Springs and seat

[Ohenry]

I have a 2001 and was looking to upgrade my front springs to progressive springs who makes the best? Does anyone make a replacement to this hard seat? Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Blake

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=23955.0
See Post #5 (I searched "buy progressive springs")

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=20852.0

[aaronstj]

Corbin seats are supposed to be pretty nice: http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/gs500e.shtml

[Alphamazing]

Corbin seats are supposed to be pretty nice: http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/gs500e.shtml

He's got an '01. There aren't any aftermarket options for the '01+ bikes, sadly.

[aaronstj]

Oh, you got me.  I didn't think there would be a differnce, so I wasn't paying attention.

If you've got more money than you know what to do with, you can get custom seats made (I believe RG did), or just go with the gel pad route like Alpha suggests.

[Alphamazing]

Oh, you got me.  I didn't think there would be a differnce, so I wasn't paying attention.

If you've got more money than you know what to do with, you can get custom seats made (I believe RG did), or just go with the gel pad route like Alpha suggests.

Custom seats are ~$200, but are fantastic, from what I hear.

Also, aaron, you wern't paying attention again, were you? That wasn't me.

[aaronstj]

Damn Red Robot.  I never read the names, just look at the pretty pictures.

[manofthefield]

Ya never know, you may be able to get Corbin to make you a seat for free or just the cost of parts if they can copy it and start selling seats for the 01+ GS500 and GS500F

[Cal Amari]

Corbin seats are not even close to comfortable, but most people eventually get accustomed to them after about 10K miles or so. I bought one for my FZR600, but really didn't like it, so I sold the FZR to a short friend and bought a CBR600 instead, which was more comfortable with the stock seat than the FZR was with either the stock or Corbin seat.

For an alternative to buying a custom seat, check this link:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Seats.html

Scroll down to the section titled, "Modify your stock seat"; you'll find a good step-by-step set of instructions that will show you how to improve the stock seat for less than ~$50.

The seat in the photos is from a Suzuki DL650, and I think it came out nice. I haven't done this mod yet, but it is one of those projects I intend to do sooner rather than later.

[Mandres]

For an alternative to buying a custom seat, check this link:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Seats.html

Scroll down to the section titled, "Modify your stock seat"; you'll find a good step-by-step set of instructions that will show you how to improve the stock seat for less than ~$50.

The seat in the photos is from a Suzuki DL650, and I think it came out nice. I haven't done this mod yet, but it is one of those projects I intend to do sooner rather than later.

That looks like a neat idea.  They used an awfully small piece of foam though: 4"x6".  Does anybody know where to buy a bigger chunk of the Tempur Foam material?

[GeeP]

Aircraft Spruce and Wicks Aircraft Supply sell it in 18" squares.  The pink stuff is about the right density, with a layer of green underneath.  A layer of yellow on top will help keep you in place.

You'll think you're riding on something made by Rolls Royce.   

http://www.wicksaircraft.com

Wicks part#:

Yellow (softest):  19016
Pink (soft):  19017
Blue (medium):  19018
Green (firm):  19019

[Mandres]

cool, thanks!  Definitely something to think about

[Ohenry]

I weigh 190lbs and was looking for new fork springs. I looked at progressive and race tech. Progressive are cheaper but will they really help?
Also Race tech shows FRSP S293890 RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .90kg $109.99
and the put a Fork Emulator Kit  FEGV S3801 $159.00

Is FRSP S293890 RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .90kg $109.99 for 1 or both? Do you need to buy the emulator? The only thing I want to have is a nice ride that doesn't dive all the time. What to do...

[Ohenry]

As for the seat I have had a few dirtbikes in the past and after I replaced the seat cover I picked up a staple gun from Home Depot and man that thing did not even get close to breaking into the hard plastic of the seat. I had to use a whole lot of glue and a hammer! Crazy right? At any rate I picked up new foam which was harder that the stock and when I called the manufacturer they said to slice a few slits in the foam and it did not help. You would think that at 190lbs I would have some meat in the rear but I don't.

Ohenry

[Ohenry]

Here is what my local Racetech guy says,

"The price for the fork springs is for the pair, and yes, you should have the emulators installed.  The Race Tech springs are straight rate and are much better than progressive springs."

$268+ wow!

I just don't want the front end to dive so much. I think I might try the heavier weight oil and the progressive springs for $65.30 plus what a bit of pvc and some oil?

Any suggestions would be nice....

Thanks!
Ohenry

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I wanna know WTF he's thinking saying the straight rates are better than the progressives...

[Alphamazing]

I wanna know WTF he's thinking saying the straight rates are better than the progressives...

They are if you want predictable spring movement. For sheer sport performance straight rate are the way to go, especially for track days and ESPECIALLY for racing.

[Toledo Jim]

Here is what my local Racetech guy says, ----

I wanna know WTF he's thinking saying the straight rates are better than the progressives...

And you expect him to say somebody elses product is better?  He IS a salesman. 

[Ohenry]

OK got it thanks! Progressive for everyday riding.

Thanks!

Ohenry

[Ohenry]

Look if anyone lives near Corbin and has a 2001 gs500 please give them your seat for 2 weeks and they will make a mold out of it so they can sell it to the rest of us with bike bottom blues! 
After hunting for gel that I can remove my seat cover and insert the gel then cut the gel (NASTY JOB!)
I went cheap! Look at this..
http://www.mototour.us/technical/seatpads.htm

I went with his suggestion picked up the Trico painkiller saddle pad - large $28.00 from REI item# 6556590013
11 x 11.2 inches

Part two the Progressive springs for $65.00 for everyday use 

It took me and my son 45 minutes to install them and can I say I could not have done it without his help. The center stand is not well.. Centered! He sat on the passenger seat while I attacked the front end.

Thanks to all and I will let you know about this silly looking seat!

Ohenry