Trying to improve handling... recommended mods?

[chandra.hp]

Hello everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone here has moded their GS500's suspension to improve handling? If yes... what did you do? How much did it cost and where did you get the parts? Did you do it yourself or take it to a shop?

I've been looking to improve the handling of my 2002 GS500 and I'm open to suggestions that will improve the handling of the bike.

All comments and recommendations are highly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
Chandra.

[red_phil]

I got progressive springs from Wemoto (but they are UK based) for about £50.
They made a great difference. Less nose dive and an overall better feeling of being connected to the road.
I also used 15W fork oil in summer but found in winter it was to thick so went back to 10W oil.
Fitting is a case of removing the top caps on the forks and pulling the old springs out with a magnet.
You can use a bent coat hanger to hook them out but be careful to file the edges so you don't scratch the inside of the forks.
do one leg at a time and you dont even need to prop up the front end.

Recently I also got a GSX 600F rear mono shock.
It raises the rear abour 1 inch and gives a firmer feel in the rear especially with a pillion.
That cosr my £46 from a local breakers yard. Fitting it is a straight swap with the original.

well recommended Mod.

[chefod]

how do you change the fork oil, and what is stock weight oil??? i've been to my stealer a couple of times about the softness of my forks, and he recommends me changing the oil before trying progressives?? he always says it's a very simple job, and he can do it, but someone i know, could tell me how to do it over the phone??? so here i am?? how do i do it?

[scratch]

I started here: www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm

Since, I'm 125lbs, I didn't think I needed Progressive fork springs, but eventually I got sick of the fork dive and bought them anyway.  What I should have done was set the preload on the stock springs with washers.  Then play with the fork oil.  Much less expensive than $50+ fork springs.  I have since gone back to the stock springs, with 3/8th inch preload of washers and 5wt fork oil.  But, also realize that my bike is set up for me, my weight, and the fact that I ride in the rain alot, so I need my suspension softer (I'm also old).  I've kept the stock rear shock because I really don't want to invest any more money into the bike, and it suites me just fine (remember, I'm only 125lbs); I did reduce it one click down to the number three setting.

[Cal Price]

Changing from stock tyres made a big difference.

[scratch]

how do you change the fork oil, and what is stock weight oil??? i've been to my stealer a couple of times about the softness of my forks, and he recommends me changing the oil before trying progressives?? he always says it's a very simple job, and he can do it, but someone i know, could tell me how to do it over the phone??? so here i am?? how do i do it?

You will have to remove the forks to do this.  10wt is the stock weight oil.  Directions are here, somewhere on this site.  I'll do a search for ya (I'll search 'change fork oil').  He's suggesting going to a thicker fork oil (15wt) to increase your compression dampening (resistance to compresion).
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=10540.msg87245#msg87245

[chefod]

is there any way just to take the handlebar off, remove the cap and springs while on centerstand, with rear end strapped down so there is no weight on it, remove the springs and pump out the old oil??? would this work??? i have a small 1/4 line pump that may work??? and how much fork oil and what type needs to be put back in??

[scratch]

Yes, read last paragraphs at the bottom: http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

[pantablo]

I started here: www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm

Since, I'm 125lbs, I didn't think I needed Progressive fork springs,

wrong. I'm that weight and I would always bottom out my forks.

to improve handling:
First, Progressives up front;

then, either a Katana shock or a gsxr shock out back (katana is easier to install and plenty good for street riding). Ebay, can be had as low as $10, as high as $50. Look for late model like 2001+ kat 600 shocks;

absolutely get better tires. stick to stock sizes and get pirelli sport demons. best tire you can get for spirited riding. bt45's are good too.

lower handlebars also make the bike handle better. major difference (better) after I installed my suburban-machinery.com bars. major!

thats about it.

[chandra.hp]

I found this Do-It-Yourself tutorial on how to install progressive springs in a GS500:
http://www.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/940631/an/0/page/0

[pantablo]

or mine:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

[pandy]

or mine:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

I *SO* wish you'd gotten an SV next and done a mods page for it! 

[The Buddha]

Kat shock, thick fork brace, lower handle bars - I heard srinath used to make some but he's currently swamped and not replying to his messages and losing peoples carbs ... OOps did I say that out loud, SS brake lines and better pads ... better springs (progressive) and spacers in front with new seals and correct level 15 wt oil, and better tires and maybe wheels (fatter in rear and stock size tire and wheel in front with sticky rubber) .... in increasing order of likely expense not really effectiveness.
I rode a bike with all of these except fatter rear wheel and boy it it a huge and easily distinguishable gap.
Cool.
Srinath.

[pandy]

Kat shock, thick fork brace, lower handle bars - I heard srinath used to make some but he's currently swamped and not replying to his messages and losing peoples carbs ... OOps did I say that out loud

Heeeeeeeeeee's baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! 

Never thought I'd say it.....missed your crazy self!