Hard suspension

[OhDot]

When I picked up my 2002 my front forks were bottoming out all the time.  I picked up a new pair of progressive springs and had my mechanic throw them in for me. (yes, i paid some other guy to do it  ) I still find from time to time on the bigger bumps they will bottom out.  Any ideas?

[Kasumi]

They may bottom out on really big bumps or ruts in the road thats normal. However most of the stuff you meet you should cope with fine. Did you get the correct ones for your weight etc... also you could try thicker oil.

[OhDot]

I just ordered progressive springs for a 2002 GS500.  They didn't ask any more questions.  Basically they most commonly bottom out when I am going into driveways that have a curb and an upward grade from the street.  Normal bumps in the road don't seem to have an appreciable effect.  I get around it by going over the curb VERY SLOWLY.

[porsche4786]

i installed mine (myself, very easy to do) I didn't change the oil or anything, and it was a huge improvement over stock. never bottomed out again.

[CirclesCenter]

I'm just really curious, I want to know what is causing this.

It sounds like bottoming, or bent/binding something. (Even though you say it isn't bottoming the words "Kick in the nads" make me think it is.)

Ok I ride on racing weight springs with 15w oil. And I can nail anything and I don't get even a decent whack out of it.

Oh BTW, stock GS springs are ideal FOR A 55LB RIDER. So you might be bottoming...

[SuperSanka]

Do I have the wrong definition of bottoming? For those of a stock GS, when you see a large unavoidalble bump on the highway, when you hit it do you feel as if you will almost lose control of the bike??

I thought I understood bottoming to be diving so far that you lose traction.
Please explain. Thanks!

[scratch]

Bottoming is when you hit the hard stop of your suspension travel.  Or, you coil bind the springs.  Bottoming out your suspension also means you're using up all of your suspension travel.

This is why setting sag is so important.

What is your current sag on the front forks?  Measure from the top of the dust seal, on the fork leg (slider), to the bottom of the lower triple clamp.  And, then measure the same with the front wheel off the ground.

Then have someone else measure with you on the bike (with the front wheel back on the ground).

Give us the numbers

[SuperSanka]

Ok but how do i get the front wheel off the ground?

[l3uddha]

did you open up the forks yet?
my guess is that you're on stock springs & no spacers

[scratch]

If he's on stock springs with no spacers, not even stock spacers, then yes, I can see the ride being kinda harsh (the bike would be on the stops all the time).

Super - 13 and a half inch 2x4 block of wood.  See here: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=27361.0

[porsche4786]

or you can buy a stand... http://www.pit-bull.com/

[SuperSanka]

Just to update- you were all right, Stock suspension. My balls still hurt but I am buying progressive springs. Thanks for the help.