Rear shocks options for an '80 850G

[rudeman]

Wrong post to address this, but I was just wondering if 10mm is enough since a few folks here state that an added 1" to rear shock height will tighten up the steering angle better.....10mm{3/8" roughly?} is much - but I honestly wonder how much angle would be lost with going an inch {30mm) higher in back?....just thinking out loud...

It'll steer noticeably quicker with an additional inch in height. when I replaced the shocks on my old '77 GS750 I bought GS1000 units and it improved the handling immediately.

[80GS850GBob]

It'll steer noticeably quicker with an additional inch in height. when I replaced the shocks on my old '77 GS750 I bought GS1000 units and it improved the handling immediately.

That's what I heard!....but I'd also like to hear from guys who went only +10mm...even +20mm to see if any noted steering changes occurred....30mm comes in at about 1.170" rise above stock.{1mm equaling .039", rounded}
How's she in straights...notably touchy to inputs?!

[Nessism]

Keep in mind that if you lengthen the shocks too much then your center stand may not work any longer.

Another shock option that some of you guys may want to consider is Gazi. The Sport Lite model has adjustable damping and is about $435. http://www.gazisuspension.com/shock-...-lite-sl400300

[80GS850GBob]

Dogma....part 14 going bad possibly?...oil weight thicker?
http://www.suzukipartshouse.com/oemp...4b3/front-fork
...any problems you have on yours means I could too.

[80GS850GBob]

Keep in mind that if you lengthen the shocks too much then your center stand may not work any longer.

Another shock option that some of you guys may want to consider is Gazi. The Sport Lite model has adjustable damping and is about $435. http://www.gazisuspension.com/shock-...-lite-sl400300

We're not going "that" high..of course now that you've said that I'll have to run out and check the gap between the bottom of the rear tire to the garage floor while she's on the center stand!....though a lot of folks go 4-1 exhaust, so that won't be an issue...me, I'd love 4-4 myself, but that never was nor will be {still looks cool though}

[80GS850GBob]

...almost an 1 3/4"...your tires, surface and clearance may vary....someone once said...to measure is to know....

[80GS850GBob]

Hmmm, sport lite shocks made of aluminum...so, are shocks sprung or unsprung weight...there's a pun in there somewhere, I just know it.

[Dogma]

Dogma....part 14 going bad possibly?...oil weight thicker?
http://www.suzukipartshouse.com/oemp...4b3/front-fork
...any problems you have on yours means I could too.

Maybe. Cheap enough to replace during a rebuild, just in case. I've never seen one damaged.

If you want to tip the bike forward to quicken the steering (tire profile and pressures got me where I want to be (Avon RoadRiders)), you can raise the rear, or you can lower the front by raising the fork tubes in the clamps, or both.

[MadCapsule]

Keep in mind that if you lengthen the shocks too much then your center stand may not work any longer.

Another shock option that some of you guys may want to consider is Gazi. The Sport Lite model has adjustable damping and is about $435. http://www.gazisuspension.com/shock-...-lite-sl400300

That's in whacky Aussie dollars. The Gazi USA site has those shocks listed at $469 in freedom moneys. http://www.gazi-usa.com/sport%20lite.html

[Dogma]

Those look pretty good, but compression adjustment is conspicuously missing from the list. They wouldn't forget to list the primary damping adjustment would they?

[Tim Tom]

That's what I heard!....but I'd also like to hear from guys who went only +10mm...even +20mm to see if any noted steering changes occurred....30mm comes in at about 1.170" rise above stock.{1mm equaling .039", rounded}
How's she in straights...notably touchy to inputs?!

I had 14" Ikons on my 850G. Still dead stable with no twitchy-ness, but yes, much improved handling. Lighter steering and quicker side to side transitions. I did have to weld a little heel onto my side stand so it wouldn't be leaned over as far. My center stand still worked just fine, with about 1/4" of daylight under the back wheel. When it was time to change tires, simply put a block of wood under the center stand. Easy problem to solve.

[MadCapsule]

Those look pretty good, but compression adjustment is conspicuously missing from the list. They wouldn't forget to list the primary damping adjustment would they?

I was wondering about that myself.

[Nessism]

You are getting into the high $ range if you desire both compression and rebound adjustment.

[tkent02]

I for one will pay a lot for a decent ride, as a bike that's too painful to ride is a complete waste of money. Unfortunately some very expensive shocks in the past have been as harsh as the cheap crap. Looking for something that works. Nice smooth ride.