1980 GS450 Suspension upgrade

[apopleptic]

Let me preface this by saying I'm recovering from an injured hand right now and am unable to take the bike for a test ride at the moment.

I believe my bike still has stock on the rear and hasnt had much done to the front in the 32 years since it was new.

The front of the bike felt ok when riding, but I noticed that then I would park it on the side stand I had to lift on the handlebars or the front wouldn't fully return. fork seals apprear OK but wipers are dry rotted. being relatively new to this and very poor at the moment, I started by just replaced the oil in the front shocks and the old stuff was some of the most noxious fluid I've ever drained. almost completely black with more of a dirty oil smell than oil I've run over 15k miles in my old sentra, and almost with a kerosene or gasoline oder as well. I replaced the oil with BelRay 10w fork oil and it seems to return much better when I press down. After I can ride again I'll decide if that made the difference or if I think springs are in order. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

I also wonder about the rear shocks on this bike. I weigh about 220 and when I pull onto my street there is a dip that if I don't lift some of my weight for caused my bike to bottom out once or twice. these shocks have an adjustment on them for how much compression is on the springs at rest, which end should they be set to? I've attached an image of the adjustment I'm talking about. right now it seems that my springs are compressed as much as they can be by default. When I ask at the store, or look online at progressive springs they are $200+ which I cannot justify spending on this bike, especially with funding so tight right now. does anyone have any experience with replacing the rear shocks with universal shocks? I found one or two that look acceptable in the $80 range.

Thanks in advance for your feedback

http://z1parts.net/product/kawasaki-honda-suzuki-yamaha-universal-motorcycle-shocks-3
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160531536613&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://www.partsnmore.com/parts/suzuki/gs450/?filters[category]=chassis&filters[price]=100

 

[Guest]

For rear shocks, the four brands off the top of my head are MDI, Hagon, Progressive, and Ikon, and I think that might be the order of price also.

For fork springs, there's Progressive and Ikon progressive rate fork springs and there's Sonic static rate fork springs.

I won't claim to know alot about all the above, but I'm planning on Ikon for my 450 as soon as I have budget for it.

The stock fork springs were a tad soft out of the factory years ago, but some higher viscosity fork oil was enough to sort that, but now after 30 years I'd be replacing them.

My rear shocks weren't too bad when I was riding nearly 10 years ago, but now they're like struts and don't move at all.

 

[spyug]

When on a budget, you pretty much have to go with what you can afford. Take offs might be your best bet so you might try your local dealers or used guys.

Its not uncommon for new bike buyers to replace the factory equipment with something better when they first buy the bike. I got a really nice set off a Harley once for about $40. Since they were off a heavier bike they were fine for my lighter XS650. Nice and firm just as I liked.

Even something used from the wreckers might be better than what you currently have.

Good luck.
spyug

 

[apopleptic]

Anyone have any thoughts on these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VINT...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f754595d
they have them in baby blue too
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GALO...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f7544f61

 

[Guest]

Going by what they're designed for (Derbi, Puch) I suspect they'll be far too lightly sprung for a 450... I may be wrong but that's my initial thoughts...