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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: b00stin4days on March 16, 2016, 06:43:53 PM

Title: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: b00stin4days on March 16, 2016, 06:43:53 PM
Hi all. When I purchased my bike on Sunday it came with a "Katana" shock. Wasn't sure how to confirm that, so today I wanted to put it in. It only took me an hour and everything bolted right on (first time working on a bike)  :woohoo: Now, the stock shock that I took out was set at I believe between 4-5. The Katana one I put in, was set at 7. When I first sit on the bike I feel it bounce a little bit more than it use to but its a tighter feeling bounce. I only drove it down the block, which is flat, and I couldn't really tell a difference. Should I really notice a huge difference? Should I change the settings on the shock? Forgive me, I'm new to all of this. This is the stock shock on the left and the one I put in is on the right.

I originally put the shock in because last night I was looking for tail lifting kits but I read that the Katana shock would raise the tail of the bike so no need for a kit. I believe thats wrong because now I can put my feet flat on the floor now, and before I was on my toes.

(http://i.imgur.com/CZHEVbF.jpg)


Unless the tail looks lifted to you guys? I can't tell. Only notice my feet closer to the ground now.

(http://i.imgur.com/vZua5aS.jpg)




Thanks guys.


Edit: sorry for the large pics again, idk why it keeps doing this  :technical:
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: Janx101 on March 16, 2016, 06:51:10 PM
Katana shock on the right side of pic
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: b00stin4days on March 16, 2016, 06:54:39 PM
OK good, so I put a Katana shock in. Now, am I suppose to be feeling a huge difference? How come my bike lowered and not raised like I read?
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: b00stin4days on March 16, 2016, 10:53:34 PM
Bump
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: Janx101 on March 17, 2016, 02:57:48 AM
Ok... just to check... the person you bought bike from. .. they said "bike has katana shock"? ... because...

My bike has one.... installed... if I sold the bike I would likely give the buyer the old stock shock along with some other bits and pieces....

It would be unusual to have a katana shock not installed yet?

Sorry if this sounds silly. ... but the big beefy shock on the right side of your photo... that's the one in the bike now??

Unless you have lowering links also... the only quick explanation I think of is that you swapped the stocker back in?

Also... the katana shock would likely have been set at 5.. and the stock at 7...

When you do finally get to ride and play with the katana shock... set it on 1 to start... and see how it actually suits you... 1 on a katana is still stiffer than 7 on stock! ... if you need more then try 2 etc etc. ..

Also try the different damping settings out... that makes a different feel also!

... lastly.,. Katana shock is for big beefy people or very hard riders.... what's your rough bodyweight when geared up to ride?

Too much shock is just as bad as too little!
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: Janx101 on March 17, 2016, 02:58:52 AM
Oh sorry... and does the bike have upgraded fork springs?
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: b00stin4days on March 17, 2016, 04:22:16 AM
Quote from: Janx101 on March 17, 2016, 02:57:48 AM
Ok... just to check... the person you bought bike from. .. they said "bike has katana shock"? ... because...

My bike has one.... installed... if I sold the bike I would likely give the buyer the old stock shock along with some other bits and pieces....

It would be unusual to have a katana shock not installed yet?

Sorry if this sounds silly. ... but the big beefy shock on the right side of your photo... that's the one in the bike now??

Unless you have lowering links also... the only quick explanation I think of is that you swapped the stocker back in?

Also... the katana shock would likely have been set at 5.. and the stock at 7...

When you do finally get to ride and play with the katana shock... set it on 1 to start... and see how it actually suits you... 1 on a katana is still stiffer than 7 on stock! ... if you need more then try 2 etc etc. ..

Also try the different damping settings out... that makes a different feel also!

... lastly.,. Katana shock is for big beefy people or very hard riders.... what's your rough bodyweight when geared up to ride?

Too much shock is just as bad as too little!

When I purchased the bike he told me if I like to take things apart he has a Katana shock that will Bolt right up. The big beefy shock on the right is the one that I put on. I do not have upgraded fork springs and I weigh about 175 and occasionally will have my girl riding on the back.

Thank you for the response!
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: The Buddha on March 17, 2016, 11:23:53 AM
Kat shock is on the right. But why is it all weirdly shiny ??? oil leak ? paint ?
Make sure its not blown.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: b00stin4days on March 17, 2016, 02:07:21 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on March 17, 2016, 11:23:53 AM
Kat shock is on the right. But why is it all weirdly shiny ??? oil leak ? paint ?
Make sure its not blown.
Cool.
Buddha.

Yes, very weird/paint job. The bike actually takes turns a lot better now, fee like there is a lot more control in the rear.
Title: Re: 99 GS500e Katana shock swap (done)
Post by: Bluesmudge on March 17, 2016, 05:10:29 PM
Could feel lowered because you have the stock springs in, so the bike is canted forward and compressing the front springs. IMHO, katana is too stiff for 175 lbs rider. You will probably like it with a passenger. I'm ~200 with gear and the shock feels almost too stiff for me at the softest settings. Loaded down or with passenger the shock is great.