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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Rashad on March 18, 2005, 07:52:48 AM

Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: Rashad on March 18, 2005, 07:52:48 AM
What Rear shocks fit in easily AND raise up the back end? The GS back end is way too low in the older models... from a style standpoint.

I know i saw an r6 shock on here that raises it an inch and a half..that would be perfect.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: tdan553527 on March 18, 2005, 07:53:50 AM
Katana shock will raise the rear about an 1"
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: Rashad on March 18, 2005, 07:57:58 AM
WOW that was quick..

So what years just bolt right in?
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: tdan553527 on March 18, 2005, 08:23:33 AM
I think just about all the Katana's will, just try to stick with a newer one with less miles.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: Dom on March 18, 2005, 09:40:19 AM
There is a good chance though that raising the rear end via a gsxr/katana shock will cause problems with your centerstand and kickstand.  In some cases when other people have done this mod the centerstand won't even touch the ground and the kickstand will be too short making the bike lean in somewhat of a precarious manner.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: sprint_9 on March 18, 2005, 10:26:57 AM
I have a Katana 600 shock and a 150/70 tire, which is alot taller then a 130/70, and my center stand is still useable by about an inch.  It doesnt get the tire off the ground as far as before but it still works.  The sidestand is another story, my bike is leaning a little to far to be safe.

Pantablo has a very good write up on his page, talks about shocks and has a good method to extend the stock side stand, which I will be doing soon.

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id12.html
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: Sprinklerhead on March 20, 2005, 07:54:12 PM
SV650 shock will raise the rear about 2".  I'm currently riding on one with a 150/70 rear tire and a Katana front end.  Lost a little top speed stability, but the bike handles turns a lot nicer now.  The steeper rake really helps it turn in faster.  

Raising the tail with a shock will make the bike handle differently.  If you're looking for a stable beginner bike, don't do it.  If you're more experienced and like the challange of passing liter bikes in turns, then go for it and consider getting some better forks in the front.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: stefman722 on March 20, 2005, 08:12:54 PM
I replaced my stock rear shock 2 weeks ago with a 2003 katana shock, and it did raise the rear about an inch, you can tell just by looking. My centerstand still supports the bike for me anyways, but the tire isnt as high as it used to be. When jsut the kickstand is down, the bike leans ALOT more then it used to, but it looks good.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: xtalman on March 20, 2005, 11:55:12 PM
I replaced the shock on my '96 with a '97 Kat 750 shock and it fit nicely.  Raised the rear about 1", and I didn't have to adjust the kick-stand or center-stand.  I haven't checked to see what size the tires are though.
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: cummuterguy on March 21, 2005, 07:43:33 PM
i've got an 03 katana 600 shock.  I actually like the angle of the bike on the side stand better now, before it seemed a bit too upright, i would always worry that a stiff breeze would blow it over. It seems to get up on the centerstand easier now too. Rear tire clears the ground by 1.5 inches or so.
Installation of the shock took about 15 minutes.

edit...  I run stock size tires.  110-70-17 front, 130-70-17 rear
Title: Shocks that "Raise UP!"
Post by: TOMIMOTO on March 21, 2005, 09:13:15 PM
Pics before and after please.  :mrgreen:
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