Length front fork springs

[svenb]

My 1978 GS500(550) feels a bit low in the front. I have looked for information about length of front springs, they are old. Just to make sure if I need new ones. I have to numbers, but I'm not sure if they are valid. 502 mm and 12.5-

If I need new ones, any recommendations?

[tkent02]

They were too wimpy in 1978, unless you weighed about 130 lbs., they are worse now.
Get some good springs, put emulators in while you are at it.

[gsgeezer]

They were too wimpy in 1978, unless you weighed about 130 lbs., they are worse now.
Get some good springs, put emulators in while you are at it.

You would be amazed at the difference: I put new straight-rate springs and emulaters in several of these old bikes and now it is the first thing I do when I get one.

[svenb]

OK, any recommendations? Seems to be a lot of brands out there. Same **** new wrapping?

[tkent02]

Thay are probably all a huge improvement over the original springs. Some folks like straight rate springs, some like progressive springs. Whichever you go with, get an appropriate spring rate for your weight.

[mrbill5491]

I just installed some new Sonic springs, very nice.

[tkent02]

Were the people at Sonic helpful with choosing spring rates?

[mrbill5491]

Were the people at Sonic helpful with choosing spring rates?

Yes they were, the owner actually called me and discussed with me which rate springs would suit my riding style. He also said to call back if I had any problems.

[gsgeezer]

Sonic and Race-Tech are pretty much the same.
They are both non-progressive.

[svenb]

Since I live in Sweden, I prefer to shop in europe. Shipment and taxes adds some up to a huge amount.
On ebay i Germany there is Wilbers, WP, promoto and Wirth. All progressive.
Racetech is avaiable from ebay.com but I have to add 40-50 US for shipment.

[gsgeezer]

You have some great choices in the EU!

All you need to do is give them your individual requirements, i.e. your weight, bikes weight, riding style, etc....