So after selling my engine I've got some money in the bank and I want to finish up the mods on the bike. Just a few more and I'll be done...
So, here's my issue right now: I've got a shock lined up that's pretty nice (REALLY nice), and some front springs on the way. However, I'm debating wether to get the shock, or get a new wheel and get better tires. Should I get the shock? The wheel/tires? Or should I get a cheap Kat shock and the wheel/tires?
Assume that the shock costs as much as the wheel/tire swap.
You should get new wheel/tires and a Kat shock.
Are you planning on getting new tires for your training wheels, too?
I think you should invest they money in a diversified portfolio...
:laugh:
Wheels/tires and cheaper shock. :thumb:
Sticdy Tires are a better mod for you right now and a Kat shock is super cheap and a definite upgrade. You can always get a supa fly shock later if the Kat shock takes a dump on you.
Quote from: Jake D on April 07, 2006, 01:04:33 PM
Sticdy Tires are a better mod for you right now and a Kat shock is super cheap and a definite upgrade. You can always get a supa fly shock later if the Kat shock takes a dump on you.
That's true. I've just got a crazy good deal lined up on a shock right now. It's a $750 shock new that I'd be getting for $250.
Kat shock is all you'd need in a street bike. They cost ~20-30.
Cool.
Srinath.
tires dont mean anything without your suspension. i would do the shock first...your tires and wheels look fine to me.
A little info on this shock I would be buying:
Let's just say it's shiny and gold, and has an umlaut in the name...
Quote from: ninja_steve on April 07, 2006, 03:31:30 PM
tires dont mean anything without your suspension. i would do the shock first...your tires and wheels look fine to me.
Yeah, that is why I threw up the option for Kat shock + new wheel/tires. I've got front springs in the mail, so that's why I'm trying to decide.
Shock first then tires. Get the suspension dialed in right then worry about wheels. Especially if you plan on taking it to the track.
Just my $0.02
dont spend the money on a shock for the gs if a kat will do. spend the money on wheels/tires which will give you more bang for the buck, especially with a kat shock thrown in.
Could you buy the fancy shock and resell it or would that be taking advantage of the situation? I would do that and get the tires/kat shock and maybe have some $$ left over for more mods or beginning a fund for the next bike
Quote from: manofthefield on April 07, 2006, 04:46:59 PM
Could you buy the fancy shock and resell it or would that be taking advantage of the situation? I would do that and get the tires/kat shock and maybe have some $$ left over for more mods or beginning a fund for the next bike
If I don't get the shock I am going to give the info to my friend with an SV.
In this order:
Front tire with new Progressive springs.
Rear tire
Rear shock
Quote from: gsmetal on April 07, 2006, 05:37:33 PM
In this order:
Front tire with new Progressive springs.
Rear tire
Rear shock
I don't like Progressives. I am getting straight rate springs.
Changing the front tire without changing the rear is just silly. It will be both or neither.
Are you putting Sport Demons on again????
Quote from: ajgs500 on April 07, 2006, 05:54:37 PM
Are you putting Sport Demons on again????
Not if I go for the new wheel. I'll be using supersport rubber. However, if I go with the shock I'll end up putting a new Sport Demon on the rear pretty soon here.
Well for anyone who is still using stock tires - ditch them. If you have the money get sport demons it's like I have a whole different bike now. :thumb:
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 07, 2006, 11:19:09 AM
So after selling my engine...
Without an engine, whats the point of tires or a shock?
:icon_mrgreen:
Quote
So, here's my issue right now: I've got a shock lined up that's pretty nice (REALLY nice), and some front springs on the way. However, I'm debating wether to get the shock, or get a new wheel and get better tires. Should I get the shock? The wheel/tires? Or should I get a cheap Kat shock and the wheel/tires?
Shock and fork springs now, tires when the current ones wear out.
"Cheap Kat" shocks are better than stock, but really only bring the GS's rear suspension up to the level it should come from the factory with. Not really worth it if you are doing performance mods.
You can get Pirelli Corsas in the 140/150 sizes still (I think) that is more than good enough for a GS.
Quote from: JamesG on April 07, 2006, 07:31:43 PM
Shock and fork springs now, tires when the current ones wear out.
"Cheap Kat" shocks are better than stock, but really only bring the GS's rear suspension up to the level it should come from the factory with. Not really worth it if you are doing performance mods.
You can get Pirelli Corsas in the 140/150 sizes still (I think) that is more than good enough for a GS.
My rear tire is about due for replacement, and might need it after this weekend (600 highway miles, pretty much). However, I might take the car instead. Not sure yet, but probably the bike.
That's why I'm tending to lean towards tires right now, and go with the Kat shock. Not sure yet though... this shock would be a crazy awesome mod.
but do you see yourself recouping the cost of the shock when you sell the bike?
Quote from: pantablo on April 07, 2006, 09:52:59 PM
but do you see yourself recouping the cost of the shock when you sell the bike?
I could take it off and sell it to an SV owner with possible profit if I do.
well, is it an SV shock or a GS shock? If its an SV shock you have to remember that the shock is way longer than stock GS shock...and the Ohlins might be longer still...also have you considered the true value of the shock if its not sprung to your weight? and that the shock works differently on the gs than on the sv, which is okay with the stock sv shock since its so weak but not so the Ohlins...
Seems to me you're spending money on a perceived benefit which is really iffy. You will get much more out of tires and wheels and the Kat shock is sufficient for street riding...
Hey Alpha... Buy me a kat shock and spend the rest of the cash on beer. :thumb:
I just don't see the point of spending that much on a shock... Especially for street riding (and maybe some light track). :dunno_white: Better wheels and tires somehow seem more worth it.
Eh... It's your money. ;)
I would trust Pantablo.
Unless there is anything wrong with your rear shock I would say spend the money on tyres.
Quote from: pantablo on April 07, 2006, 11:50:45 PM
well, is it an SV shock or a GS shock? If its an SV shock you have to remember that the shock is way longer than stock GS shock...and the Ohlins might be longer still...also have you considered the true value of the shock if its not sprung to your weight? and that the shock works differently on the gs than on the sv, which is okay with the stock sv shock since its so weak but not so the Ohlins...
Seems to me you're spending money on a perceived benefit which is really iffy. You will get much more out of tires and wheels and the Kat shock is sufficient for street riding...
Yeah, that's my biggest thought right now. The spring is for a 140lb rider, so not much off from me. I know the shock is longer, which is why I inquired earlier about extending the dogbones. Then it got into a thing of leverage ratios and fabricating parts. I've been thinking more and more about it and think that wheel and tires are going to be the best option for me. Doubly so since my rear tire is almost in need of replacement right now.
So, a new wheel and sticky rubber and a kat shock it is. Cool.
Just finished the Katana rear wheel last night Alpha. It is a direct swap with a 160 rear tire. I had to (obviously) bend the brake torque rod, and I had to put one washer between the sprocket and hub (1/16" approximately) and everything else clears. I've got 1/4" on either side of the tire and didn't have to cut on the caliper bracket at all. There is no fabrication needed, just mount a tire, bend the rod, shim the sprocket and ride.
Rear wheel and Rotor from Katana: $140 shipped
Metzeler Sportec M-1 (front: 110/70, rear 160,60) $190 shipped
Mount and balance: $40
Not bad for seriously improved looks and supersport rubber.
-Turd.
PLEASE tell us more! what year and model Kat wheel directly bolts in??!? this is groundbreaking. photos please! Make a new thread and I'll get it into the FAQ forum.
ok I know a lot of people are recommending the KAT shock because it's an easy upgrade. the only problem is that the KAT shock SUCKS! it's a small improvement from the GS500's shock, but ur just replacing a shitty shock from one bike with a shitty shock from another. one of the biggest complaints from KAT riders is that the rear shock is horrible.
Quote from: pantablo on April 08, 2006, 11:12:54 AM
PLEASE tell us more! what year and model Kat wheel directly bolts in??!? this is groundbreaking. photos please! Make a new thread and I'll get it into the FAQ forum.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25309.0
98-02 Kat 4.5" rear wheel will probably fit GS and the Bandit 400 rear sounds like it may work too. Pre 98 Kats had same wheels as the GS does.
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15230
Yup, write up coming soon. Runsilent was right, 98-02 Katana 4.5" rear wheel. The wheel has the "straight spoke" design instead of the OEM GS500 "twisted spoke" design. No one will ever notice unless you bring it up. I'll take side pictures and you be the judge, it looks fine.
-Turd.
So I killed my rear Sport Demon this weeekend. I'm going to go for a wheel/tire combo and try and come up with a Kat shock. I realize that the Kat shock sucks, but I'm lightweight and the added adjustability will be nice.
No dude... The GS shock sucks. The Kat shock is meh. :icon_razz: