Bandit 1200 Rear Shock modification

[NomisQC]

About the Hayabusa rear shock...

1- Do I have to look for a particular year to fit my 2004 Bandit 1200 or years from 1999 to 2008 will fit ?

I found the following info posted on this forum:

"That said, it's well known the '99-up Hayabusa shock at 330mm will fit the 2G B12 without much trouble, but will alter ride height."

2- Without much trouble means "bolt-on" or we need to modify something on the Bandit ?

3- Also, I'm rather heavy (250 pounds) and often ride with the girlfriend (115 pounds)....

Should I go with the Busa rear shock anyway or something else would be better ?

4- What about the front...given my weight, I think I have to change for a thicker oil...but which one ?

5- Last but not least...is it something I am able to change myself or I would have to take it to the dealer ?

Thanks !

[Red01]

1. Too early to know for sure about the '08 model since there are some changes, but '99-'07 is certainly a "go". It will raise the tail ~1.25"

2. If you have ditched the stock airbox for pod filters, it'll bolt in with no mods. If you're running the airbox, some light trimming along an edge is required. Search older posts on the Busa shock transplant or the FAQ for details. I'm running one, but I have pods, so don't remember the details.

3. The Busa shock is perfect for heavy riders. I'm 260 and my wife weighs more than your girlfriend (and just saying that might get me in trouble, so SHHHH!)  

4. Better springs up front would probably be best, but I haven't done anything to mine except run the preload to it's firmest.

5. It's pretty straightforward. If you can break the nuts loose and remove a few bolts and cut a little bit of plastic without visiting the Emergency Room, you can do this. Changing the rear shock is pretty easy with the bike on it's centerstand - not so easy without one (a paddock stand is no help).

[NomisQC]

Thanks ! Do you need to put the Busa rear shock to it's stiffest too then ?

Also, is a part looking like this ok (enough):



...or I need the thingie (rear cushion lever) like on the right on this one (or the dog bones for that matter):



Finally, my first thought is that the bike's tail sitting higher would help dive into curves, no ?

Are there disadvantages too  ?

[Red01]

You just need the shock. The other bits don't fit the B12. If you find a better deal on a shock with the cushion lever and/or dogbones, that's fine, you can just get rid of the extras.

You won't have to set it at it's stiffest, the spring rate on the Busa shock is pretty stout. I found setting on compression & rebound to be around mid-way (9-10 clicks).  I don't know if the one I bought had the the threaded preload collars in the stock spot or not, but when I put it in, the sag was perfect.

The taller tail height will make it turn in quicker. The only disadvantage is this will also make it easier to get headshake.  The only time I ever had any hint of headshake was back when I had the OEM Macadam 90 front tire... it it was changed out before I put the Busa boinger in.

[NomisQC]

OK...great !

What about mileage ?

Do those things have a life expectancy ?

A local guy would sell me one with 11 000 km on it for 45$...

Would that be ok ?

[Red01]

Most likely. The ideal is to get the lowest mileage (kilometerage?) one you can, but 11K km isn't too bad.

These shocks are rebuildable, unlike the throw-away stock Bandit items.

[NomisQC]

Well...finally this one is gone...

Another guy has one with 17 000 km (10 500 miles) for 40$...

Or I can buy one on eBay with 3000km (who knows the actual mileage) and wait for it for 2 weeks....

I'm not sure what I should do...

[Red01]

Depends on how big of a hurry you're in. These things pop up on ebay pretty regularly - and go for pretty cheap. Considering riding season for you is coming to a close for this year, I'd try to pick up the lower mileage one...

[NomisQC]

Thanks...that's what I already decided...

I bought one on eBay for 40$.

A 2006 one with 1500 claimed miles on it.

As you said...I'll install it and probably won't ride that much until next spring anyway or I'll install it next spring so no rush...

[NomisQC]

Just received the shock !

Can someone who did the conversion confirm the modification needed so it fits on a 2004 B12 with stock air box ?

Do I need to Dremel something or an X-Acto (knife) should do the trick ?

Thanks !

[PaulVS]

I haven't done it, but I've seen the install pics somewhere... you need to trim off the airbox lid tab on the left side of the bike.  The reservoir of the 'busa shock will take up that space.  I would imagine that the best thing to do is to remove the airbox lid before you install the shock and then see how much of the tab you need to trim off.

A good heavy-duty razor knife should do the trick.

I'm sure others who have actually installed one will chime in soon though.

[Ranger]

Two things that will need your attention:
1. Trim one tab off the bottom of the airbox where the back locks into
2. Check your chain adjustment when the shock is in place.  You will need to adjust (loosen) the chain since the swingarm is pushed down, shortening the length.

One way to verify the chain travel is with the Bandit on the centerstand and the shock removed, slowly raise the rear wheel and notice the chain getting tighter/looser when it moves up and down.

As to settings, you can search around here or I know the shock settings are posted on Maximum-suzuki.com

Just received the shock !
Can someone who did the conversion confirm the modification needed so it fits on a 2004 B12 with stock air box ?
Do I need to Dremel something or an X-Acto (knife) should do the trick ?
Thanks !

[Mongo]

Here is a post I had put up a while back!
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=7481.0;topicseen