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1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 9:11 pm
by greenx50
my forks are beyond repair, I like the idea of going with discs brakes, will gt380 or even gt550 forks bolt up to my bike ? all options on the table. thanks
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:06 am
by Vintageman
I am not sure. If no one replies I would start with seeing if triple trees the same for example or if the race cup for ball beraings same part if triple tree has larger forks. I would stare at a lot of ebay pictures.
Well someone else may be more experienced at this.
What about T250 forks? I am thinking good chance later GT250 front end may work?
No easy answer from me but thought i'd kick it off.
What's happend to your forks now?
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 11:40 am
by jabcb
A forum member had a modified T350 for sale a few years ago.
Was a "1971 T350 which has been modified with a GT380 front end and mag wheels (GS450 I think) and a front disk brake."
See:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2801&p=109159&hilit=t350#p109159
He still is a member so you might consider PMing him.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=167
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 12:27 pm
by greenx50
thanks for the info, I had seen on here before I joined that member's custom with gsx1100 front end, so figured the tube should accept a variety of front ends..and yes, I have spend so many hours staring at ebay pics, I can't see straight any more... my bike looks to have sat in weather for many years, and the pitting near the seals is too much, it's just so strange that my headlight and gauges are really nice, as well as both fenders and the tail light, but then the seat pan was so rusted out, just to touch it, turns it into powder, I'm going to post a few pics in the custom board, when i get the pics resized. thanks again.
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:06 am
by dyrberg123
Hi, As vintageman suggest, GT250 front will fit right on. A working GT250 front end complete should be okay to find at a fair Price.
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 10:03 am
by greenx50
thank you, and so the search begins..as for all you purists out there, I'm keeping all the stock parts, so if I ever sell this bike, the new person has the option to really (restore) it. As much as I would like to make a few dollars toward this project. My first motorcycle ever was ts 90, when I was 13 years old. I'm retired now, and wanted a project, had to be a twin, just a plus it's a 2stroker. one thing that's got me curious, the oil pump seems to actually exploded on this bike, oil all over the top of the engine, and baked in the case where the pump lived, I wonder if that was what took this bike off the road....hmmmmmm.
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 1:05 pm
by dyrberg123
Could be, no oil pump on non prermix gas is for sure a killer. BTW Suzukis aren't made for premix, so fix the pump, or get a used one. Thay come cheap as well

Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 1:45 pm
by alanr
T250 will work 34mm,Gt 250 are 33mm,no go.yamaha xs2 1972 or tx 650 1973 will fit,there are various others.I used xs1 forks for my T250 replacements because I didnt want disc.
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:52 pm
by Vintageman
Alanr,
Are you talking just changing forks? That's very wise. You don't want to loose the rubber mounted handle bars
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:59 pm
by Vintageman
Alanr,
Changing only forks is not only easier its very wise... you don't want to loose the rubber mounted handle bars.
Funny thing, I find the dual lever drum brakes work very well. It's the rear wheel single lever drum brake that fades much sooner and wished at times that one was disk.
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 1:42 pm
by alanr
if disc is wanted you will possibly have to change the yolk and topbolts as well as get the fork setup.you can have a different diam fork tube but you need a yoke to match as well as headlight ears.you may get a setup that slots right in.if it was me I would just get new forks and spend my money on paint,chrome,motor etc and get riding.(I did it with my T350,(now doing a T250)).
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:38 pm
by Suzukidave
Or you could call up Franks and get new tubes
http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:07 pm
by dyrberg123
alanr wrote:T250 will work 34mm,Gt 250 are 33mm,no go.yamaha xs2 1972 or tx 650 1973 will fit,there are various others.I used xs1 forks for my T250 replacements because I didnt want disc.
I was suggesting complete swap, with triples

Then you know Things fit as intented..
It is also easier finding a complete ok gt250 fork than a set of stanchions in ok condition from a t250. I even think the x7 front end will fit, the Wheels do with Little effort if youy like cast..
Cheers
Re: 1970 t350 front end swap options
Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:10 pm
by dyrberg123
Suzukidave wrote:Or you could call up Franks and get new tubes
http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also pittedforks.co.uk does refurb your stanchions back to factory spec, or better. They also straighten them if needed..
They have done a few for me and always well..