Trying to put 13.5 shocks on 1000G

[azr]

Hey all. I've got a nice set of Progressive 418 rear shocks that measure 13.5, eye to eye. I thought my swing arm would just drop down enough to put these on but it won't drop far enough down to get these on. I can feel the swing arm hitting something, bottoming out, when I drop it down. Am I doing something wrong here or will these not fit?

[Steve]

Probably bottoming out on the mufflers. If you really want to use those shocks, see if you can pry the mufflers outward a bit to clear the swingarm.

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[azr]

Thanks Steve. The mufflers were already unbolted but when I started looking around I found a tab sticking out from the frame, right behind the rear foot peg. I've never noticed that before on my frames, very odd. I can only imagine it's to stop the swing arm from dropping too low. Can't imagine there's and issue if I take it off???

[azr]

2017-04-13_10-25-46 by Rob Ert, on Flickr

[azr]

I've have a set of Progressive 412's on the bike right now so I'm hoping the 418's with preload and dampening ability are a good improvement.

[Nessism]

Instead of removing the tab can you profile it to allow more swingarm extension?

[azr]

Probably, all I need is 1/2". I'm trying to figure out the purpose of that tab. If the shocks are on, the swing arm would never extend too far..would it?

[Nessism]

Without the tab the swingarm will drop to the point of binding up the U-joints, which is never good. Maybe Suzuki put that tab there to protect against that?

[Steve]

Without the tab the swingarm will drop to the point of binding up the U-joints, which is never good. Maybe Suzuki put that tab there to protect against that?

That would be my guess as well. I don't remember seeing one on my 850, will have to check my son's 1000.

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[azr]

Simple filling of the tab did the trick, thanks for the help guys. Always learning something with these bikes

[bobgroger]

Simple filling of the tab did the trick, thanks for the help guys. Always learning something with these bikes

Just gain some weight, problem solved.....

[lurch12_2000]

I cut that tab off from my GS1000G I had a few years ago for a set of taller 13.5" shocks. I went back to the 12 7/8" stock length shocks anyway after the longer shocks blew their seals after 1k miles. They were new/used takeoffs from a Harley 100lbs heavier. Of course I push my GSes hard on the rough NH roads but I expected better.

[bwringer]

Instead of removing the tab can you profile it to allow more swingarm extension?

I've done this on a 1000G to install 13.5" shocks. A few minutes with a Dremel and it works fine.

I can't quite figure out why the 1000G has this tab but not the 850G. Just one of many early '80s mysteries, like disco.

[sharpy]

That tab is there for tricky wheel changes. Fastest way to remove rear wheel(if no carry rack) is to take the shocks off and lift the rear end up so the axle can slide out abouve the exhausts. then drop everything back down to remove the caliper and wheel. Either park the bike's rear end over a gutter to have room under the wheel to remove it or a trusted mate to lean bike over on the centre stand to the left, holding onto the front brake and watching out for the "foot" part on the centre stand to touch down making the bike try to roll forward. Hence the front brake needs to be held.