SV650 suspension fix on a budget

[Ferkletastic]

Awesome, thanks guys for all the advice.

I'm still digesting the info provided, as stated my first concern is making 2 up riding actually possible as currently the shock bottoms out completely with a moderate sized passenger. It seems like the zx10 shock is probably the best solution to sort the rear at this stage and I'll PM Merv to get the ball rolling.

The Ohlins front springs sounds like a good start for the front definitely. As soon as I know the situation with the rear shock I'll sort out when I can order the springs.

[Ferkletastic]

PM'd Merv, he's never had a zx10 or the shock that goes with it. Musta got your names mixed up there Robert. No worries though, if you do remember let me know, in the mean time I'll keep hunting.

[davebullet]

Hi Ferkle,

I replaced the rear of my (pointy) K3SV650 with a K3 GSXR1000 rear. I went for this shock because:
a) the spring rate was a better match
b) the shock length was the same (or within 2mm from memory).
c) the reservoir was going to fit under the battery (with minor mods) since the SV isn't designed to have a fixed "at the top" reservoir. The K3 apparently has a bit more room to play with than later models (slightly different rear frame).

All up it cost me NZD$80 - including shipping.

I have some photos of the replacement on my photobucket - will post later if you are interested.

There is a spreadsheet around (might be on sv650 forums site) comparing spring lengths, rates of the various shocks.

Did it help - yes. I think I ended up lowering the back slightly - which has affected the geometry and changed the steering from neutral through the corners. I still have the factory shock so if I ever sell the bike - the bike can be put back to original.

From memory - one of the ZX shocks will provide a stiffer spring for your weight.

I haven't done anything to the front forks.

All I can say is cheap as is as cheap does. Especially if you are like me and know little about suspension So - don't expect an "Ohlins awakening".

Also be aware your shock may have come off a crashed bike. God knows how you check for alignment - but take it easy if you fit it (slow speed stuff and some really rutty / nasty surfaces at slow speed) - to test it out, make sure it's secure and not leaking / causing problems - just be careful!

PS: I am about 85kgs including gear

[Ferkletastic]

Hi Ferkle,

I replaced the rear of my (pointy) K3SV650 with a K3 GSXR1000 rear. I went for this shock because:
a) the spring rate was a better match
b) the shock length was the same (or within 2mm from memory).
c) the reservoir was going to fit under the battery (with minor mods) since the SV isn't designed to have a fixed "at the top" reservoir. The K3 apparently has a bit more room to play with than later models (slightly different rear frame).

All up it cost me NZD$80 - including shipping.

I have some photos of the replacement on my photobucket - will post later if you are interested.

There is a spreadsheet around (might be on sv650 forums site) comparing spring lengths, rates of the various shocks.

Did it help - yes. I think I ended up lowering the back slightly - which has affected the geometry and changed the steering from neutral through the corners. I still have the factory shock so if I ever sell the bike - the bike can be put back to original.

From memory - one of the ZX shocks will provide a stiffer spring for your weight.

I haven't done anything to the front forks.

All I can say is cheap as is as cheap does. Especially if you are like me and know little about suspension So - don't expect an "Ohlins awakening".

Also be aware your shock may have come off a crashed bike. God knows how you check for alignment - but take it easy if you fit it (slow speed stuff and some really rutty / nasty surfaces at slow speed) - to test it out, make sure it's secure and not leaking / causing problems - just be careful!

Cheers, the zx10 and zx14 shocks have the reservoir mounted in such a way that no mod of battery box is needed and they're the right length also. Yeah the plan is to hopefully score a unit off somebody that's upgraded their shock as opposed to crashed it. But I'll definitely keep your advice in mind.