The "Rider Specs + Suspension Mods = Success" Thread

[Sassy]

Thanks! Yeah, I knew I'd lost a certain amount, but didn't realize it was still dropping off. Guess I was focused on a bunch of other things, though my clothes *seemed* to be getting bigger. 
I'm sure suspension firmness is rather subjective, too. I guess it all comes down to everything being juuust right (in my mind) and I'm happy with the ride.

[ShowBizWolf]

Bump for March !!

[ShowBizWolf]

It's-almost-officially-summer bump! Anyone doing anything new? I'm considering an R6 shock...

[user11235813]

hey SBW I'm close to your height and weight so there you go. I'm liking the gs a lot more now that I've got the battlax 45's on and it goes around corners like it's supposed to. So now I want to make it better, I am seriously tempted with that stain tune I posted in the other thread https://staintune.com.au/collections/suzuki/products/suzuki-gs500-2003#content I'm impressed with the sound and that they reckon there's another 4hp in it, which is about 10% of the bike. We put a Dyna on our S40 savage and now my GS sounds a bit wimpy. I like that it has an easy to removed baffle. Also going to go for a reshaped seat from http://custommotorcycleseats.com.au and some sonic springs in the front, then maybe an R6. I can highly recommend the GIVI E460N top case, comes off easy and fit's in with the look of the bike, I don't like the latest givis, they look too much like something from The Jetsons.

[ShowBizWolf]

Looking through my own thread here and wondering what settings on my R6 shock will end up being the best for me.

Looked up an owners manual for the R6 bike online and set the shock to standard everything to begin with (except the preload, which is currently set at 1... I'm thinking because of my weight I'll start there).

If anybody else has the shock (or even if you don't lol!) and wants to add their information to the thread, I think that would be really awesome!

Or any tips to help me (and other people) better understand how to set up a shock

[BockinBboy]

I'd bet you'll end up closer to 4 on the preload - it's not that much stiffer than stock - what's nice is how much adjustment you get than just preload. It's incredible when you zero in on your damping. Does wonders for ride comfort and stability.

Take your time setting up suspension. Be sure to have someone help you to get measurements.

Lots of good articles out there regarding rear suspension adjustment - although, Showbiz, I'm sure you've been reading - as you sound like me when pulling the trigger on a project.

- Bboy


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[ShowBizWolf]

Omg, true story!! I do so much reading and searching and googling etc before I make a purchase or work on something I haven't done before... sometimes I feel like I end up spending more time reading and gathering info than it takes to actually complete whatever it is I wanted to do LOL 

Was just reading a suspension article online last night at work... but I don't have nearly the amount of down-time there as I used to... which is a good thing, don't get me wrong haha!

[BockinBboy]

Lol - I do the exact same thing. Heck, that's why I found GSTwins and stuck around - there was so much I hadn't done regarding bikes before I purchased my GS

- Bboy


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[ShowBizWolf]

Bump for anyone who wants to update their info (as I did) or for anyone new who wants to add!

[alpo]

If you can fit an R6 shock it would be a win. Adjustable compression and rebound damping make a significant difference in handling. Plus the spring can be replaced with one suitable for your weight. It's an additional expense, but getting the correct spring is the first step.

[ShowBizWolf]

Woah haha I forgot how much of a different direction this thread started to go than what I originally intended....

Thank you for the reply, alpo! I'm hoping to get this thread back to how it started. Would you be interested in sharing your rider specs with your suspension mods? Check out the entries on the first page of the thread to see what I mean.

[alpo]

You are most welcome. 

I have not made any suspension mods on mine. It's a matter of having the time.  I've done plenty on the other bikes. The biggest bang-for-da-buck is changing the springs to suit your weight. The GS500 is apparently at a disadvantage because the available information says the shock spring can't be changed. Changing it may be possible; I have not taken mine off to look at it.

[Cincykz]

2004 gs500f - crashed/abused parked for 10 years. Naked now

I am 6' and 195 lbs dry

Bridgestone s20 evos 140 rear

Sonic springs .90, spacer cut per instructions, 15w oil with factory air gap
Fresh fork rubbers
Chuck fork brace
Galfer steel braided line
EBC HH pads
Just ordered a cheap 1 1/4" rise aluminum bar, not yet installed

Very pleased with the front end, except I think the bars are a hair too high, but the new bar should combat that. Was thinking clipons, but wanted to try an intermediate step first. From the factory I dont think the bike puts enough weight on the front tire for taller folks. The bike will stoppie.

Rear end is controlled by a newer model (06?) Katana 750 remote reservoir shock. I had to clearance the swingarm a little bit to fit it.  The actual hose barb for the reservoir fits fine, and the reservoir fit neatly attached to the left side subframe behind the tail plastic. I gave it a couple wraps of tire tube and used a pair of zip ties, orienting the adjuster up. A flathead can adjust it with the seat off, and it can't be seen. The shock itself is nice and looks sharp through the bike

The rear is pretty stiff. It's also raised a bit from stock, which suits me.  My riding style is fairly fast, and the bike is super nimble. The rear gets chattery over washboard bumps, but takes big hits well because it won't bottom. On smooth twisty roads it's great. Cornering clearance is up quite a bit over stock because of the ride height. (I also have tidier pegs). I still have to dial the shock in.  If you're a big guy riding fast (relatively, it's a gs) I think it could work well for you. If you weigh 155 lbs, I think it will beat you up, and probably be detrimental to mid corner traction on choppy road.

Also, you must run your chain looser or it will bind with this shock. Go 5 or 10mm over stock loose spec. A binding chain can cause major parts failures or traction loss. Once you adjust it, check it under a variety of conditions and make sure you always have some slack. Your D.I.D. limiting wheel travel is a recipe for disaster.

I threw on a new used rear rotor because the one on it was grooved terribly and pads had no friction material left. Got sixity ceramic touring pads too, like $6 on ebay. Left the mushy rubber rear line. Not a big fan of rear wheel skids. I like this setup for the rear. Not a lot of bite, but easy to modulate. They squeel a bit, but I don't find it offensive. You probably wouldn't hear it over loud exhaust.

Overall pleased with my setup. Not a lot of miles yet but my corner speed is as high as on any of my roadburners past, maybe faster. Sticky radials were a big help too. 

[ShowBizWolf]

Thank you so much for adding your info here! These are the kinds of things I wanted for this thread.

The chain advice is perfect IMO, I learned that kind of stuff the hard way (a better way of explaining it eludes me at this moment lol) after installing the R6 shock and after swapping it for the SV shock.

[chris900f]

2005 GS500F, 1065km

165lbs in gear.

Tires: stock Bridgestones

Front: Progressive springs, 15w Bel Ray, 34mm preload spacer. (I might end up softening the preload a bit)

Rear: 2011 R6, preload @ 2, all other settings=Yamaha stock. I could probably get away with preload @ 1 and increase the compression dampening,
          but for now the front and rear seem well balanced.

Still working on settings, but I consider these changes to be a huge improvement. Most rides consist of a mix of "b" roads, smooth highway and stop n' go city.