1978 GS1000 takes 1981 GS1000 Shocks?

[Hoomgar]

Does anyone know if the shocks off of a 1981 GS1000 will fit on my 1978 GS1000? I know a guy who has a pair for sale and I need them. But we don't know if they will fit on my bike or not.

Thanks for an replies

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Re: 1978 GS1000 takes 1981 GS1000 Shocks?

Does anyone know if the shocks off of a 1981 GS1000 will fit on my 1978 GS1000? I know a guy who has a pair for sale and I need them. But we don't know if they will fit on my bike or not.

Thanks for an replies

They will probably work. But you need to measure the length, upper bolt to lower bolt and compare. Also check for any differences in the "offset" of the lower shock mounts.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The shocks Are different between a GS1000E(chain) and a GS1000G (shaft) Is that the one with the centers painted red on ebay??

[KEITH KRAUSE]

The shocks Are different between a GS1000E(chain) and a GS1000G (shaft) Is that the one with the centers painted red on ebay??

I did'nt realize the '81 was a shaft. What year did they stop making chained 1000's? '80?

[Anonymous]

Keith: My manual shows a 1000 and 1100 CC SZ Katana in 1982

Steve

[KEITH KRAUSE]

SqDancer's reply made it sound like an '81 only comes in a shaft.
Maybe I misunderstood.

[Anonymous]

Those '82 bikes are 16 valve.
The last model year of the 8 valve, chain drive bike was 1980. Some may not have been sold till later.
The shafter went on another year, then became the GS1100G.

[earlfor]

I have a 1980 GSX1100 16 valve chain drive, so it appears that for that year both the 8 valve and 16 valve chain drive engines were available.

Earl

[SqDancerLynn1]

Their was a nice pair for an 81 GS1000 on ebay at the same time. Thats why I questioned It, because it was G model

[Hoomgar]

The shocks Are different between a GS1000E(chain) and a GS1000G (shaft) Is that the one with the centers painted red on ebay??

Yes that was it. The auction is closed now. I got a reply from the seller. The ones he was selling off that bike were an inch longer. So I let them go. But I still need shocks. What is best to make my GS smoother? I ride for like 30 minutes and I can't walk.

[saaz]

The standard shocks were not overly stiff. You may have the prelaod set too high to make up for the damping not working as well as it did. Otherwise if the rear shocks are after market ones, they probably are just too stiff.

[Hoomgar]

I think they are original but am not sure. The springs are rusted to hell. There are pictures of my bike in the gallery under my name "Mark Fisher"
You may not be able to see them very well but should be able to see what they look like.

[bgk]

First, check if both ends of your shocks have round "eyes", or if one end has an eye and the other has a "clevis" or "forked" end. You could also check Bikebandit and cross-reference between models and years of GS and see which ones come up with the same part numbers for shocks.

Finally, you can get aftermarket shocks. Progressive Suspension shocks are available to fit most if not all GS bikes. They are expensive, but well worth it from everyone I've talked to who's had 'em. Try the Dennis Kirk website for model numbers and prices, etc.

[SqDancerLynn1]

here's a pair

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443373245&category=35592

You can also get shocks for $90 from JC Whitney

[Hoomgar]

here's a pair

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443373245&category=35592

You can also get shocks for $90 from JC Whitney

Thank you. My searches were not pulling these up. What search criteria did you use? These are identical to my shocks except they don't look like they came off a jack hammer and are not covered with rust