2006 GS500F Front forks bottoming out.

[Nick89]

This is my brothers bike he is 6'2, 240lbs and I'm 5'9 215lbs. He had the front fork seals replaced about 6 months ago. About 3 months ago he told me that the front is bottoming out over every little bump.

I took the bike for a ride and it just feels off to me. I ride a 2011 FZ6R. The front forks bottom out on every little bump even 1 inch bumps on the road.

I believe that there is not enough fork oil in the forks. The thing is, the last time I changed fork oil was on a 1977 RD400. All that included was taking the plug off the top and taking out the petcock on the bottom.

I looked at the forks on the GS500 and there is no drain plug at the bottom of the forks.

My question is how do you change/adjust the fork oil on this bike?

[Trwhouse]

Hi there,
The topic has been covered many times here on the site.
Do a search using the site for "changing fork oil" or change fork oil or something like that.
You'll find it.

[adidasguy]

Check for changing fork springs. Nearly everyone considers the front fork springs - well - not really springs at all.
Its the soft, spongy springs, not the oil.

[Nick89]

Sorry I forgot I could search the forums

[burning1]

Fork oil affects bottoming resistance. If you feel that the oil is too low, you can measure it. Put the bike on the center stand, remove both caps, and use a magnet to pull the spacers, washers, and springs. Use a strap to compress the front wheel (must be absolutely at the top) and measure at the center point of each fork leg to determine oil height.

Stock height with stock springs is 99mm. With aftermarket springs, 120mm is a good starting point.

If the oil is fresh, no need to change it. If the oil is more than a year old, replacing it is worth while.

A proper oil replacement job means removing the forks from the bike, draining them, and re-filling them. It doesn't actually take very long - about an afternoon of work.

[noiseguy]

Gah. Swap the stock springs out. I weigh 170# and I was bottoming the bike out on things.

[tricky]

I put in .9 kg/mm fork springs a few months back. No more bottoming out... ever

[ghostrider_23]

Who's got the video on changing fork springs out???

I'm pretty sure one of our senior members did a video but I can't remember who.

This will be my next upgrade too as I am sick of the bike sinking forward when using the front brake anytime.

[Tombstones81]

Who's got the video on changing fork springs out???

I'm pretty sure one of our senior members did a video but I can't remember who.

This will be my next upgrade too as I am sick of the bike sinking forward when using the front brake anytime.

also one of my upgrades to be purchased Friday or 2 weeks from then.
http://www.powersportsuperstore.com/Progressive-Suspension-Fork-Spring-11-1128-p/4072684.htm?Click=35177
^^ cheapest I can find.

heres a link of the how to, but not a video
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

[ghostrider_23]

Nice link and thanks, I'm not sure if I will go with the progressive springs as I was thinking about the Sonic ones.

What made you want to go with the progressive ones???

Also, after looking/reading the link I have an oil change pump I use for boat motors that has a long skinny hose. I bet I could use it and not have to take the forks off to drain them.

[Tombstones81]

Just what I was told to go with.
and I already took alot of time searching for the cheapest ones, so im not in the mood to go lookin all over for another type. hahaha

not that im being cheap, just that im already spending $140 on other parts on Friday and want to see if I can fit springs in there too.
Still have bills and some xmas presents to buy.

I actually hardly ever had a problem with stock springs.
only when I hit a Big bump, but I usually see those coming.
I think I only bottomed out or hit something hard enough to notice, probably less then 5 or 6 times.
But they are the stock springs as I had them out for quite awhile.

But thats only my first year riding, so I rode cautiously.
Next year I plan to let loose a lil bit but not act like a Squid.

and since I trust certain members suggestions on this site, didnt think twice at looking for something else. 

(edit)
and for the topic poster. http://beergarage.com/GSForks.aspx

[Nick89]

Thanks for all the replys gentlemen.

I have a new problem however.

[adidasguy]

As a cheap-o temporary thing to try, add in an inch and a half spacer for more pre-load. In the forks I've taken apart, I found a few had an aluminum spacer added in. I suppose you could get come PVC and cut it longer than the metal spacer for more pre-load. Sonic Springs sends you a piece of PVC for the spacers, so it is safe to put in there. Use a ratchet plastic pipe cutter or clean it really well so you don't have plastic bits in there from sawing it.

[Nick89]

As a cheap-o temporary thing to try, add in an inch and a half spacer for more pre-load. In the forks I've taken apart, I found a few had an aluminum spacer added in. I suppose you could get come PVC and cut it longer than the metal spacer for more pre-load. Sonic Springs sends you a piece of PVC for the spacers, so it is safe to put in there. Use a ratchet plastic pipe cutter or clean it really well so you don't have plastic bits in there from sawing it.

Thanks for the idea.

[Dr.McNinja]

Gah. Swap the stock springs out. I weigh 170# and I was bottoming the bike out on things.

I weight 150 and find it hard to bottom out the stock suspension unless I hit a dip going excessively fast. Most of my gripes with the suspension is it WILL pogo stick on you which makes it hard to do anything fun on the bike.

I'm curious, do you ride your bike sitting on your handlebars?

[noiseguy]

I weight 150 and find it hard to bottom out the stock suspension unless I hit a dip going excessively fast. Most of my gripes with the suspension is it WILL pogo stick on you which makes it hard to do anything fun on the bike.

I'm curious, do you ride your bike sitting on your handlebars?

Not usually. I find that riding that way makes it hard to get the proper wrist angle on the throttle and brakes.

I was bottoming out on basically any ramp into anything... driveways, parking lots, etc. Bottoming out during any part of my ride is unacceptable... hard on components, bad in terms of vehicle dynamics. Brake dive was also excessive with stock springs. Swapping out the springs for a better straight rate was the best modification I did to this bike.

This rider outweighs me by 70#. While the newer springs are stiffer on his bike, I can see why he might be having issues with his setup.