Looking to replace front fork springs

[Greg7]

Looking for help finding the correct fork springs for my bike.

It's a 1982 gs1100gl.

Would like to try the progressive springs but I can't find my model listed. The only options are gs1100g, gs1100l, or gs1100gk.

I already know the ones for a 1100gk won't fit because I had ordered them thinking I had a GK(according to my registration) but it's actually a GL. They were too large in diameter.

Is the 1100gl also considered an 1100L?
Thanks

[salty_monk]

The GL and L will use the same fork. The G relates to shaft versus chain.

I suspect you could also use the springs from the 1100G too but they might be different as it’s a different fork length. Likely can compensate with Pipe spacers.

the GK is the only GS to use a bigger 41mm fork. You have a 37mm fork.

Sonic springs are also well thought of here...

[Greg7]

The GL and L will use the same fork. The G relates to shaft versus chain.

I suspect you could also use the springs from the 1100G too but they might be different as it’s a different fork length. Likely can compensate with Pipe spacers.

the GK is the only GS to use a bigger 41mm fork. You have a 37mm fork.

Sonic springs are also well thought of here...

Awesome, thanks for the info!

[Grimly]

The springs I fitted in my 1000 legs were listed for the nearly all the 1100s, the only difference being the length of spacer if any.
In mine, none required.

[RichDesmond]

The springs I fitted in my 1000 legs were listed for the nearly all the 1100s, the only difference being the length of spacer if any.
In mine, none required.

Yep. With the exception of the GK, all the 850, 1000, and 1100 bikes from the late 70's and early 80's have 37mm forks and take the same fork springs.
As you said, spacer length will vary.

Straight rate springs like Sonic or Race-Tech will be better than the progressive ones, but even those will be a big improvement over stock.

[tas850g]

I bought some sonics last year ....love them.

[Greg7]

I bought some sonics last year ....love them.

Sent an email to Sonic to get spring rate for my specifications

[Greg7]

Anyone know if there will be a big difference between the .90 and .95 spring rate?

[RichDesmond]

Anyone know if there will be a big difference between the .90 and .95 spring rate?

No, you would probably have a hard time telling the difference.

[Greg7]

Awesome thanks for the input

[Wingsconsin]

I have used Progressive Springs in a couple of bigger bikes (Goldwings) over the years
For the application they worked well
I added Sonic Springs into my 850 when I re-did them about 2 years ago -
And I helped another rider do a set as well
BEST for these bikes in my opinion -
But do yourself a favor-
When doing springs - do ALL the fork parts -
Seals - Washers - Bolts - Dust Covers - OIL -(clean everything prior to reassembly)
You will then not have to do it again anytime soon

[Greg7]

I have used Progressive Springs in a couple of bigger bikes (Goldwings) over the years
For the application they worked well
I added Sonic Springs into my 850 when I re-did them about 2 years ago -
And I helped another rider do a set as well
BEST for these bikes in my opinion -
But do yourself a favor-
When doing springs - do ALL the fork parts -
Seals - Washers - Bolts - Dust Covers - OIL -(clean everything prior to reassembly)
You will then not have to do it again anytime soon

Good to know. Ordered Sonic springs and seals about a week ago. Still waiting for shipping notification though

[csgoh]

Thought i piggy on this thread. Anyone knows the spring diameter on an 81 GS550T? I took mine out and it measures 25mm but seems the progressive spring on sale for GS550 is only 22mm and 502mm length thus the confusion. And from Race Tech, their springs for GS550 is 23.5mm but only 410mm length.
Any advise is much appreciated.

[RichDesmond]

Thought i piggy on this thread. Anyone knows the spring diameter on an 81 GS550T? I took mine out and it measures 25mm but seems the progressive spring on sale for GS550 is only 22mm and 502mm length thus the confusion. And from Race Tech, their springs for GS550 is 23.5mm but only 410mm length.
Any advise is much appreciated.

Length doesn't matter, you just cut a spacer (schedule 40 PVC) to make up the difference. On diameter, generally you can't go bigger than stock (won't fit in tube) but a mm or two less is fine. 3mm less is on the edge, usable but if I had a choice I'd go for one closer.

Sonic Springs is an option too, very similar dimensions to the Race-Tech ones.

http://sonicsprings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31_198&osCsid=e1vshbatjpqjkvedicqrek3i5eob1mkn

There are also some tech articles on the Sonic site, the one on installing springs in damper rod forks has info on determining the correct spacer length.

http://sonicsprings.com/catalog/tech_articles.php