Katana 600 rear shock swap questions

[Speedfreak14]

Hey there was reading around and found out that the rear shock off of a 600 katana is a direct swap onto a gs500. I would like to do this because the gs500 is too bouncy. I would like it to be stiffer. My questions are what year katana shocks will fit? All years? Certain years?  Would like to know so i dont get one that wont fit. And also if i do this to the rear should i change the front springs as well? I hear u need to adjust it if u do get the rear shock. If so what springs do i need? Will katana springs work as well or do i need aftermarket ones? And i have seen some rear shocks with a tube and a cylinder thingy on them as well. Are these different? Any help will be much appreciated! ^_^

[jacob92icu]

Here's the one you will need,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-06-Suzuki-Katana-600-750-Rear-Shock-Suspension-Coil-Spring-OEM-A2036-/360822156712?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5402ad2da8&vxp=mtr

I have one from I think a 99 that I never had a chance to install on my "future" second gs. I could ship it to you, just send me a PM if you are interested and we can work it out. Or you can order the one in the link above.

The shocks with the reservoirs could possibly work, but you will need to find a spot to mount the reservoir. To answer your question, those are not the shocks that people are stating are a direct swap. The one in the link above, and the one that I have, are the ones that are a direct swap. Most definitely the best improvement I could have done to my gs other than the front fork springs.

To answer your question about the fork springs, one of the members on this site is the owner of sonic springs, big rich I believe, and if you buy a pair of those (kinda pricey) to compliment the Katana shock, you will never regret it. His website has a fork spring rate calculator, so put in your weight and what not to find out what rating you need. The Katana springs will not work.

[brickerenator]

The Kat 750 shock fits with no issues. Mine is from a 2002. I'm going to put the reservoir under the seat.

[BockinBboy]

Rich Desmond is Sonic Springs guy, Big Rich is GS450 guy 



- Bboy

[burning1]

The Kat750 shock is an extremely tight fight on the GS500; I had to use a prybar and grinder to get it on the bike. R6 shocks are more forgiving.

Mounting the reservoir isn't much of an issue; it'll fit easily under the rear seat.

[rexpepper651]

got my shock off ebay for 30 bucks shipped. it says 1998-2006 katana, gsx600, on the tag. fit perfectly in my 98. had to take the airbox out tho to get the old shock out and new in. im also going to have to make the side stand longer as it leans a bit more now with the better shock. easy project and only took about an hour. good luck!