Are XS650 / SR500 Forks Interchangeable?

[RonXS]

Bouncing this question off the forum...
The forks on my XS650 are a bit pitted in the upper range of travel. Due to the leaky fork seals, the lower half is in good shape.

I have an extra set of good forks from a SR500 in the attic. Both are off 1979 bikes. I believe the SR and XS are both 35mm. Is this a simple swap or are there other differences I'm not aware of?

 

[5twins]

Yes, they are virtually the same except for different springs. But it's a simple matter to swap your 650 springs and adjustable top caps into/onto the SR forks.

 

[RonXS]

Thank you 5twins

 

[5twins]

If you compare the parts diagrams of the SR500 and late model XS650 (35mm) forks, you will find all the major components are the same. This includes the lowers, tubes, and damper rods. The only real difference is in the springs, their associated preload spacers, and the top caps, but all that stuff is easily swapped.