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Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 Front End Conversion Database

This is a fork swap database where we have gathered as much information as possible as to which front ends work, and how hard they are to achieve. If you're looking for info on how to do a fork swap on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 etc. have a read here. Also check out the fork length by model.

Keep in mind that a lot of research has to be done when considering a fork swap - from the bearings to the steering stem length, tank fouling, effect on rake/trail, fork length and more. Just because a combination is here on this page doesn't mean that it is guaranteed to be possible with what you have available to you.

If you have more to add please email through photos and as much information as you like to:

jc AT motofaction DOT org

We are working on doing individual pages for the various common front ends:

• Hyosung GT250, GT250R, GT650, GT650R front end swap onto a Honda CX or GL
• Honda CBR929RR
• Suzuki GSX-R750

And now here's a list of the front ends we have seen used:

Custom

Marzocchi RAC 50mm forks with custom triple trees - Sacha Lakic's CX500

• 17" rims, spoked, one-off hubs

Ducati

Monster, unknown year - Gavin Clark's CX500

• GSXR750 single 6-pot caliper
• GSXR clip-ons
• USD forks
• Honda NTV front wheel

Monster S2R 1000, unknown year - Moto Motivo

• Used modified Ducati triple clamps
• Ducati Sport Classic brake rotor/caliper

Honda

2007 or 2008 CBR600RR - Mike's CX500RR

• Used All Balls bearings
• Black coloured
• Different year quoted in different places, needs checking

CBR600RR, unknown year - Jesse's CX500

• CBR600RR wheel
• Radial brakes
• USD forks
• Gold coloured

CBR600RR, unknown year - Noah Blum's CX500

• Spoked wheels
• USD forks
• Black coloured

CBR600RR, unknown year - Tristan's Pepper White CX500

• Shortened head tube
• New bearings for stock CX500 wheel to fit
• Spacers for ZXR fitted

CBR600RR, 2005 model - CX500F Concept

• Using CBR600RR wheel

CBR954, unknown year - Birdie

• Little info
• GL500

CBR1000RR, unknown year - Taco Bender inspired CX500

• Minimal info found so far

CBR1000RR, 2005 - Featured Build: "The Gentleman's Cafe"

• Rear disc used as well after custom fabrication
• 55" wheelbase

CBR1000RR, 2007 - Brook's Brat Build

• CBR1000rr USD gold Showa forks (2007) (eBay)
• All-Balls fork conversion bearings (99-3512-5 + 99-3511-5)
• CBR1000rr Front fender (2007) (eBay)
• CBR1000rr Front wheel (2005)
• CBR1000rr Calipers (2007) (eBay) (5mm spacers required for 320mm disc - 51497-MEL-D20)
• CBR1000rr 320mm discs (2007) (eBay)
• CBR1000rr Master cylinder (2007) (eBay)
• Aftermarket (STP) Clip-ons (CX controls wouldn't fit on CBR clip-ons).
• CX Standard tank moved back 1inch (Forks fouled tank otherwise)

Hyosung

GT600R - Taco Bender

• USD shocks
• Gold coloured
• This particular build uses a CX rear wheel on the front...

GT650R, unknown year - Steve Foster's CX500

• Required sleeve for the lower bearing/stem
• Clip-ons

Suzuki

2003 GSX-R 1000 - Graeme Dobbs' Featured CX500 Build

• Top bearing for conversion: All Balls 99-3541-5, 30 48.5 15
• Lower bearing for conversion: All Balls 99-3512-5, 30 50 14.25
• Graeme reports that the stem lengths are compatible
• Dents had to be hammered into the corner of the fuel tank for a reasonable turning radius due to handlebar clearance issues

2007 GSX-R 1000RR - LINK

• Uses 2004 CBR1000 triple trees, which mate to CX but have to be worked on to fit forks
• Uses 1995 Ninja Z5 rotors - which match up to the stock wheel
• Adapter plate required for brake calipers
• Retained Comstar front wheel

Yamaha

2005 YZF-R1 front end - "All Business"

• Mentions relocating gas tank for fork clearance
• CBR954i bottom clamp
• CBR929 top clamp
• Trimmed steering stops

Unidentified

Unknown USD forks - Made In Vietnam

• Uses stock wheel
• On CX650