So, I have started to do a lot more curvy road riding and after having my front end bottom out on me for the last time I am needing to get some new springs. 

I am currently a big guy 6'2 332 lbs.

I have a Kat 750 shock in the back.

I was wondering if there are different spring rates on the progressive springs, so they start a little harder than the normal 11-1128s that are recommended for the GS500.

I also want to know which is better for a 50/50 split between commuting and twisties.

Thank you guys!

Progressives have variable spring rate. If you want them to act stiffer initially, add preload.

In thinking about it, progressives are effective for older bikes with springs on the outside of the forks (or maybe a rear shock where the spring is on the outside)

Think about this: Our forks are sealed with the springs, oil and AIR inside. The more you compress the forks, the stiffer they are because of the air being compressed (and the spring - normal or progressive).

Because of this is no doubt why I find no difference between the 0.85's in one bike and progressives in another. The air compression acts like a progressive spring.

Preload makes them overall stiffer or softer. So does the oil weight.

Then consider that the more you compress a spring, the more it resists - that's sort of progressive, isn't it? A spring that is strictly linear is your common old retractable tape measure.

In my opinion, it doesn't make any difference for normal, everyday riding. If you want, go progressives for the status of saying you have progressive springs. You have a progressive air compression there, anyway. I've done twisties and honestly can't tell the difference between either type of spring.

(Do make sure both shocks have the same spring, oil type, oil level and preload or weird things could happen.)

Did you type that right? 332? I thought you said before you were about 232 or so......

Check out Sonic Spring's site - Rich Desmond has a pretty good explanation in the difference in springs (straight rate compared to progressive rate).

oh yeah I am a big boy. 332! Thus the super sticky tires and need for a 750 spring, Strangely though, the front doesn't seem to compress too much when I brake.

while we are on the topic of big boys on these bikes, i have a question:  when i bought my bike there was a tiny bit of oil on one of the fork dust caps.  now 500 miles later they leak like sieves.  can being fat and still on stock springs cause the seals to leak?  my theory was that the springs were not taking enough of the load and the whole assembly was overpressuring causing oil to get past the seals.  i was considering doing 1.0 springs and seals this winter to try to fix the problem, but i want to make sure i'm not over looking something.

Ya know, Janx had a similar issue with his Gs recently. I can't remember the outcome of the thread, but it may be worth searching for......

my seals are great, I really never seem to overload it, it just seems wishy washy...

Quote from: snOhio on December 03, 2012, 07:15:26 PM
while we are on the topic of big boys on these bikes, i have a question:  when i bought my bike there was a tiny bit of oil on one of the fork dust caps.  now 500 miles later they leak like sieves.  can being fat and still on stock springs cause the seals to leak?  my theory was that the springs were not taking enough of the load and the whole assembly was overpressuring causing oil to get past the seals.  i was considering doing 1.0 springs and seals this winter to try to fix the problem, but i want to make sure i'm not over looking something.

Too much oil can cause high pressure when they compress because there is less air space. Also stock springs will compress a lot and you will get high air pressure in there that can blow the seals.

Better springs will help due to less compression. Also go for proper oil level. Maybe 15w or 20w oil.

One other thing to check is the condition of the fork tubes. They should be smooth and shiny. Pitting and nicks will destroy the seals.

I'm about to redo my fork seals and I weigh 225. What is the best bet for me? Should I upgrade my springs?

absolutely. I weigh 180 and found it necessary

Are you talking about the Brand Progressive or progressive rate springs. I personally am going with non-progressive rate springs as my next upgrade. I am tipping the scales at 250-260 depending on dinner  and I think that I want a stiffer spring from the git-go as opposed to a progressive type. Also have you looked at RaceTech brand? One of the guys I work with used to be a tester for them (what I sweet gig right?) and said they have the most stringent QA, he says they will turn back huge shipments of springs if they are off by the slightest. He also really suggested their emulator kits, a blurb from thier site on the emulators..
Fork Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators

Damping rod forks are notorious for being both too harsh yet too easy to bottom. This is the nature of damping rod fixed orifice forks. In the past all that could be done to improve these forks was change spring rate, oil viscosity or damping hole size, until now.

Cartridge Emulators make damping rod style forks perform like well-tuned cartridge forks. These tunable valves sit on top of the damping rods and are held in place by the main springs. This makes them both simple to install and completely tunable for all conditions and rider preferences.

Track tests have consistently produce lap times that are 1 or more seconds a lap faster while Cruisers and Gold Wing owners rave at the increased control and ride quality.
End blurb

Apologies for not seeing and responding on this earlier.
Just so it's clear, I'm not an unbiased observer, I own Sonic Springs.
That said, the most important point is that any set of aftermarket springs will be a huge improvement over stock. So both options are good. We do believe that straight rate springs are better in all street riding situations (explanation here: http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/straight_vs_prog_tech_article.php ) and the difference becomes larger the heavier and more aggressive you are. If you're light and ride moderately you would have trouble telling the difference.

Can't think if I've ever seen or asked this before .. With Sonics .. They come in .75 .85 .95  etc (yeah I know more than that but examples!) .....

Sooooooo .. Where do stock ones actually rate at? .55 .60 .35 ?!? ... Just curious eh

Quote from: Janx101 on December 14, 2012, 01:56:24 PM
Can't think if I've ever seen or asked this before .. With Sonics .. They come in .75 .85 .95  etc (yeah I know more than that but examples!) .....

Sooooooo .. Where do stock ones actually rate at? .55 .60 .35 ?!? ... Just curious eh

According to the Wiki, the stockers run in at .45-.6 kg/mm, which I remember reading someone saying that it was reverse calculated to be perfect for someone around 85lbs or something silly like that

85lbs .. 38 and a bit kilos .. So .. Perfect for their 16 year old anorexic test rider!