SV650 Shock Install!!!

[BustemUpBob]

Well today I installed the SV650 shock on my GS500.
Lets Just say things did not go well,
It was easy To get Off & On.
But because of the amount the shock raises the rear end of the bike,it places the chain @ a much greater pitch,actually started to cut the frame when I was riding. Not A Good Thing.
So any help on this one, I think i might need to try to grind it to original length of GS shock!

[sparky8844]

uhh im pretty sure pablos site has a good writeup on a sv650 shock swap

[JamesG]

I keep telling you guys it doesn't fit. But nooooobody believes me...

[BustemUpBob]

He is right it does not fit. I tried first hand today,it will work for awhile until you cut your frame in half like your chain is a chainsaw. The reason it worked for him is because he had new dog-bones made ( I Think ). But it is not a straight bolt on.

[2Twin]

The shock itself does fit in without much to do. Cut the tabs and drill new holes. But you will need those dog bones extended. Simple job for someone that can weld pretty good or not to expensive to have some made.

[pantablo]

2twin is the one that sent that in to me so he should know...

[BustemUpBob]

I wish I had my camera W/ me to show you guys what happened.
This shock will prob end up being on the bike but only after I get some new Dog-Bones, or extend the ones I have.
I am just glad there were no kids around, Cause words were coming out of my mouth that my wife looked at me in disbelief. :x

[raylarrabee]

Sorry you're having such a problem with your upgrade.

the other option is to put the SV shock back on ebay and buy a Kat 600 shock.  I just swapped my stocker out for a '96 Kat 600 ($31.50 shipped) and it was a direct swap.  Had to back the chain out a little, due to the slightly increased length, but other than that, zero problems.  The ride quality is dramatically improved.

to me, it seems much easier/cheaper than having new linkage fabricated.  Also, from all accounts, the SV shock is only a marginal improvement over the stock.