Hi guys back again, after the ride on Sunday on the way back when I was pushing a bit harder I was feeling slightly let down by the front end, it didn't feel terrible by any means, it just felt like it was 1 step behind if you know what I mean, like on the rougher parts of the road it felt like it was rebounding to slow.

I have a 110/70 Bridgestone Battleaxe (I never thought I'd see the day, I always used to avoid Bridgesones like the plague)

I'm wondering
- Would a change in tyre help? if so whats the recommended go to tyre pirelli?. I mostly ride to work and back (20km a day) and got for a blast on Sundays through the hills.
-Would a heavier oil in the front shocks help? or would it be better to just swap the springs out for something stiffer? I see sonic are the preferred I just don't want to get it to stiff for the daily ride.
- With the rear shock is there any difference between the R6, KAT600 and the SV650? or are they just much of a muchness.
- Is there any way to fit larger brake disks or twin disks? I'm assuming braided lines are a must as well.

seeing as I'm stuck on my learners for another couple months there's not much I can do with performance so no exhaust or re-jet so I'm looking at getting the bike to feel they way I want, point where i want it to point and stop when I need it to without hesitation.

I had a lindemann modded FE on my 89 - with clip on's. It was just about the best handling bike I had ever had then (1995) all the way to when I rode a GSXR FE fitted GS - sometime in 05 I think.
I then tried a Kat FE and street use, I like the kat fe a lot.
Most stock FE mods oil, springs etc are an improvement, while still leaving it crappy.

Rear shock - Kat 6/7 works very well. I would say you cant get better with the stock wheels, and I have a 4" B4 and a way better tar on mine and I still think the Kat 6/7 shock works just fine.

SV and R6 shocks - I dont like. I have tried the R6 shock, not impressed with the ride so ... unless you really like bright colors I'd stay away.

Cool.
Buddha.

I agree with Buddha for the most part. The stock front end is possibly one of the weakest points of the bike. Upgrades include new springs, heavier oil, and emulators. If you really want to spend the time on it, you can do a front end swap as Buddha mentioned. That would open up a whole new world of upgrades.

As for the rear, it depends on how big you are, really. I have an R6 shock on mine and I love it. But I'm not a big guy (5'8", 160lb). If you're a bit taller and heavier, the Kat shock will probably be better. It's a bit stiffer and taller than the R6.

You have to remember that your bike is in effect well over 20 years old, so it follows its going to handle like bikes did 20 years ago 

Its recognised the whole stock front end is particularly poor......even by 1989 standards!! 

Try a set of progressive springs and thicker oil, its a popular mod and been covered in here many times. Search for `progressive springs`

I wouldn't blame the tyre unless its under-inflated or worn. Battlaxeas are a popular choice and work well on the GS5.

Stainless hoses will improve feel but the stock system is more than adequate if its in good order. How old is the fluid? It could be due a change.

Oh yea I am 235 lb.

The FE - see the 41mm FE off the kat works like a charm on the 400 or so lb GS.
The MZ skorpion is a few lb lighter - maybe as much as 25 lb lighter after I put the Kat FE on the GS, and it makes like 48 hp but it has a 41mm Paioli front end, and it too works like a charm.

I think for that 400 lb perimeter frame bike 41mm forks = magic number for the street. A stiffer frame will make the FE flex more pronounced and perceptible. The MZ is also perimeter frame, but its a round section and narrower not rectangle like the GS and it goes around a 1 cyl so it can be narrower spread.

Cool.
Buddha.

Alright cool I'll stick with the bridgestones I do like them and I haven't had any reason to question them was just wondering if there's a mutually agreed alternative.

I'll look into the KAT600 shock will any year fit or is there a specific one I'm looking for (I know the R6 is specific)

I think I'll steer away from a complete FE swap, so there's no point in just changing the fork oil and keeping the stock springs? I'll look at getting some sonic's sent over, I also saw a thicker brace was recommended is there someone that does of the shelf replacements or is it a custom job?

The brakes are fine I changed to fluid and bled them when we got the bike from the dealer as standard practice, was just wondering if there was a way to fit larger roaters with out swapping in a new FE if there's not I'm cool with that I'll hook in some braided lines easy enough

CHEERS GUYS

fresh fluid will definitely help if your oil is old, I had an SRX250 that had oil so old the front wouldn't even dive under braking... really dangerous...

While your there you might as well change the springs... progressive springs i.e some stiffer ones and you will be living the dream!

Quote from: cheddle on November 07, 2013, 04:25:46 AM
fresh fluid will definitely help if your oil is old, I had an SRX250 that had oil so old the front wouldn't even dive under braking... really dangerous...

While your there you might as well change the springs... progressive springs i.e some stiffer ones and you will be living the dream!

Thats what I was thinking It could be oil straight from the factory in '03 having a look online the rear shock could be an issue to get hold of lol I'll have to keep looking but at 105-110kG (depending on ambient temp, humidity, barometric pressure, star allighnment and beer intake) I think springs will be in order .90 sonics  look the goods

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GSX600-KATANA-REAR-SHOCK-ABSORBER-62100-08F00-GSX-600-1999-nm-/310778452207

$50 USD for the part then $70 shipping ill have to look into this, getting the sonics sent over is cheaper then that hell even the K&N was free shipping hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I had 4 old Hondas before my 1st GS that I put 230k miles on and only mention them to show that I wasn't a newbie and also because I compare the last of those Hondas (85 CB650SC) to my then new 97 GS500E that I traded it in on when talking about GS handling and brakes.  The Nighthawk was bit sportier than my previous Hondas with air adjustable front preload and front rebound adjustment and it had dual disc front brakes. That little GS handled like a sportbike to me compared to the Nighthawk when I rode it home and I haven't ridden anything but GSs in the 14 years and 180k miles since.

The front springs were way too soft bottoming every time I hit the driveway apron and frequently on rough roads and I finally replaced them with Progressives at 50k miles which was less the 2 years after I bought the GS.  Transferred the same springs to my 02 GS for another 100k miles after the 97 was totaled and they are broken in about right now.     I weigh about the same as you and lighter riders would probably be happier with the Sonic constant rate springs.

Put some 1" lowering links on the 02 about 60k miles ago to compensate for larger rear tires and found they also stiffened the rear a bit and have been happy with the stock rear shock with preload cranked up a bit.  Stiff enough for good handling for spirited riding I think but a bit hard in around town riding. 

I though the GS front brakes were almost as good as the Nighthawks duel discs and much better than the previous single disc Hondas I had.  But I turned the front rotor blue a couple times fading it out completely once on long fast down hills on the first trips to the mountains but improved braking techniques and HH pads eliminated that.  Use all three brakes all the time on the GS, front, rear, and engine; no need to change front ends to get duels.

Made my first trip to the Smoky mountains following son JP on his GS1100E with a BT45 front and Dunlop K491 rear touring tire and learned how to catch a breaking loose rear end.    Had radials on for subsequent trips to the mountains and believe they had a lot to do with the GSs handling back then.  Since then all the major tire makers have come out with new model tires and the current sport touring type bias tires with compounds and profiles more like the radials have improved the bias tires a lot and I no longer tout the radials for the GSs as I once did.





 

Quote from: gsJack on November 07, 2013, 09:01:59 AM
I had 4 old Hondas before my 1st GS that I put 230k miles on and only mention them to show that I wasn't a newbie and also because I compare the last of those Hondas (85 CB650SC) to my then new 97 GS500E that I traded it in on when talking about GS handling and brakes.  The Nighthawk was bit sportier than my previous Hondas with air adjustable front preload and front rebound adjustment and it had dual disc front brakes. That little GS handled like a sportbike to me compared to the Nighthawk when I rode it home and I haven't ridden anything but GSs in the 14 years and 180k miles since.

The front springs were way too soft bottoming every time I hit the driveway apron and frequently on rough roads and I finally replaced them with Progressives at 50k miles which was less the 2 years after I bought the GS.  Transferred the same springs to my 02 GS for another 100k miles after the 97 was totaled and they are broken in about right now.     I weigh about the same as you and lighter riders would probably be happier with the Sonic constant rate springs.

Put some 1" lowering links on the 02 about 60k miles ago to compensate for larger rear tires and found they also stiffened the rear a bit and have been happy with the stock rear shock with preload cranked up a bit.  Stiff enough for good handling for spirited riding I think but a bit hard in around town riding. 

I though the GS front brakes were almost as good as the Nighthawks duel discs and much better than the previous single disc Hondas I had.  But I turned the front rotor blue a couple times fading it out completely once on long fast down hills on the first trips to the mountains but improved braking techniques and HH pads eliminated that.  Use all three brakes all the time on the GS, front, rear, and engine; no need to change front ends to get duels.

Made my first trip to the Smoky mountains following son JP on his GS1100E with a BT45 front and Dunlop K491 rear touring tire and learned how to catch a breaking loose rear end.    Had radials on for subsequent trips to the mountains and believe they had a lot to do with the GSs handling back then.  Since then all the major tire makers have come out with new model tires and the current sport touring type bias tires with compounds and profiles more like the radials have improved the bias tires a lot and I no longer tout the radials for the GSs as I once did.

Cheers for the reply Jack there's a lot of advice and experience in there.

Ive decided to take a different route based on what you said I'm going to try adjust the preload on the stock shock first its set mid range, I'll have to get my hands on a tool kit for it though as mine doesn't have one, if were around the same weight how high should I go? I'm well aware it varies from bike to bike and rider to rider.

I'll have a look at some progressive rate springs as well, I just assumed sonic were the go to setup.

I'll have to work on engine braking I do use it for down hilling as my confidence takes a dive on the down hill sections but for everyday riding I really could use the brakes less, experience hay.

Yer I like the BT45's I have a feeling they'll hang on long after I loose my bottle 

I had sonic .85's and an r6 shock and it was the best $200 I spent on my gs. Pirelli have sport demons and diablo Rosso in the gs size. The diablo Rosso is a soft tyre so very grippy lot of ppl on vtr 250's and ninja 300's love them.

Quote from: slipperymongoose on November 08, 2013, 05:15:00 AM
I had sonic .85's and an r6 shock and it was the best $200 I spent on my gs. Pirelli have sport demons and diablo Rosso in the gs size. The diablo Rosso is a soft tyre so very grippy lot of ppl on vtr 250's and ninja 300's love them.

yer the sonic website suggested .90's or maybe .95's depending on what you define normal and street riding lol, yer I've seen a lot of people suggesting the pirellis I'll see how the BT45's go if I loose confidence in them I'll shop around (normally I wouldn't touch bridestones with a 10ft pole on my car) I dont want to go to soft as 95% of my riding is to and from work (120km's a week) and a blast through the hills (about 90kms normally)

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

Is this legit? it sounds shockingly simple

Yes it's legit but you don't get to change the fork oil that way, and I highly suggest you change your fork oil!
Pulling the forks isn't that hard and you know it's done properly.
I have 0.85 sonic springs, 15W oil and R6 shock, love them, even on our crappy Adelaide roads
On fork oil, I just replaced mine again after 20K kms. I have dampening again and you wouldn't believe the grey metallic coloured crap I drained from the forks. From now on I'll be changing it every 10K.

If you get in over your head with the forks I'm just up the road and can give you a hand

On tyres, I got 17K on Pirelli Sport Demons. Very grippy, Front tyre developed some cupping and they track grooves on the road. Now on Michelin Pilot Activ, confidence inspiring in wet and dry, go where you want them to, no more tram lining in groves and wearing well. Would happily fit them again.

Quote from: mitch79 on November 08, 2013, 05:55:38 AM
Yes it's legit but you don't get to change the fork oil that way, and I highly suggest you change your fork oil!
Pulling the forks isn't that hard and you know it's done properly.
I have 0.85 sonic springs, 15W oil and R6 shock, love them, even on our crappy Adelaide roads
On fork oil, I just replaced mine again after 20K kms. I have dampening again and you wouldn't believe the grey metallic coloured crap I drained from the forks. From now on I'll be changing it every 10K.

If you get in over your head with the forks I'm just up the road and can give you a hand

On tyres, I got 17K on Pirelli Sport Demons. Very grippy, Front tyre developed some cupping and they track grooves on the road. Now on Michelin Pilot Activ, confidence inspiring in wet and dry, go where you want them to, no more tram lining in groves and wearing well. Would happily fit them again.

Cheers man I may have to rope you in hahaha looking at how to install them 2 people would definitely make life easy just gotta make the decision and order still tossing up progressive and constant rate although to me it seems 1 doesn't out weigh the other.

also thinking the R6 shock will be easier to get my hands on if I decide to go down that road

Quote from: TheOzTurkish on November 07, 2013, 02:16:37 AM
I also saw a thicker brace was recommended is there someone that does of the shelf replacements or is it a custom job?

Gstwins member Chuck81 makes a top quality brace, have one on my bike and makes a world of difference to it's looks. Also feel like it flexes less with mid corner bumps, but it could always be the placebo effect!  Highly recommended.

Mine came with the Pirelli's -- I really like them, at the same time I have not ridden it with any other tyres, or even any other GS for that matter so I can't say what would be the best choice for you.

The Pirelli's though really seem to work well on the twisties, really good grip. Saved my arse a few times whilst cornering at speed and having some surprise gravel or nasty bumps. Mileage isn't bad either. Done about 7000km's so far, and I have no idea how much was done on it before I got it, still going well.

Quote from: Zookmang on November 08, 2013, 08:52:34 PM

Quote from: TheOzTurkish on November 07, 2013, 02:16:37 AM
I also saw a thicker brace was recommended is there someone that does of the shelf replacements or is it a custom job?

Gstwins member Chuck81 makes a top quality brace, have one on my bike and makes a world of difference to it's looks. Also feel like it flexes less with mid corner bumps, but it could always be the placebo effect!  Highly recommended.

Sick eggs was that the one with the engraved Suzuki S on it in the WTB pages??? I'll have a look see cheers

Quote from: GS500F2004 on November 08, 2013, 10:25:04 PM
Mine came with the Pirelli's -- I really like them, at the same time I have not ridden it with any other tyres, or even any other GS for that matter so I can't say what would be the best choice for you.

The Pirelli's though really seem to work well on the twisties, really good grip. Saved my arse a few times whilst cornering at speed and having some surprise gravel or nasty bumps. Mileage isn't bad either. Done about 7000km's so far, and I have no idea how much was done on it before I got it, still going well.

yer that's the thing with tyres isn't it you gotta go through a few replacements to find what works for you ill see these ones are still holding up for now I have no idea what KM's they were put on but there only a couple years old and still have meat on them and no signs of deforming or scalloping

Quote from: TheOzTurkish on November 07, 2013, 02:16:37 AM
Sick eggs was that the one with the engraved Suzuki S on it in the WTB pages??? I'll have a look see cheers

Yeah mate those are the ones! Just throw em on, piece of piss.

Quote from: TheOzTurkish on November 08, 2013, 05:33:22 AM
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

Is this legit? it sounds shockingly simple

It may be the best thing you can do with stock fork.
BTW lindeman when they did my first bike ended up modding the valving etc etc and used the original springs with a bit more spacer. The thing reacted very very well and I do have direct before and after comparisons and I have , however they were 200 bucks. That was back in the day when I had other people work on my bike cos I didn't know, and a fork seal job was included, which by itself was 125-150 @ other places. Clip on's also help a good bit.

Cool.
Buddha.