'82 850GL: Fork air adjustments?

[Rust_to_Redemption]

I've found through research that the "best" settings for a single rider on the stock fork is 15 psi. Is it worth fussing around with the stock fork and trying to get the psi right, or just upgrade the springs and run no air at all?

EDIT: Should note, I'm taking the forks off to change the fork oil anyway, so adding in new springs wouldn't add much work on top of what I was already doing.

[Steve]

If you are going to have them apart anyway, it's pretty much a no-brainer.

Change the springs. Sonic Springs are a favorite here. Click the link, go to the rate calculator, choose what will work for you.

My wife's bike has Progressive (brand) springs, otherwise I would tell you what we used there. MY bike has Sonic Springs, but it also has a frame-mounted fairing and I am just a bit larger than the average guy, so I went with the 1.1 rate, which is the heaviest offered for the 850. Use 10w oil when you put it together, you will have a GREAT ride.

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[jsandidge]

I have the same bike as yours. I'm running 1.0 rate sonic springs with no additional air. That's what the rate calculator worked up for me. It's a huge improvement over the stock setup.

[Rob S.]

If your springs are original isn't it time to replace them anyway? I have new springs, and am attempting to restore the air capability also.

Just remember that you need a special hand air pump for the forks. A regular tire pump will blow out your fork seals.

[Tom R]

I’ll agree that the sonic springs are the way to go. I used to have a regulator set to 12 psi that I’d use to fill up my forks, not sure how accurate it was, but both sides would at least be equal. It’s much easier, and so much better with the 0.95 sonic springs and no air.

[Rob S.]

It’s much easier, and so much better with the 0.95 sonic springs...

I have Race Tech .90. Aside from the fact that I should have gone with 1.0, any difference between Sonic and Race Tech? Both are straight rate, no?

[Steve]

..., any difference between Sonic and Race Tech? Both are straight rate, no?

I don't know of any differences in pricing, but Sonic Springs is owned by a member here, Rich Desmond.

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[Rob S.]

Sorry, Rich. I'll go Sonic next time.

[GSXR7ED]

I don't know of any differences in pricing, but Sonic Springs is owned by a member here, Rich Desmond.

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Good to know!

Ed

[RichDesmond]

I have Race Tech .90. Aside from the fact that I should have gone with 1.0, any difference between Sonic and Race Tech? Both are straight rate, no?

Yes, both are straight rate, made out of chrome-silicon steel, heat treated and shotpeened.

Here's links to both.

http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Suzuki/GS850/1979-83

http://sonicsprings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31_192&osCsid=2fe7f903dbc99a69b7e008aa9726327d

[bwringer]

Hint: what we're saying here, is buy Sonic springs. Rich is a cool guy, a hoopy frood who knows where his towel is.

FWIW, all of my bikes are wearing Sonic springs.

They're great springs, a hell of a lot cheaper than Race Tech, they ship fast, and Rich will actually answer your questions. I've never once been able to get Racetech to pick up the phone or answer an email.

[RichDesmond]

...Rich is a cool guy, a hoopy frood who knows where his towel is.

Umm, thanks...I think...

[Rust_to_Redemption]

I don't know of any differences in pricing, but Sonic Springs is owned by a member here, Rich Desmond.

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Good to know! Will definitely be putting in an order for some Sonic springs here shortly.

[Rob S.]

"Hoopy frood who really knows where his towel is": a compliment (read Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy).

Anybody know where my towel is?

[Steve]

Do you have your lint?

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