Rear Spring Recommendations

[mass-hole]

I just put .85 fork springs in my bike and love them but after riding it for a few days I feel like the back is now lagging. Anyone have a recommendation for the back to match my new front springs? I have heard of using a katana spring and an SV650 spring just not sure which way to go.

Thanks for the help

[burning1]

It depends on where you want to ride, and how much work you want to do.

Rather than swapping springs, dropping in a Katana 600 shock is a good, simple bet. The shock is the same length as the stock GS part, bolts right up, has no clearance issues, and adds rebound damping.

A Katana 750 shock is a better bet if you intend to ride on the track. A model is available with a remote reservoir. It's rebuildable, features compression and rebound damping adjustments, and has a very stiff spring. The spring on the Katana 750 shock may be a little overly stiff for street use, but at my weight (~175lbs) it's perfect on the track. Tire wear is almost ideal with this shock (again at the track.) This shock is the same length as stock, but installing it will require grinding some material off the shock or swingarm (can be accomplished using a dremmel.)

I've never tried the Katana 600 shock, but I've heard good things about it.

The YZF-R6 shock (2006+) also fits, but it's not sprung any better than the GS shock, and won't have enough rebound damping. Pick it up if you want to drop $200-$300 into rebuilding a near ideal race shock.

[mass-hole]

Thanks! I dont plan on doing any track time, at least not in the near future. I went through a corner pretty quick today(2nd day with the new fronts) and just fell the rear end crush down and then started to bounce(pogosticking?). It was a weird feeling since the front didnt really move much at all.

[burning1]

Combination of a soft spring, and not enough rebound damping. Start with the Katana 600 shock - they are available very inexpensively on ebay, and I'm sure someone here will buy it from you if you eventually decide you prefer a Katana 750 shock.

The install is super simple. Just make sure you have a torque wrench handy.

[Syzygy]

I have .8 springs and a K750 that dropped in (pretty sure it's a K750, got it from Buddha)  man... is that shock ever stiff!  I am also thinking the 15W fork oil plus my pre-load is basically a racing setup because it flicks around really nice but is pretty unforgiving over bumps hit at speed... riding 2up the bumps turn into real shocks!

Peace,
syzygy

[burning1]

Did you set the pre-load on the shock? Mine is cranked almost all the way to the minimum.

[kylegod]

did any year kat 600 shocks come with the cable adjuster for rebound? i found one on ebay and it has the cable, i thought only the 750s had that cable.

[Syzygy]

Did you set the pre-load on the shock? Mine is cranked almost all the way to the minimum.

I couldn't figure out the angle to get to the adjustment.  Unless I missed something on a quick glance, wrench hopefully in my right hand, I'm going to have to drop off the rear wheel first.  I'd be happy to learn that I'm mistaken.  Haven't checked the Clymer's but perhaps the adjustment nut is in a different location relative to the stock one?

Peace,
Syzygy

[burning1]

It's possible to adjust the preload on the Kat shock with it installed, but it can be a big pain in the ass, especially if you have the wrong tool. It took Dave Moss a couple of minutes just to get a complete turn of extra pre-load. Removing some preload should be easier.

If you needed to add 10mm of preload on a kat shock, pulling the shock might be the best bet.

[Syzygy]

It's possible to adjust the preload on the Kat shock with it installed, but it can be a big pain in the ass, especially if you have the wrong tool. It took Dave Moss a couple of minutes just to get a complete turn of extra pre-load. Removing some preload should be easier.

If you needed to add 10mm of preload on a kat shock, pulling the shock might be the best bet.

It looks like I might be able to get a good angle if I pop off th V&H.  Do you have information on the three different settings that the cable attachment regulates?  It's been a while since I mucked with it but I believe it's functional.  It would be neat it if turned on super good suspension mode.

Peace
Syzygy

[mass-hole]

I was just out trying to crank my shock up and I did not have enough throw in the wrench to get it to progress to the next level( it was running into the swingarm linkage). It would get about half way there. I was not able to put the wrench farther back either cause it was hitting the frame.

Jay

[Syzygy]

I'm gone all of August but will change my suspension when I return.  One thing about the stiffer setting is it works pretty well for the 2-up, and the women of DC have been craving rides recently.     I'm wondering if perhaps I cut my fork spacer tube a little long.  I believe I set mine to 135mm...

Peace,
Syzygy

[kylegod]

I just got my kat600 shock in the mail today. Im wandering if anyone has any suggestions for preload and rebound setup. I dont ride on the track, but do ride plenty of twisties on the weekends and commute a few times a week to work. I weigh around 160, so im guessing around 170 suited up. I have progressive springs with 15w oil in the front. Any suggestions?

[kylegod]

also, can you install the kat6 shock using just the center stand or do i have to suspend the rear end?

[joshr08]

just the center stand is fine.  bolt up the top then lift rear wheel to align the botl bolt hole.  i would figure 3-4 should be good at your size

[kylegod]

thanks...is it higher the number the more rebound (rebounds faster after compressed)?? And preload doesnt really stiffen the spring or anything does it? Doesnt it just change how much it compresses when you sit on it?

[007brendan]

more preload = less sag. 

[kylegod]

thanks. and does higher the number on preload mean faster rebound? or vise versa

[kylegod]

anyone? also does the chain need to be adjusted at all with the kat6 shock?

[black and silver twin]

anyone? also does the chain need to be adjusted at all with the kat6 shock?

You should adjust the chain if its out of spec after the install. its very easy to check, takes like 30 sec.