I encountered the Fournales name again while reading about the Y2K turbine motorcycle, and remembered that we had been dicussing them on the list. I e-mailed Fournales and got the following response. I still don't have any solid information about the function of these shocks, but they appear to be high quality, and I thought someone on the list had been impressed with their performance. The White Brothers site made no reference to them in their 'street' catalog. The price quoted by Fournales below converts to about $980 for BOTH front and rear, before shipping.
This sounds like a good deal for those of us looking to upgrade, especially now that the (more expensive) Ohlins are no longer available. My only concern would be the adjustment difficulty of the air pressure, and the progressive nature of the spring action. Typically some degree of progressive spring action is good, but the degree of progressiveness is not adjustable with an air spring (i.e. air springs are always progressive, whereas coil springs can be manufactured for various levels of spring progression). Also, setting acturate air pressure in a small reservoir (such as in a shock) can be tricky, but that depends of the quality of the pump supplied by the manufacturer. Potential benfits of the Fournales shock: -possibly easier to adjust than stock, especially the rear (note the availability of a filler tube extension) -potentially better shock performance -rebuildable? -lightweight -French and exclusive -blue anodising compliments my (prettier) blue GTS -check out the solo/passenger remote air reservoir, instant one-up/two-up spring adjustment! I have also contacted Works Performance about their OEM shock rebuilding services. They will replace the guts of many stock shocks, giving them a new lease on life, for a resonable price. Sandy at Works Performance said he thought that they could not rebuild the stock GTS shocks, but mailed me some information about how to identify if my shock is rebuildable. I cannot retreive the needed specs at a glance, so as I'm doing maintinence this winter perhaps I can get some photos of the GTS shocks to send to Works and get a final verdict. Ironically, I'm feeling pretty poor right now and certainly could not afford any of the above suspension upgrades, but it's nice to know what's available. -Derek [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: information To: Derek Baylor Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 6:39 AM Subject: Re: Fournales for Yamaha GTS1000 Dear, Yes we produce a special front & rear shock for 1000 GTS YAMAHA. For USA, you can order directly to WHITE BROTHERS COMPANY in CALIFORNIA. Alls dealers know this company. Font # MA 04 0135 Rear # MA 04 0124 However, if you want receive them more rapidly, we can ship directly to you & you can order also to us. We need to ask question to the air mail post to know the cost of the shipment, depend from your adress. In France, the price is 2*3.620 Frs = 7.240 Frs for the 2 shocks. You can paye with credit card. Bests regards Jean-Yves Wilquin Responsable Commercial Fournal�s Suspension S.A 23, Z.A. Ribaute 31130 - Quint Fonsegrives T�l: 05 61 24 75 24 Fax: 05 61 24 75 25 Web : www.fournales.fr ----- Original Message ----- From: Derek Baylor To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 2:33 AM Subject: Fournales for Yamaha GTS1000 I'm researching suspension options for the Yamaha GTS1000 motorcycle. My bike is a 1994 model, it requires a single rear shock, as well as a single front shock for it's front single-sided swingarm. I have heard of your suspension components being used in this application, and I'd like more information. Please provide any information you can including price, lead time, and availability in the United States. There are lots of us GTSers who are left with few suspension upgrade options. If your product is available, there may be many of us who are interested. Thanks.
