Author Topic: Busa shock on a 99 1200 bandit? (Read 3150 times)

Chivalry · « **on:** February 23, 2006, 05:36:28 PM »

Hi,, ive trawled lots of threads trying to find a definitive answer but keep ending up with half answers or complete differnt answers :)
In a nutshell im trying to find out if i can stick a stock busa Shock into my standard 1200 bandit s.... is a 99 model so old shape
Ive seen some ppl saying it cant be done.. others saying it can,, some say it raises the back end loads (to much?? how much over stock? does it make the handling better or worse with such a large increase in hieght at the back? ) some saying it can be done with cutting bits of the airbox.... maybe grinding bits off the frame... someone even said it slotted strait onto there old shape bandit!! no mods at all!! lol

so u see.. im at a complete loss ;/
I know ppl say about fitting the gsxr 750 or 1100 shock,,, but the Busa shock is a higher quality i feel ? and more to the point alot easier to get hold of and cheaper :)

so can anyone help a noob out and tell me if it can / has been done and what difficulties are involved!!

thnx for any help,,,, seems like a brill forum too! loads and loads of info!!

kedeg_97B12 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2006, 06:45:40 PM »

I did it. It was sorta a pain in the ass.
Minor grinding because if you don't then you will have 1.25" of instant preload that you may not be able to adjust out. I also had a GSXR1100 shock on it, that was a direct fit. I weigh 310 and it wasn't enough for me. Busa shock deffinately has enough for me. Nice plush ride but it does raise the backend over an inch. If I could do it over I would just get the right friggin shock. Bite the bullet and get a progressive 420HD if you are over 240lbs or the regular duty for 'midgets'. If you track it, buy a Penske, Ohlins or something like that. Just remember, if you don't upgrade the front as well, YOU WILL DEFINATELY WANT TO. It shows how weak the front springs are.

Chivalry · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2006, 08:53:50 PM »

um,, im about 180 pounds... bout 13 stone :)
reason i was asking after the busa shock is u can pick them up dirt cheap... i just aint got the money to afford a new ohlins or similer...... but the busa shock i can afford :)....
What did u have to grind ?
thnx for the reply :)

kedeg_97B12 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2006, 09:57:45 AM »

I don't have an airbox so I didn't have to trim that but I did have to trim a little on the front of the battery box and inner fender. A little grinding on the bottom of the frame mount so the shock can pivit and a little chamfering on the lower of the shock. This allows you to return to stock if you have to. Others have done a lot of grinding but this way wasn't as intense. Once the grinding is done the shock will seem just a 'tad' too long to fit the bottom bolt in. It will fit, just sweat and struggle for a bit. My exhaust center stand stop was holding the swing arm from going all the way down.

Click here for http://www.Maximum-suzuki.com has PLENTY of pics and discussions if you search. You will have to register if you arent a member to read the forums. One of the members documented it along the way. His member name is 'WOGDADDY'. Remember to set the search time box for longer than 30 days on the search page. You will have about 10 pages of great discussions and opinions.

Good luck.

ldbandit76 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2006, 05:46:39 PM »

Here's a step-by-step on the Busa installation, done so as to get normal function of the shock with no interference on hard parts.

http://www.maximum-suzuki.com/ibf/index.php?showtopic=28393

Not a drop-in, but not brain surgery either.