Front end compatibility,,,,,

[CanadianRacer]

Can anyone tell me the model difference from a late eighties/early nineties compared to an 06? Looking for a front end for an 06 and just wondering is they are the same or not.
Thanks

[ryott52]

There are some minor changes to the brake, and the fork caps on the newer models are 19mm hex instead of 1/2" drive socket. I'll have to check my manual when I get home but I think that's it.

[BaltimoreGS]

If you are on a model with fairings, the older forks from the non fairinged bikes do not have the threaded mount for the reflectors.  Other than that and some slight cosmetic differences they are virtually the same.

-Jessie

[burning1]

They should be a straight swap. I've seen some info suggesting that the newer bikes get slightly better springs. Piston design has changed slightly, making them a little more frustrating to rebuild. But, afaik, forks from any GS will slide into any GS.

This isn't really racers corner material, though.

[adidasguy]

Been there. Done that.
Put 2009 forks on a 1992. Less work than changing a leaking fork seal. (However I am fixing up the older forks as time permits.)

Difference?
1. New ones have a little logo
2. New ones have a different finish/texture
3. Newer ones have the reflector mount because the fairing covers up the older stock reflectors mounted to the triple clamp.
4. Fork cap is prettier on the newer ones and doesn't need the black plastic cap, but fork caps are interchangeable as the threads are the same
5. Newer forks do have better springs than older ones (see my other thread on fork springs). I still suggest putting progressives or at least 0.85 springs. Even the newer springs are kind of crappy.

I use stick on reflectors because I put Denali fog lights on the reflector mounts. (Harley has some I bought off this board from another member. I saw some nice stick-ons on a Honda 1300 today)

So yes, you can swap forks. Triples are the same, too.