Rear shock suggestions - I'm overwhelmed.

[CLARKYsv]

I've looked at the compatibility chart and I'm guessing it is the ZX10R 04-05 or the ZX6r 03-04

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=ps_vckzc_V1BFcykul9z8Bw#gid=1

However... looking at all the threads for the best one I am just becoming overwhelmed with all the info... some people say one thing, the others say something else... And I can't always tell if people are talking about a pointy or a Curvy and I really think that I'm going to end up buying the wrong thing...

I have K1 SV650
I am 12 1/2 Stone
My gf is 7 1/2 stone and does pillion

And I am looking to do some touring so top box + Side cases will most likely be present.

I have dual exhausts via an Under seat system and its melting the hell out of my hugger at the moment... The bike tips back sooo much when accelerating hard.

What Shock would you suggest for me?

Overall cost maybe £150 max....

Then later its the front end that will need sorting....

[CLARKYsv]

On another forum a few people have said that the ZX6r shocks and the ZX10r are rock solid... so I don't want them....

However these are kwak owners... so maybe they are looking for different characteristics?

[Jamesy D]

I have dual exhausts via an Under seat system and its melting the hell out of my hugger at the moment... The bike tips back sooo much when accelerating hard.

As a quick clarification, is it squatting under power when it's just you on the bike, or when you have your girlfriend on as well?

If it's just you, I'd say your shock is stupidly soft if it's squatting so much and for long enough to actually start to melt your hugger, you certainly need something harder. However, you also don't want something totally rock hard - you're not racing and I don't think many people's backsides could take the punishment on the open road.

If you want my opinion, if you're doing things like two-up touring as well as riding it hard on the road, you want something you can modify. A shock which you can adjust preload, compression etc would be perfect as you could change the settings to suit the style of riding you're doing. Looking for something like that on ebay would be your best bet, but it won't be cheap, but it'll so be worth it. I'll leave it to those with more experience to suggest specific shocks, but adjustability is what I would personally go for.

[Mr Speirs]

Either of these will be ideal:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/kawasaki-zx10r-zx-10-rear-shock-absorber-/370411316761?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item563e3c2619#ht_500wt_1154

or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kawasaki-ZX10R-2004-rear-shock-/150472413484?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2308dad12c#ht_500wt_1154

[CLARKYsv]

Either of these will be ideal:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/kawasaki-zx10r-zx-10-rear-shock-absorber-/370411316761?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item563e3c2619#ht_500wt_1154

or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kawasaki-ZX10R-2004-rear-shock-/150472413484?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2308dad12c#ht_500wt_1154

Thankyou dear sir :)

I was watching one of those already... I can't get the one that ends today due to a lack of funds... Although.... hmmm.... :P

I just wasn't sure if it was what I needed...

[andrewsmith]

Either of these will be ideal:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/kawasaki-zx10r-zx-10-rear-shock-absorber-/370411316761?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item563e3c2619#ht_500wt_1154


I actually spoke to the guy selling that shock and have seen the shock it is brand spanking new!! Was taken off as the bike was turned into a dealer built racer

[CLARKYsv]

I actually spoke to the guy selling that shock and have seen the shock it is brand spanking new!! Was taken off as the bike was turned into a dealer built racer

Well its gone passed my funds now... I wouldn't have that cash until after Monday :(

[andrewsmith]

its past mine aswell its at £117 quid with 5hrs left (9am) :(

[yorkie_chris]

Yes ZX10R will do for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj5yeahoaTI&feature=related that is on ZX6R shock :)

guys with kawas say those shocks are rock hard because of the linkage design on the kawa.

[CLARKYsv]

I need to get a different bolt for that shock don't I?

[yorkie_chris]

Yes, if it comes with a top bolt that is what you use... or you can get kawa part

[Rob969]

I take it that goes for both the zx6 and zx10 shocks. is that the only extra part you need to change shocks. Forgot to mention i ended up buying the ZX10r shock on ebay today. Found out it was actually taken from a 2005 model. couldn't pass up the chance to get the exact shock i needed in mint condition

[andrewsmith]

I take it that goes for both the zx6 and zx10 shocks. is that the only extra part you need to change shocks. Forgot to mention i ended up buying the ZX10r shock on ebay today. Found out it was actually taken from a 2005 model. couldn't pass up the chance to get the exact shock i needed in mint condition

would that be the one being sold by whoopwhoop789?

bargin for £117 if its the one i was bidding on

[Rob969]

yeah thats the one. Sent him a msg about the year bike it was from and he said it was from a 2005 model so should be the stiffer spring on it.

[andrewsmith]

it is a 05 went and seen the guy about it yesterday. Brand spanking sat in a box since it was taken off.

Found meself a zx10 2005 for £75 with 2k on it :-D

[Rob969]

Nice one can't wait for it to arrive and get it fitted. If anyone else is after one theres still a 2004 on on ebay with only 3.5k use

[barwel1992]

^ how much is it ? im tempted lol

[Rob969]

this is it http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150472413484&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[barwel1992]

cheers, i could do with a harder shock (and for the pointy that is exactly sprung for my weight ;) )

[andrewsmith]

http://www.mywebpower.com/graphics/comments//thumbnails/ghetto/fat_man_on_a_bike_they_see_.jpg

u mean like this? :smt046

[Rob969]

Just found the number for the nut and bolt i need to fit it and ordered them from wemoto. for anyone who need them its Bolt: 92153-0663 and Nut: 92210-1139 thanks to Mr Speirs who posted it in another thread.

[Mr Speirs]

No worries.

cheers, i could do with a harder shock (and for the pointy that is exactly sprung for my weight ;) )

You want a GSXR shock rather than a Kwak shock then. Pointys have a significantly softer shock to the curvy.

[Biker Biggles]

And a different length.

[barwel1992]

got a gsxr shock, for a pointy i need a 10kg/mm spring the zx10 has that (im 16.5 stone) its also longer than the shock i have now and loner than stock by 8mm giving a 16mm rise over stock (1:2 linkage ratio)

[andrewsmith]

Cheers Mr spiers need tht info too.

Another Q: how hard was the swap to do?

[Mr Speirs]

Its a bit daunting but not very difficult. The swap is easy its just modifying it to fit that's difficult. What I did, everyone has differing ways of doing it though.

You need to get gain some slack on the + and - cables which attach to the battery.

Remove the tank hinge which also holds the battery in place. There is a section that rest against the battery, you need to hacksaw that part off and you can bend the remaining parts up and out the way flush to the tank hinge.

You will need to cut a playing card size hole in the battery box so the resivour of the shock doesn't foul. Once you have the shock roughly in place you can see where to cut.

Remove the fuse box and relays from the tray. You will not need the tray the fuse box and relay need to remain loose.

What remains of the battery box needs to then be built up with foam (or something else suitable) far enough to just clear the resivour too far and you will have clearance with the battery issues.

The battery will then tip 90 degrees, its tight but the battery will wedge down in the sub-frame and be supported by the foam.

And that's it. Install the shock and reassemble. Oh and when installing the bottom shock bolt it will need to be inserted from the opposite side the standard shock bolt. This is because the dog bones are closer on one side than the other.

I think ive remembered everything.

I've done two this way now...getting quite quick at it :)

[andrewsmith]

so quite a bit butchering under the seat
still going to get the shock nd do a mock up/ trial run to see what has to be done

[barwel1992]

or you could stick the battery under the pilion seat but thats even more fabrication

[andrewsmith]

or you could stick the battery under the pilion seat but thats even more fabrication

and i use me pillion seat space.

Am v dubious about tipping a lead acid battery on it side

[Mr Speirs]

They are sealed, its absolutely not an issue. My ducati has it's battery fitted on its side as standard.

[yorkie_chris]

They are sealed, its absolutely not an issue. My ducati has it's battery fitted on its side as standard.

And they're a paragon of electrical stability :smt003

[Jamesy D]

And they're a paragon of electrical stability :smt003

Ducati do it, it must be a good idea! :rolleyes:



*mumble* dry clutches *mumble* combusting seat units *mumble*

[Mr Speirs]

And they're a paragon of electrical stability :smt003

Yup, ive had no issues :)

Ducati do it, it must be a good idea!



*mumble* dry clutches *mumble* combusting seat units *mumble*

What's the problem with dry clutches? They make noise but I don't think I've heard of any issue with them, maybe you can shed some light?

[Jamesy D]

YWhat's the problem with dry clutches? They make noise but I don't think I've heard of any issue with them, maybe you can shed some light?

I don't specifically know myself, but all I ever hear is people bemoaning them.

Actually what is the advantage of a dry clutch?

[Mr Speirs]

People only moan about them because they make a noise. It's when the clutch plate's tabs tap the clutch basket.

Dry clutches lose less HP in the transmission as they don't have the clutch rotating in a bath of oil. Most if not all GP bikes use dry clutches because of this.
They are easier to service and also allow you to use fully synthetic oils in the engine.

I guess becuase Ducati make their supersport bikes very close to racebike spec (or like to think so) they have carried on using dry clutches however the advantages above are questionable on road going machines.

I have spoken to a few people who have had both the 848 (wet) and the 1098 (dry) and they have all said the 848 is by far the better bike. Make of that what you will.

[yorkie_chris]

Actually what is the advantage of a dry clutch?

Covers up sound of actual damage occuring to duc engines :smt003

and also allow you to use fully synthetic oils in the engine.

That's boll*cks.

[Mr Speirs]

That's boll*cks.

Okay

[yorkie_chris]

Loads of full synth out there with JASO MA rating.

[Mr Speirs]

Furry Muff just something I had been lead to believe...sorta made sense to me. Obviously shouldn't relay information I'm not right about but I thought that was true info.

[yorkie_chris]

The GSXR750R slabby had a dry clutch (and 34mm flatslides IIRC), just for the power loss reason you describe. Also might save a bit of weight as you don't need enough oil in to get around the clutch, and the sidecover can be lighter.

[Rob969]

Well the posty just delivered this today. 2005 zx10 shock in mint condition just got to wait for the bolt and nut from wemoto before i can fit it.

[Rob969]

I've started sorting my bike ready to swap the shocks over stripped the rear body work and removed the battery and also loosened the top bolt of the shock (which was a right B*****D) but which bolt on the swingarm linkage is it best to take off to access the bottom shock bolt front or back, or doesn't it matter. Got a couple of weeks off work with a fractured arm so thought i might as well put the time to good use whilst i can't ride the bike.

[andrewsmith]

Rob here is the guide i'll be using. Its for the ZX6 but the stripping and assembly process is the same

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=113667

[Rob969]

Cheers done everything up to that point. Just make sure that you come to change it you loosen the bolts off a little before lifting the bike up took an awful lot of elbow grease to move the top one.

[yorkie_chris]

Dogbone ones are the usual culprit.

[barwel1992]

my dog bone bolts were stuck solid rounded both ends of with breaker bar in the end i had to cut them off.

at some point im going to drop the whole linkage and clean and greace it again now that i have proper greace

[andrewsmith]

whts the best. Red rubber or copper slip

[yorkie_chris]

whts the best. Red rubber or copper slip

what for

[Rob969]

i think he means for the dogbone linkages

[TamSV]

i think he means for the dogbone linkages

In that case, neither! You could use general purpose grease. I think I used bearing grease on mine.

Rob, while you're at it you may as well drop that linkage out (where the bottom of the shock attaches) and give it a good clean and regrease. Mine was pretty grim.

Push the metal spacers out, clean everything up with a rag and press new grease into the bearings.

[TamSV]

loosened the top bolt of the shock ........ with a fractured arm

Well done :o

[Rob969]

its only a small fracture and i'm bored stupid while i'm off work so thought i might as well have a go at changing the shock. Going to hpoefully get the old one fully out later on and get the battery box cut. Everything just takes a little longer at the moment

[Rob969]

Well got the old shock out greased all the linkages and put the new one loosely in. Cut the battery box and checked that i can get the battery in and seat on. Going to wait till tomorrow to secure everything up and give the back end of the bike i tidy up as my arms a little sore right now.

[andrewsmith]

In that case, neither! You could use general purpose grease. I think I used bearing grease on mine.

Rob, while you're at it you may as well drop that linkage out (where the bottom of the shock attaches) and give it a good clean and regrease. Mine was pretty grim.

Push the metal spacers out, clean everything up with a rag and press new grease into the bearings.

cheers Tam

[Rob969]

All in now just waiting for the bolt for the bottom of the shock to turn up in the post. Put a cheap bolt in there for now just to get everything lined up and get the battery relocated. Just got to swap the bolts over when it gets hear and tighten up the linkage bolt. Battery just fits under the seat with a few mm to spare

[TamSV]

I'll be interested to hear how you find it compared to stock. I've not had a chance to test mine out yet.

[andrewsmith]

Glad to here your getting there!
Quick couple of q's:
u getting the nut nd bolt or just the bolt?
where you located the reg/ rec to?

[Mr Speirs]

You need the nut and the bolt as the bottom of a 10r shock isn't threaded.
The reg/rec doesn't need to be relocated anywhere.

[andrewsmith]

cheers got the bolt need to order the nut

[Rob969]

hopefully my arm will be good enough by next week to try it out. Only thing you need to move is the battery and fuse/relay bits.

[Rob969]

Has anyone else who's fitted a zx10 shock got any good base settings to use. Obviously the kwak base settings will be different to what suits an SV. Only reason i ask is that i've got a couple of long trips coming up and won't have much time to get on the bike before then with my bad arm and could do with a bit of help to try and get it roughly set up before i head out on it. I've set the sag just could do with ideas on rebound and comp settings. As soon as i get chance i'll then be expermenting with different settings. I'm about 15st with kit on and will mainly be doing Dual carriageways and main A roads for the next month or so if it helps.

[Mr Speirs]

Ah man I can't remember mine it was that long ago. It was something like 3 1/2 out from full stiff on compression and 4 1/2 for rebound....but don't take my word for it.
I took a small screwdriver with me for the first couple of times...glad I did because the settings I got from sportrider were causing the back wheel to skip around even when going straight!!

I think quite a few people just run with the standard zx settings and seem to be more than happy with it.

[Rob969]

I'll have a look at the kwak settings then and see what there like. I'll just make sure i have a screwdriver handy just incase it feels rerally wrong.