Hyabusa Shock vs. Top Aftermarket Shock

[Desolation Angel]

I'm still contemplating changing my '01 B12S rear shock.  A lot of you really support the idea of using a Hyabusa rear shock.  Would you say that is a better choice than just buying a top aftermarket product?  Forget the $$$ aspect.  I'm not overly concerned about cost.

[ttewejnodnarb]

I just bought a GSXR1100 shock for my 1G but have yet to install it, so the following is just thinking out loud.

The following are features:

Hayabusa (‘04 but probably the same for all years) $60 +/-

Proven link-type rear suspension with remote reservoir shock absorber - rear suspension features fully adjustable rebound damping and compression damping and spring preload


Ohlins $700 +/-

Rear Ohlins Shocks features remote or piggy back reservoir with externally adjustable rebound and compression for quick and easy damping changes. Threaded pre load allows the rider to set the sag with a turn of a nut. Fully rebuildable and tuneable

Proggressive: $400 +/-

Description:
Machined from aircraft quality aluminum. 5-position rebound damping adjuster. Internal bladder design to separate oil and gas charge. Velocity sensitive, multi-stage valving for consistent, controlled ride and great handling. 14mm Chromoly steel shock shaft

I would assume that the materials of both the ohlins and proggressive are superior, but adjustability does not seem to be that different.

Based on this and very limited knowledge, I would go for the Busa and use the rest of the money to do the forks (proggressive or racetech with gold valves).  I was looking into Busa forks (very good deal on Ebay) but it seems overly complicated and expensive for the street (if not one of the coolest f'in mods) and I think that this goes for the Ohlins as well.  Unless you have the resourses and don't care about the money AT ALL.  But then you should do Ohlins front AND rear!!

[Red01]

I don't know of anyone who's had both a Busa and an aftermarket shock on a 2G B12. I'm guessing here, but my guess is a premium shock like Ohlins, Fox or Penske is better than the Busa shock. Not sure if the Progressive is better than the Busa piece or not, but it is commonly believed to be in between the stock B12 shock and the more expensive ones above.

As for the Busa forks - they're shorter than the stock B12 forks. The early GSXR USD forks are a better match.

[afm956]

I don't know of anyone who's had both a Busa and an aftermarket shock on a 2G B12.

I had an Ohlins on an '01 B12, then recently put a Busa shock on my current '01 B12 (with Holeshot lowering links so my footsies can touch the ground better).

The Ohlins was of course very nice. I mean, it's an Ohlins! But damn, for such a tiny cash outlay, the Busa shock is considerably superior to the stock shock. I like it.

If I had the cash I'd grab an Ohlins or Penske in a heartbeat. They rule. Top-notch suspension makes your bike more enjoyable every second you're on it. Plus, you could later sell the shock and get back a large portion of your investment.

[LowRyter]

I've got Progressive. It's taken me about 6 months,  1500 miles and I finally have it dailed in.  It was almost rigid for a month, then slowly got mushy. I just cranked in some Preload the last couple of weeks and holy moly.   I got the ride height up and I can almost ride on the tank- really cuts good & stays stable in bumpy turns.  Oddy enough, it rides much better with the preload & ride height worked out too.

If I had posted this a couple of weeks ago I'd have given a different story.
The only downside is the screw adjuster takes a long time to set the preload vs the stepped style.  

Much improved over stock for about $300. I paid about the same for race Tech front.  Of course my bikes 49,000 miles, I am sure it was due.

[Desolation Angel]

'Busa shock on Ron Ayers = $640

'Busa shock on Alpha Sports = $847

     

A 'Busa shock sounds nice for $60, but not for $600 - $800!

I take it the $60 one was found on eBay?

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Addendum:   I guess I just got lucky...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4599468895&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT



Hope it works out like you guys keep sayin'!  Look OK to you all?

Will I need any special tool to adjust it, or will the one in my Bandit toolkit work for it?

Now, this will change my seat height and to keep it the same I have to buy lowering links from Holeshot, right?

Also, I weigh 240 LBS.  What shock settings will be appropriate to start out with?

[chevsuz12]

$74.00  wow!  I bought mine from ebay for $25.00 with a claimed 1200 miles on it.  It looked brand new when it arrived.  Works great.

So you weigh about 240 lbs.  Ha you lightweight!  I am about 250 or so, pushing 260 with riding gear on.  What I did to dial it in was just leave settings as is then rode it for a week or so to get used to it then adjusted it from there.  I have no idea what the actual settings are, but it works for me.

I am also about 6'1"  and actually like the ride height increase.  I no longer hit my feet on the ground when turning at high speed!

[jeepskate99]

Can anyone link to a thread covering any needed changes to run the Busa shock on a 2004 b12?  I tried to search it but it's not turning out good.  The old threads are too random and I am having quite the hard time sifting through it.

[Desolation Angel]

$74.00  wow!  I bought mine from ebay for $25.00 with a claimed 1200 miles on it.  It looked brand new when it arrived.  Works great.

I overpaid?   I thought it wasn't bad for (supposedly) 1000 miles.  There was another with a starting bid of $20, but the guy didn't know anything about what year bike or mileage.  Screwed again!

[Farre]

Now now, not so pessimistic! All in all, it's not very expensive..

Just think about the fun you'll get from it!

[Bazza]

I managed to grab both front & rear progressive's off of E bay used for $300.00 bucks, and have to say they made the world of difference. The front Progressive spring's eliminated the baggy front end while the back shock added to a nice firm but comfortable ride.

Keep in mind though, your not going to turn the Bandit into a Gixer, but any aftermarket suspension will be an improvement.

[Red01]

Will I need any special tool to adjust it, or will the one in my Bandit toolkit work for it?

You might need something to turn the spring preload collar/nuts if you need to adjust them. A hammer and a punch will work in a pinch. I've never needed to move mine, checked the sag and it was fine in the position it came to me in.

Now, this will change my seat height and to keep it the same I have to buy lowering links from Holeshot, right?

Yes... but the change in seat height for the rider isn't too great since you're sitting on top of the shock. The tail light will go up ~1.25", but the rider's seating surface won't go up near that much. If you don't have troubles at a stop now, you might try leaving the dogbones alone. The extra height does improve handling.

Also, I weigh 240 LBS.  What shock settings will be appropriate to start out with?

I'm running 9 & 10 clicks on compression & rebound settings, but I don't remember which one is which... it's been set for a couple years now and I haven't felt the need to fuss with it. I got those numbers from an old thread on the other Bandit board from a couple of other folks who were about my same size (6' & 235 lbs.).

[Swamp Rat]

I just bought one on e-bay for $19.95 with $20 shipping should be here by the week end 1\28\06. I'll definately be researching here on The Alley for the correct install procedures.

[meanstrk]

Installation is a snap if running pod filters. Unbolt the old one and install the new one. If you still have the air box you will need to remove the left side air box lid tab at the bottom.

As far as proper setting go, it's up to the individual. Get the static sag set and then just play with the settings until you are happy with it. I run 170 lbs before gear and have everything set a bit on the firm side for two up riding. and it still does great solo too.