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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: autocrossjake on June 08, 2006, 04:18:04 PM

Title: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: autocrossjake on June 08, 2006, 04:18:04 PM
Well I just got my bike back from a friend getting carbs adjusted correctly.

Decided to look at the rear shock and noticed something odd.  I have been looking at upgrading the rear shock and such and noticed that my shock does not look like a stock GS unit.

Here are some pics..
(http://www.hostdub.com/albums/jacoblawler/bike_rear_shock.jpg)
(http://www.hostdub.com/albums/jacoblawler/bike_rear_shock1.jpg)
(http://www.hostdub.com/albums/jacoblawler/bike_rear_shock2.jpg)

Is this a Katana rear shock?  It does have a knob (I am guessing a rebound adjustment..) on the top right under the mounting eyelet as seen in the pics.  The previous owner said nothing of this.

Also for preload adjustment I did not see an indicator of which setting it is at (i see the number but no arrow or anything like that).

If this is a Katana rear shock I will need to pick up another one soon as it seems to be leaking some.

Thanks for your help..
Jake
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: red_phil on June 08, 2006, 04:41:56 PM
Yup That's a Katana shock.

Looks like you have dampening at 4 out of 4.
Can't see what preload you have.

If it's bouncy then the shock might be shot.
If it sags too much either up the preload or diet  :icon_lol:



Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: autocrossjake on June 08, 2006, 07:14:00 PM
That is cool that I have a Katana shock on there.. I love finding things that you never knew you had..

it doesnt seem too bouncy.. a little soft, so i may up the preload and just figure out what setting works best... 

I have the dampening set on 3/4 in that pic..

And the diet thing doesnt apply to me.. I only weigh 160 lbs.. so it shouldnt be too bad.
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: Lukewarm Wilson on June 08, 2006, 08:33:31 PM
just have it rebuilt, if you get another one it may be shot as well after all most come from used bikes anyway :thumb: :cheers:
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: autocrossjake on June 08, 2006, 09:15:12 PM
Quote from: Lukewarm Wilson on June 08, 2006, 08:33:31 PM
just have it rebuilt, if you get another one it may be shot as well after all most come from used bikes anyway :thumb: :cheers:

oh i know.. but they are cheap enough to get one, so i can still ride while the other one is rebuilt.

does anyone know of a company that rebuilds shocks online?  No one local to me does it, I have already asked around when I first noticed the leaky shock..
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: The Buddha on June 09, 2006, 06:58:38 AM
I can rebuild ... but I wont. Dont have time. BTW the places that will rebuild will charge you over a 100 ... you can do it for under 20 but its work ... lots of work ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: red_phil on June 09, 2006, 07:05:04 AM
Care to write up a quick 'how-to' on a rear shock rebuild?
Everywhere I've looked says 'buy a new one'.
With new Katana shocks being to pricey and 2nd hand ones tending to need a rebuild I might give it a try.

My Katana shock might be a little low on oil.
Title: Re: So I was looking at my rear shock... (question inside and pics)
Post by: autocrossjake on June 09, 2006, 07:25:45 AM
yeah if there was a write up this is probably something I could tackle.. i have done alot with cars and if I have a spare it wouldn't be too bad.. (i just hate synching carbs)