Bandit 400 fork changes

[alun111]

Hi,

I appreciate any help you can give on this matter...

I need a new set of forks for my 1993 bandit 400vv as the left fork leaks. I've replaced the seals and they blow after no time. Last time I changed them I did all the bushes too. The stanchion's surface appears to be fine, but i suspect the stanchion itself must be bent.

I have sourced a set of used forks, but they are approximately 50mm shorter than mine. They are off a 1991 bandit 400. I thought at first that maybe the model they came off had the normal kind of bars, but it doesn't - It has clip-ons like mine does. I thought the clip-ons on my model would explain the longer stanchions (for the clip-ons to go around) but obviously it doesn't.

My question is would using forks that are 50mm shorter than mine screw up the handling? I know it would make it turn in faster but could it do it to the extent of making the front end twitchy/unstable?

I don't know what chassis changes (if any) the bandit 400 had between 1991 and 1993 so I don't know if the steering geometry changed in any other ways.

Thanks!
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Summer: '00 Honda CB600F Hornet
Winter: '93 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit VP Variable Valve
Past Bikes: Lifan LF100-5 Lifan LF125-A Honda C70