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So, looking at the specs, the 08-09 GSXR forks are about 12mm shorter than the ones on my v11. Is that significant enough of a difference to warrant the use of extender caps? How much would that difference affect handling?

"The outer diameter of the DRZ tapered bearings is the same as the outer diameter of the original Daytona bearings. I would bet a dollar the V11 bearings are the same outer diameter of the Daytona bearings. And as that law of physics goes, if they are both equal to the same thing they are equal to each other. I did not have to change out the outer bearing races, it would have worked with the original bearing outer races. But the original bearing races on my Daytona were old so I swapped them as well. The DRZ bearing races fit it the Guzzi steering head just like they should. The DRZ steering stem is the same diameter as the GSXR steering stem." Well that certainly makes things a lot easier! Looking at the chassis diagrams in the service manual, it does appear like the diameter of the bearing seats in the steering neck tube are 52mm... This has been of invaluable help. Thank you again and agin. I hope you don't mind if I pester you with more questions as they come up!

Thank you so much! This is very helpful. I'm looking at an 08-09 GSXR 750 front end right now on Ebay, which is tempting me. Did you have any issues adapting the steering stem? You say you used tapered bearing from a DRZ400, did those fit into the Guzzi's steering neck tube's bearing races as is? Or did you have to make shims, or otherwise have to machine them to fit? I assume you re-sprung and re-valved the forks just to have fresh guts. Was there any other reason for it? If/when I do this, it will be over the winter, so I have time to sort it all out. I want to ride her before I start taking her apart Thanks again!

I'd like to figure out what is possible first, before worrying about the cost...

Hello all, brand spanking new Guzzi rider here. I know very little about these bikes, and this is most modern machine I've ever owned. I posted this on the Guzzi Tech forum as well... I purchased a used 2001 v11 sport, loving it very much, already pondering some upgrades. I was wondering if it would be relatively easy, or even possible, to swap the front end off my bike and replace it with that of a 2008 (or later) Griso 8v. Mainly for the benefit of having radial mounted calipers. Has anyone ever done this? I'm not familiar with all the specs, but is there any reason to think that it wouldn't work? Or that it wouldn't be a good idea? The accompanying question is, where would I get a good used front end? There are lots of options on ebay for other bikes. (I'm currently watching some auctions for GSXR front ends for another project.) But used Guzzi parts are virtually non existent there, understandably so given how much smaller the "user base" is. This also begs the question: does anyone have any experience installing the front end of a modern Japanese bike onto the v11sport? Which models offer the easiest swap? Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!