GS 550 suspension

[mavpsa]

Greetings,

I've looked through various threads regarding the suspension upgrades that many have completed on their GS's. I'm considering upgrading the suspension on my '77 GS550. What would be the easiest, safest swap possible for this year and make? I understand from the other threads that it's best obtaining the whole front and rear ends when upgrading. but i'm at a loss as what to look for specifically. would it be gsxr, katana, bandit or sv? I can't seem to find any threads that truly address the upgrade for the "77 550 .

would such a swap allow me to keep the narrow clubman bars? thanks in advance for all your help!!!!

[Nessism]

Progressive Suspension makes shocks (about $200) and fork springs. Change the fork oil when you do the springs - 15W. If you are a heavy rider, more than 200 lbs., you can get the some low cost shocks (as sold on ebay, JC Whitney, etc.) for about $80 - springs are stiff so they may not be suitable if you are a light weight.

If you are really hot to upgrade the entire suspension, check out the Performance Mods forum, several members have done complete fork switch overs - typically with GSXR parts.

My opinion is to keep it simple, it's a GS550 after all - best handling of the GS bikes to begin with.

Good luck.

[mavpsa]

I would like to swap the front and rear out if possible. I've looked at almost every possible thread available, but many deal w/just the 750's and higher. i can never truly figure out if any of those threads would apply to my year and make. I did see this recent thread where a member asked a similar question, but I don't think it really went anywhere.

i could be wrong, but i haven't read any post that indicated the gxsr swap to be an easy one either. I was looking for something that will almost bolt on, front and rear with very little modification. Additionally, i would also like to keep my handlebars. Would anything off a katana, bandit or SV work?

[Nessism]

I think you are dream'n if you think you are going to find a "bolt on" front end for any GS. You might want to measure your fork length so you can compare to other forks. An SV fork might be a good choice due to availability. For the rear end, common mod is to get a GS1100 aluminum swingarm - keeps the twin shocks. You will not find anything better that does not require welding.

Good luck.

[doctorgonzo]

412 series shocks from progressive (about $200.00) made all the difference in my rear end (GS1000G). I highly recommend them. Now if I can get the air in my front forks balanced without the special tool I'll be hooked up. When you try to balance them you lose some pressure by putting the gauge on the check the pressure. Suzuki has a special tool for it, but yet to find one, especially cheap. I've gotten them close enough that riding one handed is only a mild shake. Both hands off wobbles like crazy.