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Aftermarket Fork Springs for GS450 + Rear Shock Size Question
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Aftermarket Fork Springs for GS450 + Rear Shock Size Question
I'm looking into replacing the fork springs on my '80 GS450L with something more heavy duty. I'm rather tall and large, and don't know how the stock springs would do. The bike is hardtailed currently, so I'll be replacing the rear shocks sometime soon as well. Is there a good aftermarket option for these front forks? I looked at sonic springs and I saw they had springs for the GS550 and GS500, but nothing smaller than that. Would the 500 springs be compatible without any sort of modification? Also, does somebody have a measurement for the rear shocks on the 450? Since mine is hardtailed its hard to tell where the swingarm originally sat, or if it would need changed to accommodate my size.Tags: None
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Give Sonic a call. They've got great customer service and will help in anyway they can. The owners a member here. Pretty darn sure the stock shocks on that bike will be the same as most others, 13". I checked Progressive Suspension and they list the shock for your bike at 13" as well. Progressive lists a front spring for your bike, as well as the rear shocks. If I were given the choice I'd be taking the Sonic (straight rate spring) for sure but being a hard tail I'm not sure if you care about performance at all, maybe the progressives (progressively wound spring) would be fine.Rob
1983 1100ES, 98' ST1100, 02' DR-Z400E and a few other 'bits and pieces'
Are you on the GSR Google Earth Map yet? http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=170533
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Be careful on the Progressive shocks. You can get whatever spring rate you want, but the damping is set up for the big heavy bikes, it will ride hard as a rock on the lighter 450.
I haven't found any designed for light bikes like the 450, let me know if you find anything because I need some for mine. The front is easy, Sonic fork springs in an appropriate rate, cartridge emulators and it will ride pretty nice.
Life is too short to ride an L.
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JRHemmen
Originally posted by tkent02 View PostBe careful on the Progressive shocks. You can get whatever spring rate you want, but the damping is set up for the big heavy bikes, it will ride hard as a rock on the lighter 450.
I haven't found any designed for light bikes like the 450, let me know if you find anything because I need some for mine. The front is easy, Sonic fork springs in an appropriate rate, cartridge emulators and it will ride pretty nice.
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JRHemmen
Originally posted by tkent02 View PostThose are eye to clevis, the 450s need eye to eye. They probably have them but ask about the damping.
*edit* Here's a set on the same site thats a 13" eye to eye. It lists the GS450 (1980-1983) as a compatible vehicle with a specific shock for it.
https://www.denniskirk.com/progressi....prd/58338.sku
Last edited by Guest; 01-20-2016, 11:12 PM.
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Originally posted by JRHemmen View Post...Is there a good aftermarket option for these front forks? I looked at sonic springs and I saw they had springs for the GS550 and GS500, but nothing smaller than that. Would the 500 springs be compatible without any sort of modification?...
Race-Tech may have something for you, or we can do a custom set (which might actually be cheaper than Race-Tech's off the shelf ones).
Shoot me a pm or email if you would like to discuss further.'20 Ducati Multistrada 1260S, '93 Ducati 750SS, '01 SV650S, '07 DL650, '01 DR-Z400S, '80 GS1000S, '85 RZ350
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850G shocks drop right on a 450; they're a bit stiff, but with 5 way preload and 4 way damping I find them OK on the softest settings. I weigh about 165 so if you're 200 or more they might be just right. Finding a pair might be a challenge, but……? I think all the G models have eye to eye shocks, but I've only owned the 850.
The forks respond well to having an inch or two cut off the springs and a spacer - PVC pipe - added. I seem to recall cutting about 1.5" off and a two inch spacer, but it's been a long time. If you cut too much off, the coils will bind before you get full travel. Cut the closer wound end.'82 GS450T
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Originally posted by John Park View Post850G shocks drop right on a 450; they're a bit stiff, but with 5 way preload and 4 way damping I find them OK on the softest settings.
We slapped them on the fo-fiddy, and they actually work mostly okayish under us healthy corn-fed Americans. Much better than the stock 450 shocks anyway.
We ended up installing Progressive fork springs -- as Rich mentioned, they're lil' biddy boogers.
For the rear, another option might be Hagon shocks -- they use shock bodies with various damping profiles, so the "soft" profile might work out pretty well. A little over $200, though.1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
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JRHemmen
So it looks like putting on the stock 850 shocks is my best bet. I'm seeing them on ebay for $30-$60, does that seem like a decent price?
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Originally posted by JRHemmen View PostSo it looks like putting on the stock 850 shocks is my best bet. I'm seeing them on ebay for $30-$60, does that seem like a decent price?
If I needed a set I'd pounce. Although I haven't actually bought from him, I've come close, and he seems to be a respected and fair dealer. Plus, I like buying from places like Appleton, Wisconsin. Low overhead; short riding season.'82 GS450T
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JRHemmen
Originally posted by John Park View PostThe ones currently listed by 'mistermonkeyclaw' for $32.70 look really nice. The shafts look in great shape and that is what's most critical. The others look pretty pooched to me…..
If I needed a set I'd pounce. Although I haven't actually bought from him, I've come close, and he seems to be a respected and fair dealer. Plus, I like buying from places like Appleton, Wisconsin. Low overhead; short riding season.
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herostar
Did you ever figure out a front spring solution? Is Progressive really our only option for front springs?
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