Forks sit low

[Guest]

Now I'm sure by now all the tech gurus groan every time they read a thread I post, but I've got another question.
My forks sit almost bottomed out all the time while riding. If I break too hard, the fender will hit the exhaust. I figure the springs are shot. I can get new ones for $120 a piece, but that's pricey. Is there anything else in there I should fiddle with? Are the "cartridge inserts" worth a damn? Lastly, and here is groan time, a friend suggested I put a length of PVC pipe in each fork over the spring to raise them up....thoughts? I'm humbly awaiting flame.

[Steve]

Sorry, but all I can tell about your bike is that it is red.
(Assuming that is your bike in your sig.)


Are the fork tubes sticking up through the upper clamps? They should be level with the tops. Most bikes can't have the tubes too much higher, because they will hit the handlebars, but there are exceptions.

Yes, it's quite likely that you need new springs, but where are you finding them for $120 each?
New springs from Progressive Suspension are about $85 for the PAIR.

For those who demand the ultimate in control, cartridge emulators are better than the stock suspension, but for most of us, the stock setup works pretty well. Properly sorted out with new springs and proper fork oil, the front of the bike will ride quite well.

PVC spacers will restore some ride height, but won't help the ride quality any if the springs are shot.

.

[Nessism]

How much air pressure are you using in your forks?

[kdo58]

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/

springs $70. a pair.

[bwringer]

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/
springs $70. a pair.

Yes, this. ^^^

And no air pressure. Air pressure is a band-aid for weak springs, it's unreliable, and it wears out your fork seals faster.

[MunkyMastr]

Sorry, my bike is the gs1100e that is in the pic, yes.
The forks are level, so it's not that. I found them in the tucker rocky catalog. Maybe that price was for the pair. Imma check out some other options. Thanks!

[MunkyMastr]

I assume a higher number is stiffer for springs?

[Nessism]

Yes, this. ^^^

And no air pressure. Air pressure is a band-aid for weak springs, it's unreliable, and it wears out your fork seals faster.

I believe Suzuki's design intent was to provide a soft base-level fork spring, and people wanting more stiffness could add air assist to boost the spring rate. Unfortunately, adding air can be fiddly business; it's difficult to get the proper amount, and the air leaks out so maintaining the correct level is a weekly task that tries many peoples patients. Also, some people don't even know the spring assist feature exists on their bike. For these reasons the obvious answer is to simply upgrade the fork springs to something stiffer that doesn't need air assist. If spending money is simply out of the question, then the stock springs can be stiffened up by hacking off 3 or 4 inches of coils and replacing the lost stack height with a new (longer) spacer (PVC water pipe works well). I've done this getto mod successfully on many a fork and it works great.

[posplayr]

[QUOTE=Nessism;1653775]I believe Suzuki's design intent was to provide a soft base-level fork spring, and people wanting more stiffness could add air assist to boost the spring rate. Unfortunately, adding air can be fiddly business; it's difficult to get the proper amount, and the air leaks out so maintaining the correct level is a weekly task that tries many peoples patients. Also, some people don't even know the spring assist feature exists on their bike. For these reasons the obvious answer is to simply upgrade the fork springs to something stiffer that doesn't need air assist. If spending money is simply out of the question, then the stock springs can be stiffened up by hacking off 3 or 4 inches of coils and replacing the lost stack height with a new (longer) spacer (PVC water pipe works well). I've done this getto mod successfully on many a fork and it works great.[/QUOTE]

Agree, but if you have the money to spend the emulators are nice. Of course an even better plan is to upgrade the wheels/rubber and front end all together.

[MunkyMastr]

Well, chaps, I shelled out the money for Progressive springs. I installed them today, much to chagrin of my buddy who swears that the springs "never wear out" and didn't need to be replaced. I put them in and, amazingly, my ride height returned to a normal level and I don't bottom out on the slightest of bumps. It's going to take a little getting used to, the riding posture is actually a bit different, but I dig it! Now I need to save up for rear shocks.