For giggles, I'm running 15/45 on my GS500 at Loudon, which is a very tight/short track, and my bike is bone freaking stock.

Sport Demons will get the job done for track days, BT090s are working for me so far at race pace.

Hello everyone.  I'm looking to get some suspension advice for the moto.  I took the GS on the track today, and it was the scariest sh!t on the planet.  I've done track time on my R6 and it's comfortable, but the GS would wabble, sag, and pucker my @ss at embarrassing lean angles.  Racer's Corner mentioned a FOX rear shock, but i'm unable to locate it, and I'll probably be giving the WORKS co. a call to set-up the fronts.  But, even before I do all that, what is the best setup being used to race the GS's?  Please let me know, thanks!!
-Rich

I'm running a custom Works rear shock, Racetech springs and emulators up front.  GMD Computrak says they can build a Penske rear to fit the GS as well.  Fox stopped making motorcycle shocks awhile ago so anything you find will be old and most likely worn out.

Quote from: JJRich on April 05, 2009, 11:40:14 AM
Hello everyone.  I'm looking to get some suspension advice for the moto.  I took the GS on the track today, and it was the scariest sh!t on the planet.  I've done track time on my R6 and it's comfortable, but the GS would wabble, sag, and pucker my @ss at embarrassing lean angles.  Racer's Corner mentioned a FOX rear shock, but i'm unable to locate it, and I'll probably be giving the WORKS co. a call to set-up the fronts.  But, even before I do all that, what is the best setup being used to race the GS's?  Please let me know, thanks!!
-Rich

You need to upgrade the stock springs to straight rate springs of the proper stifness. I run the RaceTech cartridge emulators and 20W fork oil. Rear shock is a Suzuki GSF600 Katana rear shock.

Quote from: coll0412 on April 05, 2009, 01:46:33 PM
You need to upgrade the stock springs to straight rate springs of the proper stifness. I run the RaceTech cartridge emulators and 20W fork oil. Rear shock is a Suzuki GSF600 Katana rear shock.

coll0412-

Thanks for the advice.  I already picked up a rear shock from a 98 Katana 600, and I emailed racetech to see what set-up they can get me.  Can't wait to bring her back to the track and ACTUALLY race it!!  Thanks again

-Rich

You will be in for a surprise. Its hard to beleive you are on the same bike once those addons are installed. I just added a Kat shock to my bike after doing .90 sonics. Its amazing! Now I really want to do a track day, turns that felt fast before now feel like nothing.
Could partly be because I was riding with a stock rear shock minus fluid 

Yah, i can't wait to get back out there on a mod'ed suspension.  I felt like such a tool on the corners.  But, at least i got some track pics out of the deal 

Thanks for the input everyone  ..  I brought her back to the track w/ only the rear suspension modded.  Put an 03 Katana 600 shock on.  It was already a world of difference.  Can't wait till i get the front's done.
-Rich

If you're trying to be competetive a kat shock wont do, it'll help but its not enough.
GSXR shock minimum. But yea Penske, fox etc ... kat is a great street shock ... and way better than stock but ... racing requires a real shock.
Cool.
Buddha.

Crap, Buddha and I agree?!

Well I have ridden with all of these on the street ... once you take the huge bumps out of the street as well as the road with ... well major segments of it missing, GSXR shock works better especially in corners. So by extrapolation, on the track ... GSXR and up. GSXR for a clueless newbie ... like the one this thread was intended for ... Start getting to real racing, instead of just wasting time @ the track, yes have to have a real suspension fron and rear set up for your weight and preference.
I mean, there is a reason BobB's bike looks the way it does. You think they slapped gold colored parts on it cos it looks cool ... for bling bling.
Truly, true race bikes are a bit industrial looking, but man do they work.
Cool.
Buddha.

I would recommend bringing a damn folding chair. I didn't bring anything and just laid down in between sessions. UGH.

20WT fork fluid was nice, I would recommend changing the oil if it hasn't been done recently too.

Hey buddha, where's my "novice" kat rear shock, or can you find me a GSXR rear?

Kat shocks are strictly on a pay up and wait basis ... 40 and shipping tested and cleaned and in good shape. Opened and tested for dial function as well as leaks. You really have to cos I had one that was leaky, didn;t see it till I opened it, good thing I opened it at the shop ... made the guy throw it at me in anger ... at which point I got a bad but free shock.
GSXR shocks I am all out of ones that work 100%. I am putting together some (missing knobs etc etc) together, may have 1 good one in a bit.
75 bones for one of those.
Anyway I am going to not spend too much time in summer doing these, I have bikes to refit and get out, as well as several carbs off people's bikes. Getting the big sheite done is imperative when the weather is decent.
May start back on shocks in winter.
If I get some progress on the bikes I'd make case guards and handle bars next.
Cool.
Buddha.

  Do you advise track bike without fairings, if so, can I get a small front fairing?. Naked looks too naked.

Quote from: The Buddha on April 28, 2009, 07:36:40 AM
If you're trying to be competetive a kat shock wont do, it'll help but its not enough.
GSXR shock minimum. But yea Penske, fox etc ... kat is a great street shock ... and way better than stock but ... racing requires a real shock.
Cool.
Buddha.

Thanks Buddha, i wish i knew that b4 i bought the Katana, but already (to me) it is an amazing upgrade.  Is the GSXR a bolt on swap?
Anyway,
I am always game to upgrade my moto, depending on the work needed I'll check into the GSXR shock when i leave italy.  'Werase' recommended a front end swap w/ the front end off a RGV250 which I'm also looking into.  And, as far as racing goes, I'm up to 3 track days.  It's still a big enough adrenaline rush in itself to keep me entertained for at least another year.
However,
I do want more power out of my motor.  Right now I have a stage I dynojet, KnN filter, jardine/yoshi full exhaust and 43 on the rear.  How much more is out there that doesnt require machine shop work?
Thanks!!
-Rich

Quote from: JJRich on May 12, 2009, 02:07:27 AM
However,
I do want more power out of my motor.  Right now I have a stage I dynojet, KnN filter, jardine/yoshi full exhaust and 43 on the rear.  How much more is out there that doesnt require machine shop work?
Thanks!!
-Rich

http://www.gstwin.com/racers_corner.htm
this link should be able to answer some of your questions

You have to grind the linkage to fit the GSXR shock. I found one for $9.99 on eBay.

I have rebound on #2 right now, and I may dial it down to #1 for street riding.

I just took a few pics when I did the swap. Not too bad to do. i used a 7 inch diameter angle grinder, though.


http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=48107.msg540521#msg540521

Hopefully someone will throw them at the wiki and they will stick.

Quote from: JJRich on May 12, 2009, 02:07:27 AM

Quote from: The Buddha on April 28, 2009, 07:36:40 AM
If you're trying to be competetive a kat shock wont do, it'll help but its not enough.
GSXR shock minimum. But yea Penske, fox etc ... kat is a great street shock ... and way better than stock but ... racing requires a real shock.
Cool.
Buddha.

Thanks Buddha, i wish i knew that b4 i bought the Katana, but already (to me) it is an amazing upgrade.  Is the GSXR a bolt on swap?
Anyway,
I am always game to upgrade my moto, depending on the work needed I'll check into the GSXR shock when i leave italy.  'Werase' recommended a front end swap w/ the front end off a RGV250 which I'm also looking into.  And, as far as racing goes, I'm up to 3 track days.  It's still a big enough adrenaline rush in itself to keep me entertained for at least another year.
However,
I do want more power out of my motor.  Right now I have a stage I dynojet, KnN filter, jardine/yoshi full exhaust and 43 on the rear.  How much more is out there that doesnt require machine shop work?
Thanks!!
-Rich

First post by Buddha

QuoteOK someone I know is getting out on a track for the first time.

He is not sure what to buy. And I dunno either ...  dunno_black

So what tars ? he's runnign stock front and 4.5 kat wheel.
What sprokets (teeth/ratios) and what chain, I suggested non O ring cos well its easier to spin those and it barely gets used 2-300 miles a year on a race bike. Besides you never see rain and never get them run without lots of oil.
He also isn't sure he needs air filter - but I said he does. K&N lunch box.
Anything else, he hates novice and 2 clowns are sharing 1 bike so they have to be separated by category. 1 clown in novice and one in intermediate (dreaming ?)
Cool.
Buddha.

I would say that his viewpoint is limited to his experience.

Although I tend to agree with Buddha on most things, I think that spending a ton of money on a shock has a very limited return on the investment. Dollar for dollar the Katana shock is the best upgrade for the suspension. Similar to upgrading the front fork springs I think dollar for dollar is the best investment for the front forks.

Spend the $1000 that you would spend on a Penske shock and develop your race craft, I would rather have twice the amount of track time, then have half the amount of track time and a good shock.

Racing is a war of attrition, if you keep that in mind, you will survive club racing.

Quote from: brickerenator on May 12, 2009, 10:00:03 AM

Quote from: JJRich on May 12, 2009, 02:07:27 AM
However,
I do want more power out of my motor.  Right now I have a stage I dynojet, KnN filter, jardine/yoshi full exhaust and 43 on the rear.  How much more is out there that doesnt require machine shop work?
Thanks!!
-Rich

http://www.gstwin.com/racers_corner.htm
this link should be able to answer some of your questions

I cruised through the racers corner a few months back just to get general ideas.  But, this time i did a lil more in depth reading and for that type of work I'll have to wait until i get back stateside.  The race mentality and background in italy is amazing, yet the most inconvinient place on the planet to get your bike race ready.
Thanks though, I'll be back soon to get'er started.
Anyone here race in IL?
-Rich

when you want to go faster.....cheaper to buy a faster(different) bike...

did you bring a bike with you to IT?
if yes...you can bring one back
look at a nice RG-V...VJ-23
or an aprillia RS250                                                                                                                                                                 

will you please send me a Mito125?
in boxes please