shock therapy - calling Dr. Ricks

[crc1214]

I'm debating on whether or not to replace my shock this year on my 83 750 - and I'm thinking I may just try to pick up a used shock from a low mileage GSXR750 until I can afford to shell out 300 or 400 bucks (or more) for a brand new replacement.

Billy - I'm sure you'll know this - what years from the GSXR750 will work on my 83? Any special mods needed, or are they pretty much just bolt on and go?

From what I can tell from some other posts, it seems that a lot of front suspension and wheel/brake parts can be used from the 95-01?? GSXR750's - I'm wondering if the same holds true for the shock as well?

Thanks,

Chad

[Billy Ricks]

I would try a Honda VTR1000 shock. The GSXR shocks will all have the wrong mount at the bottom and the reservoirs will pose a problem with fitment.

[crc1214]

Thanks Billy. I got one from a fairly low mileage one today. I'll let you know how it works out.

Chad

[Billy Ricks]

The VTR shock is about the best prospect I've seen as a cheap replacement. The shock is about .4" longer than the stock GS shock which is not much. Raising the rear a tad will probably improve flickability. If this works out for you then you could keep an eye out for a good aftermarket shock that's VTR based. That will be far easier to find than a GS shock at a bargain price. They usually have ride height adjustment as well as all the damping and preload adjustments.

[oldschoolGS]

Billy, keep us updated on your swingarm project. I might be going the same route. I have access to a complete '92 GSXR 750 chasis. My '83 swingarm may be toast:



found this recently on disassembly, it was hiding under the rubber chain buffer. With the shock situation, or lack of, the GSXR arm might be the way to go. Thanks, Ed.

[Billy Ricks]

Ed,
I'm just going to go with a Works shock I picked up from a forum user. I have a '93 banana swingarm I was going to adapt if you're interested. It would involve grinding on the frame where the arm pivots and mounts for the top of the shock and the lower linkage. I have a '97 shock to go with it.

[oldschoolGS]

I have a '92 GSXR750 frame/swingarm in the garage. I am getting the '83 arm welded/braced as an option also. I have looked at the WP shocks for the 750, I have one for the Bandit 1200, it is stout, has the remote reservoir, and is a very high quality unit.

I am now worried about the strength of the stock '83 arm, it is very lightweight and not exactly designed for the loads imposed by wide radials and 100+ hp.

The '92 arm is gonna require a fair bit of fabrication though, and I don't know if I want to get that deep into this project. I am almost ready to cut my losses and bail on the 750- I have my eye on a 1992 Ducati 900SS.

I just hate to part with the '83 as I have had it for 20+ years.

[Billy Ricks]

Ed,
You might try an '86-'87 Gixxer swingarm. Should be less work since they have the linkage on top of the shock like the GS. You could always pick up another GS swingarm and do some bracing.

[oldschoolGS]

Billy, I figure the early slab sided GSXR stuff is probably too lightweight to warrant using and I already have all the '92 stuff. The '92 arm is real beefy and will fit into the frame pivot point fairly easy, although the foot contol mounts will need to be cut off the frame and reattached further outward.

The main thru bolt that attaches the swingarm to the frame is much thicker, either the frame will have to be adapted to use it or spacers allowing use of the GS thru bolt in the GSXR arm will need to be made.

Are you using the original foot controls? If not can you post a photo or two to give me some ideas.

I like the idea of using the modern '92 arm but its just another delay on this project that should have been done months ago.

Thanks for the imput, Ed.

[Billy Ricks]

Ed, if the '92 mounts the same as the '93 swingarm you could use your GS bushings. I had planned on cannibalizing my stock bushings to fit the '93 arm by shortening them to fit. They are the right outer diameter for the '93 and the right inner diameter for the GS shaft. Just wanted to suggest it in case you switch arms.

[oldschoolGS]

Excellent info, thanks Billy.

The frame bracing for the shock attachments should not be too difficult. I am starting to look into foot controls- I saw a photo of your bike- your rearsets look like GSXR600. Thats seems to be a good canidate as the master cylinder bolts up high on the peg bracket.

Just saw the link on the Spring ride- wish I could make it but work dicates otherwise. Hopefully next year.