Has anyone put off road suspension on??

[Motojoe2492]

I have an '83 Gs850G that I was considering putting some mild enduro tires on because the Maine roads are so bad. I also enjoy taking dirt roads from time to time and wouldn't mind the extra traction.

That got me thinking though... Would it hurt to try for a bit more ground clearance and more pot-hole relief with some more aggressive suspension?

I'm really only thinking slightly taller rear shocks and for the front either going with a new fork all together or if my original air set would handle a bit more pressure to raise it. Let me know what your thoughts and experiences are!

P.S. I know there are bikes built for that, I just like pushing the envelope

 

[Steve]

"Pushing the envelope" is quite the understatement there. Better suspension is always good, but you don't want to be jacking up an 850 for more clearance. The u-joint in the driveshaft does not like to be run very far off-straight, raising the bike would probably push it beyond its design limits.

Of course, then there is that obvious problem of "gravitational attraction". The 850 is the heaviest GS that was made, until they put the luggage on the 1100G and called it the 1100GK.

Not saying it can't be done, but you admitted that there are better bikes for that purpose.

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[Motojoe2492]

"Pushing the envelope" is quite the understatement there. Better suspension is always good, but you don't want to be jacking up an 850 for more clearance. The u-joint in the driveshaft does not like to be run very far off-straight, raising the bike would probably push it beyond its design limits.

Of course, then there is that obvious problem of "gravitational attraction". The 850 is the heaviest GS that was made, until they put the luggage on the 1100G and called it the 1100GK.

Not saying it can't be done, but you admitted that there are better bikes for that purpose.

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Great example of why I posted it here! Endless amounts of good info and a free ride back down to earth :dancing:

I know when I sit on it I squish it down pretty well, I was just hoping to get that effect lessened without sacrificing a cushy rear.

I was testing my max angle around my work the other day and happened to get a scrape out of my crash bar, so that's what sparked this thought. I am also thinking a fairing and baggage, so I suppose a longer fall isn't something I want to contend with!

Thanks, Steve!

 

[Guest]

I'm really only thinking slightly taller rear shocks and for the front either going with a new fork all together or if my original air set would handle a bit more pressure to raise it.

Jacking up the air pressure is not a good idea and won't get you what you want. You need to have the correct amount of sag in the suspension for a couple of reasons. First, you need some travel to follow hollows in the road and second, too much preload combined with soft springs leads to a very harsh ride. Running higher air pressure also increases the stress on your fork seals and can lead to blown seals.

I know when I sit on it I squish it down pretty well, I was just hoping to get that effect lessened without sacrificing a cushy rear.

It sounds like you haven't got the correct spring rates or set up on your bike. Putting new shocks and fork springs in with the correct spring rates for your weight and riding along with setting the sag up correctly will make a huge difference in how your bike handles and rides.


Mark

 

[Steve]

As I mentioned, better suspension is always good. My wife and I both have 850s (see links in my signature).

I have Sonic Springs in the front and Koni shocks on the rear. I chose the heaviest rate springs for the front because of my "gravitational attraction" and the fact that the bike has a frame-mounted fairing. Coupled with 10w fork oil, it rides like a Cadillac. The Koni shocks were purchased used, condition unknown. They happen to be decent, but I see the need to rebuild them and install heavier springs. That will likely happen this winter.

My wife's bike is set up for her (lack of) height. Progressive Suspension springs in the forks (got them from a member who upgraded to Sonics), but had to slide the fork tubes up a bit to keep the bike lower. Hagon shocks in the back, ordered an inch shorter, with the proper spring rate. Also had to shorten the side stand and center stand, but that's another story.

If you "squish down" your forks more than about an inch or your shocks more than about 3/4 inch, you need new springs to handle your weight. Fork oil is easy to change for damping adjustments, most of the lower-end (affordable) shocks do not have easily-changed oil.

Sonic springs are about $90 for the front ($10-15 for fork oil, and may as well change the seals for another $20 or so), Hagon shocks are about $220 for the rear. Contact both manufacturers for spring rate recommendations, you will be amazed at how much better your bike will feel, without raising the ride height.

For handling the gravel, you can get a dual-sport tire. Might look at something like a 90/10 or an 80/20, depending on how much gravel you expect.

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[Guest]

You might search the forums for some posts by member "shirazdrum", he drove an 850 "around the world" and tackled some pretty....interesting roads with it.

 

[salty_monk]

for gravel roads the stock suspension is likely fine. Maybe want to think about some kind of guard to protect your pipes is all..