Time for some 1G 12B suspension upgrades.. suggestions????

[El Bandito]

It's about time to put the bike away as the ohio riding season comes to a close.. and I'd really like to do some mild suspension upgrades to make my riding experience next year a bit more enjoyable..

 Im feeling like the rear end is too soft even for just my 175#, not to mention once I get the thing loaded down with fulls bags etc..
 And the front end just feels a little shaky.. a little wobbly, and jsut not all that confident in the twisties..

 So, any suggestions for relatively cost effective upgrades that will improve my riding experience without costing me too much cash?  i'm talkin' maybe 200 bucks total.. front and rear..

 
  Thanks!,, any input would be greatly appreciated!

-el bandito!

[Mongo]

I installed a set of Race Tech fork springs Part # FRSP S3732 10 (Big Boy Rated I'm in the 280 lb range) and a Busa rear shock today. I've only done a short road test so I still need to do some fine-tuning after some canyon runs.

She feels a hell of a lot stiffer than the stock set up, I had the preload cranked all the way down on the front suspension and crushed the rear all the way down in stock trim and the bike still felt a little soft.

I set the Busa shock spring length at 183 mm on the bench prior to installation with the rebound at 11 clicks and the compression at 8 clicks based on the information from previous threads.  I have a feeling I will be putting a shorter spacer in on the front spring, she feels a little stiff but that may just be a little more seat time to get used to it.

I picked up the front springs from WEINERDOGBONE for $75 ($109 retail + shipping) and found a brand new Busa shock on Flea Bay for another $75 with shipping.

I'll keep you informed of my results, we really don't have winter down time in my neck of the woods!

[ttewejnodnarb]

Keep in mind that the Busa shock will raise the back of a 1G about 1" - 1.5" IIRC.

I bought a 90's GSXR1100 shock and installed it...then promptly took it out.  The shock was a little shorter (maybe 1/2"?) but made it MUCH more difficult to put up on the center stand.  It was also sprung REALLY tight (I'm 140LBS) for me.  I played with all the adjusters but gave up...really due to the center stand just as much as anything else.  It has a good amount of adjustment.  It looks kinda like this:



There are a couple on ebay right now going for about $50 + shipping.  I'd be interested in getting rid of the one I have but, honestly, if it's going to work for you like it did me it wouldn't be worth it.  I'd feel like crap asking for $40 plus shipping, then you get it and it is sprung too strong for you.

If your still interested maybe we can work out something like:  I ship it to you - you try it - if you like it you sent me a check for $55 - if not ship it back at your expense?

[kedeg_97B12]

I know it is higher than your budget but you can get a new Progressive rear for $355 and a set of progressive springs for the front for $55. That would be a great upgrade and certainly the most affordable.

I ran a 1992 NOS gixxer 1100 rear for a few thou miles, that helped, but I currently have the progressives up front and a busa rear. I just installed the lowering links to bring the rear back down.  I have had the busa shock for a few thou as well and I am done messing with a shock designed for a different linkage and load than the Bandit.

That being said...I am getting the proper shock for the bike. Some love the busa upgrade but they have never ridden a bike that was properly setup. All the time and money I have spent to save the 4-600 would have me half way there. Plus you can always resell the new rear shock later for damn near what you paid.

[kedeg_97B12]

Brandon's gixxer shock doesn't sound to bad to try though. Brandon, I figured out your screen name...kcils!

[ttewejnodnarb]