GSXR front end

[billster]

I've read the thread below re: the gixxer front end on the B400.  I'm starting to get interested in an USD fork for the '03 B12N.  The thread mentions someone on the board who's done it.

Is this a straight bolt-on swap? (same head/spindle/bearings)?  Danke schoen!

Billster  

[Red01]

If you get the right year it is, otherwise, you need to press the steering spindles out of the Bandit & GSXR lower triple clamps and install the Bandit one in the Gixxer part. BE CAREFUL, it's easy to break the spiindle if you're not careful.

The steering stops won't line up either. You can either live with no stops, or fab up something.

[billster]

Hmmmm.  I'll have to sit down and study the micro-fiche at Ayers and start comparing bearings, etc.  Good winter project.  Thanks.

The steering stems BREAK EASILY???  

Billster

[2005B12S]

If you look at Suzuki's steering head bearing part list, you will be amazed. They have only made a handful to cover all different models. Most of the GS, GSF, and GSXR stuff will interchange. It is best to buy everything together, forks, bars, wheel, rotors, calipers ect as some of the individual pieces will not interchange. But as far as bolting everything on, it is a snap.

The very late model GSXR stuff is very short and could present ground clearance problems. The mid 90's stuff is probably best as far as this goes. You will run into problems with fork stops and steering lock.

I recently put a 1993 Katana 750 front end- 41mm tubes, floating discs, 17in front- on my 1983 GS750ED. My goal was running modern 17in rubber with improved brakes. Everything bolted right up, I did have to fabricate fork stops and cut out the steering lock. Also, fabricate instrument carrier and riser clipons as these tubes were 1.5in shorter than stock.

Anyway, it is a very popular mod on the old GS bikes and can be done. Ride On, Ed
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED

[billster]

Thanks, Ed.  Keeping an eye peeled for complete front end.  You buy it piecemeal and it ends up sitting in the corner of the garage never complete for some reason.  Quite a few late gixxer stuff shows up.

That's a hunk of bike sitting there.  

Bill

[2005B12S]

The '83's a keeper, bought it new and had some great times with it. It's the reason I sold my TL1000S and bought the B12. The air-oil cooled GS/GSF motors are excellent platforms for making a street hot rod. Very tunable and easy to work on.

Expect to pay about $400-500 for a complete GSXR setup. The Katana parts were not my first choice, but a complete rolling chasis fell into my lap. It had the 17in front, tubes are 41mm vs GS stock 37mm, and dual piston brakes. It will be an improvement over stock and with modern radial rubber the bike will be able to handle all the additional ponies. The rear is 2001 Katana 750 4.5x17.

Recently saw a nekkid '97 B12 at the Suzuki shop that had a mid 90's GSXR750 front end on it. It had a step down top triple clamp to keep the ride height from being too low. It looked very trick, but the bike itself was throughly trashed from stunting.

Ride On, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED

[billster]

was wondering why you didn't go for a 43mm front end.  Dat 'splains it!

Step the top triple clamp and you've got the clamps too close together with more flex in the tubes.  hmmm.

I'm now having other thoughts re: putting too much $$ into a tube framed design from yesteryear.  Compete with the high-tech framed things growling around out there?

Pro-Tek clipons are in the mail btw.

[Red01]

Hmmmm.  I'll have to sit down and study the micro-fiche at Ayers and start comparing bearings, etc.  Good winter project.  Thanks.

The steering stems BREAK EASILY???  

Billster

Considering the relatively small diameter and long length of the stems and how tightly they are pressed in the lower clamp, it isn't difficult to ruin a stem with a 20,000 lb press if you don't do it right, yes.

Also consider Suzuki doesn't sell the stems by themselves, they sell them already pressed into the lower clamp.

[billster]

I guess 20G lbs. could do that!