Front Suspension Bottoming out

[Octous]

I have a suspension question.

Under hard braking, I hear the front fork on my 2000 GS500e bottoming out.  Or at least I think that's what's happening.  I hear the fork compress and the brake pads dragging then i hear this "tap tap" like two hollow pieces of metal coming together.  As soon as I stop, the fork rebounds.  To me this seems as though the fork is bottoming out.

Does this happen frequently?  Should this be happening?  Does this mean the front fork needs to be rebuilt with stiffer springs, new dampers, etc.?  

Has anyone out there rebuilt thier fromt fork with new springs or aftermarket parts?

Thanks.

O

[Badger]

I still have the stock springs in mine, but I don't think a day goes by that I don't see mention of installing progressive springs on this board.  Before everyone jumps on you, you might want to search for "progressive springs" and see what you come up with...what I've gathered is that it's one of the "must do" mods for the GS.

[Jace009gs]

it's all very subjective

My gf who drives my GS on occasion, hops on the bike and supension don't even "sink". I get on and ploop it drops and inch. Now I'm not huge 170lbs but she is all of 100lbs wet.

Backto the point

Yes most mc magazines and I agree the front GS forks are set up for "comfortable non agressive" riding. They do bottom out easily. Just grab a hand ful of fr brake and you know what I'm talking about:D There is a cheap-o way of increasing the spring's tension with the use of PVC  spacer. I would try that first then get progressive springs..Progressive s prings pretty much solve the problem of th front forks.

Jason

[adunston]

where do you get the progressive springs and how much do they cost? I need to replace mine, as well.

[Alphamazing]

Do a search. There are plenty of threads about progressive springs and where to get them for cheap. The cheapest you can get them is about $58.95.

[RVertigo]

You can also put in spacers...  Progressive springs change the way the springs work.  If your only issue with the springs is that it bottoms out, you might think about doing spacers.  Basically, you'd be increasing your pre-load and that's it.

http://www.gstwin.com/making_fork_spacers.htm

Something to think about.

[callmelenny]

I've done the spacer and it definitely helps. I used to bottom out turning in to my driveway and I don't anymore.

Be careful removing/replacing the tube caps, they strip easily.

[Narcissus]

I bottom out atleast twice a day, going over any significant bump does it too me, and I'm only 150lbs. Haven't done it as the result of hard front braking yet though.

[ditchdoc1017]

How long did you make your spacer?Also what did you use PVC and what size?

[RVertigo]

Same... I bottom out nearly every day...  At least 5 times if I go to practice.

I've been thinking about doing spacers, but I'm not exactly a wrencher...  

[callmelenny]

There is a helpful link posted in this very thread, just look up several entries.

I used schedule 40 1/2" PVC Caps for my spacers. They are about 1 inch long. Others have found other suitable materials.

This is the extreme cheapskate approach and I have no doubt that Progressive springs are much better. I already had the forks dissassembled to do the seals so I thought I would through them in for curiosity sake.

This hardly counts as wrenching :lol:  Although you do need a 1/2 inch ratchet to remove the tube covers. Most basic sets only have a 3/8 drive.

[RVertigo]

This hardly counts as wrenching :lol:

Neither does changing your oil, but: http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=162960

:dunno:

[callmelenny]

This hardly counts as wrenching :lol:

Neither does changing your oil, but: http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=162960

:dunno:

That sucks. Well if you do it, don't forget  to only remove one tube cap at a time. The second one would be very dramatic if you didn't have all the weight off the front wheel

[RVertigo]

If I actually get to doing it, I was gonna drop 15-30 lbs in my top case the keep the front off the ground...

Anything to help keep those springs and bay and avoid another broken part.