Raising the rear end - Riser kit

[vorBH]

Thinking that the back is low, if increase the height will look more sporty.
I know nothing so someone please tell me couple things: Will this mod work? Will it screw up control of the bike and steering? And will 1.25inch increase be much noticeable?

Found them here: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Raising-Riser-kit-GS500-GS-500-All-Years_W0QQitemZ280276836501QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280276836501&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

[Teek]

It will lift the seat too. If you want it higher in the back and a better rear shock, do the Katana shock swap, you can get them for about $50 or less, the amount of work to sway is about the same as links, maybe easier, you'll get an inch or so higher at the seat, maybe 2-3" in the back at the tail, my tail came up just about 3 inches. Then I actually had to swap out the links to lower the bike at the seat height, as I could barely toe it, being inseam challenged. But it would be the look you're going after.  For geometry, your front end will then be relatively lower, making your turn in quicker.

[seanathin48]

Im 6'3, I'd like to see this done and know how ur results went.

[vorBH]

Ok so just get a Katana rear shock? Which year Katana should it come from and its going on my 07 GS500F
The Katana rear shock alone will increase the height for sure? Whats the stock size of shock right now and whats the size of a Katana rear-shock?

I'm 6'1, I don't think there will be any problems reaching ground

Thanks

[The Buddha]

Yes, GSXR shock or katana shock .... better shock and higher ride height.

Kat shock - I found one recently - $35. - Can be opened and tested before sending to you so you know its not leaky and the dials work etc, and I can do powdercoat on the spring etc in your color choice. I do that before I buy ... cos I have had crap leak when I bought off ebay.

GSXR shock, I have one for $75. Sold with a modified linkage needed to fit it, and I'll need your linkage after you fit it. Again spring etc can be coated ...
Spring+collar+ring etc powdercoating is ~35 bucks. The example is here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/srinath.the.man/PoppedOpenShocks#

You choice of color ... I also paint the body when its popped open. Though I am really hating painting ... $10.
Cool.
Buddha.

[vorBH]

Yes, GSXR shock or katana shock .... better shock and higher ride height.

Kat shock - I found one recently - $35. - Can be opened and tested before sending to you so you know its not leaky and the dials work etc, and I can do powdercoat on the spring etc in your color choice. I do that before I buy ... cos I have had crap leak when I bought off ebay.

GSXR shock, I have one for $75. Sold with a modified linkage needed to fit it, and I'll need your linkage after you fit it. Again spring etc can be coated ...
Spring+collar+ring etc powdercoating is ~35 bucks. The example is here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/srinath.the.man/PoppedOpenShocks#

You choice of color ... I also paint the body when its popped open. Though I am really hating painting ... $10.
Cool.
Buddha.

Ok Im gona get back to you shortly about this, gimme couple hours I just have to go to university quickly now.
In the meatime the GS500 Wiki says "The Katana shock will raise the tail end of the GS up about 1/2"-3/4" due to the longer length of the shock". While the raiser kit I posted above will raise the rear end 1.25 inches...I want the rise in height to make a difference......BUT if I get the risers Ill only have stock GS500 shock....and if I get the Kat/GSXR shock I'll only get the ~1/2inch increase.........Can I do both shock upgrade and risers???

[The Buddha]

Kat is 3/4 inch under no load. Load it up with rider and gear and its closer to 2 inches over stock on a similarly loaded stock shock.
GSXR is 1.5-2 inch under no load. Load it up and it could sit as high as 3 inches over a similarly loaded stock GS.
Your important criteria is when you're riding.
Cool.
Buddha.

[vorBH]

Ok then I'd prob take the GSXR b/c Im a big guy myself (6'1, 175lbs)....so then it would sit (with load on) about 3 inches above what stock would sit at, correct?

And so this obviously means the GSXR shock is longer than the Katana shock, correct?

I'll send you a PM with details

[TheDrunknmonky]

just want to make sure i'm reading this correctly.. the kat shock is 3-4 inches of lift and a direct bolt on?

[vorBH]

No, Buddha was saying that if you install the Kat shock it will raise the bike about 3/4 of an inch (while no one or no load is on it). But when you go to sit on it, it will 'sag' down but still be about 2inches higher than if you had sat down on your stock shock.
Hope that makes sense

[TheDrunknmonky]

ahh. so the gsxr and kat shocks are stiffer.. wouldn't that make for a less comfortable ride?

[vorBH]

I don't know, it will definitly be higher rear end and less sagging down when you sit on it and if you get a passenger on there.
I just got the bike and I am DEFINITLY raising the rear end b/c it is too low and uncomfortable for me

[Teek]

I'm 150 all geared up, yes it's a harsher ride, even at the softest settings. But you will no longer bottom out in the rear. The advantage over stock besides strength is that they have adjustable damping via a knurled knob at the top of the shock; 4 click settings on the Katana. I put an '05 on my '01 moto, no problem. It was under an inch in height gain at the seat, but it was almost 3" or a tad over at the TOP of the very end of the TAIL.

[The Buddha]

ahh. so the gsxr and kat shocks are stiffer.. wouldn't that make for a less comfortable ride?

Actually yes they are stiffer, however if you have the weight to load them right, you will get a fully functioning shock ... with a GS if you load it to over 150 lbs of rider and gear you almost instantly lose the "shock" ... a adjustable shock that works right and is good for your weight will be a lot more comfortable than one that is under sprung and under damped. If you weigh 120-150 lbs stock will work fine. Then a GSXr will feel like a jack hammer. But get more weight and GS goes to the dogs.
Remember shocks are a compromise ... as are most other things ... you want to give up working well in one weight/road condition range and gain that function in a different set of circumstances. Like removing the counterbalancer in a race bike. Then they balance the crank assembly that it runs smooth in the 7500-10K range. It works for a race bike ... however it will be misery as a street bike. Somehtign like that with shocks too.
Cool.
Buddha.

[A_Steel_Horse]

Does using a Katana/GSXR shock to raise the seat height also increase the distance from seat to foot peg? I want my legs to be less compressed.

[The Buddha]

It wont affect the foot peg to butt distance that much. It only gives you the illusion that is does a little ... the seat angle changes ... gets steeper into the tank, you sit a shade further back and it feels like its longer to the pegs ... as in ... further back you sit, the longer it would be ... Sorta like putting the rear wheel on a thick 4 inch block of wood ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[vorBH]

Is there anyway to raise the distance from seating to foot pegs? I have same problem of compression of the legs...its not too bad, but it could be a lot more comfortable....would the riser links do it?

[Bluesmudge]

You can also buy after market foot pegs. The angle and the rubber of the stock one's keep your legs up pretty high. Some minimalist after-market pegs can give you an extra inch of leg room. Check the wiki.

[The Buddha]

Yea ... buy a cruiser ... clowns ... 
Cool.
Buddha.

[vorBH]

You mean a Harley cruiser? those are ugly! sorry

Thanks for the tip on the pegs, the rubber does add height

Buddha, are you hooking up the rear shocks I wanted? I sent you a reply I beleive, I just need to figure out some things before I this thing, check my reply. Thanks bro