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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: nazgulnarsil on March 11, 2008, 02:43:38 PM

Title: Installing new springs.
Post by: nazgulnarsil on March 11, 2008, 02:43:38 PM
umm....there's covers on the 4 allen head bolts that hold the handlebars on.  do these just pry off?  I can't even slip a knife blade in between the seam.  they're just smooth on top.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: Dan02GS on March 11, 2008, 03:06:14 PM
Those four little tabs pop out, super easy once you get at them. I had one pop out on its own and order extra ones.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: nazgulnarsil on March 11, 2008, 03:21:32 PM
WTF?
the sonic springs I got need 5.5 inch spacers to be the same length as the old ones (slightly above end cap when under no tension)

I thought these things generally needed a 3/4 inch to 1 inch spacer.  now i need to find a way to cut some pvc.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: ben2go on March 11, 2008, 07:59:56 PM
The progressives only need 3/4 to an inch.In my case an 1 and 1/2 to get the sag in spec.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: coll0412 on March 11, 2008, 09:29:21 PM
Quote from: nazgulnarsil on March 11, 2008, 03:21:32 PM
WTF?
the sonic springs I got need 5.5 inch spacers to be the same length as the old ones (slightly above end cap when under no tension)

I thought these things generally needed a 3/4 inch to 1 inch spacer.  now i need to find a way to cut some pvc.

Sounds normal to me, you need to set the preload properly so buy your self a hacksaw and stick it in a vice and goto town
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: galahs on March 11, 2008, 09:31:14 PM
Trust me, you wont be having the new spacers + new springs at the same length as your original spacer + original springs because you wont be able to pre-load the new springs that far to get the fork caps back on.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: ben2go on March 11, 2008, 10:10:21 PM
I use a 1 inch tubing cutter to cut PVC spacers.It leaves a ceaner edge and only cost a couple dollars at harbor freight or northern tool.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: nazgulnarsil on March 12, 2008, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: galahs on March 11, 2008, 09:31:14 PM
Trust me, you wont be having the new spacers + new springs at the same length as your original spacer + original springs because you wont be able to pre-load the new springs that far to get the fork caps back on.

i did.   :icon_mrgreen: 

hope it's not too much preload.  the suspension feels stiffer but still not really stiff like a race bike.  havn't ridden it except down the street to school yet so i havn't felt the difference except that the back does feel much more squishy in comparison to the front now.  have to get that kat shock eventually.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: dgyver on March 12, 2008, 01:07:58 PM
Straight rates springs usually need about 3/4" of preload, if properly selected for your weight.
Title: Re: Installing new springs.
Post by: nazgulnarsil on March 12, 2008, 07:23:56 PM
I'd guesstimate that i wound up with about 1 and 1/2 inches of preload.  the springs and spacers were about 1/16th from being flush with the top of the forks when i had them in uncompressed.