The GS is notorious for a squishy suspension...

[noiseguy]

And I learned something new about checking the oil level... I had it completely wrong...

[jmelchio]

Along the lines of this discussion. I too suffered from squishy front springs. I got a set of HyperPro progressive springs and they come with 15W oil. Installed them last weekend and I'm very happy with the results. No more diving when braking and much improved handling in general. Oil level at 140mm below with fully compressed inner fork tube as per instructions that come with the springs. It also states to make sure spring and bushing etc. are removed when measuring.

I also got a new rear spring but I haven't gotten around to installing that one yet. I don't have the spring compression tool so I'll have to remove the rear shock and spring and get it to a shop to replace the spring for me unless my neighbor finds his compression tool in time .

Some pictures of the operation here http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmelchio/sets/72157627094024057/

[chilloutdamnit]

It must be nice to have a garage to work in. I replaced my springs on the sidewalk. 

[GSnoober]

Along the lines of this discussion. I too suffered from squishy front springs. I got a set of HyperPro progressive springs and they come with 15W oil. Installed them last weekend and I'm very happy with the results. No more diving when braking and much improved handling in general. Oil level at 140mm below with fully compressed inner fork tube as per instructions that come with the springs. It also states to make sure spring and bushing etc. are removed when measuring.

I also got a new rear spring but I haven't gotten around to installing that one yet. I don't have the spring compression tool so I'll have to remove the rear shock and spring and get it to a shop to replace the spring for me unless my neighbor finds his compression tool in time .

Some pictures of the operation here http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmelchio/sets/72157627094024057/

You do NOT need a fancy spring compressor to change your shock spring; ben2go has instructions on how to assemble a home-made shock-spring compressor that should work for you. I used something similar (though larger and bulkier) the first time I disassembled a (damaged) shock about 25+/- years ago, but his version is even cheaper and simpler to construct, so you might want to consider this.

Note to The Buddha: hey man, any chance you could make this a sticky in the FAQ section?

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=41239.0

Just a suggestion... but placing those instructions in the FAQ would make it easier for everyone to find it in the future, and ben2go would probably buy you a beer... or two... or one of your frankenbikes... you just never know.

EDIT: TO FIX THE STUPID LINK! (my fault entirely...)

[jmelchio]

@chilloutdamnit Yes the garage is nice, it was too hot to work outside in the sun so I would have picked another day if I had to work on the curb.

@GSnoober I found the post you mentioned and that looks very easy to assemble. I'll give that a try. Thanks for the tip!

[GSnoober]

Hope that tool helps you, but all credit goes to ben2go; all I did was POST THE WRONG LINK! (though I've changed it now, so everyone else should have an easier time finding it).

be sure to follow the safety precautions ben2go posted, unless you think getting a glass eye or two will help you pick up women... as for me, I look like Quasimodo's older brother, so nothing will help...