Is my suspension screwed or do I need an upgrade?

On a 99S both the front and rear are both soft as ****e. It dives down at the front under any braking and back isn't very confidence inspiring while cornering. I think the back is on maximum stiffness.

Is this normal for an SV? If not I may just need to replace some bits. If it is normal then I should be looking at an upgrade.

Front: I've heard that thicker oil on its own will help, should I be looking at springs too? If so which ones?

Back: I've seen K3's onwards fitting GSXR shocks, does this work on the curvy's? and I'd rather not cut or change anything so is it a straight fit? What other options are there?

Ta
Matt

How long have you had the bike? has it changed it's feel?
When you say the rear isn't confidence inspiring, is that new? What about it feels wrong? It's possible it's not just setup properly, or perhaps the rear is done and the fork oil is due a change. Suspension does need servicing occasionally.

Originally Posted by Carsick

How long have you had the bike? has it changed it's feel?
When you say the rear isn't confidence inspiring, is that new? What about it feels wrong? It's possible it's not just setup properly, or perhaps the rear is done and the fork oil is due a change. Suspension does need servicing occasionally.

I've had the bike a year and am not sure if its feel has changed. This is my first bike so i'm getting more confident all the time so perhaps in pushing the bike more i'm realising it's not set up the way i'd like it.

The back is mostly just really soft. I'd prefer a bit more stiffness so that the suspension doesnt absord the corner and I can feel more when is going on at the back end.

I just had a full service a couple of months ago. Would the oil be changed in this? I need a new chain anyway so while it's getting that i'll ask the garage what they think.

I doubt the suspension would have been touched at a service.
It's possible you've just got to the point where the stock suspension doesn't meet your needs anymore, though it's also possible that it's worn out.
There are GSXR shocks which will fit the curvies, but I think you need one from the SRAD years.
As for forks, stiffer springs and a slightly heavier oil are probably a good idea if you're noticing the front is very soft.

No, fork oil would not have been changed. I think the general concensus is that it's good for about 20,000 miles. If you're over this, look into getting it changed.

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

No, fork oil would not have been changed. I think the general concensus is that it's good for about 20,000 miles. If you're over this, look into getting it changed.

Somewhere between 16 and 17 so I guess it'll be getting to the end of its life.

[Biker Biggles]

Do check your tyres(pressures and tread)before spending a fortune.It's surprising how much difference it makes.

I think Matt that you have reached the end of the suspensions life as far as you're concerned soget asking all the curvy riders what bits fit and are best. One side point is that when my chain is starting to fade it does uopset the rear suspension, possible because the tight spots add another thing to be absorbed by the already overwhelmed shock. Mine always feels worse when the chain is shagged.

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Do check your tyres(pressures and tread)before spending a fortune.It's surprising how much difference it makes.

deffo not them, checked and it's visibly the suspension that compresses

Originally Posted by chutz

I think Matt that you have reached the end of the suspensions life as far as you're concerned soget asking all the curvy riders what bits fit and are best. One side point is that when my chain is starting to fade it does uopset the rear suspension, possible because the tight spots add another thing to be absorbed by the already overwhelmed shock. Mine always feels worse when the chain is shagged.

Thanks chutz. I'll hang on until the rideout next weekend and ask the local "experts".

Will get the chain done before then though