I searched, I searched.....shock help, please.

[man6ano]

My 400 was easy, Hagon shock there. I have recently purchased a 2000 600S. I think it's 2nd gen? Anyway, i need a stiffer shock on the cheap. I'm confused about the stock alternatives. I think a 2nd gen (what years?) B12 shock will work, but am not sure. I just need something a bit stiffer, damping adjustment would be nice as well. I would like to keep ride height as stock as possible as well. I wish it was easy as dropping a Kat shock into my GS500 was, best $20 I ever spent! Please forgive me if I've missed something here, but seems like all options are for 1st gen or B12s only. Again frugality is of utmost mportance. 

[PitterB4]

Do a search for "B6 Shock".  You get a few hits, some pertinent to your question.  From this , it sounds like the 'Busa shock will work.  Since that's the case, I have a strong suspicion that a 2G B12 shock will as well.  I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it would be to a B6, tho.

[pmackie]

Hey man6ano

Welcome to the board...

The cheapest option is to swap in a 2nd gen B12 shock. I have one in my bike. It's NOT a big upgrade but it does have a slightly stiffer spring, and the shock is a little higher quality, but not much. Just like the B6, it has rebound and preload adjustment only. Look for one on E-Bay or find a B12 guy who has upgraded to a Busa shock and work out a deal.

The shock is a little longer, but less than 1/4" IIRC, it raised the rear of my approx 1/2", about the same as dropping the front, which is commonly done. 2nd gen B12 is 2001-2005 in the US.

You can also swap in the Busa shock, like on the B12. It will fit, but will raise the rear more than it does on a B12. Likely about 1-1/2". If you go this route, you will want to ensure that the front fork caps are flush with the triple trees (ie forks fully extended). If you find the bike a little too skittish, you can also change from the standard 120/60 front to a 120/70 front, which is about a 1/2" taller as well.

On my setup, I have the B12 shock, forks dropped 5/8", progressive fork springs with approx 1-1/4" preload, and a 120/70 front tire. This is a good compromise for stability and quick turn-in. I do a lot of longer highway trips, but on tight roads, so this is how  I like it. If I were setting up the bike for around town, I would stay with the 120/60 front.

Hope this helps...

[man6ano]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like I'll be going with the B12 shock and some progressive springs. I'm not looking for a drastic improvement, but rebound damping and the ability to get my sag right without maxing out preload would be nice. I know that the specs say the 2nd gen B6 has rebound damping adjustment, but I don't see any on my 2000 model.