what's the advantage of putting a different front end on the GS?

will a 1988 GSXR front end make significant difference in performace?

Quote from: Frostwhat's the advantage of putting a different front end on the GS?

will a 1988 GSXR front end make significant difference in performace?

On the street, mostly pose factor.  On the track, plenty.

I have a '96 GSXR 750 front end on my race bike, and it is a great improvement over a stock front end with Race Tech springs and Gold Valve Emulators, let alone a completely stock front end, but on the street, it would be no better, unless you are trying to drag your knee around corners. (not reccomended)

That said, the stock springs suck, (too soft, no dampening) and you should put in a set of Race Tech springs, or Progressive, and some 15 wt. oil.

The stock shock sucks also. (too soft, no dampening)  A Katana 600 shock works much better. ( stiffer spring, adjustable rebound dampening)

If you can do both of those mods and still complain, then you might want to put a GSXR front end on.

BTW, this is the way I have my street GS set up, and  it works just fine.

The one thing that the GSXR conversion will give you is dual discs.  On the track, a good thing.  On the street, not really needed.  The bike barely goes over 100.

Just my $.02,
Paul

Quote from: stefman722are you serious? should I even answer this?

Of course it would!  

Well, being that Frost asked a question it would of been nice to answer it with something that would be helpful since I think maybe he was serious in posting his question in the first place.

On to the answer as to why a GSXR fork conversion.

The forks found on the GSXR even from 1988 had larger stansion tubes which would make the fork less likely to flex under load.  You will have a stiffer feeling front end which will translate into better handling.  All of the GS500 have  37mm forks while the 88 - 90 GSX-R750 have 43mm forks.

Now here comes the problems that can occur with the trade of forks.  First off is the GSX-R fork tat you are planning to use in good condition?  If not then you will have a stiffer frontend that might not handel as well as stcok GS500 fork.  We all know that the stock setting on the GS500 forks are a bit on the soft pogo stick side of suspension but they do work when in a good maintained order.

Also with the GSX-R conversion if you are using the complete front-end you will end up with twinn front brake rotors and much better brakes than the stock GS500.

The downside to the conversion will be that you will be forced to use clip-on bars that might put you in a less comfortable riding position than you might like for everday street use.  You will have to make mounting brackets for the tach and speedo and also new mounts fro your headlight since they mount differently on the GSX-r family of bikes.  Then there is the cost of the conversion depending on what items you will be buying from the 88 GSX-R donor bike.  If you end up with a good price on the complete front-end to include the clip-ons, brakes lever, brakes, brake hoses, front fender, front wheel, rotors and such then you should not have extra cost  on these items.

You might have to change the GSX-R spings out this they are listed at  .751 kg/mm spring rate whil the stock GS500 is around .445 kg/mm depending on the model years. Springs will be around $110.

For less money you could go the route of having your stock fork rebuild with RaceTech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators, RaceTech Springs set up for your weight, install a stainless steel or kevlar front brake line, EBC Double-H brake pads and a quality set of tires and you will have a grest handling bike as long as you address the rear suspesion also shich is a factor with the GSX-R conversion also.

thanks tkm...i'll check all those things before i buy it...

or maybe just get progressive springs to save cost...

And if you use the GSX-R front wheel & do a Bandit rear weel mod, you can use 120/150 tire sizes, which give you more tire choices, in radials too.  But then the steering will be a bit slower, compared to the stock tire size.

will it be weird if i just get a GSXR front end but not a rear tire upgrade too?...

Nope...werase had the stock rearand a GSXR front... ok later he swapped the back too... BTW stoppies is benifit #1on the street...
Cool.
Srinath.

it's not gonna be weird that front is 120 and rear is 130???

You can put a 89 gsxr rear wheel on and run a 150 rear tire.

The only problem I see with a gsxr frontend for the street is no speedometer drive on the wheel. At least not on the newer front wheels. Don't know about 88 frontends. :dunno:

A 140 will fit on a stock rear rim no problem.

88-95 GSXR750  front ends have the speedo drive

back to the why.....if you have ever ridden a modern sportbike....you will notice the cheapo crapo stock forks suck! ! ! !