upgraded shocks and springs

[Guest]

I have been reading differant posts to try and get the most out of my 79 750, and as we all know these bikes won't do very well in the speed area compared to modern bikes but i've read several posts about upgrading the suspension so u could possibly (if u know how to ride) pass modern bikes in the corners. i was wondering what people were running or if u have any suggestions for suspensions? thanks!

[TheCafeKid]

I have been reading differant posts to try and get the most out of my 79 750, and as we all know these bikes won't do very well in the speed area compared to modern bikes but i've read several posts about upgrading the suspension so u could possibly (if u know how to ride) pass modern bikes in the corners. i was wondering what people were running or if u have any suggestions for suspensions? thanks!

Uh...
Well, they'll only work as well as the guy piloting them. And that goes for any bike. If you run up on some guy who doesnt know how to ride very well and he's on the latest greatest, sure, you could probably pass him. But no matter how much money you spend on it, dont kid yourself, a modern 600cc sportbike will make mince meat out of even an 1100cc GS. Its not a fair comparison.

Having said that, i'll also say passing someone in the corners is not a good habit to get into unless youre on a track riding with a competitive group. Its not only rude, but its dangerous.

Having said THAT, If you want the most out of your suspension, be prepared to spend some bucks. Racetech, Sonic or Progressive brand fork springs, along with new seals, oil and maybe even some cartridge emulators are your first step. Thats not terribly pricey. Maybe a couple to a few hundred bucks. Its out back where things get expensive.
If you want the best, buy Ohlins. But at around a grand or so a set, definitely not cheap. But few "cheap" shocks will offer the level of adjustability you'll get out of shocks with a larger price tag.

Less spendy options will include IKON shocks, Progressive Shocks, and many others. But if you want adjustibility in rebound and compression damping rates, and preload and ride height, be prepared to spend some cash..

But if you want a bike that will just be a hooligan machine..Buy a newer bike..

[shinzon1]

im well aware that the bike is only as good as the rider and that if i want a faster bike i should buy a new one but if that was the case i wouldnt have made the post. i love my bike and dont want to get rid of it. this post is for different suspensions, different setups and peoples opinions on them. i appreciate the suspension info. any preferances?

[TheCafeKid]

Well, like I said, it largely depends on how much money you're willing to spend, and the type of riding you tend to do most.

Anymore, I am from the "Better Handling beats Raw Horsepower" school of thought. I used to toy around with muscle cars, tuner cars, etc. But the more ive ridden, the more Ive learned that I would sooner spend a pocket full of cash on suspension components before I put a dollar toward the engine. But thats just me.


Ive spent the big bucks on Ohlins piggy back shocks, and honestly, they're worth every penny if you have them set up for your weight, and are willing to cope with the fact they cost almost as much as you paid for your bike in some cases. The damping valving and adjustability is awesome. Ive also bought and used Progressive brand shocks. They're adequate for most every day riding.

Progressive fork springs are the standard "goto" for most everyone here, although Sonic straight rate springs have gotten really good reviews by those here who have tried them. I havent myself so I cannot say. RaceTech springs are awesome, and coupled with a set of their cartridge emulators, are about the best you're going to get out of the stock fork sets. The emulators allow for some adjustment in rebound damping.

If you spend most of your time riding 7/10s or harder hunting apexes and ripping down canyon/mountain roads, and maybe even plan on or currently use the bike for track duty, Id suggest spending the dough for the best suspension you can get your hands on. But if you spend the majority of your time just cruising and wick it up occasionally, then IKONs or Progressive shocks sprung for your weight will be just fine. Actually, they're probably fine for those who even ride harder than that...but head-room is nice to have.

Before you purchase anything, however, I'd suggest doing some reading and research, both on the bits you are comparing, and about the art and understanding of suspension tuning and set up. Having a decent understanding of compression and rebound damping, how to set their rates correctly (ie reading and feeling whats right or wrong with the bike), how to adjust these things, and most importantly how to properly set your static "sag" plus what, where, and how to adjust these things, and WHY you're doing it, is essential when deciding on what your needs as far as suspension products go..

Good luck!

[cowboyup3371]

If you are looking at brands, TCK already mentioned Progressives, Ohlins, Sonic Springs, and Ikons. I'll also throw in Hagon sold by Dave Quinn Motorcycles. I rode a bike on them and they felt good enough that I bought some for mine. I don't know how they will do on my bike (the other bike was a 650) yet but will have them on in the next few weeks and hopefully will get a test ride soon after New Years.

[TheCafeKid]

If you are looking at brands, TCK already mentioned Progressives, Ohlins, Sonic Springs, and Ikons. I'll also throw in Hagon sold by Dave Quinn Motorcycles. I rode a bike on them and they felt good enough that I bought some for mine. I don't know how they will do on my bike (the other bike was a 650) yet but will have them on in the next few weeks and hopefully will get a test ride soon after New Years.

Oh yes! Another good suggestion. As you can see, despite what many may think or tell you, there are still an amazing amount of aftermarket support components out there. And, as these old girls get dragged out of whatever shed or barn they were stashed in more and more, there becomes a greater need for upgrade and performance support again. Which is yet another reason they're still on the road after all these years.

[shinzon1]

thank you very much for your help! now it looks its time to do some pricing to narrow down my choices. then see what my wife will let me get away with.

[koolaid_kid]

BE A MAN! Tell her exactly what you want and how you are going to go about it.
Or stay married, I guess the choice is yours.
Since you are starting at the beginning, I suggest you approach it as a system. IOW, it does no good to purchase the very best for your forks if you get mediocre rear shocks. If you do it as a balanced system you will be the most happiest. More happier? Mostest happy?

I like those chain drive Ls, btw. Not an L lover by any stretch, but Larry_D has a nice example of the chain drive 750s.

[shinzon1]

more than likely i will get the progressive fork springs followed with a rebuild and the progressive rear shocks and springs. i ride it daily. i just want something that is better than what i have now. it feels like i'm riding on a sponge now.

[salty_monk]

I have a set of progressive shocks that will fit your bike. They are black. PM me if interested.

I switched them out for a set of Works performance, nothing wrong with the progressives & only about 7k miles on them.

[Larry D]

BE A MAN! Tell her exactly what you want and how you are going to go about it.
Or stay married, I guess the choice is yours.
Since you are starting at the beginning, I suggest you approach it as a system. IOW, it does no good to purchase the very best for your forks if you get mediocre rear shocks. If you do it as a balanced system you will be the most happiest. More happier? Mostest happy?

I like those chain drive Ls, btw. Not an L lover by any stretch, but Larry_D has a nice example of the chain drive 750s.

Thanks George !!!

Mine's an '81 and this pic is from a couple years ago....it's still shiney although it's in winter hibernation right now.

[TheCafeKid]

thank you very much for your help! now it looks its time to do some pricing to narrow down my choices. then see what my wife will let me get away with.

Well, just about any route you go will be better than the old sacked out stock stuff. Those bits are downright dangerous at this point, and weren't much better when they were new. Keep in mind, that even today, (which aside from price point, I'll never understand why) the Japanese manufacturers are notorious for sending over undersprung bikes. Most are designed and set up around 150lb riders, which unless you're a jockey or a racer, we have few of on this side of the globe.

[shinzon1]

yeah. when you start into a good turn you feel the suspension almost bottom out and if you hit the slightest bump you really feel it. even if u tighten the springs up it doesn't help much. it tends to get a little wavy in the back end too.

[TheCafeKid]

yeah. when you start into a good turn you feel the suspension almost bottom out and if you hit the slightest bump you really feel it. even if u tighten the springs up it doesn't help much. it tends to get a little wavy in the back end too.

Once you get her shored up front and rear, you'll be very very surprised how agile these big ol brutes really are for being from back in the day. During the HP wars between Zook and Kaw, Kaw most times was always a little hotter in the motor dept, but lacked, in some cases severely, in the handling. The GSes handled better than any of the other UJMs IMO..

[shinzon1]

i do wish i could ad about 20 or 30 hp to the bike, but i do love her. i'll settle for better handling though. my wife often tells me that she thinks i love the bike more than her. sometimes i think she might be right.