Author Topic: What rear shock shall I use? (Read 10165 times)

IcyChaos · « **on:** June 06, 2006, 06:03:57 AM »

I have racetech springs 1.0 and emulators in the front. Unbelievable how much difference this has made. Its time for a rear shock to finalize the package.

Im looking into a rear shock, but the only affordable one to me is the progressive one. I really don't like progressive springs and wasn't sure if I would like the shock either. Im also considering trying the gsxr or busa shock, but I don't want it too stiff, or too spongy. My buddy had a real stiff swap on his ninja, and thats not what I want.

I weight 195, Im wondering if I should go for the gsxr 750 shock? 1000 shock? or the busa shock. will this give the same result as buying a progressive shock? whats the differences between these options.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2006, 09:46:47 AM »

There's a lot of discussion here about shocks. Read all the old threads. I went with a 'Busa shock and the difference was night and day. Best thing I've done. They're like $600 new, but I got an '05 for like $80 off eBay. Some of the members have picked up older ones for lots less. Grab one! You'll like it.

2005B12S · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2006, 10:38:53 AM »

The Works Performance rear is not much more than the Progressive.

I was lucky and got one barely used. It is fully rebuildable and should last many years. Other stock Suz shocks such as the Busa are a cheap alternative but do not compare with a high quality aftermarket unit such as this.

Good Luck, Ed.

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2006, 12:06:25 PM »

The Busa shock is more for the 2G B12, though some have put them on 1G bikes. It will raise the tail of a 1G a lot more than a 2G bike. You can counter this with lowering dogbones.

I've not seen anyone that's had experience with the Busa shock and an aftermarket one, so I don't know how it compare. I've been real happy with my Busa shock on my 2G. It is stiffer than the stocker, but then the stocker seems to be made for a 140# rider - and I'm about another 100# more than that, so the stiffer Busa spring is a welcome addition for me.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:34:04 PM »

I just think the busa shock will be too stiff for me.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2006, 02:16:22 PM »

Quote from: IcyChaos

I just think the busa shock will be too stiff for me.

I don't know. It is three way adjustable, though, but if you got a wad of cash, then by all means, buy a new Works or similar. I liked the one I had on my K75. Maybe if you're patient you can pick up a used one cheap.

2005B12S · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2006, 06:01:04 PM »

No doubt the Busa shock is an improvement over the B12 unit but any stocker, unless it reads Ohlins, is not going to compare with an aftermarket unit such as the WP. Unless you buy a real high end sport bike, suspension components are one of the things the factorys go cheap on.

I have seen 10 year old Fox twin clickers on early GSXR bikes that were still going strong. Don't just look at the initial purchase price, you are buying a fully rebuildable piece of hardware that will last many years.

I give a full report when I get the WP shock dialed in along with the Gold Valves out front. My '05 is just about done with being set up.

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2006, 11:34:50 AM »

FWIW - the stock GSXR & Busa shocks are fully rebuildable, too.

2005B12S · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2006, 01:06:24 PM »

Why rebuild stock junk

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2006, 01:37:48 PM »

As cheap as a good busa shock is on eBay, I probably wouldn't bother.
I'm just saying they are rebuildable.
And I'm perfectly happy with my $25 Busa shock.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2006, 01:40:19 PM »

Quote from: Red01

As cheap as a good busa shock is on eBay, I probably wouldn't bother.
I'm just saying they are rebuildable.
And I'm perfectly happy with my $25 Busa shock.

Hmmm, hopefully the shock on Suzuki's premier, top of the line, most expensive bike wouldn't be junk.

2005B12S · « **Reply #11 on:** June 07, 2006, 03:01:05 PM »

Quote

Hmmm, hopefully the shock on Suzuki's premier, top of the line, most expensive bike wouldn't be junk.

Doesn't even come close to what you find stock on a "real" high end bike like the Duc 749R or 999.

The Busa ia a 500+ lb Battleship set up to go fast in a straight line.
Period.
That does not require top shelf suspension components.

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 07, 2006, 04:42:32 PM »

I'm sure it's no Ohlins... but I'm no Rossi either.
For the cheap investment I made, I don't think I'd find an Ohlins to be worth another $700 or more. Afterall, I'm riding a 500+lb battleship, too.

I'd suspect as stock Suzuki (Showa/Kayaba) shocks go, the GSXR1000's is on a higher shelf than the Busa.

As for "real" high end bikes - how come those Ducs keep getting spanked by the affordable (is that "unreal" or "fake"?) bikes?

2005B12S · « **Reply #13 on:** June 07, 2006, 08:06:57 PM »

Red, you are not in the market for a $500 shock and happy with your setup. OK. Understood.

Chaos stated he already has $200+ in the frond end with the Race Tech components. He is in the market for a shock and is contemplating the 420.

All I am saying is that if you are gonna spend $400 for a 420, look at the WP shock. It is in the $550 area, which is not that much more than the 420. It is a very nice unit.

No doubt this is not for everyone. A stock Busa shock is an acceptable street replacement, but in no way compares with a full aftermarket unit.

As far as the Ducs, they have their purpose. Have you ever ridden one? My only experience with the brand is my newly aquired 1992 SS. It is a great machine, extremely light and torquey. With Pilot Powers, it will do anything on the street you ask of it. Not an everyday ride, but it has its place.

As far as racing, I have no clue. Rossi would win on any brand he rode. It's not all bike- see quote below.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #14 on:** June 08, 2006, 05:12:12 AM »

I push this bike to the limits, and think to myself everyday why im still riding the bandit. Great power, but Im scraping pegs so often the amount of cash I keep pumping into the bike almost makes it not worth it.

Anyhow is the WP shock adjustable as much if not more than the progressive?? I couldn't get them to answer the phone one day I called.