Fork Springs, Cheaper Emulators

Joolstacho · August 20, 2013, 03:30:23 AM

Q re: Springs.
2 mismatched springs have come out of my forks, (89 GS500E). One measures 531mm long and has a progressive wind, the other measures 511mm long and is a non-progressive wind.
My Manual shows 254mm long spring plus a long spacer. I assume later models had the longer springs and that the DHPO has put in later mismatched springs. What's the go here? I'll obviously need to get a matched set of springs but I need to keep costs down initially, maybe try to match either one of mine.

BTW has anyone tried Mikes XS Emulators in the GS? They're just like the Racetech ones but about one third the price!
Nicely made, adjustable damping, made a big improvement on my RZ (RD) Yammie.
-Jools

yamahonkawazuki · August 24, 2013, 01:13:15 PM

got pics of springs? ive used pvc spacers before to tighten down the stockers in my first gs before goin to prorgessives

Big Rich · August 24, 2013, 04:25:00 PM

If you're trying to keep costs down at the moment, just ask around for a set of stock GS500 springs. That's the first thing most people seem to yank out of their bike.......

Joolstacho · August 25, 2013, 01:09:18 AM

Yes, that's probably what I'll do, -use originals or match one of my existing springs... but I was interested in the lengths. As I said, the springs I've pulled out were MUCH longer than stock '89 types. So I'm assuming later models came with full length springs rather than the short springs with long spacers that the '89 manual specifies. I'd say that going for full length springs would be the better option.
Just want to confirm that later models DID have full length springs?
No point really in a pic, they're just springs, 30mm dia, and one is a progressive wind, i.e. the coils are wound tighter at one end.
Jools

yamahonkawazuki · August 26, 2013, 09:53:20 AM

true. i was just trying to id the springs, to suggest a match for one or the other. but as said matching one or other should be first priority. not sure on exact length though. But have used later model springs on my gs errm later model forks that is so swapping shorter for longer i dont see a problem

Joolstacho · August 26, 2013, 05:41:06 PM

Now I've got to find a wrecker who will sell me just one spring! Whaddaya reckon my chances?!

yamahonkawazuki · August 30, 2013, 08:21:48 AM

honestly id grab a pair. can always sell off the mismatched piece here and there. ( ebay or whatnot) good luck jools. hehe i know of several musicians with the name of jools.

-House

Joolstacho · September 01, 2013, 09:23:46 PM

Gotta laugh... Our biggest M/C Wrecker (VictorianMotorcycle Wreckers in Melbourne) let alone won't sell one spring, they won't even sell me a PAIR of springs, - they only will sell complete forks!
I asked them what they do with all of those bent forks that come in... got no answer to that.
Back in the day, these guys would 'go out of their way' to help, but now it's just all about the money ain't it?
Sad bastards.
-Jools

andrewf · September 02, 2013, 05:00:51 AM

bastards! There has to be springs somewhere?!

spray____ · October 02, 2013, 10:04:28 AM

Are you still looking for springs?

I remember stumbling across this thread a few weeks back. This weekend I replaced my fork springs with Sonic Springs and what do you know... 2 different spring/spacer combinations came out.

Was going to keep them for when I sell the bike, but don't imagine who would ever want 2 different spring/spacers... except maybe you.

Joolstacho · October 02, 2013, 10:26:37 PM

Ha, maybe we can make it work, amazing coincidence that you've also got a mismatched set of springs.
Here's what I have: One progressive wound spring - Length 531mm, and one spring (non progressive wind) Length - 511mm .
No spacers found in my forks.
Basically I'd like to match either one of what I have.

Either of yours in the ballpark? Whereabouts are you? Ah, Tranna, My brother lives in Montreal but probably postage costs will kill this deal off!

-Cheers, Jools

spray____ · October 04, 2013, 06:43:31 PM

Actually, mine are pretty far off that, 257mm and 341mm. Was worth a shot.

Joolstacho · October 05, 2013, 02:58:02 AM

Hey Spray, thanks for trying mate!
(Wouldn't fancy a tight downhill bend on those!!!)
-Jools

spray____ · October 05, 2013, 07:40:48 AM

Lol, you don't have to tell me!

This is my first bike (got it about 11 months ago now) and I've struggled a little bit feeling comfortable in corners. Now that I've got good springs, I realize why. Having a stiffer front makes it easier, and equal forks even more so.

I also had a hell of a time not getting thrown off the right side of the bike whenever I braked hard for a light. I tried realigning the front forks, checking my rear tire alignment, could not for the life of me figure out what was going on... but now I know!

Funniest thing is I had the fork seals and oil changed by a shop a few months back and they didn't notice. They must have done one at a time and not been looking too closely.

Joolstacho · October 05, 2013, 04:31:22 PM

That's really slack, the first thing they should do is check spring lengths while they're out.

yamahonkawazuki · October 05, 2013, 10:59:22 PM

Quote from: Joolstacho on September 01, 2013, 09:23:46 PM
Gotta laugh... Our biggest M/C Wrecker (VictorianMotorcycle Wreckers in Melbourne) let alone won't sell one spring, they won't even sell me a PAIR of springs, - they only will sell complete forks!
I asked them what they do with all of those bent forks that come in... got no answer to that.
Back in the day, these guys would 'go out of their way' to help, but now it's just all about the money ain't it?
Sad bastards.
-Jools

Dangit, I just realized, ive got 2 bent gs forks. from my first gs in 03. still having springs and oil inside. wish you weren't so far away my friend.

Joolstacho · October 06, 2013, 12:02:31 AM

Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on August 30, 2013, 08:21:48 AM
honestly id grab a pair. can always sell off the mismatched piece here and there. ( ebay or whatnot) good luck jools. hehe i know of several musicians with the name of jools.
-House

Thanks for the thought mate.

Musicians?
Moi...

http://www.whittakerdesign.com.au/guitars

News:

Fork Springs, Cheaper Emulators