Wheel change (17") on an 1982 GS1100GL

[auntiebling]

Ok... It was hard to get past the "I'm doing a turbo project on this beat ass frame", BUT, that was a damn cool bike Unfortunately nothing really relevant to this build. You're awesome for even looking anything uparty

wellll his front end swap uses an early gsxr set of fork legs in a set of honda triples. i didn't look at ALLL the details but the early USD gsxr fork legs are significantly longer than later ones. that's a good thing for you

 

[scootergmc]

wellll his front end swap uses an early gsxr set of fork legs in a set of honda triples. i didn't look at ALLL the details but the early USD gsxr fork legs are significantly longer than later ones. that's a good thing for you

Yep, that Honda 954 setup looked like it worked quite well...

 

[Charmed]

So many awesome replies since last night!

It does get me thinking about a few avenues, and NO words are falling on deaf ears. I could maybe go 17" rear and 19" up front, but it still bugs me that I can't get the rubber I like for the front, AND, the brakes are much better since I put sintered pads on, but still not great for this 500 and something lb machine. Basically, I want it to sit a little more "level" and I want to make it just a leeeeeeeeeetle "twitchier" I could drop the triples maybe another 3/4" before it gets stupid.

 

[Enchanter]

Before moving the forks any further up in the T-clamp, you need to check the clearance between the fender / tire, and the engine / frame when the front suspension is fully compressed. Factor in some fork flex too.

You’d hate to hit a pothole or some other object, and have the front tire instantly lock and put you on your head.

Have you considered what better tires might do to the handling? The forks, frame, and swingarm weren’t designed for the added loads that better tires will transfer to them. While that bike will never be ‘twitchy’, you could still find yourself in one hell of a tank slapper due to unintended changes in the geometry.

 

[Charmed]

Before moving the forks any further up in the T-clamp, you need to check the clearance between the fender / tire, and the engine / frame when the front suspension is fully compressed. Factor in some fork flex too.

You’d hate to hit a pothole or some other object, and have the front tire instantly lock and put you on your head.

Have you considered what better tires might do to the handling? The forks, frame, and swingarm weren’t designed for the added loads that better tires will transfer to them. While that bike will never be ‘twitchy’, you could still find yourself in one hell of a tank slapper due to unintended changes in the geometry.

Hey Tim,

How you been, man?? Yessir! I have considered these things, which is why I said I have about 3/4" before it gets dumb. My plan is to leave it as is with the drop I've made. I've rigorously tested it's current geo/handling in the slow stuff, and faster corners in the mountains, and I haven't felt anything that makes me nervous. Suzuki put a good solid frame together on these bikes. Exchanging the chopper bars for some CR bend gave me much better front end feel, so I'm confident I can push it a bit more to get the handling characteristics I'm after. I'm definitely aware this is not a modern sportbike.

 

[ST Guy]

Frankly, since that bike has "cruiser" geometry, I'd leave it as it is. It's a nice bike and all, but it's still a pig. Stick with the stock stuff, maybe put radials on it, but that's about it. It's simply not worth the effort to do all that you've talked about, especially when you really don't know what the result will be.

 

[bpw]

If you are throwing money at vintage Suzukis, find a GS700e and do a 7/11 build with the motor from your bike. The cruiser models are always going to be pretty sedate handling. Plus, 7/11 are really old school cool.

 

[SFMCjohn]

The original bike is a 1983 750 GSXE but I only kept the motor, the motor mount and the fuel tank. The fork, the wheels, the shocks and the swing-arm are from a 1000 GSXR k6.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

So many awesome replies since last night!

It does get me thinking about a few avenues, and NO words are falling on deaf ears. I could maybe go 17" rear and 19" up front, but it still bugs me that I can't get the rubber I like for the front, AND, the brakes are much better since I put sintered pads on, but still not great for this 500 and something lb machine. Basically, I want it to sit a little more "level" and I want to make it just a leeeeeeeeeetle "twitchier" I could drop the triples maybe another 3/4" before it gets stupid.

Purely opinion here:
I've been super fortunate and ridden a big variety of motorcycles in the past few years. Between my time at CityBike, my own wheeler dealer transactions, and my group of generous friends who love sharing bikes. Unless you've found some magical roads or you're only tracking that thing, the 17/19" rim set-up really is about as good as it gets for a larger bike on the road. Supermotos excepted, the 19" front handles potholes and irregularities very well, and you sacrifice very little contact patch.
Tire wise, I honestly don't think there's any benefit to super sport tires, particularly for that bike that's not weighted the same as the bikes that go fast on a 12/70/17 front.
I've personally schooled more than a few riders while riding bikes equipped with 17/19" wheelsets and spot touring tires. Small shout-out to my VStrom friends, but the KTM and GS guys who haul ass on those bikes should be enough of an example for you.
However, if you want to build a vintage bike with modern wheels, go for it. I don't fault anyone for doing what they like. Just don't expect that front end to add enough performance to be worth it. Feel, maybe, but actual grip, not in the real world.

 

[Charmed]

Frankly, since that bike has "cruiser" geometry, I'd leave it as it is. It's a nice bike and all, but it's still a pig. Stick with the stock stuff, maybe put radials on it, but that's about it. It's simply not worth the effort to do all that you've talked about, especially when you really don't know what the result will be.

Hey man...I can call MY bike a pig

If you are throwing money at vintage Suzukis, find a GS700e and do a 7/11 build with the motor from your bike. The cruiser models are always going to be pretty sedate handling. Plus, 7/11 are really old school cool.

I think you may be missing the point, but I appreciate your input

Very nicearty

Purely opinion here:
I've been super fortunate and ridden a big variety of motorcycles in the past few years. Between my time at CityBike, my own wheeler dealer transactions, and my group of generous friends who love sharing bikes. Unless you've found some magical roads or you're only tracking that thing, the 17/19" rim set-up really is about as good as it gets for a larger bike on the road. Supermotos excepted, the 19" front handles potholes and irregularities very well, and you sacrifice very little contact patch.
Tire wise, I honestly don't think there's any benefit to super sport tires, particularly for that bike that's not weighted the same as the bikes that go fast on a 12/70/17 front.
I've personally schooled more than a few riders while riding bikes equipped with 17/19" wheelsets and spot touring tires. Small shout-out to my VStrom friends, but the KTM and GS guys who haul ass on those bikes should be enough of an example for you.
However, if you want to build a vintage bike with modern wheels, go for it. I don't fault anyone for doing what they like. Just don't expect that front end to add enough performance to be worth it. Feel, maybe, but actual grip, not in the real world.

1) I live on magical roads
2) You're right on 19" doing better on potholes, but if you don't see any benefit from supersport tires...well...
3) I do haul ass, so I'm my own example
4) I thank you for your endorsement on customization, but you still might be missing the point on the individuality of aesthetics. There's a look I'm going for, because I have 3 other bikes that have modern, razor handling.

 

[Charmed]

I think I'll go 17" rear wheel, put new shocks/springs on to raise the rear a bit, and keep the 19" front for now. Thanks everyone!!!

 

[scootergmc]

Well this thread turned out to be a fizzler. Booo....


My $800 offer stands, fly and ride assuming you're on the front range.

 

[ST Guy]

There's a look I'm going for, because I have 3 other bikes that have modern, razor handling.

Then all the more reason to keep it as it is.

And remember that the steering stem on that bike is raked out more than a standard. And the forks are different as well.