Hi guys, i wanted to change springs to my 2003 gs500, and found this model YSS PR305I055-090S275X but they re only 89-2000 model, Is that possible?
i recall the forks being the same for all the years, or at least the springs
Some (not sure if it was all) of the later fork springs were actually longer than the earlier ones. I learned this when I was helping a fella on the fb group with his forks. He sent me a pic of the OEM springs he removed from his later model GS and they were much longer than the OEM ones out of my '98. I thought for a bit they could have been aftermarket but others then confirmed that somewhere along the line, the GS got longer springs.
So i can use those one in my bike?
At somepoint in the mid 90's Suzuki improved the fork springs. I think they were improved again (stiffer) for the 2004 model year.
Any fork spring for any year GS500 will work in any other year but the later the better. Aftermarket springs from Sonic or Racetec that are suited to your weight and riding style are the best bet.
sadly i' can't find them in europe
I'd chat to Rich at Sonic springs, I'm sure he can ship, but it would be expensive to europe, any shipping from the US is prohibitive currently....
But there do seem to be options in EU
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Ressort-de-Fourche-Lot-Progressive-YSS-Suzuki-GS-500-E-GS500-GS500E-GS-GM-/353319409151?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2O3fd-OD6tMHQwv63Ws_x5Xh-wNkv2_BE27QQP_q8JBHbunBdwwLOsaAha3EALw_wcB&var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=709-53476-19255-0&campid=5338666530&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2O3fd-OD6tMHQwv63Ws_x5Xh-wNkv2_BE27QQP_q8JBHbunBdwwLOsaAha3EALw_wcB
https://www.dam-sport.net/ressorts-de-fourche-ntn-progressif-harley-davidson-honda-suzuki.html
https://www.krax-moto.com/ressorts-de-fourche/8971-ressort-de-fourche-hagon-1989-gs-500-suzuki.html
https://www.mecadata.com/ressorts-fourche-wilbers-suzuki-gs-500-f-wvbk-04/313414601-ressorts-de-fourche-lineaires-wilbers-suzuki-gs-500-f-wvbk-04.html
Quote from: herennow on December 18, 2020, 03:03:56 AM
https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Ressort-de-Fourche-Lot-Progressive-YSS-Suzuki-GS-500-E-GS500-GS500E-GS-GM-/353319409151?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2O3fd-OD6tMHQwv63Ws_x5Xh-wNkv2_BE27QQP_q8JBHbunBdwwLOsaAha3EALw_wcB&var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=709-53476-19255-0&campid=5338666530&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2O3fd-OD6tMHQwv63Ws_x5Xh-wNkv2_BE27QQP_q8JBHbunBdwwLOsaAha3EALw_wcB
This are the same model that i asked for, but they re listed as compatible only for 1989 to 2000 models
There is a note in the Progressive catalog about 01 and up may use the stock spacer shortened.
I believe the only difference is spring and spacer length among years of GS.
. Race tech list the same spring for all year of GS500, GS500E.
You should cut your own spacer to length from PVC pipe.
This spring fits any year, just cut spacer to length.
(https://iili.io/FX1IgS.md.jpg) (https://freeimage.host/i/FX1IgS)
where can i find the measurements to cut the pvc pipe?
Quote from: LaFe09 on December 20, 2020, 08:12:31 AM
where can i find the measurements to cut the pvc pipe?
The basic way is to drop in the spring, the washer on top of the spring, then PVC pipe. With the weight off of the front wheel, Mark the pipe even with the top of the tube and then cut to that length.
Screwing in the top nut will give the spring some preload.
You can fine tune by measuring sag and adjusting the spacer length, but the above method is a good place to start.
Quote from: Sporty on December 20, 2020, 08:58:01 AM
Quote from: LaFe09 on December 20, 2020, 08:12:31 AM
where can i find the measurements to cut the pvc pipe?
The basic way is to drop in the spring, the washer on top of the spring, then PVC pipe. With the weight off of the front wheel, Mark the pipe even with the top of the tube and then cut to that length.
Screwing in the top nut will give the spring some preload.
You can fine tune by measuring sag and adjusting the spacer length, but the above method is a good place to start.
This is the method I used with Sonic Springs (cut PVC flush with top of fork and use the cap for 1/2" of preload) and I like the way my front suspension works!
All springs for GS500 will work with all years. They may have different performance but they will all work.
I've got a set of Progressives in the box, waiting for spring(lol)
they are 19.75" long and the instructions call for a 0.75" pre-load spacer and they include the PVC pipe to cut down for your spacers.
In the instructions there is a list of 25 different bikes that can use this spring, some of them are quite heavy, eg virago 1100.
I think that Progressive just failed to update their catalog when the GS returned in 2004.
I checked out the RaceTech stuff, but they only ship via UPS which means a big surcharge for "brokerage", like $80 at the door for us Canadians. (USPS=~$10.00)
I would be very nice to get a more custom spring rate though...
Also, I've had the same set of Progressives in my big bike since '95--still no sag or diving--they just don't wear out. The stock Honda springs were garbage after 35k(km)
when I switched them out--so if you like them, you'll probably never need to replace them.