Got a question for all you GS Gurus.  Will the front end (stem, bearings and triple clamp) from a 2004 GS500F fit on a 1997 GS500E?  I'm still learing my way around the GS, only had it less than 4 weeks now.

I cant think of a reason it wont. nothing on the frame/triples/etc changed that we know of...anyone else know for sure?

I didn't notice any difference between my '92 and '04.

Except... The speedo cable for the '04 is on the wheel. Is it the same on the older models?

The forks changed width. Let me go look up in the service manual when it changed and by how much. With a whole front end it shouldn't matter, though.

Edit- it was pre 97, so you should be good to go. The 04's have springs that are 3 inches longer unsprung though, and different oil levels.

Thanks everyone for the replies...

Got one more question for your gurus.  Will I be able to use the front wheel, axel and brake assembly from my 97 GS on the 2004 forks?  

Basically, if I switch to the 2004 forks will I have to get the wheel and brake system too from a 2004? :dunno:

Man! I just want to get her back together so I can ride again...going on two weeks now with my poor GS bent up and waiting for a parts transplant.

Again, thanks so much you guys AND girls are great I have learned a bunch from the forum...

All your stuff should fit on the 04 forks without any problems. The wheel and rotor are the same. The caliper has changed over the years (not sure what years) but the mounting points are the same. Unless the forks have changed in width, the axle is still the same diameter and should still be the same length.


If you need any help with anything, I am not too far away and starwalt is in Anderson as well.

Thanks dgyver!  You dont happen to have a set of guages for it?  Doug mention to me that you might have some parts since you build racing GS's.

Maybe when I get back on the road and Doug gets his rebuild finish we can go for a ride one weekend.

Sorry no gauges. I have very few street parts left.

Thanks for the offer on a ride but I do not have a street bike right now....just dirt and track.