Thoughts on this swap:

The new EX500's have 37MM forks. My Gpz has 37MM forks, I think. EX's have better suspensions, My Gpz probably weighs more. The ex runs modern rubber, my Gpz has dual disc.

I don't think I will outdo the newer suspension/brakes, and only gain confidence from the new tires -- I bet the back rim would fit with little mods.

Discuss.

99 Suzuki GSX600/750 (and probably 1000, but don't know for sure) forks are 41mm and a easy swap onto the GPz/KZ750's. Simple bearing swap and filing down the steering stem boss on the bottom of the top triple clamp. They are real close to the same length as the GPz750 forks, are fairly cheap, and give you better brakes, wider wheels, and 17" modern radial tires.

And the rear wheel off the GSX will fit the swingarm on the GPz750 (same size axle), and is 4.5" wide. Have to mill the sprocket mounting down for chain alignment though. I have the GSX750 front end mounted on my 80 KZ750E, just need to get the shock tabs (I'm using dual shocks) and brake stay mounting welded on the GPz750 swingarm I'm using.

Ah, but you replaced (had to purchase) the triple trees for the 41MM forks, yes? The ex500's come with the same size forks, thereby the original triples should work. And the upper triple tree does so much for me without having to refabricate everything.

I bought the forks, triple tree, swingarm, and both wheels, for $100 from a guy that had them listed in the classifieds at Cyclemadness for a month or so. I used the 750 twin handlebar mounts mounted in the rubber instrument dampers from a 750 twin, just have to shorten the mounting studs. I will have to make an adapter to mount the GPz750 gauges though.

It's hard (impossible for me) to remember where everyone is located, but aren't you located in Newfoundland or somewhere with limited access to used parts locally?

Racetech cartridge emulators may be a better answer for you, along with straight weight springs, according to what I have read, that's the best setup other than converting to larger diameter later sportbike forks.

That's an option you can check out anyway.

The EX500 forks aren't any stronger than the stock forks you already have, since they are still 37mm in diameter they are going to flex just like the stock ones. Assuming you can get them cheap, it does make it easier to install a 17" wheel though (assuming the EX500 uses a 17"). And wheels (and possibly brakes) will be the only improvement in using the EX500 forks, IMHO.

Is the center to center distance (width) of the EX500 forks the same as the GPz750? If not, then you may have difficulty mounting the front wheel, and that pretty much negates any advantage of the EX500 forks.

If your GPz750 is a 83-85 model, check out the front end swap forum at 750turbo.com, those guys have mounted all different kinds of front ends and front wheels on their Turbo's.

I'll take dual disks over tire options any day.
Besides, Avon has makes rubber for us now.

This is your best advice, bang-for-the-buck, ease-of-installation, performance, ...all of it:

steell wrote:

99 Suzuki GSX600/750 (and probably 1000, but don't know for sure) forks are 41mm and a easy swap onto the GPz/KZ750's. Simple bearing swap and filing down the steering stem boss on the bottom of the top triple clamp. They are real close to the same length as the GPz750 forks, are fairly cheap, and give you better brakes, wider wheels, and 17" modern radial tires.

And the rear wheel off the GSX will fit the swingarm on the GPz750 (same size axle), and is 4.5" wide. Have to mill the sprocket mounting down for chain alignment though. I have the GSX750 front end mounted on my 80 KZ750E, just need to get the shock tabs (I'm using dual shocks) and brake stay mounting welded on the GPz750 swingarm I'm using.