81 GS850gl Fork

[yellowjacket]

I took the cap off my forks to replace the fork oil and it went from cap to spring. Is there suppose to be a spacer in there. The forks are pretty spongy even with new fork oil? If there is suppose to be a spacer in there how long is it and what can I replace it with? Thanks

[Emjay]

Looks like there should be. Check out the parts diagram here - https://alpha-sports.com/suzuki_part...q=suzuki-parts. Select your year, then model (GX850GLX), then Front Fork. If it were me I would replace the springs.

[Rijko]

If it were me I would replace the springs.

Why ? The original setup was pretty good, room for improvement
but i see no reason to replace the springs if they are ok.
Minimum length is in the service manual.

[yellowjacket]

Any idea how long the spacer is?

[yellowjacket]

Any idea how long the spacer is?

[yellowjacket]

Opened it up again and looked, I have 2 springs in there. The one on top is about 8 inches long. Is this right?

[Steve]

The reason you want to replace the springs is to get something that works properly.

The reason you have two springs is that the smaller spring is a lighter weight and compresses easily. That is for "comfort".

After most of your travel has been used up in the "comfort" zone, you get to the real spring, but by then, it's too late and it can't do its job very well.

And, those springs have been in use for about 40 years, why not give them a break? New STRAIGHT-RATE springs (not progressively-wound springs) are a much better ride and control the bike better. Most of them are going to be too short to fill the length of the fork tube, so a spacer tube is included to bring the length to about equal to the top of the fork tube. Compressing it slightly when putting on the cap is just enough preload. Install the proper amount of 10w fork oil, you will have a great combination.

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[yellowjacket]

Ok thanks, I will look into a new set of springs..

[Steve]

Sonic Springs are a good option.

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