kawasaki suspension on a used SV650S. Why?

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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.

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
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>

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

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
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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

Originally Posted by 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 . . . .

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