R6 Shock with Lowered GS500

[BockinBboy]

Disclaimer:  I know the R6 shock has been discussed nearly into the ground and there is already a wealth of information on fitting it to the GS; however, I'm growing tired of searching for something that may not have been touched on previously...

To the point:  Will the R6 shock still fit with my lowered GS?  It has been lowered about an 1.5" I realize this means the dogbones are longer, and that should mean there is actually more room.  BUT I need confirmation and I want to make sure before I purchase something I can't use.

Reason:  My stock shock isn't doing well with 2-up riding and full gear... I was in a turn, 2-up, and we hit a good bump and it was a jarring feeling I haven't experienced before. Upon a closer examination, I realized the shock must have bottomed out.
 
I am also planning on the front springs upgrade to .9 sonics with heavier 15W oil.  Tired of the plummeting front end each time I brake.  Its just an uneasy feeling when going into a turn soon afterwards, especially with a passenger.

- Bboy

[tialloydragon]

The length of your dogbones shouldn't affect the shock, though I could be wrong.  My GS came with a SV650 shock and was way too high for my 29" inseam.  I installed -2" lowering links and they fit just fine.  The whole assembly pivots on the swingarm, so you just need something to lift up the rear tire while you position the dogbones.  YMMV.

As far as the front end goes, i put progressive springs in and 15w oil, and the difference was astounding.  Handles much better and no forward lunge during braking;  they made it feel like a totally different bike.

[weedahoe]

My GS is lowered and I have the R6 installed.

[BockinBboy]

Perfect! Thats exactly what I wanted to know (and hear!).

Picking up a shock from an '09 R6 with 1000 miles today for $50 shipped. 

Thanks for the confirmation guys!

- Bboy

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

Just keep in mind it may raise the bike back up a little, as kat/R6/SV shocks normally do.

[BockinBboy]

Thanks for the heads up on the raising.  I have read about that, and I accounted for that when I lowered it knowing I might want the shock upgrade later on... So if it does raise it a little more, I'm still good on reaching the ground.

- Bboy

[gsJack]

My 97 GS front bottomed hard hitting a bump just turning into a driveway at low speeds.  I installed Ptogressive front springs at 40k miles and then at 80k miles I transferred the Progressives to my current 02 GS and put another 90k miles on them.  Don't recall them ever bottoming on either bike in the over 100k miles I've used them so far.

Do you have your rear spring cranked up to the 7 setting for max load for 2 up?  I have 1 1/4" lowering links on my rear and have not had a bottoming problem with the rear that I can recall until recently.  I found the rear to be a bit stiffer after I added the lowering links due to the change in geometry with the longer links and with the preload cranked up a notch or 2 it always felt well balanced to me with the stiffer Progressive front.

I said until recently because with 96k+ miles on my 02 GS now the rear shock/spring is worn out and is now bottoming.  Discovered it had a notch to go to the7 max so I'm getting by until winter to put on the like new stock rear shock I bought for it.  I like it with the Progressive front and stock rear shock with the lowering links.  Too stiff is not always pleasant in everyday riding about.

Don't know how much you and your passanger weigh but I've weighed 230-255-230# in the 13 years I've ridden GSs.  Thought my GS was always carrying 2 up.   

[BockinBboy]

I know what you mean, it did stiffen up when I lowered it.  I set the preload to seven and leave it there.  I wouldn't think we should bottom out at all, as we weigh about 275 lbs together... but I guess with the right circumstances...

Combining the upgraded shock with stiffer fork springs, and I'm confident we won't have anymore scares like that.  I just don't want anything to deter my fiance from riding with me.

- Bboy

[weedahoe]

Make sure you have the bolt sleeves from the Kat shock to install it on the GS.

[BockinBboy]

Make sure you have the bolt sleeves from the Kat shock to install it on the GS.

Check!

- Bboy