What rear shock should I by for my GS?

[cosmiccharlie]

I have been searching and can't really find what will fit my GS.  Looking for something that will bolt on with little to no modification.  If I have to swap dogbones that will be ok. 

[Alphamazing]

Katana

[spc]

Don't the SV650 shocks work if you just hacksaw off a little bit and drill new bolt holes?

[Alphamazing]

Don't the SV650 shocks work if you just hacksaw off a little bit and drill new bolt holes?

Yes, but the Katana is easier, and requires no modification.

[Chuck]

I'll bet I could use a rear shock from my Dodge Dakota if I hacksawed and welded enough.  But I used a Katana.

[cosmiccharlie]

Any specific years to look for?  Are any of them adjustable?

[Alphamazing]

Any specific years to look for?  Are any of them adjustable?

All of them are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. I think the '98+ ones are slightly beefier, but all of them work monumentally better than stock.

[werase643]

Penske, Ohlins, Fox, Works  all will make you one that will have all the adjustments you could ever want

Fox...have to get used...they don't build motorcycle shocks any more

[RVertigo]

++ Kat6 shock...  The newer, the better... 

But, even a half-dead Kat shock is better than the GS stocky (IMO).

[makenzie71]

Kat shock is direct bolt in
SV shock goes in with little effort but it's a crappy shock
CBR Showa shocks work but need modification
I've aways wanted to try a Ducati Showa

[cosmiccharlie]

Thanks guys!  I guess I will be looking for a katana shock.  I would love to get an ohlins, but a used katana shock is more in my budget. 

[werase643]

cheap bastid

[cosmiccharlie]

cheap bastid

Seriously though, how much do the aftermarket shocks run and where can I check them out?  Still a n00b to this bike stuff! 

[werase643]

seriously,...... you won't pay that much

a works is about 600
used fox...if you find one 200-300 + 100-150 rebuild
Penske....800+

[cosmiccharlie]

Guess I am a cheap bastid!!  That seems like a lot for one shock!! 

[Jughead]

The SV Shock Doesn't work.It is way too tall.Yes it goes in but it Hikes the rear up too much.I drilled Holes Higher up on the Bottom Bracket but it Bottoms out on the Linkage.

[Flywheel]

I replaced the rear bedspring with a 01' Katana 600 shock. I've got a side-by-side shot to show the difference (someone point me to a pic posting FAQ, please) and it's almost twice as serious. It bolts right in, with no alterations, HOWEVER:

1) It seems to raise the rear end a small amount (~1/2"?). Parked on the centrestand the rear wheel grazes the ground, where it previously spun freely. The GS also leans over further on the sidestand as well, but not dangerously so. Neither is a deal-breaker.

2) Although possible, the rebound collar requires much swearing to adjust without removing the dogbones first. For some reason, the collar is shorter and has smaller wrench holes than the stock part. Me, I just swore and managed to get it set at "4". The stiffness sequence is the reverse of the original shock, too ("1" is the softest setting instead of the hardest).

Since I have only ridden the new setup once, I won't say much more until I do some more practice runs and confirm my initial impressions. Price? $250 CDN, nearly new.

[SeriousGeorge]

Flywheel, do you have standard size tires or higher profile? My rear tire is pretty close to the ground with the Katana shock, but it still clears. I went from 80 series tires back to 70 around the same time, so I may not have noticed too much of a change.

The Katana is a pain to adjust the preload on. It was doable for me up to about 4 or 5 but I'm a big guy and needed to go to 6. I ended up having to move the dogbones out of the way to adjust it. After that it's easy. With new springs up front and the new shock in the rear the bike rides much, much better than stock. It's a lot stiffer, but it's still more comfortable over bumps than the wimpy stock suspension.

I ended up getting a 2005 off of ebay a while back for $25 shipped. If you can afford it I'm sure the custom shocks are well worth the money. For cheap bastids like me the Katana is still a great upgrade.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

[5

[RVertigo]

My Kat shock is on 3...  And I want to lower it.     But, I'm 180+Gear... Around 200.