Race Tech or Sonic Springs

[bucks1605]

I'm looking into upgrading the springs in my front forks. I either want to go with race tech or sonic springs. They're the same price, so are there any major performance differences? Which brand do you think I should go with?

[RVertigo]

I thought the whole advantage of sonic springs was that they're cheaper... 

What do I know, I have progressives. 

[bucks1605]

I thought the whole advantage of sonic springs was that they're cheaper... 

What do I know, I have progressives. 

Yeah that's what I've heard, but I found both for $79.99.

[galahs]

I went the sonics because they were cheaper (at the time) and they shipped to Australia.

I think new front springs are the best upgrade I have done to my bike.

I went 0.85mm/kg and am very happy with the balance of comfort and handling.

No more bottoming out, no more diving under brakes!!!

I weigh 75kg 

[darb85]

I went the sonics because they were cheaper (at the time) and they shipped to Australia.

I think new front springs are the best upgrade I have done to my bike.

I went 0.85mm/kg and am very happy with the balance of comfort and handling.

No more bottoming out, no more diving under brakes!!!

I weigh 75kg 

thats like 10 pounds right?  

If you found both for the same price id go with race tech only because of the name but springs are springs in my mind.

[galahs]

I have no idea what that is in imperial 

Join the metric system yanks, you'll love it! 

[bucks1605]

I went the sonics because they were cheaper (at the time) and they shipped to Australia.

I think new front springs are the best upgrade I have done to my bike.

I went 0.85mm/kg and am very happy with the balance of comfort and handling.

No more bottoming out, no more diving under brakes!!!

I weigh 75kg 

If you found both for the same price id go with race tech only because of the name but springs are springs in my mind.

10 pounds   I think that's about right.
race tech is what I was kinda partial towards

I'm tired of hitting a little bump and feeling that bottoming out, I'm looking forward to the better handling as well.  

How was the install? I read a how to in the faq. I'm a pretty competant (sp) DIY, you think I'll be fine?

[bucks1605]

I have no idea what that is in imperial 

Join the metric system yanks, you'll love it! 

Seriously, our system of measurment is a joke.

[galahs]

The install is easy. Even a shiela that knows one end of a hammer from the other could do it.

Basically just remove your handle bars

Remove the fork caps slowly with a spanner/socket wrench. Becareful they'll shoot off if you don't hold them.

Remove the spacer, fish out the springs with a bent clothes hanger
(if you want change the oil. I pumped mine out and replaced it with 10 weight oil)

Cut the spacer to size.

Reinstal new spring, new spacer

Reinstall cap. (Don't cross thead the cap!!!!!)

Reinstall the handlebars.

Enjoy!

[bucks1605]

The install is easy. Even a shiela that knows one end of a hammer from the other could do it.

Basically just remove your handle bars

Remove the fork caps slowly with a spanner/socket wrench. Becareful they'll shoot off if you don't hold them.

Remove the spacer, fish out the springs with a bent clothes hanger
(if you want change the oil. I pumped mine out and replaced it with 10 weight oil)

Cut the spacer to size.

Reinstal new spring, new spacer

Reinstall cap. (Don't cross thead the cap!!!!!)

Reinstall the handlebars.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the hot to.

That's funny my moms name is sheila, maybe I'll get her to install them. 

[coll0412]

you ordering from indysuperbike cause if you are I found them  .....just kidding

Anyways I would go racetech, they are better quality in terms of accuracy and the spacing material is a little nicer

[genEricStL]

I got the Sonics (not installed yet) due primarily to the fact that they're straight rate springs and will be a little more predictable . They make a good point on their website about front shocks already having a progressive rate due to the oil in them , so adding progressive-rate springs would make it real soft at first , then get more and more stiff as you go along (like in hard cornering) altering the bike's geometry little by little the further you get into the turn . I'd much rather use my brake/throttle to change the geometry as needed personally ... but then again , i'm still learning about all this hehe
Did ya know there was a GS500 Wiki !!!  

[Alphamazing]

I went with RaceTechs for the higher quality and closer tolerances, as well as I didn't know the Sonics existed. Now that I've seen the Sonics, I'd still go with RaceTech because they are wider spaced coils (less chance of binding or having the coils touch), and they are lighter, while still maintaining a stiffer spring rate. Personal preference, really.

[bucks1605]

you ordering from indysuperbike cause if you are I found them  .....just kidding

Anyways I would go racetech, they are better quality in terms of accuracy and the spacing material is a little nicer

Yep thats the site.

[bucks1605]

Alright you guys have convinced me, I'm going with the race techs. I used the calculator thing to see what springs I need and it said .80KG/MM. I weigh about 180, I'm assuming this is what I should go with.

[genEricStL]

You weigh 180 yourself , or with all your gear on ? I read that you should go by your weight , plus gear , and then go up one spring size . I'm 210 , about 220 with jacket and helmet , assumed the bike was approx 400lbs wet , and I went with the .95 Sonics

[bucks1605]

176 last doctor visit, so I'm assuming 185/190 with gear?  I'll try that thing again, there were a couple different ones.

[genEricStL]

Can anyone verify the whole "go one spring size heavier" thing ? I don't want to mislead ya bro 

[bucks1605]

I was thinking either .80 or .85 at the most. The calculator gave me llike .795 something. I'm gonna try it again and go with a more accurate weight. Do you know the weight of the bike with a full tank?

[genEricStL]

I do believe a stock GS is right at 400lbs wet (oil/gas/battery)