Hey guys,
Will this fit on my GS500F?
I know I'll have to buy the clevis mount separately :)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-Yamaha-YZF-R6-YZF-R6-OEM-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Linkage-Assembly-/201963403647?hash=item2f05f4f97f:g:96EAAOSwXetZTc07&vxp=mtr
I have been doing a lot of reading up on these things lately (plan to purchase one here in the near future) and that one looks good.
In the wiki, I added a few helpful links (at the bottom):
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.RearShock
One of which, shows a thread where a forum member installed a shock of that style:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=68673.0
If you purchase that exact listing, you shouldn't have to buy anything extra afaik... because in the picture, it clearly shows that the shock will include the lower R6 bolt, spacer and nut, which you need :thumb:
I've currently got one with a black spring on my eBay watch list :icon_mrgreen:
I've been hesitating on this myself, but I just found this excellent installation video https://youtu.be/a_0gnFaONfY that has answered all my questions.
Except for why the 2008 shock is considered better than the 2009? (as per the link in the the SWB post above http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=68673.0 )
That's one question I didn't find the answer to either!
The only thing I could think of, is that the later model shock is shaped differently on the top and therefore might be easier to install (which, to some people, could mean that it's better lol!)
I made this pic to show what I mean.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19430125_10155525801078278_7575115327589469037_n.jpg?oh=99b99db1572771572d8c3566359ea246&oe=5A004A8E)
I do remember reading in one of those threads I added to the wiki that someone was able to remove the chain guard and heel plate and install the shock in from the side of the bike that way. Maybe that way of installation isn't possible with the earlier/wider shock :dunno_black:
Also, the dials on the top are different... perhaps that could be a reason why they are better... but I wasn't able to find any info on that :dunno_black:
Thanks for the help guys! Sounds like a decent mod :) I'm going to do the front suspension first and see how it goes but eventually might put this shock in as well.
Cheers all for the advice, I've bought it so I'll post up some pics when I get it installed. Could be 6 months away yet, still gotta upgrade the front suspension first. Do you all recommend Sonic Springs or can I just get away with the nylon spacer 31mm x 35mm as posted in the mods section? :)
How much do you weigh? What is your riding style? Do you ever ride with a passenger?
The Sonic Springs are going to be much better unless you weigh under 150 lbs, ride conservatively and don't ever carry a passenger or touring luggage.
All really good questions to ask when considering the forks!
Have you checked out the spring rate calculator on the sonic springs site?
http://sonicsprings.com/catalog/calculate_spring_rate.php?osCsid=c40723f09e36a57f3f0615fba5ac2da1
My weight hovers right around 145-150lbs and I thought I'd be happy without upgrading springs... but I'm not... and I don't ride very aggressively either although I do take a passenger from time to time.
Anywhoo, I ended up just messaging the owner (Rich Desmond who is also a member on the forum here) and asked him what he recommended for me. He was SUPER helpful and very kind. The rate calculator suggested .70 springs for me but they weren't (at the time) listed for the GS on the site... and when I talked to him he said he would put them up (it must have been an error) but recommended I go with .75 springs with stock 10w fork oil after I gave him all my info.
Also, I finally purchased the shock as well. Hooray for bike parts!!! :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: froidy on July 25, 2017, 05:22:07 AM
Do you all recommend Sonic Springs or can I just get away with the nylon spacer 31mm x 35mm as posted in the mods section? :)
The spacer will only affect preload, which is not what you want.
Preload is really about ride height. If you need less sag, then a spacer (and more preload) will get you less sag. But it won't affect bottoming. The same amount of force will still move the spring the same amount because the spring rate hasn't changed.
If you cut the coils down and replace the empty space with a spacer then you will increase spring rate. The stock springs are like .65kg/mm. The spring rate of the R6 shock may be higher (is it? Someone can confirm), so to match it up front you may want to go as high as .80kg/m on the front (what it took to match my Katana shock). That's a 25% increase in spring rate, which will require you to cut 1/4 of the spring. That's a lot (I cut about 1/5 of mine, which I think is the max you should cut). This will reduce travel by replacing spring with spacer.
I bought a Kat600 shock for $30 and couldn't really talk myself into the cost of Sonic Springs, figured I'd try cutting coils first since it was (nearly) free. So far it's working out great for me. Every time I come up with one of these mod ideas I should just take the money I'd spend and put it in my New-Ducati fund.
@SBW, ha I'm a similarlyish weight to you and Rich also recommended the 75 springs nearly 10 months ago! However I was putting it off not sure if I was going to keep the bike, and it's an expensive upgrade as I had recently had new seals installed and then there's the shipping to Australia. Sooooo I was interested to see what the shock would do as that's a helluva lot cheaper in my case. So I'll be interested to know your opinion on both of these upgrades. I'm hoping my fork seals wear out soon so I have an excuse. I've put a bit of sand under the seal to help, (kidding)
LOL at the sand!! I hear ya though... my fork seals currently aren't that old either... but they are leaking again due to the tiny pits and imperfections in the fork tubes. I've had them buffed/resurfaced etc once already and it didn't help... soooo on my list of parts to buy are new chrome inner tubes.
I haven't had ANY luck finding them anywhere for less than $300 for the pair :cookoo: so the price of the sonic springs doesn't seem so bad in comparison :icon_eek: :icon_razz: But yes, add shipping to where you are and I bet the springs would be quite costly :icon_sad:
I'll be sure to post my findings in my project thread :thumb:
Quote from: Bluesmudge on July 25, 2017, 08:23:51 AM
How much do you weigh? What is your riding style? Do you ever ride with a passenger?
The Sonic Springs are going to be much better unless you weigh under 150 lbs, ride conservatively and don't ever carry a passenger or touring luggage.
Thanks for the reply :) I'm about 187lbs without gear and I don't carry passengers but I wouldn't mind taking my partner for a ride or two down the track. Sounds like the sonic springs will be the go.
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on July 25, 2017, 11:28:30 AM
All really good questions to ask when considering the forks!
Have you checked out the spring rate calculator on the sonic springs site?
http://sonicsprings.com/catalog/calculate_spring_rate.php?osCsid=c40723f09e36a57f3f0615fba5ac2da1
My weight hovers right around 145-150lbs and I thought I'd be happy without upgrading springs... but I'm not... and I don't ride very aggressively either although I do take a passenger from time to time.
Anywhoo, I ended up just messaging the owner (Rich Desmond who is also a member on the forum here) and asked him what he recommended for me. He was SUPER helpful and very kind. The rate calculator suggested .70 springs for me but they weren't (at the time) listed for the GS on the site... and when I talked to him he said he would put them up (it must have been an error) but recommended I go with .75 springs with stock 10w fork oil after I gave him all my info.
Also, I finally purchased the shock as well. Hooray for bike parts!!! :icon_mrgreen:
Thanks SBW! I checked the calculator and it recommends 0.70 springs for my weight (187lbs) not really sure how much more I'd weigh with gear. I put it as 200lbs, standard/sport touring, normal street, no tank bag and 440lbs bike weight :)
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on July 21, 2017, 04:37:23 PM
That's one question I didn't find the answer to either!
The only thing I could think of, is that the later model shock is shaped differently on the top and therefore might be easier to install (which, to some people, could mean that it's better lol!)
I made this pic to show what I mean.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19430125_10155525801078278_7575115327589469037_n.jpg?oh=99b99db1572771572d8c3566359ea246&oe=5A004A8E)
I do remember reading in one of those threads I added to the wiki that someone was able to remove the chain guard and heel plate and install the shock in from the side of the bike that way. Maybe that way of installation isn't possible with the earlier/wider shock :dunno_black:
Also, the dials on the top are different... perhaps that could be a reason why they are better... but I wasn't able to find any info on that :dunno_black:
As someone who has learned the ins and outs of this mod hands on - you're exactly on the right track.
The later models slow / fast compression damping doodads on the top of the shock are much smaller than the earlier ones. You can fit the later one in more easily without taking so much off the bike to drop it in from the top. I'd still recommend dropping it in from the top even if you have the smaller/later model, so you don't end up scratching things up by trying to fit it in from the side - but if you aren't concerned with that - or have an eye for geometry in motion - go for it lol!
There is no advantage other than ease of install to which year you get - just make sure it has a clevis mount - that's by far most important factor.
- Bboy
Edit: Also, since fork springs have been brought up in this thread -
To. This. Day... the front fork springs have been the best "mod" I have ever done on my GS for the money. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion, but the GS should never have been shipped with the springs it came to us with.
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Wow, thanks Bboy!!! Awesome information, for sure :cheers:
Quote from: BockinBboy on July 26, 2017, 09:13:32 PM
To. This. Day... the front fork springs have been the best "mod" I have ever done on my GS for the money. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion, but the GS should never have been shipped with the springs it came to us with.
That sounds about right. I know my spring-chop was a tremendous success, and I kind of regret not going all the way with new springs at the time because it would have been less work.
It's here! Keen to get it on but I think I'll get some sonic springs for the forks first ;) (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170811/fc2019c4a0efceceabc9575e267bec5f.jpg)
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Very nice!!! :woohoo:
I put a 2009 R6 shock on my 2006 GS500f yesterday. I was able to put it in from the bottom with no problem. I only wish my motorcycle was as clean as ShowBizWolf's--my hands got pretty dirty. I am doing the forks today. I am going to try putting Yamaha SR500 inner valve springs on top of the stock springs. We will see how it goes.
Many thanks ajensen :kiss3: Yes keep us posted about those springs!
Quote from: ajensen on August 11, 2017, 12:50:42 PM
I put a 2009 R6 shock on my 2006 GS500f yesterday. I was able to put it in from the bottom with no problem. I only wish my motorcycle was as clean as ShowBizWolf's--my hands got pretty dirty. I am doing the forks today. I am going to try putting Yamaha SR500 inner valve springs on top of the stock springs. We will see how it goes.
That's great to hear as that's what I plan on doing. Can't really be bothered taking the airbox out. Did you have to take off the chain guard and rearsets? Cheers mate
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I took off the left rear peg and the chain guard. After I took out the old shock and all the rear suspension linkage, the R6 shock just went in from the bottom. The bottom of the new shock just barely cleared the swinging arm. Like you, I did not want to mess with the air box.
Nice! No grinding is even better! Let me know how it feels when you get a few rides in :) Can't wait to do this mod!
Speaking of that swing arm clearance, I also didn't have to grind any metal away. Woot for that!!
When the bike is just sitting, the shock does touch the swing arm... but when sitting on it, the shock moves slightly and gives... I'd say... 1/8" to 1/16" clearance. I remember reading in an old thread where burning1 said that's all ya need so I was happy when I saw this.
Oh that's good to hear! I thought if it were touching even when off the bike I would have to grind. You certainly are more up with it that me though! Goodo :)
It looks like I'll be getting a shock soon but I am confused about the first post where @froidy says he knows he'll have to buy the clevis mount. I'm looking at a similar shock but from the photo it looks like the bolt and spacer is already in the clevis mount so what needs to be bought?
This is the one I'm looking at, isn't this complete for the gs as is?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/222981910743
Hi user! Got your PM.
That shock IS the correct one that will work on our GS's. What's meant by 'clevis mount' is that the shock has to have the U shaped mount at the bottom... in other words, it has to have the same shaped mount as the stock GS shock.
When I looked at the pictures in the ebay listing, it appears to be missing the spacer/sleeve you'll need to properly install that shock on the GS. It's got the bottom bolt and nut, which is needed but the Yamaha spacer/sleeve is also necessary.
@SBW,
OK I got it now, I was thinking the spacer is inside the clevis but I now see it's in the linkage. I found one that looks in absolute mint condition, I'll get this https://www.ebay.com/itm/202291556018 so that's the spacer and bolt with the green circle, yes?
The one you have circled, you won't need. The spacer you need should be inside the R6's bottom mount + linkage.
The shock in that link has everything mine came with too :thumb:
Thanks SBW, that's just saved me a headache!
Now I suppose I'll have to hope the fork seals start leaking so I can have an excuse for some sonic springs.
btw I think we're about the same weight from memory, what set up have you settled on for the rebound and damping.
I'm at 145 lbs, without gear. You know, I fiddled with the shock's settings last year and I honestly can't remember what I have it set at lol!
To be totally honest, I don't think I ride in a way that takes full advantage of the R6's adjustability. I bought an SV shock (one of the other options in the wiki) last fall to try it out and compare but I never got around to cutting and drilling and installing it. It's on my list though!
Yep, same weight. See that little slotted screw near the bottom of the spring on the same side as the gold and blue bit, is that the 'rebound' control?
I didn't know what was what on the shock... so I googled and then downloaded the owner's manual for that year of R6 bike. Then I found the pages that explain what each adjustment is :icon_mrgreen:
@SBW, it took me three manual downloads because it's not easy to tell which year they refer to and all the shocks have slightly different compression and rebound damping! I have extracted the two relevant pages out of the manual and I'll post them here for anyone who buys a 2008 or later R6 shock, earlier ones have different damping mechanisms...
https://tinyurl.com/R6shock2008-and-later