This might sound weird but on the roads I drive on (quiet two lane blacktop back roads in mountains of NH and western Maine with no lights or much traffic) and the speeds I go (usually no more than 1.5x speed limit, mostly just +10-15 mph) the bike is about perfect stock. Cushy and soft over crap road sections, and no wobbles of any kind in any bend or rise or sweep etc I ever drove on. Never gets unsettled. Don't need any more of anything suspension wise.

My '88 Ex250 has received stiffer front and rear, that bike needed it. Bottomed out a lot and waved a bit. Racetech front and EX500 rear works wonders on that bike.  Roller head bearings seemed to be slightly better than oem ball bearings.

The 2001 SV was also OK stock to me. That bike felt 10x stiffer framewise than the EX. Stiffer than GS. Just a solid chassis to start with.

I used to think that way... thought the handling was fine, cushy as you say.  Then I actually tried to notice what was going on... my FE was bottoming out on even the most routine stops.

Now I don't think that way.  I think a front end suspension upgrade is pretty much necessary for almost anyone, and a rear upgrade probably doesn't hurt.  I feel like the handling is much crisper now - I feel much more comfortable hitting the corners at whatever speed I want (sometimes 3x the recommended speed - 20 mph ).  My GS now does exactly what I want it to whenever I want, which I think is a good thing .

But, to each their own and if you're happy with it then

Even though I like it as is , what you said is true too. I do notice suspension. I like it soft for what it is where it is.

However, I will almost certainly go with Racetech front and some other suzuki rear. Next year. Then on to another bike I suppose.

This winter, just the carbs and grease all connectors and worry about removing some powdery sludge deposits from the mill.  

I'm pretty sure I wont do pipes or air filter.  The stock 38 hp is fine for what it is where it is.

What made me notice the soft suspension was taking my ex on a ride.  Every time I would stop she would slide up and make me smash my goods against the tank.  Put in new front springs and a katana rear shop and she wouldnt slide forward as much, plus the rear was a bit higher so she could see over my head and enjoy the view. 

I took my forks off recently and had the seals and oil replaced.  Since I wanted to do it for minimum $, I kept it stock but used 15W oil.  I love it now.  No more bottoming out but they still soak-up small bumps.  Someone here recommended it, an Englishman I believe, the guy who didn't want his insurance company to catch him with modified forks.  Thanks!