rear springs

[Guest]

Does anyone know what the stock spring rate was on the rear of a 82 GS1100G?

And did it change between year models?


John

[bwringer]

Don't know if anyone's ever bothered to measure -- the only proper place for stock shocks in in the trash. Or the recycling bin. The springs are inadequate for anyone over 99 pounds, and the damping is inadequate for anyone.

Not sure what question you're actually trying to answer, but you might investigate the recommended spring rates for Progressive shocks, since many have had success with these.

Progressive's "normal" spring rate (90/130) is only good for the wee folk (150 pounds or less) who never carry luggage or passengers and never ride around corners quickly.

Most people of average weight, loading, and velocity have success with Progressive's "heavy duty" rate (95/150).

And then there are The Large and Fast... I had to do some digging to find extra-heavy-duty (120/170) Progressive springs for the 12 series shocks on my GS850 -- they're listed under the mid-'80s Kawasaki Voyager.

[john82q]

baseline

I'm trying to establish a baseline, so I know what ive got, to make a more educated guess as to which spring rate to buy.

Trouble is if stock is as soft as you say then my shock springs arnt stock!

[gearheadE30]

Well, more than likely is that they are so soft and have so little damping that they bottom out... A stiff spring with the appropriate damping often rides better than everything being really soft, as long as the rates aren't ridiculous.

[bwringer]

I may have been a tad hyperbolic with the 99 pounds crack, but really -- the stock shocks are dangerous poo. Measure static sag, and you'll likely find that they aren't adequate to the weight of the bike alone, let alone adding a rider.

This is well-traveled ground, and all the shock makers are happy to provide time-tested recommendations based on your weight, loading, and riding style. What would be the purpose of "establishing a baseline", exactly? (If you have some purpose other than improving the rear suspension on your GS1100G, please divulge what you're thinking.)

I outlined Progressive's recommendations for their 12 and 14 series shocks above, and if you call the US Hagon distributor, he will ask a few questions and assemble shocks for you.

Same with Ikon, Ohlins, etc... there are lots of great options out there starting at just over $200.

[gearheadE30]

if you haven't figured it out yet, the stock springs can't be replaced or upgraded. You need to upgrade the shocks as well. There are deals out there-I got a set of lightly used 12 series shocks for $45 shipped on ebay. I didn't know what a difference it would make, but believe me, it's well worth the money to upgrade.

[john82q]

As a rule of thumb Sidecar handles better, with stiff suspension.
I 'm in the throws of fitting a car wheel and tyre to the rear (why; longer life, less cost,widely availible even beyond the black stump) will I need new longer shocks to partialy compensate for the loss of height from the smaller wheel. I loose 50mm, so if I could get half that back would be fine, besides lower is cooler right? (except I dont want to bottom out everywhere)

The shocks on it look like stock with the 4 postion damping thumb wheel crome cover etc. But static sag is 25mm on the max preload postion. and ride is firm enough, with just the rider. (it does go to pot with fully loaded saddle bags and gear sack)

So beliving the shocks are stock I hoped by finding out what the stock rate is I could make an informed decision about the new ones. I am beginning to belive however they may not be stock, and were possibly upgraded when chair was fitted by PO. which makes my original question somewhat redundant..

Retail suppliers contacted to date, either stare blankly,ignore you, or run a mile if you mention sidecar, so no help there.


Cheers John

[pete]

As a rule of thumb Sidecar handles better, with stiff suspension.
I 'm in the throws of fitting a car wheel and tyre to the rear (why; longer life, less cost,widely availible even beyond the black stump) will I need new longer shocks to partialy compensate for the loss of height from the smaller wheel. I loose 50mm, so if I could get half that back would be fine, besides lower is cooler right? (except I dont want to bottom out everywhere)

The shocks on it look like stock with the 4 postion damping thumb wheel crome cover etc. But static sag is 25mm on the max preload postion. and ride is firm enough, with just the rider. (it does go to pot with fully loaded saddle bags and gear sack)

So beliving the shocks are stock I hoped by finding out what the stock rate is I could make an informed decision about the new ones. I am beginning to belive however they may not be stock, and were possibly upgraded when chair was fitted by PO. which makes my original question somewhat redundant..

Retail suppliers contacted to date, either stare blankly,ignore you, or run a mile if you mention sidecar, so no help there.


Cheers John

John, have you talked to Ikon? I got the impression they actually have a clue... I'm pretty sure the Gazi guys have a clue too, but they ain't exactly cheap...

[john82q]

Ikon in Oz are currently in the "ignore you" catergory.

[pete]

Ikon in Oz are currently in the "ignore you" catergory.

That's a shame, I always thought they were of the "we like to help you" mind set... took them a day or two to get back to me via email, but then again I was asking where can I buy them...

[tkent02]

Have you inquired at the Hacks forum on advrider.com?