Shock Question

[Guest]

When I purchased my GS850G the PO had some funky old Shoei bags and a luggage rack mounted. I removed all of that crap. I've discovered that, accd. to some exploded views I've seen that there are certain particular washers that go behind and in front of the rear shocks. These are missing and I would like to have some idea as to what should be and also, what is a good source for some decent new shocks?

Thanks

[bwringer]

I think there's a washer on either side of the shock. The stud is 12mm, so either 12mm or 1/2 inch washers from your friendly local hardware store will work fine.

If you search the forum, you'll find about eleventy billion posts on shocks, but most people feel Progressive shocks or Hagons are the best bang for the buck, for around $220/set.

Frugal types have expressed happiness with MDI/Emgo (the same Chinese-made shocks are sold under a couple of different brand names) shocks which run around $80 a set. Be warned they are said to be rather stiff, so this is a good option for larger riders. Durability is unknown thus far, but hey, they're $80.

And, of course, upgraded fork springs are mandatory.

[scotto58]

Check 1 of the online microfiches like Alpha Sports; Flatout; etc. They show how many washers are used and where they go. The washers are still available if you want OEM. Flatout or SHS Power Sports has the lowest prices I've found on Suzuki parts.
BTW, Bike Bandit has the microfiches online as well but they use their own part #'s- the others use the Suzuki #'s.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

An excerpt from your mega-welcome:

**********Quoted from Mr. Griffin**********
For suspension upgrades, the front end is pretty simple: Progressive brand springs and fresh 15W fork oil. (http://www.mawonline.com has pretty good prices on Progressive products.)
The rear end isn't so simple.
Most of these brands are available in 'eye to eye' and 'eye to clevis' configurations, in different lengths for twin shock GS models. The options are arranged in order of price, low to high.

1. $65-$90 Emgo/MDI: Found all over ebay, and at about every vendor on the internet. General consensus of users seems to be that they are ok quality, but very stiffly sprung. Essentially the bare minimum option from stock. (For example, see: http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm)
2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com (and omarsdtr.com). I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.

3. $210-$230 Progressive 12 Series: Lots of information here and all over the web about them. Most people seem happy with them, several different spring weights available. Available at most online retailers. www.denniskirk.com is a vendor I have had great luck with over the years.

4. $218-$270 Hagon Type A: Seem very similar to Progressive 12 series as far as owner satisfaction, quality of construction, and price. Available in the USA at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

5. $320-$400+ Ikon 76 Series: Generally pretty highly regarded, lots of options available. From what I've read on the internet, they do seem to be more highly regarded than Progressive. Can be found at http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

6. $419-$589 Works Performance Steel Tracker: Very highly regarded, lots of positive reviews around the internet of Works Performance in general. Customer service (including rebuilding any brand of shock) is very highly rated. More info at http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

There are other options available that can be more expensive, including offerings from Works, Ikon, Ohlins. White Brothers, once a powerhouse in the motorcycle industry, has ceased operations.
******************************


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff