What Year R6 Shock Do I Need For A Pre

[Tmod]

Been getting several PM's with members asking what year R6 shock is the best for my pre, I have also been getting alot of will this year R6 shock work.

IMO the 08+ R6 Shock is the best choice as it is the easiest to fit without modding anything and it has all the adjustment range you could want. The only issue is the R6 shocks normally have a 12mm bolt for the lower clevis and the kat takes a 10mm bolt so you will need bushings to reduce the clevis hole down to 10mm. The 08+ R6 shock will lower the rear of the kat about 3/4" (19mm).

I am posting a image of what the 08+ R6 shock looks like and where the adjustments are.

Hope this helps to answer some questions about adapting the R6 to the pre kat.



Tmod

[blueeyes]

good thinking big help thanks

[steves]

Sticky

[Tmod]

Oh great now they will never find it.

Tmod

[Jimmie]

What's the difference between the red and yellow R6 springs, if any?

[steves]

rating?

[Kfreak]

OK don't flame me for this. I bought an 07 R6 shock that has a red spring. Don't know what the color means. I had to raise the battery box by the height of 2 stainless lock washers. I was in a hurry and that was all I had at the time. I did get the bushings from Tmod for the lower shock bolt. Once installed, I haven't looked at it since. This lowered my bike by about an inch and a half. The lowering was noticeable and the ride is fantastic.

[ep87]

What's the difference between the red and yellow R6 springs, if any?

Are you sure your talking about an 08-09 R6 shock. I have two, one on the Pre 750 and one on the Pre 600 project bike, and both are yellow.

You maybe looking at an R6S or an earlier, say pre 07 R6 shock. I know some of the earlier ones come factory with a red spring.

Or I guess it could be aftermarket spring. Could you post a picture?

OK don't flame me for this. I bought an 07 R6 shock that has a red spring. Don't know what the color means. I had to raise the battery box by the height of 2 stainless lock washers. I was in a hurry and that was all I had at the time. I did get the bushings from Tmod for the lower shock bolt. Once installed, I haven't looked at it since. This lowered my bike by about an inch and a half. The lowering was noticeable and the ride is fantastic.

Thats the problem with the 07 and earlier shocks, but I know there are others that done just what you have and clearanced the battery box.
No flames if it works it works.
Richard

[MidwestKAT]

Can you raise the height back up somehow? What is the advantage of lowering the back, and will it mess with the handling?

[Tmod]

What's the difference between the red and yellow R6 springs, if any?

I have never seen a stock red spring on a 08+ R6 shock, The difference in rate is the Red one I tested was 9.8 kg/mm and the Yellow was 10.1 kg/mm. Close enough to not matter.

Can you raise the height back up somehow? What is the advantage of lowering the back, and will it mess with the handling?

You can with links but to my understanding the member here that used to make them is no longer making them. It does not hurt the handling but it does remove some ground clearance and you would also need to adjust the front end slightly to bring the geometry back from the rear being lowered.

Tmod

[jjhussell]

Tmod,

Do you make the bushings or is there somewhere to come up with the correct bushings?

[Jimmie]

I have never seen a stock red spring on a 08+ R6 shock, The difference in rate is the Red one I tested was 9.8 kg/mm and the Yellow was 10.1 kg/mm. Close enough to not matter.
Tmod

That might just be it, the shock is probably pre 08.
Thanks!

[blueeyes]

ok so would i need the r6 linkage to or can i use mine thanks ??

[Tmod]

You can use the stock linkage.

Tmod

[3cylinder]

R6 shock

I'm in the middle of a pre 750 suspension overhaul. The bike came with an 8in over swingarm. Will the 08 r6 shock work ok, or will it be to soft? Rider weight is 180lbs.