I'd get new springs, and check with Sonic Springs for recommendations. He should be along soon I suspect....

 

You’ll get better handling and braking control, and a more comfortable ride if you put good aftermarket springs in. All the better straight rate springs from a reputable company (Sonic, Race-Tech, Ohlins, Eibach, etc...) will be functionally identical, so go with whoever you feel has the best combination of service, support and price.

I use Sonic Springs exclusively, but I’m pretty biased. ?

 

I use Sonic Springs exclusively, but I’m pretty biased. ?

probably not biased as much as knowledgeable. LOL

.

 

can anyone tell me what the original length of the fork springs are? the shop manual says their service limit is 17.4 inches but it never references the original length. the Suzuki shops that I have called don't know. my google-fu is failing me too, because I haven't found any measurements on line.

with my springs at 17.0 inches, it just makes me wonder what the original length is. anyone know? anyone? bueller?

thanks

 

It's been a looooong time since I measured a stock one, but if memory serves it was 17.75"

It's not something that really matters, the stock springs are crap even when new, so if you're buying springs just get some better aftermarket ones.

 

Agreed. The stock spring length doesn't matter, and the current length doesn't matter. They're junk. Place them into the nearest metals recycling bin and and replace with Sonic springs.

All my motorcycles are wearing Sonic springs. They're fantastic. Get you some and ride happy.

Even if you're the gentlest of riders, the first thing you'll notice is less brake dive. You'll be safer since your suspension won't sproing around wildly and bottom out when maneuvering and braking.



I don't know why, but Suzuki since time immemorial has delivered motorcycles to the US very badly undersprung.

Some say it's because their test riders are an elite cadre of retired Japanese ballerinas and jockeys. Some say they're still using up a trainload of specially soft and porous spring wire acquired at a steep discount in the '60s from a mysterious Hamamatsu scrapyard.

Suzuki fork springs are crap and one really knows why. That's just the way it is.

 

For the record coil springs don't get weaker over time they get as the OP experienced shorter giving the illusion that are weaker. No different than taking a new spring and cutting 0.4" off of it.

 

I was under the impression that a (new) shorter spring is stronger, and that springs do indeed get weaker with use. An older spring that is worn will be shorter because it lacks the strength to sping back to original length.
I'm no expert, maybe someone has a scientific explanation.