rear shock

[bennnnnnnn]

hi everyone, ive been visiting gstwin for a long time now, finally took the plunge & registered. ive heard that an sv650 rear shock is a pretty good replacement for the stock one. i was just wondering what year model sv shocks will fit, ive got an 02 gs. thanks for your help.

[raylarrabee]

remember that the SV shock is a good replacement, but is generally not considered an upgrade over stock.  For model year info, check out Pantablo's site.

[bennnnnnnn]

what would you suggest i replace the rear shock with (mine is leaking) should i try the sv, or stick with genuine?

[raylarrabee]

the SV is a good replacement.  I believe it is a direct bolt-on.  Here is more info:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id39.html


If you want a performance upgrade, here are some other options:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id12.html

[big torque]

Hey, i just did an sv650 shock on an '89 this weekend.

It was not quite a direct bolt-in for me.  I could either drill a new 10mm hole in the shock, or grind away some of the linkage or shock.  I chose to drill the new hole because using the original hole would raise the rear end a LOT.  I wanted it raised a little, but this was too much.

Can't ride it yet (won't start - think the starter's dead  :x ), but it feels pretty good in the driveway.

[bennnnnnnn]

thanks for the help guys. but i cant see any mention of what year models will fit, will any year sv shock fit into my 02 gs?

[RVertigo]

I wanted it raised a little, but this was too much.

Is your side-stand still useful?

[gs2sv]

we have an 02 gs as well and I used a shock from a 03 sv650 as a replacement for the original which is cr@p especially after doing the front forks. I had to drill another set of holes for mounting because as standard it makes the bike sit to high. It was a really simple install though. made a huge difference as far as preload goes, the sv shock is much stiffer. I found the shock for $30 practically new on ebay, so it was a worthwhile swap. I removed the centerstand, mailny because the leftover tabs on the shock would rub it, but if you cut the remaining tabs off you can easily leave the centerstand on without interference. One good thing I noticed about increasing the rear ride height is that it makes the streering a bit more stable by putting more weight over the front. here is a pic of what it will look like with new holes drilled and installed. hope this helps.

[pantablo]

why do people think the sv shock is a direct install? its not. and its not a big improvement over the gs shock (if the shock is in good shape).

it also raises the bike LOTS, unless you drill as shown above.

the best route is to get a used katana 600 rear shock, preferably a 2001 or thereabouts...will look EXACTLY like the stock gs shock, and raises the rear slightly.

also available on ebay for cheap.

[big torque]

In my experience, you have to drill the holes (as shown above) or it won't even fit.  If you do grind away to make it fit, it will raise the rear way too much.  

I used the sv650 shock from a 2001 because it was a freebie.  Nada.  Zip. Zilch.  By the way, on the SV, 1999-2001 = first gen and are all the same.  The 2003+ ones are different, and I believe they are slightly shorter(?) but no better.

So I agree with pantablo 100%.  If you're trying to upgrade, I recommend getting a katana shock, or possibly a gixxer.  I was just replacing a 16 year old shock with no life left in it, and the sv shock was free.

[bennnnnnnn]

thanks again for all your help guys. ill have to have a hunt around and see whats available, then i can make my decision.

[natecoop]

i just picked up a replacement shock (96 GSXR 750 shock) for my project bike.  i am anxious to see/feel the difference as the stocker was SHOT!  total mush...

anybody have personal experience with this GSXR shock?  positives? negatives?

[pantablo]

nate,
glad you found your way over here...good people here. Just dont let them know what YOU ride or you'll never hear the end of it...

I had a 95(?) gsxr750 rear shock on my 2001 gs. I LIKED IT. Although I had a bit of rubbing on occasion between the shock spring and the swingarm front edge. The gs's dont seem to be built to a high tolerance level as some with the shock had some rubbing but many others didnt.

Installing the gsxr shock requires a bit of grinding...

Joris probaby has the best write-up on the gsxr shock install here:
http://www.bikepower.net/gs500e-power/gs500e-power.htm
(under modification manuals)

also, if you're getting that serious about the 'project' (you would have been fine with a katana shock for street riding) you might consider looking for a bandit 400 or 88-89 gsxr 750 rear wheel so you can get at least 150 series tires on the beast.
check my site for pertinent info and Joris' too, since he shoehorned in a 160. gixxer front ends are good too....


welcome to the site.
pablo-

[natecoop]

Thanks for the welcoming and the tips, Pablo!  

i figured i should start learning more about this bike if i'm gonna be wrenching on it for a while.  i'm always looking for more ideas and different ways to change things up.  i have quite a few ideas in my head right now, just gotta write them down and see how they will tie-in as a whole.

Thanks again!
nate

[raylarrabee]

why do people think the sv shock is a direct install?

Well, I thought so because it was on your site...

The very first sentence on your SV shock install page (http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id39.html)

• "The SV650 rear shock bolts right in and is a great way to replace your worn stock GS shock."[/list:u]
  Caption from a picture of the bottom clevis, with shock installed:
  
  • "bottom direct bolt in or modified for ride height"[/list:u]
    From the "What Lee McDonald says" section of the same page:
    
    • The standard SV shock is a bolt in afair.
      • There is no need to modify this.
      • If anyone does the conversion just leave the stock SV shock as is and bolt it straight in.
      • It is a bolt on affair but as stated I did the dogbone extension to lower it back to stock height because on weekend rides it is what my girlfriend uses.[/i][/list:u]

[pantablo]

oh.


[what a-hole wrote that!]

[raylarrabee]

you're still my hero, Pablo  

[pantablo]

:kiss:

[gs2sv]

I was gonna add a +1 to raylarrabee, but I didn't wanna be a d!ck.
luv ya P.

[Superman55]

So let me see if I have this straight. I have an 04F

An SV650 shock will bolt in if 2 10mm holes are drilled in the bottom of the shock as pictured above in the thread.

A katana shock will bolt right in no problem, raising the bike only slightly, not enough to need to cut the sidestand and add to it.

A GSXR750 shock I am not bothering with...too much grinding and rubbing... but...

big torque-I  used the sv650 shock from a 2001 because it was a freebie. Nada. Zip. Zilch. By the way, on the SV, 1999-2001 = first gen and are all the same. The 2003+ ones are different, and I believe they are slightly shorter(?) but no better.

Pantablo also says its not a big improvement also.

pantablo-the best route is to get a used katana 600 rear shock, preferably a 2001 or thereabouts...will look EXACTLY like the stock gs shock, and raises the rear slightly.

I am 5'7 140lbs. I want to do this for beter handling when riding 2up.
So I guess in general, for ease of install and imroved handling a katana shock should be the way to go.
:dunno:  MY BRAIN HURTS