Scrambler vs Road Suspension

[mr72]

I think the difference often is travel. On my Triumph, progressive springs are a must because there's not enough travel to have straight rate springs that are soft enough to respond to small bumps but also stiff enough to prevent bottoming over hard bumps, especially while braking. Progressive springs fix this. It's a compromise but one that works.

For road riding the GS500 has plenty of travel to prevent bottoming with straight rate springs that are still soft enough to respond to small bumps. If you are going to ride on rough roads or rutted and washboard gravel you will need stiffer springs to prevent bottoming and keep ground clearance. But a GS500 imho does not benefit from progressive springs.