Getting the rear wheel off the ground withthe centrestand

[BigD_83]

My guess is that the shocks are NOT proper replacements.

We have an '82 650L in the garage that has the same 'problem'. I think the shocks that are on it came off the 850L and are a bit longer than what is supposed to be there.


Also, just had to comment on this:


If they didn't have enough "rebound" in them, they would not stretch out to their full length.
The "lack of rebound" that most guys talk about is rebound DAMPING, not spring. And, I don't know of a single shock in use on a motorcycle that is not fully-extended when the bike is on the centerstand. Yeah, they will be "stretched to the max" every time the bike is on the centerstand.

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I had another look at the bike tonight and the tire JUST touches the ground. With the bike supported on the centrestand on a 1/2" piece of plywood, the shocks keep the tire off the ground, and the extended length of the shock is 14 1/4".

IIRC, the measurement on the 650G should be 13 1/4 - 13 1/2". That could be the issue. Can anyone confirm with an eye to eye measurement on their own 650G?

What might be the expected consequences of this setup, if the shock is indeed an inch longer than stock?

[GSJim]

My 83 GS650G shocks (originals) are a hair under 13.5" (340mm). I can get a more exact measurement when the weather improves enough to drag the bike out of the garage.

Jim