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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: ameen on August 24, 2010, 10:44:28 AM

Title: Setting up new suspension
Post by: ameen on August 24, 2010, 10:44:28 AM
I just ordered some .85 sonic springs and a 2005 katana 600 rear shock for my bike.  From what i understand, the katana shock is an eay drop in replacement. 

Now i have to choose the fork oil. I am 165 lbs ( guessing 175 with gear? maybe 180) adn am debating between 15w and 10w. Also, does the kat 600 shock have dampening adjustment? or is that only the 750?
I am no suspension expert, but i am assuming that the damening on the front and the rear should be aproximatly the same ( correct me if i am wrong)  so i should pick the fork weight to somthing that will match the kat shock.

I know im not the only one with this setup, so what works for you guys?

Thank you
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: ameen on August 25, 2010, 05:34:25 AM
anyone? 


I was thinking of going for 15w but the local dealer only has 10w. how large of a difernece will i notice?
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: Twism86 on August 25, 2010, 06:17:43 AM
I would go with 15wt. I have 15 with progressives and like it. I got a kat shock and found that getting it in will require taking the tank and airbox off in order to get at the top bolt. The kat shock does have damping, there will be a black dial, people have recommended me to start at 2 (of 4) and 2 on the pre-load. 
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: 007brendan on August 25, 2010, 10:46:27 AM
Go with 15 wt.  There are lots of places where you can order it online if your dealer doesn't have it.
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: ameen on August 25, 2010, 12:22:16 PM
So after expanding my search to a local harley dealership for 15w oil, this is response i got:

"There are only two for oils for harleys: type-E and Screamin Eagle. Type-E is the stock oil for all bikes scince ths 40's and Screamin Eagle makes it firmer.  They dont have numbers."  :cookoo:

...so aparently he is a mechanic. Thank god i do my own work.
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: ameen on August 25, 2010, 12:35:21 PM
maybe i was little harsh after looking it up. Guess harleys are just thir own breed
Title: Re: Setting up new suspension
Post by: kylegod on August 25, 2010, 05:59:09 PM
Quote from: Twism86 on August 25, 2010, 06:17:43 AM
I would go with 15wt. I have 15 with progressives and like it. I got a kat shock and found that getting it in will require taking the tank and airbox off in order to get at the top bolt. The kat shock does have damping, there will be a black dial, people have recommended me to start at 2 (of 4) and 2 on the pre-load. 

I was able to do it without taking either of these off. either get your hands in there or you can use a long extension and reach it through the access hole in the side of the frame, just gotta pop off that plastic circle