How Old is Too Old for a Rear Shock?

[LiranT]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the market for a new rear shock for my 1993 Suzuki GS500, but I'm trying to figure out if age matters too much when it comes to used shocks. I've found a couple of options that seem decent but are a bit older:

1. A rear shock from a 2005 Suzuki GS500F with low mileage (512 miles).

1. A rear shock from a 2008-2016 Yamaha R6, which is often used as a replacement for the GS500.

My question is: at what point is a shock too old to consider? Even though these parts have low mileage, I'm concerned about things like seal degradation, old oil, and the overall lifespan of the shock. Would it be better to avoid these options because of their age, or is it still worth buying?

Also, are there any newer, reasonably priced shock options I should be looking at for my GS500 instead?

[Armandorf]

sv650 fits, its firmer than r6,less adjustability.
how much do you weight?

[LiranT]

About 130lb. I ruled out the sv shock because I do not want to raise the bike.

[Armandorf]

r6 should be perfect, you are right that they are a bit old, maybe a low mileage one and a little pray

[DarkCyDE]

GSXR 750 w/remote res will also fit. only changed the ride height buy a half inch

Mike

[moe_tunes]

I bought a 2004 R6 shock in 2020 which had a threaded collar for preload, a 82mm O.D spring and a chewed up bump rubber on it. Obviously an ex race shock...
I have put about 70000 km's on it and it is still working fine. Must not have been built on a Monday morning. YMMV.