GSX sponson interchangablity

[soccerdad]

So I need a right side sponson for my 96 GSX. I have read some that the GSXL sponsons fit and may offer some improvement in handling/stability and may be stronger. Then I am seeing xpl sponsons on ebay that claim to also fit a GSX. I don't care about the color since I can paint them, and I can replace both of them. All of them have 4 bolts and look like the patern is similar. I do not think I need beachhouse/works ones for my riding.

So does anyone know what different sponsons will actually fit my 96 GSX? And what advantages (if any) would I get from them. I can always get a single 96 or 97 one, but just want to know what works or if there is a better path to go.

 

[nickj718]

I have both stock sponsons off my 97 gsx if your interested PM me

 

[manolocross]

Not to hijack but I posted a similar thread a week ago but got nothing solid.
Subscribed!

 

[soccerdad]

LoL. You know I actually read that thread... and somehow forgot it.... Must be working way too hard....:facepalm: Probably why I started looking to replace my broken one. I think you are looking at the same ebay listing as I am! They look exactly the same, but not sure on the spacing. I am pretty sure the GSXL ones will work, and are supposed to be a little more aggressive. Maybe someone will post on the XPL. I'll let you have those since you looked at them first.

 

[manolocross]

Well it just got relisted on eBay!
Funny thing is you need a right... I need a left...

 

[soccerdad]

And [MENTION=48582]nickj718[/MENTION] above has both... Maybe we can get our skis fixed...I just PMd him. There are a bunch of xpl ones listed for cheap, but I kind of doubt that they will work. But just not sure.

 

[DanSquires]

I pulled sponsons off of a partout XPL last weekend, and tore down my 96 GSX for resto Tuesday night. I will have the answer to the question tonight.

 

[soccerdad]

Awesome! Thanks for the help Dan!

 

[DanSquires]

Awesome! Thanks for the help Dan!

No problem. If they are a direct swap, I will be selling the blue ones currently on the ski as I'm going full out storm trooper on it (paint the bottom white, black rub rails with white insert, white hood, blah blah blah)

 

[manolocross]

Waiting on dansqires...

 

[DanSquires]

Waiting on dansqires...

With that statement, you sound like my wife.

 

[manolocross]

Noooo.... if I did sound like that....my apologies... I myself am married 17 LONG years. I just extremely interested in the outcome of the question of interchangeability. I need 1 sponson and just wanna get it. Spring is here and I am going to start getting my new to me 97 gsx together for the upcoming season. Money shot comin...

 

[DanSquires]

Noooo.... if I did sound like that....my apologies... I myself am married 17 LONG years.

Well, it did sound kinda like my wife.. only with eager anticipation, instead of disgust :lols:

All good buddy, all good :cheers:

 

[DanSquires]

I can state, with absolute certainty, that 99 xpl sponsons will fit a 96 gsx. I even threw one on to verify.. because nobody likes fake news.
There are some differences, however I doubt it makes a squat vs the stock gsx.
The xpl has a rounded top vs a concave top of the gsx. The bottom is pretty much the same concave.
For giggles, I also compared the xpl vs the ones on my 99 gsxl. The gsxl is much more aggressive.
And now, potato pics. First pic is gsx on left, xpl on right. Second pic shows bolts lined up. Third pic is top comparison. Last pic is the gsxl vs the xpl.

 

[manolocross]

Thank you dansqires for your research and answer with proof.... no fake news here.
Thanks again [emoji482]

 

[soccerdad]

Thanks as well. Is the xpl one longer. It looks like it in the picture, but it may just be the angle.

 

[DanSquires]

Just under an inch longer, all at the front. It's... pointier.

 

[manolocross]

Hey soccerdad
If you want to bid on those on that auction site you can...
I got a brand new sponson in black for 17 shipped on that same auction site.
Great deal!

 

[soccerdad]

So here are the xpl sponsons on Lemonade. Fit perfectly.

 

[soccerdad]

And man these things are a pain to install. But once the water box is out, you can do it.

 

[manolocross]

What about the sponson behind battery? How easy was that?
Love the yellow sponson....
That gsx looks great [MENTION=69521]soccerdad[/MENTION]

 

[soccerdad]

What about the sponson behind battery? How easy was that?
Love the yellow sponson....
That gsx looks great [MENTION=69521]soccerdad[/MENTION]

Thanks. This was my first ski, so she has always had a place in my heart. I like the yellow on the ski. The one behind the battery is not that bad. I had the battery out already so that saved time. I used a 1/4 drive socket set. I also put tape in the socket to hold the nut on. Then I used my inspection mirror and flashlight to look down the holes to see where the studs were. Then I felt my way in with the socket on an extension. Once started by hand, I put on the small ratchet and tightened them. Fortunately, they have a nice lead in on each stud. It was a pain, no doubt, but was easier than I thought it would be.

 

[emspjay]

That is a clean GSX! And thanks for posting the tips on how to do this! I'm glad it not as hard as I thought it would be.

 

[soccerdad]

Thanks, your pain level may vary... I just finished replacing the bellows on my Mercruiser Alpha One on my boat. WOW. I thought they pack a lot of crap into a small space with these skis. That is an entire other level. But I am sure you can do it. Just relax and give yourself some time.