GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: mike_mike on June 14, 2006, 03:28:09 PM

Title: New progressive springs!
Post by: mike_mike on June 14, 2006, 03:28:09 PM
forget the performance improvements... the bike feels so much safer now while braking!

:cheers:

The bike also got a rejet, so combined with the new springs, it is a much nicer ride now, highly reccomend upgrading the springs if you haven't done so already.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: RVertigo on June 15, 2006, 11:42:35 AM
 :thumb:  Gotta love 'em!
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Queso on June 15, 2006, 12:20:24 PM
I got my springs, they're just on my list to install  :thumb:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: LizardQueen on June 15, 2006, 06:40:19 PM
I just got my bike back from the stealership where I had them install the Progressive springs that I had bought last year but never had time to install.

WOW. What a difference it makes. The fork seals were pretty much shot too, and the bike would to bottom out bad when I couldn't avoid a pothole, and would nosedive in a big way on braking.

It's like a different bike now, with new seals, oil, and springs. 

There are some bumpy twisties near my house that gave me the willies because the bike felt so unstable through them before I had the springs done.
I came through them on the way home from picking the bike up tonight and realized that I cranked through them at about 20 mph faster than I usually felt safe to go and the bike didn't even twitch.

I'm glad I had the dealer do it, too. I was going to do it myself but since we have no garage to work on it in and all it does is rain up here I figured I'd rather be riding than have it apart in the driveway on the few nice days we have, so I bit the bullet and paid for it.

Next is the Katana shock, that I'll do myself.

LQ
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 09:54:43 PM
How much does it cost for the springs? And where do you get em?
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 15, 2006, 09:58:04 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Progressive-Fork-Springs-Pair-18-28-111138-04029_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQitemZ4612582314QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 10:10:43 PM
What about those race springs?
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 15, 2006, 10:18:56 PM
Quote from: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 10:10:43 PM
What about those race springs?

http://www.racetech.com/evalving/menu/searchstreet.asp
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 10:27:18 PM
On the RaceTech site...what do i order? All i get is a big list of parts, but i don't see any springs
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 15, 2006, 10:46:09 PM
Quote from: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 10:27:18 PM
On the RaceTech site...what do i order? All i get is a big list of parts, but i don't see any springs

http://www.racetech.com/evalving/SpringRateCalculation/dirtspring.asp?brand=Suzuki&yr=01-03&ml=GS500&formuse=form1&SpringType=Fork

Find out what weight springs you need, then order the corresponding part.

I needed .8kg/mm springs, FRSP S293880 | RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .80kg
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on June 15, 2006, 11:14:15 PM
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Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: galahs on June 16, 2006, 02:44:52 AM
If only they shipped to Australia :(

I hate searching for bike stuff over here. Such a pain in the bum!
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: bubba zanetti on June 16, 2006, 03:25:26 AM
Quote from: galahs on June 16, 2006, 02:44:52 AM
If only they shipped to Australia :(

I hate searching for bike stuff over here. Such a pain in the bum!

I'm on the hunt for springs, I'll let you know what I find out.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 16, 2006, 06:58:02 AM
Quote from: Wrecent_Wryder on June 15, 2006, 11:14:15 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 15, 2006, 10:46:09 PM
Quote from: melloGS on June 15, 2006, 10:27:18 PM
On the RaceTech site...what do i order? All i get is a big list of parts, but i don't see any springs

http://www.racetech.com/evalving/SpringRateCalculation/dirtspring.asp?brand=Suzuki&yr=01-03&ml=GS500&formuse=form1&SpringType=Fork

Find out what weight springs you need, then order the corresponding part.

I needed .8kg/mm springs, FRSP S293880 | RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .80kg


You've posted that link before, but, then and now, this is all I get, no matter what weight I enter, in either IE or FireFox:

Rider Weight: 150 lbs.
Recommended Spring Rate: n/a kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): kg/mm (stock)
No Spring Series available for your bike.
Please call technical support (951)279-6655 for help.

_________________________________

Later- it sets a cookie storing your bike model/year in an earlier page. You have to go in through the front... and it's not easy to find that way.


Ahhhh, mmkay, so go through http://www.racetech.com/evalving/menu/searchstreet.asp that link to find the GS500, then plug in your numbers.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: rangerbrown on June 16, 2006, 07:17:23 AM
Rider Weight: 220 lbs.
Recommended Spring Rate: n/a kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): kg/mm (stock)
No Spring Series available for your bike.
Please call technical support (951)279-6655 for help.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 16, 2006, 07:26:08 AM
Quote from: rangerbrown on June 16, 2006, 07:17:23 AM
Rider Weight: 220 lbs.
Recommended Spring Rate: n/a kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): kg/mm (stock)
No Spring Series available for your bike.
Please call technical support (951)279-6655 for help.


You have to navigate the menus in the second link I gave to get to the 01-03 GS500 (They are all the same). After that click the big text that says Custom Fork Spring Calculation and Availible Rates and proceed from there.

rangerbrown - your reccomended usage for street is .857 kg/mm.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Chuck on June 16, 2006, 08:40:14 AM
The funny thing is that at Race Tech, you have to say you weigh 45 lbs in order to use the stock springs. :)

It's also funny that I'm still using my stock springs because I can't decide whether I want Race Techs or Progressives.  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: galahs on June 16, 2006, 08:59:37 AM
Quote from: bubba zanetti on June 16, 2006, 03:25:26 AM
Quote from: galahs on June 16, 2006, 02:44:52 AM
If only they shipped to Australia :(

I hate searching for bike stuff over here. Such a pain in the bum!

I'm on the hunt for springs, I'll let you know what I find out.

Cheers mate. That would be great!

You swaying towards progressive or constant rate springs?
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 16, 2006, 09:09:16 AM
http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31_65&osCsid=622023e61dcdbae058563efe61f9d5c4

Sonic Springs for the GS500 - $79.95

Wish I had known about these when I bought mine. I probably would have gone for these over the RaceTech ones. Both are quality straight rate springs, but the Sonics are cheaper.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Dwn4whadever on June 16, 2006, 09:14:01 AM
Rider Weight: 166 lbs.
Recommended Spring Rate: 0.776 kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate (measured): .594 kg/mm (stock)
Available FRSP S2938 Series Springs are:


Part Number Description Price   Select to Buy
FRSP S293880  RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .80kg       
FRSP S293885  RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .85kg       
FRSP S293890  RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .90kg   
FRSP S293895  RT FRK SPR 29.0x377mm .95kg

What are the different weights on the side. .80, .85, .90. What are those for. 
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Chuck on June 16, 2006, 09:16:10 AM
Quote from: dwn4whadever on June 16, 2006, 09:14:01 AM
What are the different weights on the side. .80, .85, .90. What are those for. 

Those are the spring rates.  (Should be kg/mm)

Since it recommends 0.776, the closest available is 0.8 which should be just fine.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 16, 2006, 09:19:16 AM
Quote from: dwn4whadever on June 16, 2006, 09:14:01 AM
What are the different weights on the side. .80, .85, .90. What are those for. 

The stiffness of the spring.

For the .8kg/mm springs it takes .8 kg to move the spring 1mm. For 2mm of movement it takes 1.6kg; 3mm is 2.4kg, etc...

Yours is .776 kg/mm, so the .8kg/mm springs are the ones for you. Don't forget to check out Sonic springs if you want a cheaper alternative.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Dwn4whadever on June 16, 2006, 09:27:33 AM
thanks
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Chuck on June 16, 2006, 09:39:40 AM
I think we need a "where to buy stuff" topic on the FAQ... I'm not volunteering  :laugh:  but it could be something like this, with whatever information or lack of information we have:

Progressive springs
   MAW - www.accwhse.com - $60 (Part #77-1128)
Straight rate springs
   Race Tech - www.racetech.com - $110
   Sonic Springs - www.sonicsprings.com  - $80
Carb jets
  SUDCO - www.sudco.com
  (link to jetting matrix)
K&N Air filter
  Pods - some.site.com
  Drop-in - some.other.site.com
  Lunchbox - whatever

That could be a useful resource for parts shoppers like me.  It takes a really long time to find the best place to buy something by seaching through old threads.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Egaeus on June 16, 2006, 09:43:21 AM
I went with RaceTechs.  They are "out for delivery" so they should be here any time now....  I'll let you guys know.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on June 16, 2006, 09:44:53 AM
Quote from: Chuck on June 16, 2006, 09:39:40 AM
I think we need a "where to buy stuff" topic on the FAQ... I'm not volunteering :laugh: but it could be something like this, with whatever information or lack of information we have:

Progressive springs
MAW - www.accwhse.com - $60 (Part #77-1128)
Straight rate springs
Race Tech - www.racetech.com - $110
Sonic Springs - www.sonicsprings.com - $80
Carb jets
SUDCO - www.sudco.com
(link to jetting matrix)
K&N Air filter
Pods - some.site.com
Drop-in - some.other.site.com
Lunchbox - whatever

That could be a useful resource for parts shoppers like me. It takes a really long time to find the best place to buy something by seaching through old threads.


+1  :thumb:

Add to the list:

Tires
Sprockets
Chains
Bars
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: bubba zanetti on June 16, 2006, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: galahs on June 16, 2006, 08:59:37 AM
Quote from: bubba zanetti on June 16, 2006, 03:25:26 AM
Quote from: galahs on June 16, 2006, 02:44:52 AM
If only they shipped to Australia :(

I hate searching for bike stuff over here. Such a pain in the bum!

I'm on the hunt for springs, I'll let you know what I find out.

Cheers mate. That would be great!

You swaying towards progressive or constant rate springs?

I'm going to get progressives. The bike shops going to get back to me monday on price.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: melloGS on June 16, 2006, 08:18:42 PM
Right on Alpha...for the umpteenth time :thumb:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: galahs on June 16, 2006, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 16, 2006, 09:19:16 AM


Don't forget to check out Sonic springs if you want a cheaper alternative.

I wonder if they'll post to Australia? Can't find any info on their site.



2ndly, why hasn't anyone made a "How to install new springs video" like Kerry's famous one from the valve inspection?
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: Alphamazing on June 16, 2006, 09:17:57 PM
Quote from: galahs on June 16, 2006, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 16, 2006, 09:19:16 AM


Don't forget to check out Sonic springs if you want a cheaper alternative.

I wonder if they'll post to Australia? Can't find any info on their site.



2ndly, why hasn't anyone made a "How to install new springs video" like Kerry's famous one from the valve inspection?

Send me some new springs and I'll make that video! :laugh:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: galahs on June 16, 2006, 09:22:08 PM
I have a better idea.

I'll buy some new springs and make the video myself  :thumb:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: bubba zanetti on June 20, 2006, 09:31:31 PM
Ok Galahs, $139 for progressives. I don't know which brand  :dunno_white:, but I'll find out soon enough.  :thumb:

BTW My bike place couldn't get a specific braided brake line, but if I take mine in they can get one made up.

Another couple of weeks and the bike'll be different again. I might even look at some fresh paint.  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: mike_mike on June 20, 2006, 09:49:28 PM
after riding a few hundred KM with the new springs... i'd say new front springs are the absolute best mod you can do for the GS.
Title: Re: New progressive springs!
Post by: galahs on June 20, 2006, 10:11:19 PM
Quote from: bubba zanetti on June 20, 2006, 09:31:31 PM
Ok Galahs, $139 for progressives. I don't know which brand  :dunno_white:, but I'll find out soon enough.  :thumb:

BTW My bike place couldn't get a specific braided brake line, but if I take mine in they can get one made up.

Another couple of weeks and the bike'll be different again. I might even look at some fresh paint.  :icon_twisted:

Ok that gives me a good idea on pricing thanks.

I was also looking at ordering some sonic straight rate springs from the US, and they would come delievered for $150 Australian.

Choices choices   :icon_confused: