Suspension/Handling question

[fraze11]

So I've since put about 200k on my bike now with the new suspension setup and my question is this;  So the stock setup (as we all know) is soft and plush, and now with my R6 shock and progressives (with 15wt oil) it feels different...REALLY differnent.  Not in a bad way, its just different and I have no comparison to gauge what Im feeling.  Its very responsive and every movement feels even more pronounced than stock.  So if this can even be answered, how should it feel?  What I mean is, is stiff and tight what I should be feeling?  I'm not complaining at ALL, I just wanted to know if this is what others feel/experience who have done any kind of "sportier" front and rear suspension setup.  Hope this makes sense and if anyone has any feedback I'd love to hear it!

Thanks.

[Kijona]

I assume you had the stock weight oil prior to the progressive.

Heavier weight oil will increase the dampening. It makes the shocks "harder" in a way.

It's fine

[fraze11]

I assume you had the stock weight oil prior to the progressive.

Heavier weight oil will increase the dampening. It makes the shocks "harder" in a way.

It's fine

Yes, the suspension was previously bone stock.  I guess thats what Im feeling up front and out back.  Things are just "harder".  I had my progressives done prior to the rear shock, so now with BOTH done and having ridden a few hundred KM's on it, I just need to get use to the new feel. Again, I'm not complaining I'm just not use to it and I started thinking is this normal, and can I ride the same etc etc. I have nothing to compare it to, and the stock was sooooo plush.  I've read that if the front is too stiff and the rear is too soft it can cause unexpected handling and vice versa.  I need to get it to someone who can professionally set it up soon.

[slipperymongoose]

I had stock forks and when I upgraded them I found a firmer ride as well and the bike would flick over alot easier too and gave me more confidence in the corners. And I've got an r6 shock on the way to replace my blown out stocker.

[Slack]

It should definitely feel a bit stiffer.

The stock suspension is like drafting with a crayon.  A properly modified suspension is like drafting with a sharpened pencil.   You'll be able to ride with precision instead of slopping through the turns.

[noiseguy]

It should feel more precise. With less compliance in front and back, the bike should react more quickly to inputs.

The downside is that you'll feel more bumps... balance of ride (feel bumps) and handling (more responsive.)

[burning1]

With the R6 shock, the rear end should feel both more planted, and slightly more compliant than stock. The bike won't wallow as much, and it will absorb bumps better, assuming you have everything adjusted correctly.

With the front end, I'd expect the front end to be more precise. It'll feel more compliant over big bumps, since you won't bottom out, but a little harsher over small bumps. If you want to correct that, you can install emulators. Worth it IMO - for $150 + install, you make the front end more compliant, and more controlled.

[craigs449]

I have seen several posts about the R6 shock, I am also reading here that some of the R6 shocks will not fit the GS.....Can someone post a list of the years of the R6, Katana, and SV650 shocks that are a direct bolt on and any differences between the 3?


Please.......

[slipperymongoose]

The 06-07 r6 socks with a clevis on the bottom.

[fraze11]

@noiseguy - "the bike should react more quickly to inputs." This I've definately experienced, it seems to do what I want instantly with less effort and its very responsive.  ok, so I feel better about that now

@Burning - I've definately noticed that in the front, there is not as much "play" on larger bumps and the front end doesn't dive.  I'll have to do some research on the emulators you mention, perhaps thats a future upgrade. 

Thanks for the replies guys, It appears I'm feeling what I should be feeling.  Its just AMAZING at what this has done, it is quite literally like a different bike.  I am desperately trying to find a suspension tuning person, but its proving difficult in my area.  I've watched countless Dave Moss video's and done some minor adjustments myself but I would really like to get this set by an expert.


@ craigs449
Read this: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52334.0
and this: http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.RearShock