SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Forks Forks Forks... /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1221444177 Message started by SavageBlues on 09/14/08 at 19:02:56

Title: Forks Forks Forks... Post by SavageBlues on 09/14/08 at 19:02:56 Hi guys, I intend  to play with the forks length on my future savage. I want to experiment with shortening the forks. I understand (from previous posts) that the fork tubes diameter is 38mm and that you cannot slip up the fork tube on a savage(because the fork nuts hold the tubes...). I understand that in order to be able to do that you have to change the top yoke. I guess I can have new tubes made but I'll have to try different lengths before sinking any money in this project. Questions are: Anyone knows what alternative top yoke could fit the savage? Any alternative complete front end would fit? Have a nice evening!

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by LANCER on 09/15/08 at 05:01:46 I have an '82 Suzuki GS550 front end that fits right on the Savage frame and it does sit a bit lower...also has better brakes ... some model yrs also have dual brakes on the front for even more braking pleasure!   ;)

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by SavageBlues on 09/15/08 at 08:55:45 Hey Lancer, thanks for the information. When you say complete front end did you mean the the triple tree also fits the savage? I have a friend that has a few GS850 bikes. I'll visit him and take some measurements. Maybe all the GS line could fit the savage! It gives me hope. Thanks.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by LANCER on 09/15/08 at 17:16:19 Yep, the whole thing.  The front end I have even has the same bearings as is on the Savage.  The forks are set up for a single brake but the wheel I have ('83) has dual discs, so at a later point I can change out the right side bottom slider with a caliper and have a dual disc setup.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by EssForty on 09/15/08 at 18:03:23 Somehow I picture a "Savage stoppie" video will be posted on YouTube the day after the dual front disks are engaged  ;)

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by mpescatori on 09/16/08 at 04:35:35 Hi Lancer, nice reading your posts !  :) SavageBlues, I do not know why you should want to play with your front fork, but if it's handling you're after (you mention shortening the tubes) I would consider a cheaper operation first, which is moving the foot controls some 6 - 8 inches to the rear. Once you've done that, you might want to consider DR tubes/trees too, which would allow to slide them up&down to stretch/shorten wheelbase to your pleasure, depending on the ride of the day. 8-)

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by SavageBlues on 09/16/08 at 07:59:32 mpescatori, Yes I am also very interested in moving the pegs backward. This is part of the mods I want to make to the bike. I found a picture of one savage with this mod. Just saw it yesterday. My intention is to make a roadster out of the savage which means: Low bars Relocated pegs Shorter forks Chrome mudgards New seat (higher seat, I'm looking something like 31 inches high from the ground) Performance mods Longer rear shocks Maybe taller rear wheel (18 inches) Roadster front light and front light holders Vintage rubber fork protectors ... I guess I'm into a lot of research, fitting and work. But It will be fun. And with the help of this wonderful forum I shall be on my way.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by verslagen1 on 09/16/08 at 08:44:39 look for tempster

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by LANCER on 09/16/08 at 16:40:22 6976706B707C6B747A78190 wrote: mpescatori, Yes I am also very interested in moving the pegs backward. This is part of the mods I want to make to the bike. I found a picture of one savage with this mod. Just saw it yesterday. My intention is to make a roadster out of the savage which means: Low bars Relocated pegs Shorter forks Chrome mudgards New seat (higher seat, I'm looking something like 31 inches high from the ground) Performance mods Longer rear shocks Maybe taller rear wheel (18 inches) Roadster front light and front light holders Vintage rubber fork protectors ... I guess I'm into a lot of research, fitting and work. But It will be fun. And with the help of this wonderful forum I shall be on my way. There are an assortment of rear wheel sizes within the Suzuki GS series bikes, from 15", 16", 17", and 18", depending on model type and year.   There are shoe and disc brakes, wire or assorted mag style wheels.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by verslagen1 on 09/16/08 at 17:30:40 Unless you're going to the chain mod, and swapping for a longer swingarm, You need to stick with a tire OD of 25" or so. A 130/80-16 is 25.3" or so depending on brand, model etc.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by SavageBlues on 09/18/08 at 09:39:25 Verslagen1, you are right on the wheel diameter limit. I didn`t thought about it. I went out and measured a triumph t150 rear wheel (19 inches) and the diameter of the wheel with tire was 26 inches. Same diameter for a Yamaha 18inches wheel! So I guess maybe a 17 inches wheel would be the maximum that would fit. So maybe I`ll stick to the oem wheel. Too bad cause I really liked the Yamaha aluminum wheels.

Title: Re: Forks Forks Forks... Post by T Mack 1 on 09/18/08 at 12:57:08 with that much Mod'ing,  wouldn't it be almost as easy to take the LS650 engine and stick in another frame???

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