Kat or SV rear shock?

[Twism86]

I want to replace my rear shock and am wondering which route to go? I want something that not too old and would prefer to not go older then my 2002. So an 02 on up shock. Reading the wiki is seems that cutting and drilling the SV shock isnt too hard. Are there any other issues, it mentined something about the centerstand but i didnt see what it meant.

For the SV i think you need the yellow spring correct? And any Kat 600 shock should also fit..... There seems to be more SV shocks on ebay for better prices and better condition as well.

Thanks.

[T1z3R]

if you fit eh SV shock then the centre stand wont be long enough to lift any wheels off the ground.

i just removed my centre stand,

[Twism86]

How much better does it handle and is it worth the inconvenience when doing maintenance?  Oil changes, chain cleaning etc...

[T1z3R]

its perks the handling up a lot and makes the rear that good bit stiffer. also gives a nice inch or so extra height which i like as the PO cut down the seat on mine and im about 6'. the original shock was really soft and soggy too which didnt help.
it is a PITA though not having the centre stand but i do get by since i bought some paddock stands.

its a cheap upgrade so worth it in my opinion and easy to do althoug can be a squeeze getting the shock in at the top and bottom (or that could have just been me).

[Twism86]

I guess i could keep the center stand and put it up on some 2x8s to do some work and get the rear wheel off the ground.

Any other opinions?

[tt_four]

I just listed one on ebay the other day because I planned on putting in on the GS but never did. I don't think anyone's bid on it yet so I could end the auction if you decide you want one. I'd sell it for $10+shipping, not sure what they're selling for on ebay so you'd have to check and see if that's a fair price or not(I'm at work and can't get on ebay).

The other option is the 06-07 R6 shock with the red spring. I don't know if it's made it to the wiki yet but a couple people have used them. I put one on mine, which is why I never ended up using the SV shock. I don't know if I really noticed a difference, but I also never bothered to set it up at all. I just threw it on the bike how it came out of the box.

2x4s definitely work. I put one under my center stand sometimes when I need the extra ground clearance to lean the bike back far enough to slide forks down when I'm feeling too lazy to remove the front wheel.

[Twism86]

tt, saw yours on ebay. PM is coming....

[plewis51]

I have the SV shock on my 07 GS. I kept my center stand and just use a small block of wood to park it when I'm not riding. The side stand is also short and the bike leans pretty far when used. However, there is a mod to extend the side stand which I have yet to do. I have had no issue with the bike tipping over, I turn the front tire left (toward the stand) to give it more positional grip. I'm sure it won't fall but until I put the extension on you can never be too careful.