Rear shocks spring rate

[razooki]

I searched but could not find any info on the stock rear spring rate for my '80 GS850. I replaced the stock shocks with Progressive shocks I got for a song on EBay but the springs rate on them is 75/120. I currently have them at the highest pre-load (I weigh around 250lb). I'm wondering if the stock springs would be stiffer than that.

Thanks,

Raz

 

[mlinder]

I think the correct springs rates from progressive for your bike are supposed to be 90/130.

Dunno how stiff the stocks were, which were prolly only that stiff for 6 months after they were new.

 

[Steve]

Well, the spring rate would not change that quickly, but the damping ability surely would.

.

 

[bwringer]

Measure static sag and report back.

I weigh about 30 pounds more than you, and I had to install Progressive's 120/170 springs to get sag in the right ballpark.

They don't list these for the GS850 -- you have to look on the application chart for the Kawasaki Voyager. They're Progressive part number 03-1365B for black springs or 03-1365C for chrome.

With this setup, I use the first or second preload position with just me on the bike, and the fourth or fifth with a passenger and luggage. Perfect.


Stock rear springs wouldn't help -- they're set up for a Japanese test rider that weighs maybe 100-120 pounds.

 

[razooki]

Thanks I'll start hunting around for those springs. It's a long winter so I have some time.