I just purchased a 1998 GS 500.  I'm 5'11 200lbs and think the suspension could be firmed up for my size.  I've read about replacing the front springs and the Katana upgrade for the back.  However, I don't know where to find these parts, the exact part descriptions, etc.  Can someone point me in the right direction?

Also, are there any other relatively inexpensive upgrades to make while I'm at it.  Bike has 12k miles.

Any online sources for GS 500 tailored parts?

Thanks for the help.  This is a very useful forum.

Thad

Progressive Springs - u can buy at chapparral racing
Kat shock - you can get off ebay, there's several i saw this morning.

try using the search option for any other parts you're looking for.  there isn't a lot on the market for this bike.

Discribe "relatively" inexpensive?
:mrgreen:

Quote from: chinox22xProgressive Springs - u can buy at chapparral racing

You can, but they're now cheaper elsewhere.  See the thread Chaparral price hike on Progressive springs!!!.

I got my (now richard's) Kat 600 shock from Srinath for $20, but that was back when he lived in California and had access to all the best(?) motorcycle bone yards....

Thanks for the help everyone. I appreciate it.  

What is the model on the Katana shock that I need to find?  I haven't used eBay to look for motorcyle parts; what is the best way to do it?  

As for relatively inexpensive, I guess I don't want to put too much money into an $1800 bike.  It sounded like the suspension could be done for less than $200.  So, I guess upgrades in that range.

Thanks again, Thad

I bought a '96 Katana 600 rear shock and it was a direct bolt-on swap for the stock shock.  Also installed the progressives and changed to 15 wt fork oil.  It's like riding a totally different bike.

I got the shock off ebay for $35 shipped.  Got the springs from Motorcycle Accessories Wharehouse for around $55, but they recently increased the price (see Kerry's comment).

If you go to Pantablo's GS500 Page, there is a detailed description of both proceedures, as well as a discussion of which shocks work best.

This has also been fielded (both questions) many times, so the search feature should help you out.  One piece of advice about the search page:  make sure you search for 'find all words.'  The any word search frequently turns up lots of erroneous results.

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: chinox22xProgressive Springs - u can buy at chapparral racing

You can, but they're now cheaper elsewhere.  See the thread Chaparral price hike on Progressive springs!!!.

I got my (now richard's) Kat 600 shock from Srinath for $20, but that was back when he lived in California and had access to all the best(?) motorcycle bone yards....

oh wow...i missed that thread.  its considerably higher.  I got mine no less than 2 months ago and i got them for 52$ shipped from west coast to east coast.

Welcome!

Quote from: TGSI just purchased a 1998 GS 500.  I'm 5'11 200lbs and think the suspension could be firmed up for my size.  I've read about replacing the front springs and the Katana upgrade for the back.  However, I don't know where to find these parts, the exact part descriptions, etc.  Can someone point me in the right direction?

Katana 600 shock, recent vintage from ebay (best source)
Progressives as stated above. These are the best two upgrades you can ever do. They transform the bike. Also consider upgrading your tires. They might be ready to be replaced and you can't go wrong with Bridgstone BT45's in stock front and 140/80 or 140/70 rear.

Quote from: TGSAlso, are there any other relatively inexpensive upgrades

Well, if it has the original fender still attached (or even a portion of it) you can try this fender eliminator upgrade.
Also look at these front and rear Buell turn signals. Better than aftermarket because they are still OEM bright. My page has some other ideas too...

Quote from: TGSAny online sources for GS 500 tailored parts?

Wild hair accessories at this -->link<-- is one that comes to mind first.

Thanks to all.  This is very helpful.  Pantablo, your site is great.  I found a ton of very good information.  Take care, Thad

Just an update.  I ordered the Progressive springs from MAW.  If anyone knows of someone selling a good Katana shock, let me know.  Again, thanks very much for all of the assistance.

Call Fremont Cycle Salvage. And look at craigslist.org