kawasaki suspension on a used SV650S. Why?

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

I just got myself a lovely 2002 SV650s, and noticed the suspension, (red curly one, sorry I'm not that technical) is made by Kawasaki. Why would someone replace the original with that? Any ideas? It is longer than the original one would have been.

[Lissa]

I just got myself a lovely 2002 SV650s, and noticed the suspension, (red curly one, sorry I'm not that technical) is made by Kawasaki. Why would someone replace the original with that? Any ideas? It is longer than the original one would have been.

Because the standard SV shock is pretty pants, so it's been upgraded. The kwak shock is usually a cheaper option than an Ohlins etc.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Cool!

[sinbad]

A nice surprise :)

It might be worthwhile checking that it is set for someone of approximately your weight. If the previous owner was an 18 stone chap and you're not, then it could be that the suspension setting that worked for him will not work for you.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

I'm an 8 stone female, so yes, that could be an issue if he was man as mountain. Someone else said it was just an upgrade

[Blue_SV650S]

I'm an 8 stone female, so yes, that could be an issue if he was man as mountain. Someone else said it was just an upgrade

Unless you start eating pies the ZX6R shock is probably going to be a little oversprung for you?

The ZX636 shock 'upgrade' is quite often used on the older 'curvys' (I put one on mine), plenty of past discussion on here about doing it if you dig around a bit. :)

There are doubters, but I am personally in favour of it. It is generally done for people that find the originals a little UNDER sprung ... at 8st this won't be the case, a standard shock will be ok spring wise.

Oh and yes the 636 shock is a bit longer, which rases the rear end a bit (I think it equates to 5mm or summin at the rear seat, so not a massive difference).

If you have one with a red spring, I think they are the later ones which were fitted with softer springs. (I have one of the ones with a black spring which are harder/stronger)

At the end of the day either way it'll be fine and all you need to know to put your mind at rest is it was done with reason in mind, not blind stupidity ...

If at a later date you feel the rear end is a bit stiff, then that is why and you can do something about it.

Oh and welcome to the .org 8)

[Grinch]

As Blue said, I have the black kawaka shock on one of my SV's, though if you need something a tad softer then you could also think about the GSXR shock.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Ok, thanks, I'll see how it goes. I'm light, so I'm guessing it won't matter that much.

[tranx]

Being light can matter just as much as being heavy. Without the extra weight to compress the spring down when you sit on it the rear end will skip and slide around on the road. However having said that it may be set up just fine for you. The only way to know is to ride the bike and see. If you find the back end looses traction when you go over a set of short sharp bumps then the shock is probably too stiff.

[Blue_SV650S]

Had an idea ... rather than pies, just wear a big rucksack full of stuff (makeup, hair strightners etc?!?! :D) ... I got all sorts of stuff in my rucksack ... with my riding gear and rucksack combined, I weigh in at 3.5st more then when nekked!! :smt103

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Being light can matter just as much as being heavy. Without the extra weight to compress the spring down when you sit on it the rear end will skip and slide around on the road. However having said that it may be set up just fine for you. The only way to know is to ride the bike and see. If you find the back end looses traction when you go over a set of short sharp bumps then the shock is probably too stiff.

now that is most interesting, I wondered why that skip/slide thing happens . . . . so I need to change the shock then. Hmmmm what would you suggest? I'm about 8 stone and geting a lowered seat

[Razor]

When you bounce on the seat does the bike compress much?

EDIT: the rear spring should compress a little under your weight. You're probably just right for the stock rear shock, but low mileage examples of those are like honest politicians.

[Blue_SV650S]

The list below was generated by someone a long while back, it is a list of all the shocks from other bikes that will fit an SV.

Your bike should be fitted with 99-02 SV650 337mm 510# <<<====stock 1st gen i.e. a 510(lb?) spring/shock.

You are even a little light for the stock shock, so I'd say either of the blow should see you right (425lb, 480lb) :) ... not only softer, but a little shorter so will drop the rear for ya too 8)
04 GSXR600 332.5mm 425#
03-04 GSXR1000 332.5mm 480#


<Swiped>

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>

[zadar]

You are even a little light for the stock shock, so I'd say either of the blow should see you right (425lb, 480lb) :) ... not only softer, but a little shorter so will drop the rear for ya too 8)
04 GSXR600 332.5mm 425#
03-04 GSXR1000 332.5mm 480#

she is not light for it but shock is no good for application.spring is fine for weight,just need better shock.or revalve.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Blue that is very helpful of you! Though my mind is boggling a little, as to what best would suit my weight and size. (Dropping back wheel = good.)
It's true I do tend to carry about a ton of beauty products etc, but I'd like the option of travelling light once in a while!
BTW I'm looking for a lowered seat if you know of one

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Zadar what do you mean shock is no good for application? I don't have much (any) technical know how, and this is becoming confusing.
From what this thread is saying, it sounds like I could do with a shorter, gentler shock . . . .
And a lowered seat please if anyone's got one.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

Thanks again Blue, just noticed you partic recommended me 2 types. Mind boggling slightly less . . . short list good, v. helpful

[stewie]

Ive just lowered me seat it,s not too difficult, you just need the confidence to have a go, or alternatively check the 'For sale' sections or get someone to do it for you, good luck with it btw and welcome to the ORG.

[ninasilvert@mac.com]

How did you lower it? what did you use to cut the foam(?) out and how did you stop the vinyl being saggy, AND did it make the seat hard? Thanks for the welcome btw!

[zadar]

Zadar what do you mean shock is no good for application? I don't have much (any) technical know how, and this is becoming confusing.
From what this thread is saying, it sounds like I could do with a shorter, gentler shock . . . .

shock is valved for bigger and heavier bike.it has to much damping for you.
you dont need shorter or softer,just gentler :D

[Blue_SV650S]

Thanks again Blue, just noticed you partic recommended me 2 types. Mind boggling slightly less . . . short list good, v. helpful

;)

Yes the stock SV shock has reputation for being a bit rubbish, the bike was designed as a budget bike and suspension is one thing that was scrimped on.

To be honest nina, unless you really want to/are struggling with it, I wouldn't worry about changing the shock. Just ride the thing and enjoy it!! The important thing is that it wasn't put there by mistake so your mind can be put at rest!! and it is technically an 'upgrade' over the stock SV one, so you done good!! ;)

Oh yes and wind the shocks 'preload' right off. You can read up on how to set preload and exactly what it is if you wish, but probably simplest just to take it for granted it is a good thing to do and ask a mate (who might know about these sort of things) to back your preload right off. Reducing preload is easy to do and it will make the rear end a bit more pliable over small bumps for someone of your weight :)

[Biker Biggles]

How much do you need to lower it?You can get a bit by sculping the seat,and a tiny bit more by dropping the yokes down the forks a tad,but the real difference comes through fitting different "dog bones" to the rear suspension linkage.If you look under the rear shock they are the steel struts that look like dog bones.:D
As for the hard spring I suggest you have a sit on a standard SV and see how it feels compared to yours.Not done it myself,but general wisdom seems to be that those GSXR shocks are not suitable for the curvy SV----Too short.

[stewie]

How did you lower it? what did you use to cut the foam(?) out and how did you stop the vinyl being saggy, AND did it make the seat hard? Thanks for the welcome btw!


Basically after removing the cover I was going to use a electric carving knife, but couldnt find the handle so just used one of the blades, I just marked the the area I wanted to trim down to and went for it. Once I had got the height and shape rough I used the edge of the blade to smooth it out then used a piece of dual density foam off a bed roll, you know the type used by walkers/hikers, anyway this added about 1 cm to the height but gave a smooth finish before putting the cover back on. I bought a staple gun from B&Q and stapled it back together, not a great job but ok for now. I reckon I took the seat down about 50mm then added 10 mm with the foam.Im only 5 ft 4 ins and its made a diiference to slow speed stuff. Just take your time and if in doubt leave it for a minute to see if it looks right, btw although the seat is now shallower and more firm its actually no less comfy I find.
Stew