as well?). There are lots of minor differences; one being the fork internals. The hex bolt at the bottom of the forks is an odd size; one most hardware stores dont carry, and there is no place inside for the "home made" tool to grab.

[Flywheel]

The 2002 fork innards are the same as previous GS models--I just changed the fork seals last week and the 5/8" hex-bolt tool fits perfectly into the damper rod. The Allen bolt that holds it into the slider is still 8mm, too. 

[sclay115]

Got another question for what seems like a vast sea of knowledge. But can you revalve a GS front end? I want it firm, quite firm, and I would love to be able to get a decent braking set up on there, good pads and a good rotor. I always see people just swapping out the front ends, is that the only option for performance? Or can you do it up just like most other sportbike front ends?

Steve

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Get either progressive springs or racetech/sonich straight rate springs. Do search for progressive vs straight rate, you'll find all you need to know. Basically, for heavy track/racing use, use straight rates. For improved front end feel, less bottoming out, etc, switch to progressives. A search will give you the websites for both.

[werase643]

you can spend 300-600 on a gs front end.....
or swap to a kat 600/750 front end and do the same mods

at least with the kat you get 41mm tubes....stiffer than the bendy 37mm gs stuff
and the kat has dual 4 pot caliper and dual rotors

I got a kat 750 forks/tripples/brake system (calipers/master cyl) ready to bolt in
I will probably modify it tomorrow...
$150 +

you will need....rebuild them...seals/oil/ your choice of springs and a set of rotors