Upgrade to progressive front springs worth it?

[Gongal66]

Hello everyone.

Just a quick question. Im thinking in upgrade the suspension in my GS500, gonna go the route of the R6 rear shock and new progressive front springs. Do you think is a worth upgrade? Total cost of all parts will be around 200€, and the bike is well maintained so no problem in that regard.

[ShowBizWolf]

IMO it depends on your riding style, weight, how often you carry a passenger and/or cargo etc.

I personally do not ride very aggressively but I weigh ~170lbs with gear and I do like taking a passenger with me from time to time... so I did upgrade the front springs to Sonics, according to my weight, and I currently have the SV shock installed. Once upon a time I had the R6 shock in my bike and it was nice... but again, this depends on your specific set of circumstances whether it is worth it for you or not.

If you haven't seen this already, check out this thread I made years ago... it shows what people's specs are and what they did to make the bike fit their needs:
https://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php/topic,69391.0.html

[Gongal66]

IMO it depends on your riding style, weight, how often you carry a passenger and/or cargo etc.

I personally do not ride very aggressively but I weigh ~170lbs with gear and I do like taking a passenger with me from time to time... so I did upgrade the front springs to Sonics, according to my weight, and I currently have the SV shock installed. Once upon a time I had the R6 shock in my bike and it was nice... but again, this depends on your specific set of circumstances whether it is worth it for you or not.

If you haven't seen this already, check out this thread I made years ago... it shows what people's specs are and what they did to make the bike fit their needs:
https://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php/topic,69391.0.html

Thank you! I was not aware of that post, really helpful

[ShowBizWolf]

You're very welcome

When I did my suspension changes, I found this video really helpful in regards to setting it up properly. Maybe it could help you too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtzTyCKh5fY

[cbrfxr67]

Definitely for me.  I wouldn't think twice to do the springs.

[Trwhouse]

Yes, I think progressives are the only way to go on any GS500.
The stock springs are literally a joke and provide little help.
Progressives make the bike ride better, steer better, and work better.
It's the first and best upgrade and it is not expensive or hard to do.
Good quality fork oil is also a must when you do the springs.
Good luck and if you need help, just ask.
Best wishes,
Trwhouse 

[herennow]

Depending on how many miles your bike has, also consider replacing the fork seals and the fork bushes at the same time. Get it all done in one shot and don't go back in there for another 20 years. Except for draining the oil, I wish they had little drain screws on the bottom of the forks like my triumphs do.....

[Gongal66]

Thank you everyone for the answers.

I replaced the stock springs with a Hyperpro progessive kit, new oil of course and new seals. Now handles better than new, much better ride for sure. 100% recommended.