Changing GS650GL Shocks

[Guest]

What's up GS community? This is my first time posting, and if it's a bit of an amateurish question, I apologize.

I just recently bought a 1982 Suzuki GS650GL, and I need some input on the suspension. I'm trying to decide if I should get longer rear shocks for my bike to raise it a bit. However, due to it being a shaft-drive, there is that lingering concern where it might damage my bike because the drive shaft will be reset at a slightly different angle. GS650GL's have 12.5in shocks, but a normal GS650G has 13.5in shocks. Don't these two bikes share the same structural frame, with minor tank/seat differences, since they're just sub-models? Doesn't that mean 13.5in shocks will work on my bike? Thanks!

[salty_monk]

At a guess I would say you're right....

There might be slightly more stress at the extreme of the shock extension but I shouldn't think it will be at the limits... Try it & see

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. hoburger,

Raising the back end will quicken up the steering. I believe the stock shock length for your bike is 325mm (about 12.75 inches). So installing 330mm or 335mm (about 13 - 13.2 inches) would be my recommendation. Any more than that might be too weird and twitchy.

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[tom203]

My 81 gs650L has 13.25 inch rear shocks- unknown if they were stock or later added. Forks are at the top in triple tree- no signs of "twitchy", but most of my riding has been done on dirt bikes, so I'm use to knobby tires - I'm still getting acquainted with street bikes.

[Steve]

Well, I can't say for sure what the stock size was, but my son's '82 650L has shocks that are 12.75" from eye center to eye center.

I think they are more than .25" longer than stock, though, as they bike REALLY leans when it's on the side stand.

.