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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Stoobings on July 07, 2004, 06:23:05 PM

Title: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: Stoobings on July 07, 2004, 06:23:05 PM
I've noticed when I corner at  high speeds i get a slight wobble in the front end.  Kinda like a pulsing feeling, very slight but enough to make me freak out and slow down.  It seems to be related to speed, and not so much lean angle.  I was just wondering if anyone with more experience than me knows what I'm talking about.  I was guessing it has something to do with the quality of the suspension parts.   :dunno:
Title: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: cernunos on July 07, 2004, 06:32:11 PM
Pulsing...rythmic type of throbbing...intermittent? What's high speed? How old are the tires, what shape are the wheel bearings in, are the trees tight?
Every time I had an instability while cornering it was my tires. But you love that bike don't ya...I know I do and I love this forum also.

Cernunos
Title: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: Kerry on July 07, 2004, 08:21:39 PM
Good point about the tires.  Have you checked your air pressure lately?

33 psi front, 36 psi rear

You might be surprised...!
Title: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: scratch on July 08, 2004, 07:47:05 AM
Or a warped front brake disc.
Title: Re: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: katfan97 on July 08, 2004, 08:27:46 AM
Quote from: StoobingsI've noticed when I corner at  high speeds i get a slight wobble in the front end.  Kinda like a pulsing feeling, very slight but enough to make me freak out and slow down.  It seems to be related to speed, and not so much lean angle.  I was just wondering if anyone with more experience than me knows what I'm talking about.  I was guessing it has something to do with the quality of the suspension parts.   :dunno:

Similar problem yet different.  My problem is that going over speed bumps, even at low speed, my fork seems to "bottom out".  Has anyone had this problem?  Any ideas on how to fix?
Title: Re: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: raylarrabee on July 08, 2004, 08:39:27 AM
Quote from: katfan97Similar problem yet different.  My problem is that going over speed bumps, even at low speed, my fork seems to "bottom out".  Has anyone had this problem?  Any ideas on how to fix?

I weigh 220, and mine bottoms out when I drive over a shadow on the road :dunno:

The stock shocks are just whimpy, no two ways about it.

Got my progressive springs and Kat 600 shock in the mail this week, so those problems should be over soon!  Now all I need to do is learn how to ride the darn thing better...
Title: Crappy suspension maybe?
Post by: Hi-T on July 08, 2004, 09:00:26 AM
Katfan- Congrats- your gs is perfectly normal!!  Sad to say but true- the gs is under sprung.  However, if you feel that it is bottoming TOO easily, you may want to check the fork oil level.  By the way- if you haven't already- go buy a manual.

The best fix, Buy a set of progressive springs (do a search) and that will dramatically improve handling.

As far as the first subject- there's alot it could be but remember to Keep it Simple and only fix one thing at a time.  I'd start with tire pressure, tire inspection (is tire wear even?), rim inspection, brake rotor inspection, inspect related bolts and check for tightness.  Visually check the forks for straightness.  Then get the front wheel off the ground and the bike stable and push, pull and shake the forks and front wheel and see if you get any play.  If all is good- I'd then recommend taking the front wheel and having it ballanced....  

You may also want to check your rear wheel and make sure all is good there (wheel alignment, any damage, pressure) too.  I don't know how rear wheel problems translate through the bike....

Good luck- hope this dribble helps.