View Full Version : Sorry to ask but...rear shock?
Jamie_SV
14-01-09, 02:11 PM
After searching through loads of previous threads regarding the rear shock upgrade I have just about got it figured for my bike.... I think!
My bike is a 2001 sv650s, from what i can gather the best option would be an SRAD GSXR 600/750, or Kawasaki 636 shock. As neither of these drop the back end and fit pretty much straight in, with a little modification to the battery box.
Is this the case? and if so what year shock should i be looking at and are there any preferences to the GSXR or 636 shocks.
Cheers.
Luckypants
14-01-09, 02:20 PM
How much do you weigh?
The shocks you list are all better than standard if they are not worn out. To that list you might also add ZX10-R shock or even a Hayabusa shock if you very heavy.
The reason I ask how much you weigh is that the spring strength on each one is different and so each one is better suited to different rider weights. I based my choice of replacement rear shock on my weight and type of riding (do a lot with pillion).
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 02:21 PM
SRAD600 is too tall IMO. 750 is soft and tall, will put lots of weight on the front.
How much you weigh?
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 02:28 PM
Zx636 or Zx10r are the most sensible/cheaper options IMO. You can pick up quite new low mileage ones for not very much money. A little bit of modification (cut a playing card size hole in the battery box and put the battery onto its side.)
Jamie_SV
14-01-09, 02:30 PM
I weigh 80KG 13st in old money.
I just do weekend blasts the odd bit of touring and was planning on a track day this year, not much with pillion.
Going to fit hagon progs to the front along with SAE15 oil?
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 02:34 PM
Any 2 up work?
Jamie_SV
14-01-09, 02:39 PM
Not enough to consider altering the bike for.
Luckypants
14-01-09, 02:39 PM
I would think a ZX636 shock will be ideal or a ZX10 if you take pillion regularly - the ZX10 has a slightly stiffer spring.
I have the B1H in mine, though the newer model is a better quality shock, mine seems to be fairing well this winter. You might find it a bit hard so make sure you have the setting right.
I think I have them somewhere...
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 02:44 PM
I though the spring rate for a Zx636 and Zx10r were the same.
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 02:47 PM
I have C1H 6R shock.
SRAD750 was better, taller which made my front spring rate make more sense, and sharpened the steering nicely. More ground clearance. (I am 12st), problem with it is, it is very soft compared to others. So with pillion it is not much cop at all.
Right... I'm just under 14stone.
My shock settings for a ZX636 B1H...
Compression damping (screw at top) - 1.5 turns from fully in
Rebound damping (screw at bottom) - 2 turns from fully in
Preload - 9-10 exposed threads.
Remember, damping/shock settings are a very personal thing, but the above is how I have mine set and I like the way it feels
But if you have no idea what you are doing, the above prolly isn't a bad start point!!
I got these setting off someone else then tweaked them a little...
fizzwheel
14-01-09, 02:52 PM
just to chuck a spanner in the works...
I put a 2nd hand oem shock on my SV that had done 3k, transformed the bike and I didnt have to mess about worrying about spring rates etc etc, cost me £25....
That is a good safe bet if you can still find a low mileage one.
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 02:53 PM
Mine are way further out than that. I had them at similar settings and found my rear wheel was leaving the ground!!! It was set so hard.
Luckypants
14-01-09, 02:56 PM
I though the spring rate for a Zx636 and Zx10r were the same.
Just checked and you are right.
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 03:01 PM
Sorry Grinch just realised we have totally different shocks :)
Sorry Grinch just realised we have totally different shocks :)
Mines the old model, grey shock with a black spring, B1H.
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 03:07 PM
I think mines a C2H Zx10r.
skyline
14-01-09, 03:09 PM
Hmmm I'd been looking into a 636 or SRAD shock...
SRAD one sounds good - the soft spring might make it more suitable for me cos I'm only 11st5 with all my riding kit on and I never have a pillion on the back...
On the other hand the SRAD is quite a lot softer than even the stock SV one - the curvy shocks have a #510 spring rate and the SRADs are #370ish if I remember right...might still be too soft...
:-k
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 03:11 PM
It is soft but it does work OK. You need to drop subframe down slightly to clear the battery, and remove part of the tank hinge.
Jamie_SV
14-01-09, 03:33 PM
Thanks for all the help guys, think I will keep an eye out for a cheap 636 shock as this generally seems to be the most popular and the most straight forward to change.
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 03:38 PM
Yeah for that you need to chop the battery box a bit, raise the battery a bit, and lose the fusebox tray.
Mr Speirs
14-01-09, 03:44 PM
I also chopped the tank hinge thing when I did my zx10r shock for poos and laughs.
Luckypants
14-01-09, 03:45 PM
I also chopped the tank hinge thing when I did my zx10r shock for poos and laughs.
I did not as it was not fouling. :D
Yeah for that you need to chop the battery box a bit, raise the battery a bit, and lose the fusebox tray.
Yep I did the same...
Luckypants
14-01-09, 03:48 PM
Thanks for all the help guys, think I will keep an eye out for a cheap 636 shock as this generally seems to be the most popular and the most straight forward to change.
Don't discount a ZX10-R shock, as Britney correctly stated, they have same spring rate as the 636 and you may get a newer one. I managed to get mine with less than 50 miles in it from a racer who was replacing it with something exotic.
stuballs
14-01-09, 04:46 PM
Does anyone have any further info on fitting the ZX6R shock? I've just received a nice low-mileage one and plan on fitting it when I do my forks and brakes. I've searched and searched and it looks like you either cut the battery box and move the battery or move the whole battery tray and undertray back by making new mounting points? Anyone got any pictures?
dizzyblonde
14-01-09, 08:57 PM
After searching through loads of previous threads regarding the rear shock upgrade I have just about got it figured for my bike.... I think!
My bike is a 2001 sv650s, from what i can gather the best option would be an SRAD GSXR 600/750, or Kawasaki 636 shock. As neither of these drop the back end and fit pretty much straight in, with a little modification to the battery box.
Is this the case? and if so what year shock should i be looking at and are there any preferences to the GSXR or 636 shocks.
Cheers.
I weigh 80KG 13st in old money.
I just do weekend blasts the odd bit of touring and was planning on a track day this year, not much with pillion.
Going to fit hagon progs to the front along with SAE15 oil?
Just out of interest......why the fancy non SV one?
so if your fitting Hagon progs, have you thought about matching the rear with a hagon shock?. It worked super for me, transformed one of mine tremendously, even my chap was surprised at the difference.
Its plug n play after all, no need to chop anything, and they work exceptionally well in tandem.
just to chuck a spanner in the works...
I put a 2nd hand oem shock on my SV that had done 3k, transformed the bike and I didnt have to mess about worrying about spring rates etc etc, cost me £25....
I got Pete n Lissas first shock under the bed for 25 quid, its only got around 1500 miles on, I thought that it would be worth a go, as the old ones like a pogo now and stressing the front end out on Dave too much, hopefully it will be fitted in next week or two....fingers crossed
yorkie_chris
14-01-09, 09:04 PM
Cost is the big factor against the hagon, it's not that different to standard. Has anybody properly abused one to see if they still boil and get all out of shape?
It's 5x the cost of a used one from another bike.
What we need is for someone to make some SRAD shocks into remote reservoir ones with a harder spring and damping to match.
St0rmer66
14-01-09, 09:49 PM
Don't discount a ZX10-R shock, as Britney correctly stated, they have same spring rate as the 636 and you may get a newer one. I managed to get mine with less than 50 miles in it from a racer who was replacing it with something exotic.
Quoted for emphasis!
I got a mint ZX10R shock for only £60. Totally transformed the bike! I only weigh 11 stone and it's not too stiff now I've set it up for me :) .
ethariel
14-01-09, 10:43 PM
Go on then, what do you all (shameless derail and thread stal i know) reccomend for an errr weighty chap (last weighed at 120kg the other day in my birthday suit) these days.
Kind of decided to keep hold of the SV for a wee while longer afterall.
Luckypants
15-01-09, 12:14 AM
Go on then, what do you all (shameless derail and thread stal i know) reccomend for an errr weighty chap (last weighed at 120kg the other day in my birthday suit) these days.
Kind of decided to keep hold of the SV for a wee while longer afterall.
for the curvy? (this thread is about curvys) Then you could look at a hayabusa shock second hand, they have a much stiffer spring and so would support your weight. Plowsie recently fitted one to his and he is similar weight to you. Do a search for Plowsie's rear shock thread. Not sure how many miles he has done yet, but I'm sure he will be along to comment soon.
For a new shock, then you will be looking at Ohlins, nitron. maxton etc, customer built to suit you and big bucks.
Jamie_SV
15-01-09, 08:59 AM
[quote=dizzyblonde;1745533]Just out of interest......why the fancy non SV one?
so if your fitting Hagon progs, have you thought about matching the rear with a hagon shock?. It worked super for me, transformed one of mine tremendously, even my chap was surprised at the difference.
Its plug n play after all, no need to chop anything, and they work exceptionally well in tandem.
Basically its just cost, the price of used shocks from ebay is very reasonable when compaired to new hagon shocks.
Plus there are so many people who have already done this mod its just seems like a good start. Possibly in the future i may change it for something a bit more exotic!
stuballs
15-01-09, 09:11 AM
In my experience Hagon shocks are not that great for what they cost. I had one on the CB-1 track bike to the left there. Had a fireblade front end and the back end really let it down (to the point where I lost traction way before I thought I would have and highsided at clearways). The guys at Hagon are very helpful though and will build a shock to your specification for a bit more money (e.g. longer for a bit more ride height). Hagon not suitable if you're going to give it the berries.
skyline
15-01-09, 10:02 AM
I got a mint ZX10R shock for only £60. Totally transformed the bike! I only weigh 11 stone and it's not too stiff now I've set it up for me :smile: .
Hmmm this sounds good as well - had a quick look about this shock and the 06-07 version can fit a pointy sv without any cutting - only a toolbox cover needed to be removed with 3 screws...
http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=80387
Anybody tried fitting an 06-07 zx10r shock to a curvy at all?
Luckypants
15-01-09, 10:08 AM
Anybody tried fitting an 06-07 zx10r shock to a curvy at all?
Yes I did, it worked great. Needs the usual battery box trim and the battery on foam blocks / turned on side. Fits the same as the 636 shock. Plus point on Kawasaki shocks is there is no need to trim the tank hinge.
skyline
16-01-09, 12:44 AM
Ah nuts, I was hoping it was going to be a holy grail shock which didn't need any cutting on the curvy...
Still sounds like a good shock option tho!
The research continues...:cool:
yorkie_chris
16-01-09, 01:49 AM
There is nothing which will fit without some form of cutting and messing about except for the £300+ (and that's a fackin big +!) aftermarket options.
transparent_opacity
16-01-09, 11:44 PM
Does anyone have any further info on fitting the ZX6R shock?
I've just done this:
http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=46840
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/nhsvnaked/ShockandBatteryBoxSpacer2Custom.jpg
I cut the excess (1" off the front) off the battery box, which needed less spacing as the undertray didn't need to come down so much to make room. Get some ~70mm M6 bolts, I used fuel pipe for the spacers...done! No need to cut the fuel tank hinge, it was nowhere near (Curvy + B1H shock).
:smt040
transparent_opacity
16-01-09, 11:50 PM
On the B1H shock, has anyone felt the need to space out the bottom fork?
It's a fraction (~2mm) wider than the Suzuki fork. I was worried about the play, or the fork bending as I tightened the bolt. As It's aluminium I wouldn't want it to fatigue and break.
yorkie_chris
17-01-09, 01:30 PM
Cutting the fuel tank hinge is something you need to do for the SRAD shocks.
That looks more like a C1 shock
I have bought meself a nice little present in the form of a brand new Ohlins rear shock with remote canister. Installing tomorrow! How it goes in without a hassle. I believe it's similar to what Northwind has.
dizzyblonde
23-01-09, 10:58 PM
The shock i mentioned previously from pete N Lissa, OEM with 1500 miles on it...
well its on, it works, it has stopped the SV clonk on the front end, and the probs that were associated with the front end. So no need to replace the Ohlins springs now. As these were to go next if the shock didn't solve anything
Bish bash bosh 25 quid. I'm happy.
Now I've got two bikes that handle well again :-)
yorkie_chris
24-01-09, 03:10 AM
I have bought meself a nice little present in the form of a brand new Ohlins rear shock with remote canister. Installing tomorrow! How it goes in without a hassle. I believe it's similar to what Northwind has.
Gah. How much?
stuballs
07-02-09, 01:02 PM
Just doing this mod now. Spacing the battery box/undertray down and back as per these instructions (http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=46840). Thinking my shock is not a B1 shock as I'm having to make my spacers over 2 inches long. The spring is also very close to the swingarm tho not touching. Had to trim about an inch off the "mud flap thing" that bolts to the swingarm cos it was fouling. Just got some chrome gas pipe for the spacer. Slightly bigger id than the m6 bolts so perfect.
Hope to test ride later on. If all is well then i'll fit the new springs and emulators i already have. Not been as straighforward as i expected so far!!
stuballs
09-02-09, 05:42 PM
Now finished the ZX6R rearshock install.
Mission!!
Not convinced I did have a B1 shock. Might have even been a ZX10 as I had to cut the metal bracket that the tank bolts to. Spacers to move battery down are at least 2" long. That's still not really enough but got some foam padding between battery and shock reservoir to stop any rubbing.
Another problem was the lower bolt: There is not enough clearance for a normal flange nut. I've put on a normal nut for now and used some locktite but will have a think about a safer solution as not happy with that.
Took it out for a test ride on the settings it came with and seems to work well but doesn't feel that much different from standard. Weather doesn't really allow me to really test it though. Once I've got the lower mounting point sorted I'll do some back to back tests by fitting up the old shock.
yorkie_chris
09-02-09, 05:44 PM
Bolt in from the other side? Turn base of shock around?
BBadger
09-02-09, 05:50 PM
As this thread is going .... im 10 1/2 stone so fairly light, and stock shock on the softest setting is still way to hard, a pillion only helps a little.
Was looking at gsxr 600/750 shocks good or bad idea ??
Mr Speirs
09-02-09, 05:56 PM
bad idea. they are harder than the stock sv shock.
are you sure the shock is on the softest setting and not the hard?
Cant imagine the shock is too hard.
Confusing.
yorkie_chris
09-02-09, 05:57 PM
Which GSXR shock. Spring rates have varied a lot!
BBadger
09-02-09, 05:58 PM
I have checked and cheaked again, others who have riden it say its fine althought they're all about 14st.... it just doesnt want move much and every bump is felt painfuly through the seat.
yorkie_chris
09-02-09, 06:00 PM
But you have preload on min? What is your sag? If it is bottoming out then it will feel harsh too.
BBadger
09-02-09, 06:06 PM
Right on min .... sag there is only a tiny bit.
Shull crank it up a notch to see if that could make a difference. But still the fact every bump just makes it feel like the shock dont want to move.
yorkie_chris
09-02-09, 06:07 PM
Try rock the back tyre just off the deck and see how much then.
Has it been lowered or any other such mods?
BBadger
09-02-09, 06:14 PM
Shull give this all a try when im next out in the garage.
None what so ever.
stuballs
11-02-09, 12:24 PM
Bolt in from the other side? Turn base of shock around?
Thought of that but the head of the bolt rubs instead. Maybe I could space the dog bones on that side out with washers. Only need another 1mm.
yorkie_chris
11-02-09, 04:30 PM
I'd probably grind the bolt head or free end. If it's one of the shocks with the damping adjuster at an angle though you have to have it facing left or you can't adjust it without a small screwdriver and a cold engine!
If you grind bolt then don't let it get too hot.
stuballs
11-02-09, 04:38 PM
I'd probably grind the bolt head or free end. If it's one of the shocks with the damping adjuster at an angle though you have to have it facing left or you can't adjust it without a small screwdriver and a cold engine!
If you grind bolt then don't let it get too hot.
Considered that. Was worried that the heat might affect the strength of the nut but if I do it in stages shouldn't be a problem...
Cheers
Stu
yorkie_chris
11-02-09, 04:39 PM
Yeah, grind a bit, let it cool. Better to do the head of the bolt than the nut though IMO.
Does anyone know where I can find the link for the spreadsheet which lists all the compatable shocks with their length, spring rate etc?
I know I've seen it on here somewhere but I just cant find it :confused:
Thanks in advance :)
Mr Speirs
01-03-09, 08:12 PM
here ya go
YEAR MOTORCYCLE LENGTH SPRING
===== ========= ===== =====
00-03 GSXR750 325mm 400#
01-03 GSXR600 325.5mm 325#
01-02 GSXR1000 329.5mm 430#
03-04 SV650 330mm 430# <<<==== stock 2nd gen...05 should be the same
99-03 GSXR1300(Busa) 330mm 700#
04 GSXR750 332.5mm 408#
04 GSXR600 332.5mm 425#
03-04 GSXR1000 332.5mm 480#
99-02 SV650 337mm 510# <<<====stock 1st gen
04 ZX10R 338mm 540#
03-04 ZX6R(636) 340mm 540# *corrected by e lo...thanks!
96-99 GSXR750 345mm 375#
97-00 GSXR600 375mm 375#
05 GSX-R 1000 332.5mm 450# <<<===added by me...spring rate from racetech.com, length from ohlins.com
<end>
Wraith_017
09-04-09, 01:12 AM
would a Busa shock be adjustable for a 150 lb rider?
Luckypants
09-04-09, 08:59 AM
would a Busa shock be adjustable for a 150 lb rider?
No, it will be WAY too stiff. The Busa shock is too stiff for a pointy (2003 on) unless you are VERY, VERY heavy. For a curvy (99-02) the spring rates are higher due to different linkage, but the Busa shock is still only suitable if you are over 16st (225lbs) IMHO.
Use the table above to find a shock with a spring rate similar to stock, as that is pretty close for a 11st (150lb) rider.
plowsie
09-04-09, 09:03 AM
No, it will be WAY too stiff. The Busa shock is too stiff for a pointy (2003 on) unless you are VERY, VERY heavy. For a curvy (99-02) the spring rates are higher due to different linkage, but the Busa shock is still only suitable if you are over 16st (225lbs) IMHO.
Use the table above to find a shock with a spring rate similar to stock, as that is pretty close for a 11st (150lb) rider.
Agreed. If your like me then your good.
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