I have a 2001 r6 shock laying around and was wondering if it will be a direct fit? Or is it better to get a 06 off ebay and call it a day?

does it have a clevis like the 06?

If you can jack up your bike (I use ratchet straps around a rafter in the garage) it is really quick to pop the old shock out and do a test fit of the R6 shock.

Post a pic.