Which is better for handling progressive rate or straight rate spings. Keep in mind Im 300lbs and do ride 2 up sometimes. I want better , stiffer, springs (sounds like my wife huh) that handle well as well as can take a wheelie landing or two

Straight rate springs are better for handling -- otherwise race bikes wouldn't use them.  Progressive springs try to make a compromise between real-world and handling.

I have progressives on mine, but my next mod will be straight rate stiffer springs.  I still get a  little too much front end dive on braking.  I'm 180 lbs.  I don't think progressives are for you if you weigh 300!

I'm about 240# plus and have been happy with my Progressive front springs, haven't bottomed the front out since I went progressive. 

Put the Progressives in my 97 GS500 forks at about 50k miles and used them for about 30k miles and then put the same ones in my current 02 GS and have put another 40k miles on them.  They're just getting nicely broken in.   

Added some longer rear links to lower the rear about 1 1/4 inches about 11k miles back which with the larger 150/70 rear tire nets about half that below normal ride height and it stiffened the rear some and feels better balanced all around with the stiffer Progressive fronts.  Works for me.   

So your saying progressive and lower the rear? I thought lowering would screw up the handling

Quote from: roosterbike on June 04, 2007, 03:24:53 AM
So your saying progressive and lower the rear? I thought lowering would screw up the handling

NO! Guess I didn't take time to explain what I said, the lowering of the rear end had nothing to do with desired handling changes.  I lowered it a small amount to make it easier to get my 74 year old arthritic hip up and over the saddle.  I like the sport touring radial tires in the rear and they raise the rear end about 1/2 to 3/4" above normal due to the sizes available.  Must use a larger 140/80 or 150/70 tire because that's what is available in those type tires.

Raising or lowering the rear doesn't screw up the handling, but it does change it a bit.  Raising the rear quickens the steering and lowering it slows it some due to the resulting change in steering head angle.  At the same time it changes the rear geometry of the links a bit and can as in this case stiffen the rear a bit.  I found I liked the stiffer rear better along with Progressive spring stiffened front, gave better balanced handling in my opinion.  Your opinion may vary.   

Could be you'll want a stiffer rear spring with better damping and many here have changed the rear shock to get this improvement but the shocks used usually raise the rear an inch or more.  If you aren't vertically challanged or old and stiff    this could be a better approach for you. 

The OEM front springs are just too soft and need replaced to prevent constant bottoming of trhe front end as well as stiffening it up a bit.  I was just saying that the Progressives worked well for me.  Whether you choose the progressive or single rate type springs, I'd suggest you just change the front and adjust the rear preload a couple notches tighter and try it out and see how it works for you.  Changing things one at a time makes it easier to evaluate the results.

What the GS500 and other bottom line bikes really need is some damping adjustment in addition to preload adjustment.  The GS doesn't even have front preload adjustment.

 :thumb:ok i follow you now

I've been pleased with the progressive springs. Dive is pretty well controlled and they're reasonably comfortable out on the road, although big bumps can still be a big jarring. I don't know about the straight rate springs. if I pick up another GS I'd be tempted to go that route but I'm a bit concerned that the ride will be too harsh. I'm a new rider and don't really push the bike, so I want good ride comfort with some improved handling and less dive, and I'm thinking the progressives fit the bill for that.

Quote from: debtman7 on June 05, 2007, 03:58:41 AM
if I pick up another GS I'd be tempted to go that route but I'm a bit concerned that the ride will be too harsh.

I have 0.95kg/mm straight rate in my fork, and I think it's great.  I haven't noticed any harsh behavior.  I'm not sure why you'd have to pick up another GS to try it. 

Quote from: Chuck on June 05, 2007, 05:21:15 AM

Quote from: debtman7 on June 05, 2007, 03:58:41 AM
if I pick up another GS I'd be tempted to go that route but I'm a bit concerned that the ride will be too harsh.

I have 0.95kg/mm straight rate in my fork, and I think it's great.  I haven't noticed any harsh behavior.  I'm not sure why you'd have to pick up another GS to try it. 

Because I already put progressive's in the GS we have, which will be going to the wife if I find another one (she likes the red...)