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    Originally posted by JohnnyL View Post
    If I go with Sonic front springs .90kg/mm, what weight fork oil should I use? I'm 5'-9" and 165 lbs.
    10w would be fine for you.

    Are you putting Cartridge emulators in as well?
    1980 GS1000G - Sold
    1978 GS1000E - Finished!
    1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
    1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
    2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
    1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
    2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar..... - FOR SALE!

    www.parasiticsanalytics.com

    TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

    Comment


      Originally posted by salty_monk View Post
      10w would be fine for you.

      Are you putting Cartridge emulators in as well?
      Cartridge emulators? I don’t even know what that is. Please tell me more about them. It sounds like something else I need to spend money on. Lol.

      Hearing 8 grand in parts for your bike just made me feel a LOT better. I’m just under $10k right now. There...I said it. Truth be told...I love this bike and I would spend $10k again because I love this bike and had a blast building it.
      1969 Honda CL350 Cafe
      1980 Suzuki GS550L cafe project Link
      2019 Yamaha MT-09
      2016 Honda CBR650F(wife’s bike)
      2001 Honda CBR600F4i(Son's bike)

      Comment


        Originally posted by JohnnyL View Post
        Cartridge emulators? I don’t even know what that is. Please tell me more about them. It sounds like something else I need to spend money on. Lol.

        Hearing 8 grand in parts for your bike just made me feel a LOT better. I’m just under $10k right now. There...I said it. Truth be told...I love this bike and I would spend $10k again because I love this bike and had a blast building it.
        And that is the ONLY thing that matters.

        I know i have had a blast following along.
        2@ \'78 GS1000

        Comment


          Originally posted by JohnnyL View Post
          If I go with Sonic front springs .90kg/mm, what weight fork oil should I use? I'm 5'-9" and 165 lbs.
          Originally posted by salty_monk View Post
          10w would be fine for you.
          I agree with the 10w oil.


          Originally posted by salty_monk View Post
          Are you putting Cartridge emulators in as well?
          Originally posted by JohnnyL View Post
          Cartridge emulators? I don’t even know what that is. Please tell me more about them. It sounds like something else I need to spend money on. Lol.
          I don't know if it's because I'm an insensitive lout or what, but when I installed emulators on my bike, I could not really tell much of a difference.
          I keep hearing how much better the suspension is with them, and I can appreciate the fact that they are adjustable, but I did not notice much.

          To keep things fair, I believe that most who install them are going from a clapped-out system that is not working well to one that does, and that is impressive, indeed. However, I rebuilt my forks with Sonic springs and fresh 10w oil, then did a 1000-mile weekend at the Brown County rally. One of the roads made me think that it was a test track for a suspension company. Potholes, patches and repaired potholes aplenty. You could not go 100 yards in a straight line without hitting something. The ride quality was worthy of a Cadillac.

          A month or three later, I installed the emulators. I made no adjustments to them before installation, heeding the advice on some other forums. There was no "night and day" difference. In fact, I thought it was not quite as good, so I took them out, verified that they were adjusted properly (they weren't) and put them back in. After the adjustment they seemed to improve back to what they were before installation.

          Another factor is cost. The emulators themselves are not exactly pocket change, but are not that expensive, either. In my case, they also required some adapters for larger-diameter forks. I don't know how readily available they are, but a member here offered some prototypes for testing (thanks, Dan ). I am sure that if something like that was commercially available, they could cost almost as much as the emulators.

          Bottom line (for me): if you are really sensitive to your suspension's operation, possibly you are one who can tell the difference between 10w and 8w oil, they might make a difference. On a race track, they might make a difference. But, for me and the way I ride, .


          Originally posted by chris View Post
          I just need to wire up my lazer detector. The road is infested with police.
          I have used radar and laser detectors in virtually all of my vehicles since about 1975. I have not always had the top of the line, but have stuck with the better ones. Radar detectors have changed over the years, and so has radar itself. Radar does not necessarily give a reading on the closest or the fastest vehicle, it gives a reading on the best reflector in its beam. Early radar units (x-band) had a six-lane spread at 100 yards. It was up to the operator to determine which vehicle was the offender. Later k-band units were tighter, only covering two or three lanes at 100 yards, but there is still uncertainty. Depending on the terrain, a radar beam can easily go for over a mile, meaning that the spread actually covers both sides of the highway. If there is a motorcycle 1/2 mile away and a semi a full mile away, which is the better reflector? If the truck is the one speeding, who gets the ticket? Most likely, it will be the one that the officer sees first.

          Laser units have aiming sights on them. They are accurate enough that the officer can aim at a motorcycle between two semi-trucks and get an accurate reading. If you get an alert on your radar detector, you only know that you were in the beam, but because the beam is so wide, there is no guarantee that YOU were the target. The police laser unit is so focused, it can be aimed at a vehicle in the lane next to you and your detector will not alert you. If your laser detector alerts you, you should know that is merely an alert that you have been caught, so go ahead and pull over, if you have been speeding.

          A couple other things to consider:
          1. At one time (many years ago), radar detectors were not allowed in Canadia. Not sure if laser detectors were included and I don't know if that might have changed. If they are not allowed, be aware that there are not many places to hide one on a motorcycle.

          2. How are you going to receive the alert? Even on my Goldwing, the alert was not enough to attract my attention. You will need to route the audio into your helmet or have a very bright light.

          I have since adopted the philosophy that my bikes are not race bikes. Yes, there are times I hustle along a bit above the posted limit, but not at speeds that would likely attract attention. I have removed the detectors from my bikes, but still keep one in my car.

          Lastly, keep in mind, "it's not how fast you drive, it's how you drive fast".

          .
          sigpic
          mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
          hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
          #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
          #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
          Family Portrait
          Siblings and Spouses
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          Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
          (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

          Comment


            Originally posted by Steve View Post

            Lastly, keep in mind, "it's not how fast you drive, it's how you drive fast".

            .
            Wise words, Mr Steve...

            Ed

            ****
            GS750TZ V&H/4-1, Progressive Shocks, Rebuilt MC/braided line, Tarozzi Stabilizer[Seq#2312]
            GS750TZ Parts Bike [Seq#6036]
            GSX-R750Y (Sold)

            my opinion shouldn't be taken as gospel or in any way that would lead you to believe otherwise (30Sep2021)

            Comment


              Hi, I will be putting stiffer springs and probably emulators in my bike this spring in a effort to eliminate the weave I get exiting high speed sweepers. I am going to test the bike with springs only then install the emulators. I will post my findings in the suspension section when I am done. This is a interesting subject. I also installed a fork brace this winter I have yet to test it, will post those results in suspension section when I do.
              As far as lazer detectors are concerned, I have used the uniden r7 in golf for the past four months with great results. Lazer detectors are legal in British Columbia, I just need to wire a speaker to my helmet.
              1983 gs1100ed restro-mod. 1998 gsxr 1100 almost mint, 2019 kawasaki klx250, 2011 Beta 250 evo trials bike, 2017 Montesa 300rr trials bike, 2021 honda crf250rx woods weapon

              Comment


                I see how it is, now. Finish up the bike, and disappear. I feel so used... LOL
                '83 GS 1100T
                The Jet


                sigpic
                '95 GSXR 750w
                The Rocket

                I'm sick of all these Irish stereotypes! When I finish my beer, I'm punching someone in the face ! ! !

                Comment


                  Originally posted by Spyder View Post
                  I see how it is, now. Finish up the bike, and disappear. I feel so used... LOL
                  LOL...To be honest, I rode the bike a lot a few weekends ago and then put a cover on it. It hasn't been ridden since because I have been dealing with my father. My father is in TN with my mom. My father has Parkinsons and severe dementia. He ended up in the hospital last week for eight days. I went down there last weekend to be with him and my mom. They moved my father to a rehab facility(nursing home) on Tuesday this week where he will be for at least the next 70 days. I was going to go back down this weekend to see him but the rehab facility, as of 2:00 today, has closed their doors to all visitors including family. This is about the worst scenario for my little world. My father is already confused as to where he is and now my mom can't even see him or any other familiar face for that matter. This stupid coronavirus is wreaking havoc in ways that people haven't even thought about yet.

                  Meanwhile, I have taken apart my son's 1969 CL350 so that I could paint the motor and re-wire it with an M-Unit. The wiring was jenky to begin with so it is overdue. I'm also having my painter paint his tins. I will post a pic of the bike once it's completed.
                  1969 Honda CL350 Cafe
                  1980 Suzuki GS550L cafe project Link
                  2019 Yamaha MT-09
                  2016 Honda CBR650F(wife’s bike)
                  2001 Honda CBR600F4i(Son's bike)

                  Comment


                    Johnny, sorry for your troubles. And here I was bitching about having my son home from college for an extra week of Spring Break (so far). Feel free to start a build thread about your boy’s Honda in the “other” projects forum. From the work you did on your GS, you’ve definitely built a fan base. I’d probably follow a thread about you building a sandwich.
                    Rich
                    1982 GS 750TZ
                    2015 Triumph Tiger 1200

                    BikeCliff's / Charging System Sorted / Posting Pics
                    Destroy-Rebuild 750T/ Destroy-Rebuild part deux

                    Comment


                      Originally posted by Rich82GS750TZ View Post
                      Johnny, sorry for your troubles. And here I was bitching about having my son home from college for an extra week of Spring Break (so far). Feel free to start a build thread about your boy’s Honda in the “other” projects forum. From the work you did on your GS, you’ve definitely built a fan base. I’d probably follow a thread about you building a sandwich.
                      Haha! Building a sandwich sounds pretty boring. If you're really interested in reading about one of my biggest projects ever, go on Facebook and search for JERICO Properties. There I blogged about a 21,000 SF mansion built in 1904 that I restored. I'm no longer on Facebook and my wife is the administrator of the JERICO page so I won't see if you comment. I don't know if she even pays attention to that page anymore. I sold the home in 2017 for 2.5 million. Ask me if I made money. I didn't but I sure learned a hell of a lot.

                      Cherish those moments with your son. Life is too short and our time with our kids is even shorter.
                      1969 Honda CL350 Cafe
                      1980 Suzuki GS550L cafe project Link
                      2019 Yamaha MT-09
                      2016 Honda CBR650F(wife’s bike)
                      2001 Honda CBR600F4i(Son's bike)

                      Comment


                        Yeah, I only joke about my son going back to school. I really do like when he’s home. He fills the house with wonderful jazz from his saxophone. He’s a music performance major. Going to be tough if his school goes to online only for the rest of the semester. My other son is looking forward to his first year of HS Lacrosse. I’ve coached him since age 7. Sadly, I think that spring high school sports will not even happen. Ivy League and Patriot League cancelled the remainder of spring sports. I think High schools will follow suit.
                        Rich
                        1982 GS 750TZ
                        2015 Triumph Tiger 1200

                        BikeCliff's / Charging System Sorted / Posting Pics
                        Destroy-Rebuild 750T/ Destroy-Rebuild part deux

                        Comment


                          Yeah, everything is shutting down. This is going to get much worse before it get's better. So sorry to hear about your father Johnny, that just a horrible situation for him. Bury yourself into a project. It will help take your mind off of things for a little bit at a time. Doesn't make it go away, but makes coping with it a little easier. When they (not if) put us under "no travel" quarantine, I will be spending that time out in my garage getting my bike back together. Good luck...
                          '83 GS 1100T
                          The Jet


                          sigpic
                          '95 GSXR 750w
                          The Rocket

                          I'm sick of all these Irish stereotypes! When I finish my beer, I'm punching someone in the face ! ! !

                          Comment


                            I installed Sonic Springs on my front forks over the weekend. The front end is so much stiffer/better! I can't believe how spongy and weak the stock spring setup was. I haven't had a chance to take the bike for a spin yet with the new springs but I'm anxious to try it out.
                            1969 Honda CL350 Cafe
                            1980 Suzuki GS550L cafe project Link
                            2019 Yamaha MT-09
                            2016 Honda CBR650F(wife’s bike)
                            2001 Honda CBR600F4i(Son's bike)

                            Comment


                              I have Sonic Springs on all my bikes. The biggest difference I noticed right away is less brake dive; the front end is so much more stable and predictable under braking.

                              I had Progressive brand springs on my GS for years, but they have a rather low spring rate; they're biased toward comfort and a lighter rider. To just get sag in the right ballpark, I had to use a huge amount of preload. Once I learned about straight rate springs, I ordered up a set from Sonic and the difference at all speeds was startling.



                              Oh, and we're gonna need some pics of your son's Honda... this is a Suzuki forum, but I think the folks here would love to see more.
                              1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                              2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                              2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                              Eat more venison.

                              Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

                              Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

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                              Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

                              Comment


                                Originally posted by bwringer View Post
                                I have Sonic Springs on all my bikes. The biggest difference I noticed right away is less brake dive; the front end is so much more stable and predictable under braking.

                                I had Progressive brand springs on my GS for years, but they have a rather low spring rate; they're biased toward comfort and a lighter rider. To just get sag in the right ballpark, I had to use a huge amount of preload. Once I learned about straight rate springs, I ordered up a set from Sonic and the difference at all speeds was startling.



                                Oh, and we're gonna need some pics of your son's Honda... this is a Suzuki forum, but I think the folks here would love to see more.
                                The Honda is coming along. The engine is painted, I fabricated a custom exhaust for it, put on an M-Unit with 100% new wiring, new gauge and new rings on cylinder one. The gas tank is at the body shop and I should be picking it up today or tomorrow and then it will go to Corby Concepts for a new paint job along with the seat tail.

                                I will definitely post some pics of it when it's done.
                                1969 Honda CL350 Cafe
                                1980 Suzuki GS550L cafe project Link
                                2019 Yamaha MT-09
                                2016 Honda CBR650F(wife’s bike)
                                2001 Honda CBR600F4i(Son's bike)

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