Time for a new project?

[lucky4034]

First I would like to say that I've been here for only a couple of months and I LOVE this forum and feel fortunate to have purchased a GS500.  Being a first time bike owner and not really having any automotive mechanical experience... this forum has inspired me to tinker and I feel much more comfortable in taking on small projects knowing that if all else fails (and as long as I don't get in too deep), that the guys here on gstwins are more than likely willing to at least take a look. 

Also, when I purchased the bike my friend (who has been riding for 2 years on 1200 HD sportster    ... yes he is HD brainwashed and apparently knows all about motorcycles  ) continually told me I was making a mistake buying a "small" bike and tells me I should remove the "500F" sticker and no one will know the difference... 

...however, after reading through a good portion of this forum and watching videos of you guys riding, YOU ALL have instilled a sense of pride in me and I know that buying my GS500 for my first bike was definitely a smart purchase.  And now I have no trouble telling him that I wear the "500F" sticker proudly!
 
So thank you  

(besides, my GS seems to be every bit as fast as his sportster and twice as nimble...makes me wonder what the other 700cc's of his bike are used for? )

Anyways...  I've added rim stripes, integrated the tailight and gotten rid of that horrendous mud flap and now I'm pretty satisfied with the look (tho I still want to add ground effects and brighter headlight)... 

For my next project, I'm thinking about trying to swap out my rear shock for a Kat shock because I routinely carry a passenger and would like something a little stiffer.

From what I've read the swap requires no modifications and by looking through my Haynes manual looks relatively straight forward.

Before I commit to this project, I was hoping to get some thoughts on a few questions...

1. How much is a "fair price" to pay for the shock?
2. What should I look for in a used shock... should I avoid rust at all costs? or is light rust on the spring or stem acceptable?
3. Is there any major pitfalls I should try to avoid in the swap?
4. Is there any draw back in performance compared to the OEM?

Thanks in advance guys.   

[reload]

1. How much is a "fair price" to pay for the shock?
2. What should I look for in a used shock... should I avoid rust at all costs? or is light rust on the spring or stem acceptable?
3. Is there any major pitfalls I should try to avoid in the swap?
4. Is there any draw back in performance compared to the OEM?

1. ~50 i saw was the going rate for a good condition shock
2. no rust!
3. not much, its just a bolt on.
4. much stiffer. i weigh about 150 and thought it was too stiff so i stopped using it and bought a 08 stock shock. you'll have to stiffen the front end along with the upgrade.

[omio]

Since this is a topic I am really interested in, what upgrades would you make to the front end?

[adidasguy]

I'd change the front springs to Sonic .85 or .90 springs. The front end is always too squishy and bottoms out to easy.

For the rear, you can adjust the shock to be stiffer. A Kat shock will raise the back a little. I'm taking mine off Trey and putting stock back on because of that and the Kat is stiffer - too stiff for my weight and I don't carry passengers.

I've been happy with the stock rear shock on my other bikes but the fronts have to get the better springs.

[ben2go]

1. How much is a "fair price" to pay for the shock? $30 to $50 is what I give for the ones I have.I get the 750 shocks.
2. What should I look for in a used shock... should I avoid rust at all costs? or is light rust on the spring or stem acceptable?On the spring,it's ok.On the rod,it has probably leaked and is useless.Here is my how to and cheap tool for disassembling Katana and GS shocks. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?board=1;action=post2
3. Is there any major pitfalls I should try to avoid in the swap?The Katana shock swap should be a bolt in deal with the right one.
4. Is there any draw back in performance compared to the OEM?It adds a little lift to the rear which makes the bike turn faster or feel like it wants to fall into the curves.That doesn't mean it feel like the bike is going to flop over.A few rides around the neighbor hood will get you familiar with the feeling.

Thanks in advance guys.   

Since this is a topic I am really interested in, what upgrades would you make to the front end?

I ran Progressive brand springs in my GS front end.They were way better than stock.I think the sonics would be even better.However,I no longer run GS front ends.I run Katana 750 or 600.Prefer the 750 forks.I think the spring rate is a little higher.

[lucky4034]

The info is much appreciated 

Tackling the front end will be my next project