Progressive springs/Fork swap 80 gs 450s

[moondawg]

Im trying to improve the suspension of my sweet (to me) little '80 gs450s cafe. Any thoughts on progressive fork springs? worth it? Ive already changed the fork oil with 15w and still mush...
Is there a fork swap from a newer bike (17 in.?) that would work and also give me better braking options too? (Then there's the back wheel...)
... thanks in advance!!!

head spinning faster than my wheels....

[koolaid_kid]

Well, they are a lot easier and much cheaper. I like the way they changed my bike after we installed them. (Thanks, Brian.)

[moondawg]

k.a. kid
thanks, any info on a swap???
somewhere down the road and deeper into my wallet...

[Ludeykrus]

Progressives are commonly accepted to be a great modification. One thing you might want to try first is to use PVC spacers in the top of the forks to essentially set the preload of the fork springs. This will stiffen up the front end and complement the thicker fork oil.

[moondawg]

thanks LK... more good stuff.
Ive heard about the pvc spacers but havent a clue as to diameter and length... A mechanic (friend?) of mine ordered the springs and said they would come with spacers... Fact ? rumor??? The minimal specs I have say an 80 gs450s as a 33mm air assist fork, but I dont think that helps me much, does it?
I brought up the pvc method... and this buddy gave me the semi-stinkeye
I really dont care, as long as it get results... know what I mean?
thanks again!

[Ludeykrus]

thanks LK... more good stuff.
Ive heard about the pvc spacers but havent a clue as to diameter and length... A mechanic (friend?) of mine ordered the springs and said they would come with spacers... Fact ? rumor??? The minimal specs I have say an 80 gs450s as a 33mm air assist fork, but I dont think that helps me much, does it?
I brought up the pvc method... and this buddy gave me the semi-stinkeye
I really dont care, as long as it get results... know what I mean?
thanks again!

I wanna say from memory that they use schedule 40 pvc? But basically you pull the top of the forks off, and the pvc should fit in the fork and force the springs down.

Your buddy probably just likes to buy parts for the job and install them, instead of possibly making your own solution. Nothing wrong with this, but there is also nothing wrong with the DIY pvc mod either. Many many people on this site have installed pvc spacers in their stock forks and have had great results.

And yes, the progressives come with some spacers, but I believe they are just to take up the slack from shorter springs instead of set preload (but I could be wrong on this!).

[pamarti]

Fork swapping gs400 gs500

Me to I'm looking for a fork replacement , but for a gs400 '84 ( the "sport" one ) .
Anyone know if I can do the swap with a fork ( and triple clamp ) from a recent gs500e ???? I suppose that the main concern should be the diameter of the head set ???

[SqDancerLynn1]

Progressive springs come with a length of cut to fit PVC pipe. Directions will come with a list of suggestions at to length