rear shock replacement: when?

[dogjaw]

I have a 93 GS500, purchased about 9 mos ago with 31k, now has 34k, runs absolutely great. progressive shocks were installed on the front, and am considering replacing the rear; how does one know when it becomes a necessity and not just an excuse for an upgrade? and what would be considered the best choice for an upgrade? i am 5'6", 190 lbs, ride street, no track.  Read elsewhere that the Katana 600 shock is a good all around choice, but would appreciate your opinions...

[ben2go]

I'm 5-7 and 200lbs.Toss the gs shock and get a late 90's Katana 600/750 shock.If your shock has oil all over it,it has lost most or all of the oil in it.

[GSnoober]

The truth is, the stock GS shock is worthless for anyone who weighs more than ~ 120 pounds, so replacing it should be a priority. Suzuki uses the original shock ONLY because it is CHEAP, and cheaply made, which helps to keep the retail price of the bike as low as possible. If they installed the Katana shock as original equipment, they'd be forced to raise the price, or sell the GS for less profit, which isn't going to happen.

Get a Kat 600 shock; it is more adjustable, and you'll even be able to carry a passenger without overwhelming the rear suspension. The installation is pretty straightforward; once you've made the swap, you'll be an expert on how to swap the rear shock on a GS...

[The Buddha]

The bike will pogo over everything = shock is shot.
BTW, they are all right about it being crap to start with.
Cool.
Buddha.

[dogjaw]

you sold me; so now I'm looking on ebay, lots of Katana shocks, some with linkages, do I need the linkage? and is a particular model year more desirable than others?

[gsJack]

Mmmmm, I put 80k miles on my 97 GS with the OEM shock with the preload cranked up a couple notches.  It was starting to get a little limp towards the end but as far as I know it is still in service with about 90k miles on it now.  Engine was replaced at 88k miles.

The shock on my 02 GS leaked at about 5k miles and when the fluid was all but gone it became a pogo stick like the Budda described above.  I replaced the shock with a low milage used one and have about 57k miles on the bike now and it works OK for me.  When I lowered the rear with links a year or so ago it stiffened the rear suspension to be better balance with the Progressive front springs.  I like it this way.

I'm about 6' and 240# now.

[ben2go]

you sold me; so now I'm looking on ebay, lots of Katana shocks, some with linkages, do I need the linkage? and is a particular model year more desirable than others?

You need just the shock with no linkages.I prefer a new looking late 90's shock,but most will work from 88 up.

[bucks1605]

If you have trouble finding one on ebay check out katriders.com  I've found three and all of them were around $25 shipped, just though I'd throw out a good price comparison. I had one guy trying to sell me his for like $70 plus shipping, He's like "They cost $450 on bikebandit..." 

[Kurlon]

Personally, if you're going to put a new shock in, have one made to match you by Works Performance.  They make a GS500 specific shock, and can set it up however you want it.  I've opted for a fully adjustable unit with ride height adjustment for my race machine, they have standard preload only units for less.  The benefit is you get the right spring rate, and a damping curve setup for the GS vs whatever luck of the draw you get with hacking in a Kat or SV shock.

[ben2go]

We're just looking for a cheap solution.Works are over kill for a spirited daily rider.

[Kurlon]

We're just looking for a cheap solution.Works are over kill for a spirited daily rider.

I dunno, $400 for a shock that works right out of the box, vs ? for a shock that may be an improvement, may not?  On just about any mount I've owned, I've put my money in suspension first, and it's amazing how it can transform bikes, even those with good suspension out of the crate.  It's not like we're talking Ohlins/Penske money. : )  Plus, unlike the take offs you're tossing in, which will be sacked out after 10k too (and may be when you get it), the Works is fully rebuildable.

Your call as always, just figured I'd toss out the alternatives as well as the risk/benefits associated.

[GSRider]

If Ohlins made a shock for the GS, I wouldn't buy it. The Works shock is more than adequate for the GS and it's frame.
Ben2go is right about Works not being cheap, but there is no modifications to throw the shock in, and the remote reservoir is pretty to look at.

But I'd rather have a shock that is overkill, than have a shock that is consistently going past it's ability.

[pbureau69]

I think 400$ for shock is overkill for a daily driver, (and I drive 2500-3000 miles a month on my gs500f)
I would rather get a bagster seat for 450$ before 400$ for a shock, but maybe I am more a comfort creature than others

ebay 90's Katana 600/750 shock should run about 40-60$ shipped.