GS450 shock upgrade
I have been asked about my GS450 shock upgrade more than once so thought I would post the latest reply here:
I have a pair of decent stock shocks for the GS450 but what I replaced them with is the upgraded shocks from the 83-84 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo. These are not standard XJ650 shocks. They have air preload and 4-position damping adjustment. They are oil shocks and the damping affects both compression and rebound (I think, could be wrong there). There is a spring inside too - they work even with the valve stem out, ie they don't collapse to full compression. I run them with about 10-15lbs. of air and damping on one. I weigh 200 with gear and pack. The XJ is a much heavier bike so these shocks are overdamped for the GS450. I will try lighter oil when I get to it. Pic here:
and here:
The GS is a playbike and only gets ridden enough to keep her juices flowing and carbs unclogged these days. I run Progressive brand fork springs in front with 10wt oil. The bike handles great with this setup. The ride is firm yet reasonably compliant for a 70s setup with only 4in. or so of travel in back. Bridgestone Spitfire S11 in back and BT45 bias in front.
Peace
I have a pair of decent stock shocks for the GS450 but what I replaced them with is the upgraded shocks from the 83-84 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo. These are not standard XJ650 shocks. They have air preload and 4-position damping adjustment. They are oil shocks and the damping affects both compression and rebound (I think, could be wrong there). There is a spring inside too - they work even with the valve stem out, ie they don't collapse to full compression. I run them with about 10-15lbs. of air and damping on one. I weigh 200 with gear and pack. The XJ is a much heavier bike so these shocks are overdamped for the GS450. I will try lighter oil when I get to it. Pic here:
and here:
The GS is a playbike and only gets ridden enough to keep her juices flowing and carbs unclogged these days. I run Progressive brand fork springs in front with 10wt oil. The bike handles great with this setup. The ride is firm yet reasonably compliant for a 70s setup with only 4in. or so of travel in back. Bridgestone Spitfire S11 in back and BT45 bias in front.
Peace