Gixxer Shocker!

[BillyC]

Many many thanks to Flamin Squirrel, who this morning, helped me fit my GSXR 1000 shock to my K3. I'm sure I coudln't have done it without your assistance, or your NWS stand ;)

Many thanks!


The ride is markedly improved - right from sitting on the bike, you can feel the difference. More planted in bends, more confident in accelleration. A very clear and obvious improvement over my 18,000 mile stock effort. :lol:


And it's not even been setup yet!

Thanks Jordan!

[northwind]

Nice one Squirrel :thumbsup: Billy, you've done the forks already haven't you?

[Stig]

Yes he has. I watched avidly whilst scoffing all the cakes that were supplied for the front fork workshop last year. :lol: :lol:

[northwind]

What do you find hte bigger upgrade, out of curiosity? Just interested since the 2 jobs cost almost the same.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

\:D/

A big improvement it certainly is.

northy, I thought you'd already done front and back? Anywhoo, I don't think there's an answer to your question, I think you really have to do both to get the most out of either.

[norvidick]

you realy do have to do both to realy notice the diference I did the rear first and yes it stoped it squating coming out of the twisties but the front is still very spongy even with the pre load fully wound in, but it was not till I did the front end that I realy noticed the diference.

Regards ****.

[northwind]

\:D/
northy, I thought you'd already done front and back? Anywhoo, I don't think there's an answer to your question, I think you really have to do both to get the most out of either.

Aye, I've done both- springs and oil in the front, Ohlins in the rear. just wanted Billy's opinion while it's fresh for him. I agree that you get the biggest benefit from both- I did the front first and it was great but it didn't really come into its own until I got the rear sorted.

[BillyC]

Morning... :D

Where shall I start?
Nice one Squirrel :thumbsup: Billy, you've done the forks already haven't you?
Yup - Maxton springs and 15wt oil. 8)

Yes he has. I watched avidly whilst scoffing all the cakes that were supplied for the front fork workshop last year.
Now there's a confession! It was the first time I'd met you Si, and I was very pleased you were in one piece, and the right shape!

What do you find hte bigger upgrade, out of curiosity? Just interested since the 2 jobs cost almost the same.

A good question! The Gixxer shock was definitely easier to do, than the forks. Less to dismantle, and certainly more straight forward. The forks mean you have to fiddle with the front wheel, brakes, have the right stand, have something to empty oil into, measure air gaps and so forth.

For me, the rear shock has been the more effective of the two modifications as well. Being quite a heavy chap - the stock shock was probably on its last legs!

you realy do have to do both to realy notice the diference
Yeah I think that's a very fair statement.


In simple terms, the bike feels less agitated by accelleration and cornering. It's set up quite firm, but the difference going over bumps and ripples in the road is noticeable. This mod cost me less than the fork upgrade, and I highly recommend it - I think it's been effective for me and my riding.

Also, I don't know if there had been some damage to my rear shock in my slide last year, or if the shock was just on its way out (probably). But the bike just feels a bit more even again now - I think another straightness check is warranted. :roll:

[northwind]

The forks mean you have to fiddle with the front wheel, brakes, have the right stand, have something to empty oil into, measure air gaps and so forth.

Heh, you can do the forks with any rear stand and a jack, but try doing the rear without the right stand :) Personally I found the shock a whole lot harder to do, forks were just like building lego :) But that's just me.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

An NWS stand makes changing the rear shock easy. The hardest part (by which I mean time consuming) is removing the rear fairing/undertray and cutting the battery box.

[northwind]

Sure, I used my Abba for mine, but I used the abba for the front as well and found it to be simpler than the rear, that's all. Mainly because of the easier access I suppose

[BillyC]

If you don't have a pivot stand, playing with the front forks becomes a very risky game.

Supporting and raising the front of the bike, while avoiding dropping it, is very difficult. It is made SO much easier by having the correct stand.

[northwind]

I understand that mate... Though if you're careful using a swingarm stand is perfectly safe, I've done it both ways. The Abba's better but not essential. On the other hand, you can always suspend it.

On the other hand, though, there's no manufactured stands that make the rear swap possible other than pivot stands- so you're back to suspending it- that's what i meant. It's perfectly possible to do the front with a regular stand, completely impossible to do the rear. See?