Author Topic: Replace current stock shock with lower mileage stock shock? (Read 2725 times)

curiousmike · « **on:** April 05, 2006, 03:35:32 AM »

My current rear shock has about 45k miles on it.

A stock shock with 5k miles for $40 has come up on Craigslist.

Do you think it'd be worth my time to replace it? i.e., would the 5k shock be in better shape than my current shock?

The alternative is getting a used GSXR shock, but what I've read, all the GSXR shocks tend to add 1" to the ride height, and I want stock ride height.

Another alternative is take the $40 shock to a suspension guy and revalve it for $200... but then a whole new aftermarket shock is about $400.
$85 to replace oil and nitrogen is another option.

smooth operator · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2006, 07:02:02 AM »

I myself wouldn't put a new stock shock back on. On my GSX-R shock,I had a set of linkage bones made 4mm over that brought the bike down to stock. But I found it chages the performace on the shock (too much sag). so I put the stock bones back on and I use it for track duty,and the extra 1.5" keeps me from scraping hard parts. If you don't mind spending a few hundred $ a good after market shock makes a world of difference. I have a Works Performance that is much smoother than the GSX-R and keeps the stock hiegth. There was a Ohlins for sale not too long ago on ebay. Pensky is top shelf as well as the Fox double clicker. I ended up spending$over $400.on mine though plus shipping.I'll be putting the WP back on this week. Its worth the effort for normal riding.I only toutch down with it,at knee scraping angles wich I don't see on the road.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:18:59 AM »

AFAIK, the stock shock is not rebuildable, so I don't think it can be re-valved.

Since you mentioned the GSXR shock, I take it this is on a 1G bike?
If not, you'll want to consider a Hayabusa shock for the 2G. The GSXR shock will lower a 2G bike.

tacoman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2006, 01:34:39 PM »

I would replace it with another stocker. Your shock with 45k on it has probably lost a lot of damping not to mention a fatigued spring. If you can get a new one for $40 go for it.

ldbandit76 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2006, 04:45:24 PM »

Quote from: "tacoman"

Your shock with 45k on it has probably lost a lot of damping not to mention a fatigued spring.

How much does fatigue affect suspension springs?

I ask because I intend to swap my old (54,000 mile) stock spring onto the body of a GSX-R 750 shock. I realize that the spring rate and damping won't match perfectly, but at worst I'll have to use the upper limits of the damping adjustments. Far better that than preloading the heck out of the spring, or simply having too weak a spring to begin with.

But if my stock spring is shot, along with the shock, I'll need a new plan.

Dave