katana rear shock

[number1]

ok so im going to go ahead and get the pregressive springs for the front. but now i want to know where i can get a katana rear shock. and how much they cost, also how long does that take to install and is it hard im a mechanic but i know nothing about bukes. would i be able to do it myself.

[callmelenny]

ok so im going to go ahead and get the pregressive springs for the front. but now i want to know where i can get a katana rear shock. and how much they cost, also how long does that take to install and is it hard im a mechanic but i know nothing about bukes. would i be able to do it myself.

Pablo's page http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id12.html has lots of info on the shock. I'm pretty sure it is just a bolt on replacement, so not too hard.

They show up on Ebay or you might find one in a junkyard.

[stefman722]

There are so many threads about this already, you could search if you wanted to.  I got mine off ebay. right now there is only 2. Just wait, they come up very very often. And installation is a breeze, took me litteraly no more then 5 minutes with the help of an impact gun. Here is a page with instructions for ya. http://johnla2.tripod.com/shkmd01.html That was thanks to john.  

[number1]

he talks about alot of other shocks on his website. is the katana 600 shock the one that you recomend. also with the gsxr shock he talks about haveing to extend his kickstand i dont have to do that with the katana shock do i. sorry agian for all the questions but thanks for the help.    

[pantablo]

I suggest you ride the bike for a while with just the progressives in the front. If you then decide that you need the upgraded shock then get the Kat600. There are others that you could use but this is the easiest to install and looks like the same shock with a better spring (but its a bit longer).

You dont need to extend the sidestand. When I installed my gsxr shock it was a luxury to do that. I could have lived with it the way it was, although I wouldnt have been comfortable with it leaned over so much though.

if you get a relatively new Kat shock it still wont be as tall as the gsxr shock and it wil settle down a bit too. Mine was a 2001 shock, which I gave to JohnLA before I installed it when I got the chance at the gsxr shock. he never extended his sidestand.

ebay is the best place to keep an eye out. Could get one for as cheap as $10 or as much as $50..and add about $10 for reasonable shipping.

pablo-

[number1]

ok how will i know if i need to install a new shock. is there something to look out for or something to watch for. like i said im a car mechanic and i know not a damn thing about bikes i just know how to ride them.

[pantablo]

if you feel the back end wallow and the bike feels like its got a hinge in the middle you'll know you need a shock. make sure your tire pressure is correct too. if you bottom out on the highest preload setting too...with or without a passenger then you are a candidate for a replacement shock.

[number1]

i was reading an article on the shocks is it true that you can adjust the preload with a spanner wrench.

[pantablo]

no, there is a special wrench for it. should have one in your tool kit (located under the seat, stuffed at the back under the bodywork near the taillight).

Or you can buy a kit on ebay, junkyard, or just the spanner from suzuki dealer. its not something you often change unless you do lots of 2-up riding. I set mine once and left it for 18 months.

[pantablo]

check JohnLA's site for a picture of the tools in the tool kit. it has one end that looks like a big C.

[number1]

ok i know wich one your talking about. i got that in  the tool kit. thanks agian for all of your help.

[pantablo]

[Jake D]

Related question:
I getting ready to install an SV 650 shock, '03, I think (it looks huge!).  

There are two schools of thought with this.  Do you drill new holes in the clevis and grind it down or leave it just as it is.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  It isn't that big of a deal if nobody has tried this swap.  I'll get it figured out.

[pantablo]

the person that did that initially, which is on my website, drilled new holes but kept it longer than stock gs shock (I dont think there's a choice).

But you might try installing it and seeing if as is the extra 3" or so dont upset the bike too much. If so, just remove it and drill it. :mrgreen:

[Hi-T]

You can also check out the for sale forum on Katanaplanet.com . I got mine there for 50 shipped (the 01 600 version).  50 dollars well spent.

[Venom]

I got mine on ebay for $20 and put it on today and I absolutely love it.  The bikes rearend is solid now and the ride is fantastic

[number1]

well if any of you that already have one come across one thats for sale or anything like that let me know. thanks  

[Venom]

check this one out on ebay its for a gsxr 600 but it might work if anyone can tell us if it will work it would be greatly appreciated


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4511187732&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
its  only 10 bucks with 16 shipping total 26

at that price maybe its worth the shot

[dmanben]

I put a sv 650 shock on my '92 GS.  I used a 2000, I think, it was a yellow spring-new ones are white.  I drilled a new hole.  You need to use the nut and bolt from the GS, the SV uses a tapped bung.   I had to grind a little off the linkage, the way the guy describes in pablo's website.  I left the dogbones alone and the bike now sits a couple inches higher.  Perfect for me at 6'3'' 240lbs.  I've heard the grinding is not necessary on newer GS's because the alloy linkage gives more swing space.

[Jake D]

My SV shock is a white spring shock off an '03.

I'm 6'2" so I think it will probably work pretty good.  We'll see.  I've got bigger fish to fry right now. . .