my first ride..

[gunnerz101]

hey guys, I had bought my 07 GS500f a couple weeks ago. Finally got to ride it today and gotta say it was awesome..Can't wait to go out and ride again.. one thing i saw riding was the front bottomed out a couple times when i hit a pothole, i read a lot of posts on replacing the front springs, hoping someone can clarify the difference between getting progressive vs sonic springs(sorry if it was already answered), also going to replace the rear shock, probably with a Kat 600. If anyone have any other suggestions what would better my ride in terms of comfort and performance, it would be much appreciated

here are some pics i took so far of the bike..

[bassmechanicsz]

short answer for difference between the sonic springs and progressive springs are that the sonic springs are a straight rate spring and the progressives have a varying spring rate through the spring. 

[pandymai]

progressives are pretty much one size fits all (i dont think they come in varying stiffnesses), the sonic springs should be bought in relation to your size because they have varying strengths.  it all comes down to what you want to pay and how you want the ride to feel.

if anything, either way you go will give you a much better feel than the current stock springs. depending on your size, you can also try going up in fork oil weight. the stock i believe is around 10w, whereas many enjoy 15-20w fork oils

homer: im glad to see youre active today =P a bit trigger happy with the posts eh? haha

[gunnerz101]

thanks a lot for the tip, I'll try going up in fork oil and see how big a difference it makes, if its still bad i think i will go with the progressive springs.. thanks!

[pandy]

Welcome to the nuthouse, and congrats on your new bike! 

My .sig has links that show you all sorts of ideas and mods that other members have done! Keep us updated! 

[gunnerz101]

thanks pandy, will do. so far all i've done is replace the brake pads with EBC HH(front) and kevlar (rear). planning on doing more once i save up some money.

[adidasguy]

One thing I found frustrating with my GS500F 2009 is the green turn signal indicator (and the others) are impossible to see under bright sun. I got 1/2" super bright 12v LEDs at Fry's and duplicated those indicators inside the fairing just below the wind screen. Now I have indicators I can see with my peripheral vision and in bright sun. Also, I paralleled off of both turn signals so I have a left and right indicator on each side with the other 3 in between them. The nice thing about LEDs is they draw so little current that you can just parallel them with the existing lights and not have to change anything else. I also added LEDs connected to the parking lights so I can see if I turned the key too far. How often do you look at the front and back of your bike when you get off and walk away to see if it is in park? The LEDs I can see when I take the key out. No more accidentally leaving it in park to run the battery down.

[gunnerz101]

ya I'm starting to see that.. i already replaced the tach and speedo with blue LED lights, i have to reorder bulbs for the turn signal, neutral, high beam, oil lights, ordered the wrong sizes.. I actually do check the bike after i turn it off to make sure everything is off as well as the pre check before i start riding.. trying to ride safe so not trying to cut any corners in terms of riding..

[plewis51]

Congrats on the purchase. I have the same year/model. Love everything about this bike. Replacing the bulbs is a good idea that I have not done yet. Welcome!!