[LRCXed]

I picked up a super clean 82 GL500I w/11K on it a few days ago and I'm going through it doing a full service and polish before I sell it. I would like to know how you guys like the ride of these bikes with 20W fork oil in them and no extra spacers to bump up the tension of the springs? I ride a GL650I as a daily rider and ended up doing the 20w and 3/4 inch spacer in it. It much improved the dive of the front end, but I think I'll reduce that later to 1/2 inch spacer in the future.



Your opinion is important to me ASAP because I'm doing the forks right now. I want who ever buys this beauty to enjoy the ride with the upgrade if you have done it and are happy with what difference it made. What did you do and what is your opinion.



Thanks,

Larry

 

[Stubby]

I changed the fork seals and oil on both of our bikes this year. I didn't add a pre-load to either bike and I am very happy with the ride on both bikes.

 

[SteveinPA]

I picked up a super clean 82 GL500I w/11K on it a few days ago and I'm going through it doing a full service and polish before I sell it. I would like to know how you guys like the ride of these bikes with 20W fork oil in them and no extra spacers to bump up the tension of the springs? I ride a GL650I as a daily rider and ended up doing the 20w and 3/4 inch spacer in it. It much improved the dive of the front end, but I think I'll reduce that later to 1/2 inch spacer in the future.



Your opinion is important to me ASAP because I'm doing the forks right now. I want who ever buys this beauty to enjoy the ride with the upgrade if you have done it and are happy with what difference it made. What did you do and what is your opinion.



Thanks,

Larry

I don't use any spacers with my original springs and have not had problems bottoming out etc. I just thought with the ATF in there the handling was a bit mushy. I did change to 20 wt fork oil, which gave me better handling but a harsher ride. A bit too harsh for me. I am going to switch over to 10 wt and see if that helps the ride. The ride was more plush with ATF in the forks. My feeling is that with the 20 wt. I have more control in fast cornering and heavy braking but there is too much damping for everyday putting around and riding the slab. I will report back with any findings after changing the oil to 10wt fork oil.

 

[Billrod]

I wonder what the riders of the bikes weigh that seem to need the 20 weight fork oil. I only weigh 155 and my naked GL500 forks seem fine and I have not felt them bottom out. I am not sure what the weigh of the oil is as I have not changed it since I acquired last fall.

 

[bandit]

congradulations on a nice find larry.

i put new seals in mine this winter,they hold air now,iv also switched to 20wt oil and a 15mm spacer.its loads better than before,especially on these roads

 

[Cruiser]

Between me and the wife we tip the scales at around 450. Quite a bit of a load for the

front forks which will max out when I hit the brakes a little more than normal. I plan

to try the spacer and different oil myself. I imagine the ones who don't have a problem

ride the bike themselves.

 

[geiger]

Did a total makover on my gl 650. Progressive springs, new inner tubes, new seals and 20w oil. That did the trick. 100 pst improvement. Highly recomended.

 

[SteveinPA]

I tore my forks down yesterday and put them back together with new seals, and dexron III ATF. Stock springs, no spacer. 11 lbs of air pressure.



The ride is smoother than it was with the 20 wt, on small bumps and uneven road surfaces. The lighter oil doesn't dampen big bumps and potholes as well as the 20 wt. . I am going to stick with the ATF for now because I like the smoother ride. Perhaps someday I will spring for the progressives and try 10 or 15 wt fork oil.



I ride solo and weigh 220 lbs.