Depends which way around you're swapping.
If you already have a 1-1/2" headset, you can keep your existing headset and swap over to the 1-1/4" fork if you could find a crown race that adapts one to the other. You're not going to find bearings to swap over though.
The bottom headset cups are larger for 1-1/2" than 1-1/4"
So if your headset is for 1-1/4" and you're looking to use a 1-1/2" fork, new headset cup time.
Depends which way around you're swapping.
If you already have a 1-1/2" headset, you can keep your existing headset and swap over to the 1-1/4" fork if you could find a crown race that adapts one to the other. You're not going to find bearings to swap over though.
The bottom headset cups are larger for 1-1/2" than 1-1/4"
So if your headset is for 1-1/4" and you're looking to use a 1-1/2" fork, new headset cup time.