My 2004 GS500F needs a new front wheel and forks. What other year models fork and wheel would fit? Any salvage dealers anyone would recommend for the forks?
Any year GS.Wheel can be used off of a Katana600/750.90-97 I think.Just remember to put the dust cap on a katana.It's the plastic cap on the other side of the wheel without the brake disc.The Katana wheels with twisted spokes are the same as the gs.
Thanks, good info. Any info on the forks?
Its been sed a cbr Hurricane , the forks slide into the gs triples , just having dual breaks , and better forks , the gs forks are 37mm ,
i went for a kat front end , for mine , but it involved a little modification , looks top tho :thumb:
The cbr forks have to use the wheel,the calipers,and disc.The wheel won't even come close to matching the rear.
I got the Katana front end but it's on my custom build project.
As far as forks,any year GS will work.Nothing else will interchange.The GS forks are thin and 37mm like Jay said.
In fairness , there is probs quite a few that would . but have either yet to be tested , or what not ,
your from the us , Katana parts are easy to find , over here for some reason there really hard to find , i bought a whole bike 2 get the front end , now i have a engine and frame sitting in my garden lol , but i will ebay it
But yea , any year gs will fit , but i would say upgrade , its a good excuse
Actually, Ben2go, you can get a F1 CBR600 rear wheel as well. All you need is the CBR caliper hanger and caliper and a handful of 17mm shims.
There's a 1984 GS500 fork set on ebay. So you're saying it will fit on my 2004 GS500F?
No. the 1984 GS500 was a 4 cylinder. It'll probably work but you'd need the whole front end. Then you'd have some sexy spokies...
The assembly on ebay is the entire assembly (forks and triple tree)...minus the wheel. I guess the question is will the steering head fit? The GS500F wheel should be the same size...no?
I don't think so...the old school GS front ends had smaller steering heads. either way, though, you'll be taking a step back from an already poor suspension. You should go for a stock GS500 (twin) setup or something better.
Quote from: makenzie71 on July 10, 2007, 03:10:48 PM
Actually, Ben2go, you can get a F1 CBR600 rear wheel as well. All you need is the CBR caliper hanger and caliper and a handful of 17mm shims.
Learn some thing new every day.Thanks for sharing that. :bowdown: To bad the hurricane wheels are ugly. :icon_lol:
Yeah it's one of those things that it's not that no one knew it...it's that no one cared.
you could get clever with a 20mm drill bit and run F2 wheels on both ends.
last week i swaped my 89 front end onto a 04 and it was much easier than i thought. only took a few hours and i was taking my time...and had a suzuk mechanic helping :icon_lol:
i did my kat front end swop in ,, well , if u dont count i was taking loads of breaks as filing is not alot of fun , maybe a hour for filing , then fitting and hooking up the rest 30 mins , my brother lifted the gs , i put the front in , sorted
the filing was about over4 hours , but i went and played forza 2 , and had dinner lol
Quote from: frankieG on July 10, 2007, 08:03:13 PM
last week i swaped my 89 front end onto a 04 and it was much easier than i thought. only took a few hours and i was taking my time...and had a suzuk mechanic helping :icon_lol:
Frankie,do you still have the lower triple with the stem still on it?If so can I get it sent with the header?Let me know how much 1st please.Thanks.
ok, let me get this straight...1990-1997 Katana 600/750 and any GS500 TWIN forks will work on my 2004 GS500F without any problems...just slap um on. Other's may fit CBR, F1, etc. but need to do some mods (shims, drilling,etc). Ideally I would like to get forks that came off of a 04 GS500F then I'll know it will positively fit. But it's getting to the point where I need to figure out some alternative ideas.
correct :thumb:
The Katana Forks Need spacers , and the stem to be modified , and i can tell u it will fit , and any other forks for the GS Series 89+ etc will defo fit ,
You should have twin discs , looks better and makes breaking work :thumb:
There's a bunch of Katana forks on ebay guess I'll bid on one of them. Thanks.
Like i sed , errm i had to buy a WHOLE katana , as the parts are so hard to source here
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=35842.0
Fitted in some high Res pics , with the clipones and SS breaklines , looks smart as u like , tell me u dont want your front end to look like that :thumb:
You should probably bid on a pair har har
I think that would be a good idea Mak , i thought of having just the one.... but i changed my mind :thumb:
one more question..."The Katana Forks Need spacers , and the stem to be modified , and i can tell u it will fit ,"...Where do the spacers go and what needs to be modified on the stem?
That all depends on how you go about it. he's talking about the steering stem being longer than the stock GS steering stem. Personoally, I'd just buy the right size bearing and stack some washers under the top triple.
I won a 750 Katana front end assy ebay auction. But looking closer at the picture on ebay...it looks like something missing from the bottom end of the assembly. I don't see an outer tube where the wheel axle goes through. The description did say complete front end...we'll see.
Quote from: ben2go on July 10, 2007, 08:26:04 PM
Quote from: frankieG on July 10, 2007, 08:03:13 PM
last week i swaped my 89 front end onto a 04 and it was much easier than i thought. only took a few hours and i was taking my time...and had a suzuk mechanic helping :icon_lol:
Frankie,do you still have the lower triple with the stem still on it?If so can I get it sent with the header?Let me know how much 1st please.Thanks.
yes i do, i will send it. don't worry about any $ lets call it even for being patient with the heads
Quote from: frankieG on July 11, 2007, 06:42:14 PM
Quote from: ben2go on July 10, 2007, 08:26:04 PM
Quote from: frankieG on July 10, 2007, 08:03:13 PM
last week i swaped my 89 front end onto a 04 and it was much easier than i thought. only took a few hours and i was taking my time...and had a suzuk mechanic helping :icon_lol:
Frankie,do you still have the lower triple with the stem still on it?If so can I get it sent with the header?Let me know how much 1st please.Thanks.
yes i do, i will send it. don't worry about any $ lets call it even for being patient with the heads
FRANKIEG----->Cool.Thanks!You are da man.
HERE IS A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE KATANA SWAP BY THE MAN WHO FIGURED IT OUT.HE CAN MAKE YOU SPACERS.I HAVE A SET AND I BELIEVE JAY HAS A SET.WORKS LIKE A DREAM. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13673
I decided to find a GS500F pair of forks and wheel assembly and put everything back to stock. I know the Kat 750 front end assy I'm waiting for off of eby will not work without investing a bunch more on other parts. I fugure I can get the bike up to stock for around $500 - $600. Great forum, with fast and intelligent feedback to help a person make a decision.
shaZam!...you could put a GSXR front end on it for $5~600!! Full TL1000R front ends go for $350~400 and is get the right bearings to put on the top (I've posted links to the right bearings before).
You would be very correct ben . my front end looks like it was made for it , works liek a complete dream
OK, I'll bite. I was saying adios to this string and on my way to stock forks ..but now you got the wishy-washy best of me. Here's the story...my front end is trashed; forks bent, front rim smashed. Triple trees look ok so I figure just get get stock forks and slide them in and be done with it. No fussing with the other factors, like where do I mount everything, that comes with going with different model forks. I do not have access to a lot of junk here in Hawaii. I got to shop on ebay and other online searches to find anything. I can't physically look and touch stuff to see if it would work or not. I come to this kind of forums to get ideas...and ideas I got here. So what do I need to do install TL1000 froks on my 2004 GS500F.
:dunno_white: Most people do the katana front end.Here's the link I posted earlier in this thread.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13673
This guy is the one who really helped clarify the install.You can ask him if he has any more spacers to do the Katana swap.You'll also need the head light brackets or buy some generic ones off ebay for 41mm forks.Bout $20 last I checked.
I bought two front end assys, a Kat 600 and a Kat 750. Between the two I should be able to make it work . I just need to buy some spacers. Where do I send the check?
Dgvyer . He made the spacers for me , but hes not a spacer machine , i mean , he does it if he wants to help someone out , i payed 20 bucks + shipping , but they was spot on , the only mods u have to make its the the Stem of the Triples , of the katana is the filing to get the spacers to fit , i will tell u for nothing , i have never filed a piece of metal in my life ,and i did it perfect , dont rush it , mark out the line , and use the Guide he did on the Forum , then u will have a sweet looking , and better breaking street racing machine :thumb:
Quote from: surfales on July 12, 2007, 10:58:35 PM
......So what do I need to do install TL1000 froks on my 2004 GS500F.
The main thing is that you will need to address the stem. Either have it turned to fit the GS or swap a GS stem into the TL/GSXR triple, if it will fit snug enough. I have heard of some knurling the GS stem. I had mine turned to fit and used GS bearings.
You will need a TL/GSXR wheel, axle with spacers and rotors, along with...clip-ons, master cylinder, brake lines, fender, 120 tire....
A couple of other things to be fabricated or modified....the steering stop will need to be made smaller, mounts for the gauges.....
I don't think I'll attempt to swap the stems...probably screw something up. I'll go with the filing. Any tips to swap the stuff on the handle bar (throttle, switches, etc.)? I plan to put the GS500F fairings back on, at least the headlight assy and the turn signals.
The controls should swap over without problems.
I have no idea about fit with the F fairings.
Dgyver,glad you responded.I thought you'd given up on the forum and your mc,s.
Can I modify my GS500F front brake reservoir to dual brake by just changing he fitting?
Doesn't the GS have a 3/8" master? Not very suited to dual caliper duty...really need to have at least 5/8"
Quote from: surfales on July 18, 2007, 11:28:59 PM
Can I modify my GS500F front brake reservoir to dual brake by just changing he fitting?
Yes, but I wouldn't recommend trying it. The GS master isn't sufficient to apply appropriate pressure to a two disc system. You can buy mid 90's Gixxer masters on ebay pretty cheap, though, and they will work.
I have everything (I think) for the swap except the master cylinder, line, and that fitting that joins the 2 caliper hoses. ebay here I come, again.
Couple options for brake line:
run 1 line down to the right caliper then at that banjo bolt run another over to the left.
buy a line that's Y connected
Get an extended bolt for the cylinder and run individual lines from there.
Check Ebay for an MC, damn near anything can be made to work fairly easily as long as it's designed for a two disc system :thumb:
Yeah, get a 5/8 GSXR m/c. Plenty on ebay.
Run 2 seperate lines to the calipers. Dual s/s lines are easy to get. Bridging from one caliper to the other is not a good idea, unless you are cutting costs in production. Heat from the first caliper can be transfered to the second causing it to fade.
Quote from: dgyver on July 19, 2007, 04:08:30 AM
Bridging from one caliper to the other is not a good idea, unless you are cutting costs in production. Heat from the first caliper can be transfered to the second causing it to fade.
Didn't ever think about that. Thanks for pointing it out :thumb:
Ebay is your friend, when I needed a new M/C I got one off a 98 Gixxer for just over $60 delivered.
If you really want to cut costs look for stock Harley Davidson masters (most are 5/8", 11/16", or 3/4"), SV masters, and Katana masters. FZR's, older ZXR's, and CBR's and such are also good places to look. Older bikes that came with dual discs are usually 5/8". The 5/8" master on my CX is from an SV1k and I got it for about $15...the 3/4" master I had on my TL was from a 1200 Sportster and the owners just let those unpolished, stock bits go for dirt cheap (got it for $35 shipped).
Yep , the controls swop straight over with out any problem at all , im using the katana ignition as well , i might use the petrol cap also , im not to sure , i as i got the whole bike , i had a complete front end , so i didnt have to worry about looking for parts like that ,
See that post? some dude put 83' Kawa zx 750 forks in the stock Gs tripple , Dual breaks as easy as pie , clearly the wheel will never match the rear , and its very diff
As said, if matching wheels is so important, get CBR f1 forks and both wheels. Ugly, but hey...they'll match (and the rear is 4.5" I think).
The bandit 4.5 inch wheel and my katana wheel are identical . so im not to bothered about any other swop
Cost more, too.
For the Cbr or the bandit and Katana? . because i payed 25 pounds for the complete wheel , with caliper brackets , disc , the lot , and the kat wheel would be a Gs one , Cheap enough .
Quote from: Jay_wolf on July 19, 2007, 12:36:17 PM
The bandit 4.5 inch wheel and my katana wheel are identical . so im not to bothered about any other swop
I gotta 4.5 Bandit 6oo rear wheel with swept spokes. haha
I filed and filed and filed...then I said screw it and broke out the dremmel tool to grid down the Kat stem to fit my GS. Stacked two bearings, installed whatever I could to see what I'm missing or need to modify...it's going to be a lot of work...but at least it's fun. Also, how do I remove the ignition switch?
I have one of the spacers made. I hope to have the other one finished tomorrow.
Quote from: surfales on July 21, 2007, 08:37:54 PM
...
Also, how do I remove the ignition switch?
The manual suggests using a punch to tap the security screws loose.
The best way I have found is to use an ez-out screw extractor. Not the twisted type but the tapered square ones.
I used a hand file , as i really didnt wanna mess that up ,slowly and just used the race bearing as a rough guide, good luck dude , and i did want to no how to remove the Ignition lol Cheers Dygver :thumb:
FYI, you guys gave me way too much credit when you explained how to remove the ign sw. FYI for anyone who wants to know...the ign sw is installed with "break away" bolts. That is, the head of the bolts shear off once a certain torque is reached, it's an anti-theft thing. I didn't know this but figured it out and removed the switch by screwing the bolts out by taking a sharp punch to the washer looking head (punching it in the direction of removal).
Any suggestions where, how to mount the tach and speedo? Look like I need to make some brackets. How did you guys do it?
Quote from: surfales on July 26, 2007, 10:41:21 PM
Any suggestions where, how to mount the tach and speedo? Look like I need to make some brackets. How did you guys do it?
I got some aluminum sheet metal from my local home improvement store.I made a cardboard template of the top of my upper clamp and transfered it to the aluminum.Then i laid my GS gauge panel on it and traced out the gauge location.I drilled my mounting holes and cut my gauge holes before cutting it out of the sheet of aluminum.It's easier to hold while you drill and cut the holes.Then cut out the panel and bend it like the the GS panel.I used a sturdy door and jam as a sheet metal brake to make my bends.Hope this helps.I sold my gauge panel or I would post pics.
I put everything on to be sure it all fits. So far so good, rode it around the block to see if the larger front tire makes a diff. Seems ok. Now to figure out the headlight and instrument mounting. Then I'll take everything off to clean, fix and paint. Wish somebody had a picture of a instrument mounting mod.
I would get sum sort of Digital one ,Mines Bolted to my top plate
tie wraps and safety wire might work. Actually who needs gages anyway?
Crashed 04' GS500F - $500
93' Kat Front End - $300
Doing the work - Priceless
90% completed (http://thumb0.webshots.net/t/62/462/4/86/58/2975486580026458280tPfuUc_th.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2975486580026458280tPfuUc)
Looks good :thumb:
....need to loose the upper though.
Yea, I know. I'm keeping an eye out for round lights.
here you go mate. http://aztec8.com/id76.html