Fork oil level on GK

[Larry D]

First of all, I'll apologize for NOT having a manual yet for my GK.

Anyway, I'm going to be installing Progressive fork springs this weekend. I have some experience with it since my 750 has already had this done. I looked at Cliff's site which has the Owners Manual which doesn't mention fork oil levels. I suppose I need to track down a Service Manual at some point.

Would one of the GK owners please look it up and let me know. I'm guessing 140mm but, with the added weight of the fairing, I want to be sure. Thanks.

 

[twr1776]

Linky for Larry http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/forkSprings/3055.pdf

Here is the standard instruction info from Progressive noting the 140 mm dimension you mentioned. I would guess bumping the pre-load slighty for your bike. Maybe 1" of the spacer out of the tube before installation but I am not worthy of a GK. I kept two of mine even and one about 3/4" out of the tube which definately firmed it up but it is not too firm IMHO.

I have a service manual I can check tonight if you would like but I have gone with this formula and 15 wt oil.

 

[Larry D]

Linky for Larry http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/forkSprings/3055.pdf

Here is the standard instruction info from Progressive noting the 140 mm dimension you mentioned. I would guess bumping the pre-load slighty for your bike. Maybe 1" of the spacer out of the tube before installation but I am not worthy of a GK. I kept two of mine even and one about 3/4" out of the tube which definately firmed it up but it is not too firm IMHO.

I have a service manual I can check tonight if you would like but I have gone with this formula and 15 wt oil.

Thanks Tim. You are worthy of a GK...you just don't have one.

 

[bwringer]

Now that I think of it, one of my manuals covers the GK. I'll take a look tonight.

 

[willie]

Anyway, I'm going to be installing Progressive fork springs this weekend.

I have a pair of Progressive springs for the 1100G that I sold last month. I never used them. I'm hoping they'll fit my GK. Could you give me the p/n from your springs?
I'm also interested in your opinion of the difference in the suspension with the new springs.
Thanks,
Willie

 

[tkent02]

Don't think they will work, the GK has 38mm forks, G has 37mm.

What is the part number on the springs, I will take them if they are right for a GS1000E.

 

[lucabond]

I think it was 5 inches from the top when I did mine I used 15w oil. I took 1 of the stock spacers and cut it in half and that was the correct length, use a pipe cutter and reuse the stock washers. I also replaced the shocks with the cheap Chinese ones they sell at Whitney's, a little stiff without a load. When I filled it with oil I locked a tape measure at 5 inches and just sat it on top of the tube with the tape in the tube. then poured in the oil till it hit the hook on the tape.
The old girl handles like a dream now, she will lean over and back up with ease and is very nimble. Good luck

 

[Larry D]

I have a pair of Progressive springs for the 1100G that I sold last month. I never used them. I'm hoping they'll fit my GK. Could you give me the p/n from your springs?
I'm also interested in your opinion of the difference in the suspension with the new springs.
Thanks,
Willie

The part number is 11-1129. The only ones on ebay don't show a GK as applicable, that I could find tonight anyway.....I'll link you to a set for the legendary RG500 Gamma, which happens to use the same spring.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RG50...rcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5635e7d926



I went out and got my springs out of the garage. There's a paper that lists the bikes these springs fit. It includes the GK's and the Gamma. So, I'm certain these are correct.

The difference in Progressive fork springs were like night and day on the 750. Much more stable at speed and smooth through the corners. Highly recommended as far as safety and comfort.

 

[willie]

The difference in Progressive fork springs were like night and day on the 750. Much more stable at speed and smooth through the corners. Highly recommended as far as safety and comfort.

Thanks Larry. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear. I'll contact Progressive and see if they'll swap mine for the right ones.
Willie

 

[conrad]

.....I'll link you to a set for the legendary RG500 Gamma, which happens to use the same spring.

safety and comfort.

I also have an RG500 Gamma front suspension.

Question for GK lovers.. Does this look worth a punt do you think?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=274347421


regards,

 

[Larry D]

I got the fork springs installed with some nice fresh 15w fork oil. Forks and front wheel, with new Shinko Tour Master tire is installed back on the front axle. I'm going to install the rebuilt front calipers tomorrow. I have SS brakelines and bleeding to do also.

I cut the spacers to 1 3/4 in. I'll see how that feels once I get riding and change it, if need be.

 

[Larry D]

I also have an RG500 Gamma front suspension.

Question for GK lovers.. Does this look worth a punt do you think?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=274347421


regards,

First of all....we're going to need some more pics of that vehicle.

The bike you linked is an 1100L with aftermarket fairing and bags. Not a GK at all.

$515 is however a nice price for an 1100L.

 

[conrad]

The bike you linked is an 1100L with aftermarket fairing and bags. Not a GK at all.

$515 is however a nice price for an 1100L.

ahh, couldn't quite make out the side decal. The hassle/money would be in the paperwork side likely. I'm tempted but I really shouldn't, and I won't in fact, but man, I've just always wanted a gs11, badly. PLus all that bodywork could make a nice raft or a coracle or something.

L is for lover, so GK is for tiger woods?

 

[sscott]

Very nice work Larry :clap::clap:

You can start teaching me things when I need mine done.

Thats a nice 1100L, too bad its in NZ.

 

[1948man]

Sorry about your dog's forehead Conrad but he seems to have accepted it. Just kidding, actually I have always wanted a bull terrier.

 

[Larry D]

ahh, couldn't quite make out the side decal. The hassle/money would be in the paperwork side likely. I'm tempted but I really shouldn't, and I won't in fact, but man, I've just always wanted a gs11, badly. PLus all that bodywork could make a nice raft or a coracle or something.

L is for lover, so GK is for tiger woods?

Not the sidecovers so much as the stepped seat, "L" bars and leading front axle. If the guy doesn't have the proper paperwork, walk away. I've had bad experiences in that department.

Very nice work Larry :clap::clap:

You can start teaching me things when I need mine done.

Thats a nice 1100L, too bad its in NZ.

I would've taken some pics but, it's a sort of a nasty job and I didn't want to goober up the camera with my dirty hands. I'll take some tomorrow of the brake caliper install, it should be a cleaner job.

 

[conrad]

Sorry about your dog's forehead Conrad but he seems to have accepted it.

LOL. He was a lovely boy. A mate's bull terrier and a yamaha rider !

Yeah, cheers guys, that cheap gs1100L there has one too many ticks against it for me I think. Nice colour though. I just remember walking by a similar situation cbx opportunity once, and have never forgiven myself. You now how it is.

rgds,