New GS650 Owner. Wanting to Mod. but not sure what I need.

[82'GS650]

Thanks, Ill look in to that.

[Grassigrass]

You don't know what you're talking about. The Dynojet kits are VERY predictable. Stage I through III are very well defined. Pod filters with a 4-1 exhaust is stage III. No guess work.

thats not what I was talking about.. I was referring to the actual jetting that needs to be tinkered with. If you go on dynojet's site; they only offer the stage 3 jet kit for the 82' GS650. But yes. Pod filters and a 4-1 exhaust would be a stage 3 even if dynojet offered the first 2 stages on their site.

[phydeauxmutt]

Bill when you say front springs they have a set that can get rid of the oil and air?

Can't quite get rid of either of them, but good springs will do most of the work. Your original springs have been compressed for well over 30 years, so will be a bit shorter than intended, meaning they are not as strong as when new. There are progressively-wound springs and straight-rate springs available. There is also air that is trapped when you close the top of the tube. No practical way to eliminate the trapped air, but there is also no need to add any additional air. Since the spring rate of compressed air is progressive, using progressively-wound springs adds to the overall rate in a manner that might be unpredictable. Using straight-rate springs minimizes this effect. The oil that is in the fork is for damping. Without oil, the wheel would keep bouncing when it hits a bump. It just controls the motion. A lighter-weight oil lets the wheel move a bit freer, while a heavier-weight oil makes it harder to move.

In very basic terms, the spring rate will control how MUCH the wheel moves, the oil viscosity will control how FAST.

[82'GS650]

Can't quite get rid of either of them, but good springs will do most of the work. Your original springs have been compressed for well over 30 years, so will be a bit shorter than intended, meaning they are not as strong as when new. There are progressively-wound springs and straight-rate springs available. There is also air that is trapped when you close the top of the tube. No practical way to eliminate the trapped air, but there is also no need to add any additional air. Since the spring rate of compressed air is progressive, using progressively-wound springs adds to the overall rate in a manner that might be unpredictable. Using straight-rate springs minimizes this effect. The oil that is in the fork is for damping. Without oil, the wheel would keep bouncing when it hits a bump. It just controls the motion. A lighter-weight oil lets the wheel move a bit freer, while a heavier-weight oil makes it harder to move.

In very basic terms, the spring rate will control how MUCH the wheel moves, the oil viscosity will control how FAST.

Oh thank you. I would have to break down the forks completely to replace the springs. The right oil seal is leaking so maybe thats a good idea to do.

[Dave8338]

Bill when you say front springs they have a set that can get rid of the oil and air?

Welcome to the site. Don't worry about little billy-boy, he likes to talk a smart game...

You have a nice looking bike. The L's are my favorite of the GS bikes but some think they have to bad mouth the L, guess it makes them feel important. As for anything you might need help with information wise, I'll be happy to help.
Keep in mind, I like mine stock and running PERFECTLY, likely better than they did new.

Again, welcome to the GSR

[seanarthurmachado]

Oh thank you. I would have to break down the forks completely to replace the springs. The right oil seal is leaking so maybe thats a good idea to do.

Probably, yes. Mine were done not long ago, the gunk that came out of my forks was an ugly smelly mess that resembled a neglected grease trap from a flat top grill in a fast food joint. The springs and seals could be original to the bike.

Sean

[82'GS650]

Thanks Dave I appreciate that. I get where you come from with the stock and running. I was just pondering the idea. I might just have the seals replaced on the forks and drive it in the mean time. She runs like a top as it is right now. Dont want to risk down time in the short summers here in North Dakota.

[82'GS650]

Ya Sean I am probably going to have the forks resealed and oil changed. Like you said they probably are original. Talked with a guy at the dealership and he says even the forks running with out any oil for a while that the springs are still good. So Ill just have them check them out and if bad replace.

[tkent02]

Check them yourself, then replace them anyway with modern springs from Sonic.

[tom203]

Check them yourself, then replace them anyway with modern springs from Sonic.

Yes, they are bound to be tired. On my to do list,if I live long enough.

[82'GS650]

IMG_1898.jpg
Went from these stock handle bars to.........

[82'GS650]

IMG_1904.jpg
To these smaller hanger. Also removed the windshield. Looks a lot better and also is more comfortable.