82 GS850 G Rear Shock size

[cj_sandman]

Does anyone know what the stock size is on this bike? And can anyone recommend a shorter shock?

Thanks.

[Nessism]

The archives has lots of information about shock length for the various GS bikes. I believe the stock shocks are very close to 13" eye to eye. Regarding shorter shocks, I don't recommend them since you will loose suspension travel.

[Hammered]

are the shocks eye to eye or eye to clevis? If eye to eye, just measure the steel mount rings on the shock and call Progressive to see what they carry. If its eye to clevis, you could have the coils and shaft cut down about 2 inches without any loss of suspension action. If the shock is in good shape, you only see about an 1 1/2" during normal riding as it is. If the shocks are in less than good shape find a set of NOS on Ebay or an inexpensive aftermarket set and have them cut. I had the eye to clevis shocks from my 750 done and Im really happy with the end result. Now I just need to finish the build.

http://www.skullenterprises.com/shocks.html

[Nessism]

are the shocks eye to eye or eye to clevis? If eye to eye, just measure the steel mount rings on the shock and call Progressive to see what they carry. If its eye to clevis, you could have the coils and shaft cut down about 2 inches without any loss of suspension action. If the shock is in good shape, you only see about an 1 1/2" during normal riding as it is. If the shocks are in less than good shape find a set of NOS on Ebay or an inexpensive aftermarket set and have them cut. I had the eye to clevis shocks from my 750 done and Im really happy with the end result. Now I just need to finish the build.

http://www.skullenterprises.com/shocks.html

The 850 shocks are eye to eye with adjustable damping so it would be very difficult to shorten them, particularly since they are sealed from the factory. You can install shorter shocks but need to be careful to make sure the rear tire won’t crash into the inner fender; it’s generally recommended to keep the same compressed length. Most of the time the shorter shocks will lead to reduced rear wheel travel so use at your own risk – not worth it in my opinion.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have a look at this page...

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[salty_monk]

330mm Eye to eye. If you get shorter ones check clearance at full compression & also be a good idea to lower the front a little to keep steering geometry stock (Lowering back only will slow it down).

Check clearance for fender if you lower the front.

Dan