Topic: GL1000 forks and front end on a 550

[Laminar]

After a lot of searching, I'm finding quite a bit of info about putting a GL1000 front end on a 750, but not much on putting it on a 550. From what I understand, it would require from the Goldwing:
- forks
- fork brace
- trees
- calipers
- master cylinder
- brake lines
- axle/spacers
- rim/rotors
- speedo drive

I'm not clear on how the steering stem matches up and what should be done with steering bearings.

I'm assuming some customization will be required to mount the 550's gauges.

Thoughts? Experiences? Suggestions?

[eurban]

The Gl's steering stem is the same as a 750s.  This makes the swap relatively easy.  The 550's stem is not the same and as a result you will either have to remove the Gl stem from the GL tree and replace it with a 550 stem (grinding, pressing, welding etc) or create / purchase your own custom triple tree.  I think I do remember someone on this site working on locating some bearings to adapt the 550s steering tube to the GLs stem but I think that the real hurdle is that the GL/750 stem is a good bit longer than the 550 one making it require more work  than just sourcing special sized bearings. . . .  The GL front end I have on my 750 works and looks great but if I was going to have to make/customize a triple tree I might consider adapting a front end with modern forks and brakes.  Also, keep in mind that the 75/76 (perhaps 77 too?) GLs typically used for the swap are 30+ year old bikes designed for touring and will likely have seen high mileage.  Going to all the trouble to swap out your front end with a set of worn out forks would obviously not be worth it.  Look carefully at what you are buying!

[Laminar]

So at this point I'm really at a loss for an easy way to get dual discs. I suppose there's still the possibility of swapping 35mm CB750 forks but keeping the 550 tree. Feasible?

[bryanj]

The stem bearings 500/550/750 are all the same but the stem length is different.

[mkramer1121]

So at this point I'm really at a loss for an easy way to get dual discs. I suppose there's still the possibility of swapping 35mm CB750 forks but keeping the 550 tree. Feasible?

My 550 forks had the second disc braket on the lower leg, it just needed to be tapped.  You could then follow Ben's step by step on how to get dual discs on a 550 posted I believe in the FAQs.

[Laminar]

So at this point I'm really at a loss for an easy way to get dual discs. I suppose there's still the possibility of swapping 35mm CB750 forks but keeping the 550 tree. Feasible?

My 550 forks had the second disc braket on the lower leg, it just needed to be tapped.  You could then follow Ben's step by step on how to get dual discs on a 550 posted I believe in the FAQs.

What year is yours? I feel like I checked and my right fork doesn't have the ear cast in.

[cafe2be]

Why cant you just use 77/78 750f forks and put them into your 550 triple trees?

[mkramer1121]

So at this point I'm really at a loss for an easy way to get dual discs. I suppose there's still the possibility of swapping 35mm CB750 forks but keeping the 550 tree. Feasible?

My 550 forks had the second disc braket on the lower leg, it just needed to be tapped.  You could then follow Ben's step by step on how to get dual discs on a 550 posted I believe in the FAQs.

What year is yours? I feel like I checked and my right fork doesn't have the ear cast in.

What year was mine?  '75 CB550F, also had forks from a '74 K, both had the mounts.  Let me take a look at my old 550 manual in the performance parts section, I think they talked about something in there...

[Laminar]

Why cant you just use 77/78 750f forks and put them into your 550 triple trees?

It's a possibility I'm looking at. The tricky part is getting the correct rotor offset, since the F had Comstar wheels and an odd caliper mount. If someone that knows more about the feasibility of this would chime in, that'd be fantastic.

[Laminar]

Does anyone know/can anyone measure 750 fork spacing? A quick search tells me that the stock 550 is 133mm between lower fork tubes. Does anyone know 750K and 750F spacing, or could I trouble you to take a ruler to your forks?