r6 shock swap Questions/tuning

[gsatterw]

So I just got my r6 in the mail, and I took my stock shock out. So....why is it that I need the r6 sleeve, bolt and nut? If I just use the stock sleeve, won't the stock bolt and nut do the job? Don't you only need to use the r6 sleeve if you use the r6 bolt and nut? Advantages/disadvantages to both? I havent attempted to bolt it on yet with the stock hardware, so maybe there is an obvious reason, but from what I can tell, I feel like it shouldn't matter which hardware you use as long as youre consistent.

Now for tuning it. What settings have you guys tried/had most success with. Also include height and weight/stock dog bones or r6 or short.

Thanks in advance, Graham

[fraze11]

You'll need the Yamaha bottom sleeve, bolt and nut.  The R6 bolt is longer than the stock and the stock sleeve is not the right diameter for the Yamaha bolt. The diamater and length are different and if you mix them there is play.  You need the longer Yamaha bolt because the bottom clevice on the R6 shock is thicker than the stock shock.  Given this is your suspension, play it safe and use the Yamaha R6 bottom sleeve, bolt and nut.  For the top you can use your GS Hardware.

Watch this Dave Moss video on what the different settings on the shock are;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIazK4gGziA

Watch this Dave Moss video on how to set your sag;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF86AvK2XVA&feature=related
(You'll need a buddy to help you do this)

These settings will have everything to do with your weight and size so what I (and others) have may not be what you need.  You'll need to cofigure this for you. I now have 29mm of sag (Dave recommends 28-35 as a starting point for street use) and my shock is set accordingly;

Low speed comp = 15 clicks
High speed comp = 2.5 turns out
Pre-load = setting 5 on the ramp
Rebound = 17 clicks
After ~400kms, this setting is working very well for me.

Read this thread too; theres tonnes of R6 info....
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52334.0

[craigs449]

You'll need the Yamaha bottom sleeve, bolt and nut.  The R6 bolt is longer than the stock and the stock sleeve is not the right diameter for the Yamaha bolt. The diamater and length are different and if you mix them there is play.  Given this is your suspension, play it safe and use the Yamaha R6 bottom sleeve, bolt and nut.  For the top you can use your GS Hardware.

Watch this Dave Moss video on what the different settings on the shock are;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIazK4gGziA

Watch this Dave Moss video on how to set your sag;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF86AvK2XVA&feature=related
(You'll need a buddy to help you do this)

These settings will have everything to do with your weight and size so what I (and others) have may not be what you need.  You'll need to cofigure this for you. I now have 29mm of sag (Dave recommends 28-35 as a starting point for street use) and my shock is set accordingly;

Low speed comp = 15 clicks
High speed comp = 2.5 turns out
Pre-load = setting 5 on the ramp
Rebound = 17 clicks
After ~400kms, this setting is working very well for me.

Read this thread too; theres tonnes of R6 info....
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52334.0

As a reference point, what is your weight, riding style, and is your front suspenders set up also?

[gsatterw]

I am 5' 10" 170 without gear, I ride pretty aggressively when I can, but the streets in New Orleans suck, so I deal with a lot of jagged roads and pot holes (mostly avoid them. mostly). I set up my front with progressives.

Graham

[fraze11]

If you were asking me - I'm 5'9 175lbs and I have progressives up front.

[craigs449]

If you were asking me - I'm 5'9 175lbs and I have progressives up front.

Yes, you were the one I was asking since you posted your current setup. 

[gsatterw]

Ah. how embarrassing.

[gsatterw]

How do I adjust the preload? Do I need some special tool? It doesnt seem to want to move.

[burning1]

Correct tool is a spanner wrench. In a pinch, use a punch and hammer.

[slipperymongoose]

So I just got my r6 in the mail, and I took my stock shock out. So....why is it that I need the r6 sleeve, bolt and nut? If I just use the stock sleeve, won't the stock bolt and nut do the job? Don't you only need to use the r6 sleeve if you use the r6 bolt and nut? Advantages/disadvantages to both? I havent attempted to bolt it on yet with the stock hardware, so maybe there is an obvious reason, but from what I can tell, I feel like it shouldn't matter which hardware you use as long as youre consistent.

Thanks in advance, Graham

Ok here is the install video I did to give you an idea and guide on it all.

http://youtu.be/a_0gnFaONfY

And here is the link to the main sorta R6 shock thread. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52334.0

In answer to your first question fraze nailed it pretty much and the GS bolt is too small for the R6 shock hole and even though it would be tight it would flop around like a coooock in a sock and on suspension that is never a good thing. Second, the R6 hardware was made for the GS pivot point, the sleeve and bolt match and bolt perfectly so go with it. Check out the video for the install and see for yourself.