Just installed 2005 SV650 shock (the white one) Pic inside

[theboy3443]

Hey guys, I was able to install the '05 SV shock without too many problems! Yes the white one fits. I drilled a new hole and bolted her in.  It does sit higher in the rear but that's what I wanted! The key to making it fit right is drilling the hole in the right spot (not too much higher than the hole that's already in it).  I adjusted the chain accordingly but haven't gotten it out for a ride yet. I am really happy with the stance and added height.


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[centuryghost]

A bit of unsolicited advice:

Make sure you adjust the chain with someone of your comparable weight and size on the bike. Adding the taller shock throws off the geometry and if you adjust the slack like you normally would, it will be too tight when you sit on it. If it seems like there is too much slack when the GS is parked and there is no weight on it, you are doing it right.

[theboy3443]

Thanks ghost, I basically sat on it and sortof jumped while looking at the tension and loosened it alittle. That's a new 150/60/17 in the rear also.  Can't wait to get out and ride!

[burning1]

Putting a heavy dude on the chain won't do the trick. Correct way to do it is to run the swingarm through it's full range of motion without the shock installed, and adjust your chain so that there is some slack at the tightest point. Then, bolt everything up, and measure your slack as normal. However much slack you now have should be your normal adjustment.

[Ken in Regina]

The suggestions about having some weight on the bike when checking the chain adjustment are technically correct but pretty hit and miss.

Fact: The longest point of the chain run is when the centre of the rear axle, the centre of the swingarm bolt and the centre of the countershaft are all dead in line. At any other positions, the chain run will be shorter.

So the proper way to adjust a chain is to simply line up those three points and adjust the chain so it has a wee bit of slack, but no more than about 1/4".

The simplest way to do this is to lay one of those ratcheting tie-downs over the seat, connect it to the swingarm on both sides and ratchet it down until those three points are lined up (a piece of string and a friend are a big help). Now adjust the chain and  you're good to go.

Oh yeah, this is best done on the centre stand, not the sidestand. (Don't ask....)

...ken...

[burning1]

Yep. Exactly what ken said. The only thing you need to be aware of is that sometimes the swingarm will never line up that way due to the limits of travel of the shock. In that case, you're adding a little more slack then necessary, but to be honest, it's not a huge issue. Always best to err on the side of extra slack.

[theboy3443]

Thanks for the input guys.  I rode it today for 25 miles. I really like the way it turned out.  I adjusted the chain on the loose side and took it out.  Now to get a handle on the front forks 

[burning1]

Buy mine, you won't regret it.

[gosney_goose]

I just bought a white 03 SV650 shock. It should be here tomorrow. I hope I can get it to fit as well. Can you tell a big difference when riding?

[gosney_goose]

I just bought a white 03 SV650 shock. It should be here tomorrow. I hope I can get it to fit as well. Can you tell a big difference when riding?

How exactly did you get that shock to fit? I ordered the yellow one today because that white 2003 shock needed way to much modification to make it work.

[ben2go]

Thanks for the input guys.  I rode it today for 25 miles. I really like the way it turned out.  I adjusted the chain on the loose side and took it out.  Now to get a handle on the front forks 

What's wrong with the forks.

[Shepa]

How exactly did you get that shock to fit? I ordered the yellow one today because that white 2003 shock needed way to much modification to make it work.

There's no need to cut or drill anything, I sure didn't, and it's on the bike, working (the white one, K5).
The only thing is, you cannot do it alone. Unless you have some sort of a spring-pressing tool.

[crzydood17]

the way i did my Kat600 shock was to put the bike up on a flat curb and hang the back wheel off while it was on the center stand... doing that put the swing arm low enough that it perfectly fit! but it might be a bit different on a SV spring due to its length.