[rbarchi]

Hi,

The '78 cx500 standard springs are a bit weak these days. I have a vetter on it, which adds to the need to have stringer springs. Anyone replace the stock springs with aftermarket ones? If so, do you have a part #?

 

[SamsGL650]

Hi Ron, look into Progressive Springs at your local MC shop or favorate vender. Also check the post re upgraded, correct weight of fork oil. Most here have switched to 20W fork oil, with a noticeable improvement over the original OEM rec of ATF.

I switched to progressive springs and 20W on my faired GL650I, and things are smooth, worked out well.

 

[msleboda]

Not meaning to steal the post, but who (what brand) has 20w fork oil? Best I could find locally was 15w. TIA

 

[jasonh]

racetech can help you get the springs correct for your bike + you + your riding style.

 

[Blindstitch]

Progressive springs with Belray oil.

 

[TREV2010]

I would ask why spend the cash on such an old suspension? I'd rather just change the oil and leave it at that. Changing the spring is fine and well but then it would be recommended that you do the shims as well, how will the stock shims cope with the increase spring rate? In the end, I'd leave it stock and change the oil which if it has never been done, is well by it's sale date and will make a HUGE difference on it's own.

 

[Blindstitch]

Stock springs could be totally dead and saggy. Not worth risking it. I can tell you I had a set with 2 1/2 inch preload spacers.

 

[rbarchi]

Thanks guys. When I put new seals in, I cleaned the tubes inside , flushed then and replaced the oil with 20w. The springs are old. I took Lee Park's suspension clinic and learned a WHOLE bunch about proper setting up. Had the opportunity to ride with him on the Maryhill Loop road in Wa. (the FULL road, it is closed to public). Long story short, I need new springs. I have had progressive shocks on other bikes and they are fine. The progressive part # is : 11-1109 Fork Spring kit with spacers for the CX500. Are these the ones you got, or did you get beefier ones? I am about 200 lbs.,

Ron

 

[kingston73]

Those are what I have, it was easily worth the money.  I understand what Trev is saying, but if your springs are all used up then no amount of oil changing is going to make a difference.  My old one's were horrible, before I switched my front and rear springs my cx was like a pogo horse, it wallowed around corners and was just plain scary at times.  I don't know how much the RaceTec springs are compared with the Progressives, but I'd definitely call instead of taking chances on ordering.  Mine have a 1 inch preload spacer right now with 20 wt oil, it's comfortable and works really well for me (190 lbs).

 

[rbarchi]

THanks. WIll be calling Progressive for my xmas gift from me... to me....

I have a klx250s, and I think I will do racetec on that, since I am hearing good things for that bike with their product.

The street bike is a less aggressive ride.

Those are what I have, it was easily worth the money.  I understand what Trev is saying, but if your springs are all used up then no amount of oil changing is going to make a difference.  My old one's were horrible, before I switched my front and rear springs my cx was like a pogo horse, it wallowed around corners and was just plain scary at times.  I don't know how much the RaceTec springs are compared with the Progressives, but I'd definitely call instead of taking chances on ordering.  Mine have a 1 inch preload spacer right now with 20 wt oil, it's comfortable and works really well for me (190 lbs).