Q1: 1998 GS-500  -  If I grab a gentle riding handful of front brake - how much should I expect the front end to dive?

Q2: 1998 GS-500  -  25,000 miles showing

How much fork oil ?    And what kind?    And what weight?

Q3: What would happen if I installed a 130/90-17 rear tire?  Instead of the standard 130/70-17 rear tire?

Would that alter the handling?  And if so;  how, do you think?


(edited by TGG - please dont make multiple topics)

1998 GS-500  -  25,000 miles showing

How much fork oil ?    And what kind?    And what weight?

What would happen if I installed a 130/90-17 rear tire?  Instead of the standard 130/70-17 rear tire?

Would that alter the handling?  And if so;  how, do you think?

A smidge.    I think it depends on where your body is and whether you pitch forward, but at low sort of parking lot speeds maybe an inch or so (sort of guessing though)

on 1998 standard springs a lot, the standard springs are useless and the fork oil probably needs replacing get some progressive springs or sonic and put them in and replace the oil, sorry but can't remeber the exact amount of oil needed.
BTW you only need post your questions in one thread not 3 seperate threads people will get to it eventually

This one dives about three or four inches - it's very weird and upsetting to the bike.  The springs seem like mush and there's apparently limited dampening.  The existing 130/90 on the rear may be contributing to the effect too.

I have a pair of new Battleaxes here ready to go on.  Not sure that they are the stickiest - but I got damned tired of looking for the right sizes and just ordered them.  Think they'll work OK?

Where should I get the new springs?