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Your recommendation: basic GS450 front fork upgrades

  • Thread starter Thread starter coyoteyip
  • Start date Start date
C

coyoteyip

Guest
Hi GSers,

I recently got an '83 GS450TXD in really good shape (see pic below); new tires and most everything is clean and works well. There is one exception, that I've read is common to this bike, that the suspension is not so hot. Mine is stock as far as I know, and I just re-set the rear shocks from setting 5 to 3 which seemed to help. It's the front that I want to work on next as I definitely get that "pogo-sticking" on the front when I encounter a bumpy road at around 25-40mph (and these roads are common out here in central PA.)

So, I've done my research, reading threads here and I think I know what the general consensus is; I just want to confirm with all you experts and folks that have had your GS's long than me if this is what you would do by basic upgrade to the front suspension. Of course I prefer me or my mechanic to only go in once if possible.

* replace drum brake pads as they're mushy; back drum is good. ('83 TXD had front drums as was pointed out by a forum veteran in my introduction post; doh!)
* insert Progressive springs (specific model?)
* change fork oil. Weight? I've heard that going up in weight from around 5-10 to around 30 helps with this problem, but would that be overkill in addition to the springs?

As for the other variables; I'm about 170lbs, and like to lean in the twisties, but not do much freeway, and probably prefer a stiffer sportier ride than a cushy cruisey one if I had to choose.

Grant me your wisdom, oh masters of the GS!

my_gs450.jpg
 
NIIIIICE BIKE...
I love the Twins.. but don't know about the front end altho 30 wt seems way too stiff to me but I'll listen to the the experts on suspension lol.

WISH I could find a "T" around here .. only the darn "L" s in WESTERN PA lol.. they all must've gone to the DISCO the nite before they visited the Suzuki dealer....:(
 
Barnbiketom - thanks! I was reading that Suzuki sold way more L models than T and so they discontinued the Ts and made Ls for several more years, which may contribute to there being a lot more Ls on the secondary market. And I hear you with regards to the general difficulty of finding a standard/naked bike and the dominance of cruisers in PA. Check out this bike for sale right now near me; this guy wanted a cruiser so bad he took a classic standard (1973 Honda 350) and did this to it.....yikes!

$_57.JPG
 
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So, any advice for this noob on my proposed front suspension upgrades?
 
Yes on Progressive or Sonic springs. Just get the set they recommend. The Sonic springs owner is a member here so I'd go that way. I think his name is RichDesmond. Show a bro some love!

Yes on new fork oil. I'd try 20 weight. 30 is pretty thick. Don't think it's necessary to go that thick.

Only other thing I'd recommend is finding a disc brake front end. World of difference from the stopping standpoint. A worthy upgrade for sure.
 
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Thanks, Nessism; I feel better about doing these upgrades after confirming them with someone who has been around these bikes longer than I!
 
Fork springs and 15w fork oil would be a big help. We (Sonic) don't have them in a small enough OD for your forks, but Race-Tech or Progressive may be able to help you out. If you go that route let me know if you need pointers on install or setup.
 
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The drum brakes can actually work "well enough" for this wee beastie if you have decent hand strength.

One hint would be to go ahead and replace the front brake cable if you haven't done this already -- it's surprising how much smoother and easier things get with a fresh cable.
 
RichDesmond said:
Fork springs and 15w fork oil would be a big help. We (Sonic) don't have them in a small enough OD for your forks, but Race-Tech or Progressive may be able to help you out. If you go that route let me know if you need pointers on install or setup.
Click to expand...

THIS is Class. :clap: :clap:

A manufacturer/vendor who recommends the competition when he does not have the proper item.

Thanks, Rich, always willing to help, no matter what it takes. :encouragement:

.
 
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