Hi There

I've had my GS (2001) for a couple of years now, and have been lurking as a guest for nearly that long, but I have a question...

I'm currently awaiting delivery of an R6 rear shock, which is coming without the spacer and bolt.  I've been onto the MSP site and had a look at the exploded diagram for the R6 rear arm, and there seem to be quite a lot of bolts and sleeves to choose from!  I wondered if someone could take a look at https://www.motorcyclespareparts.eu/en/yamaha-parts/2008-yzf-r6-motorcycles/rear-arm and confirm my hunch that I need bolt #35, sleeve #7, washer #31 and bolt #36?

Also, does anyone know a cheaper place to buy them (I'm UK based)?

Thanks in advance, Alan

That looks correct, but there is another solution. Just requires a trip to the hardware store for a bushings (I used a split dowel)

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?action=post;quote=882670;topic=73470.20

Quote from: Sporty on September 04, 2020, 08:49:45 PM
Worked on this after supper and late into Friday night.

I should have done the shock when the rear wheel was out. I definitely should have pressure washed this bike before starting on it.

The R6 shock did not come with the lower spacer. (The Wiki says to use the R6 spacer, bolt and washer)

First thing I tried was drilling the spacer. Only it's not a spacer, it's a bearing race and very hard. I checked and there is a needle roller bearing in the shock link. The spacer/race is so hard that a new, good quality cobalt drill wouldn't touch it.

I also couldn't make a spacer/race from mild steel. It would just wear right out.

So the next thing was to try and make bushings for the shock.  I found a hollow split dowel of the correct size. Just one, but long enough to make two bushings.




Two from one




Drawing the bushings in using a bolt and nut as a press. A little red loctite for good luck.




After pressing


Bushings filed flush. (Looking so good that I can hardly stand it.)



Bolt and race test fitted. I had to run a 25/64" drill bit though to clean up and align the bushings ID.




Shock is in!  (And a tight squeeze... I wasn't so sure at first, but i thought, if everyone on GS Twins could get it in, I should be able to.) It wasn't close to lining up until I pryed the top eye down about an inch with a long pry bay, piston so against the battery box support and the top of the shock eye. Then the top popped in, and then I could get the lower lined up and that bolt in.  It might be a lot easier with the wheel off.

Interesting, thank you.

In the picture below, it does indeed look like the lower clevis of the R6 shock connects to the long arm of the bellcrank. So, you're correct about the part numbers, should you decide to order and not go the cheap route proposed by Sporty.

QuoteIn the picture below, it does indeed look like the lower clevis of the R6 shock connects to the long arm of the bellcrank. So, you're correct about the part numbers, should you decide to order and not go the cheap route proposed by Sporty.

That's reassuring, thanks.

Those part numbers look to be correct to me as well. I spent a lot of time on this subject a few years ago (including updating the wiki with pics and details).

If you buy the Yamaha part, you really just need the spacer AKA collar (it's actually a hardened bearing race) I'm certain you can source or scrounge a good 12mm bolt, nut and washer.

Also, I'd recommend  packing some fresh grease into the needle bearing that the collar spacer sits into.

Prices look better here. I just didn't feel like waiting so I bushed the shock.

Shock all installed, now time for the MOT...

Good to see the shock replacement went as planned. Good luck with the MOT.