GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jroymcd on December 07, 2008, 04:39:06 PM

Title: out for my first ride.
Post by: jroymcd on December 07, 2008, 04:39:06 PM
So i went out for my first real ride in the twistys today on the GS. The suspension was deffentily not working for me. I am 6'1  260 with gear and the susp. is stock right now.

I already have a Kat shock coming in the mail and hopefully drop bars soon.

How much better would progesive springs be up front. Can I just make longer spacers and use the stock frong spring?

can this bike be set-up to ride fast in the canyons on a budget?

How much better will it be once I get the Kat scock, stiffer front springs and "SM" style bars.

Title: Re: out for my first ride.
Post by: GeeP on December 07, 2008, 04:57:36 PM
I would suggest straight rate springs sized to your weight, then maybe work up the fork oil viscosities until you get the damping you want.

The GS rear is incredibly soft.
Title: Re: out for my first ride.
Post by: mach1 on December 07, 2008, 04:59:57 PM
a kat shock will make the rearend feel more stable and it will also raise the rear a bit. as for the front adding longer spacers will do nothing but compress the spring lossing travel till bottoming out. you can get sonic or progressive and they will be 100% better for canyon running, I installed spacers in my forks but they were made from stiffer springs and they work great adding longer pipe is useless. as for the bars sm bars a ok they let you tuck in more but that all no real gain but looks. my gs run the canyons fine and at any speed i like i have clip-ons and a kat shock the forks have custom spring spacers.
Title: Re: out for my first ride.
Post by: jroymcd on December 07, 2008, 05:03:34 PM
Quote from: GeeP on December 07, 2008, 04:57:36 PM
I would suggest straight rate springs sized to your weight

what company would be best to odrer them from?
Title: Re: out for my first ride.
Post by: Bluesmudge on December 07, 2008, 10:15:19 PM
Sonic or Racetech. Sonic is cheaper:
http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/