does the Progressive Springs 11-1128 also fit the GS500f? their website only say GS500 up to 2002. Also when u remove the forks do you need to have them aligned properly or will they rote straight when u install the wheel?

Here's an excellent HOWTO one of our members wrote up on replacing fork seals, which covers removing the forks.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=53194.0

I removed my forks last week to replace the seals, and I didn't need to do any aligning.  I did make a mark on my forks in line with the headlight bracket before I removed them so that when I reinstalled them, they went in the same way.  Not sure if it makes a difference really, but the HOWTO recommended it in case the forks had a slight bend to them, but otherwise ride straight.

Also, instead of progressives, have you considered stiffer straight-rate springs?