Front end swap

Baffler186 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2013 Karma :

I've bought a Kawasaki GT550 and want to change the front end, mostly because I want more modern brakes.

How do I go about finding compatible forks from a different bike? What must I measure from mine, to compare with another bike to ensure they fit?
____________________
Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

A100man · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Aug 2013 Karma :

Front end swaps are not always as trivial as some folk would have you believe. If it's just for brakes I would look into a caliper upgrade maybe. Got braided hoses?
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

Baffler186 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2013 Karma :

I will be fitting braided lines yes, but to me that's a bit like polishing a turd. I'd prefer modern brakes as they're easier to maintain and rebuild. These calipers have been sat for 10+ years and are gash.
____________________
Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

First of all measure the diameter of the fork tubes. Then measure the distance between the fork tubes. Then do a google to see if any modern bikes have similar forks, or if anyone else has done a swap with different yokes too.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

GT550?
Crap brakes?
Fork swap?

If a good brake service, decent pads and braided lines didn't improve things sufficiently, I'd be tempted to look for a more modern bike, in all seriousness.
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

jakebrownbass · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 14 Feb 2016 Karma :

https://bfy.tw/NN7O
____________________
Hyosung GTR 125 ---> Suzuki GSXR 400R ---> Kawasaki 636 ---> Break ---> Kawasaki Versys 650

Baffler186 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2013 Karma :

A100man · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Aug 2013 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Has there ever been non-serviceable Motorbike forks?
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Baffler186 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2013 Karma :

yes I meant repairable. They are rusty (been sat for at least 10 years). But if they sand and paint up ok, and are straight, and the stanchions are smooth then that'll be grand, but I'm not betting on it
____________________
Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic