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I've seen conflicting things regarding rear shock replacement for Kats. There are many who've done the 'Busa or Bandit shock, and then I read other threads that state the Bandit shock will hit at some point and I saw a post by Tmod when I was searching that said it was a bad idea to do a 'Busa shock.
So... I have a 1995 GSX600f. The rear shock is the original. It's not terrible when I ride it by myself, but the wife recently took an interest in riding with me. So here's the issue. I'm not small. I find the Kat to be fairly comfortable (I put 570 miles on it my first day on the bike and haven't slowed down since then). However, I an 6'1" and 280lbs with all my riding gear on. I've got a set of saddle bags that are generally half full with water, tools, rain flys for the bags and other general stuff you might need when riding in Montana where the weather can change in an instant. With the wife on a short ten mile ride this week, the rear shock was very close to bottoming out.
Many would say I need a different bike, but $$$ is an issue in that department. This is the bike I have, and I have to do my best to make it what I need it to be because I can't afford to purchase a different bike.
That being said, I am 280lbs with my riding gear and my wife is 5'11" and has an athletic build. What are my best options for rear shock on the 05 Kat 600? I don't care if it raises the tail a little (I also have lowering links in the garage that came with the bike), I just want a shock that can better manage the weight when we ride two up or when I tour and the bike is loaded down.
I am posting this question because when I search I find conflicting information on what works. I don't mind cutting the battery box to fit a 'Busa shock, but one thread I read suggested that the 'Busa shock wasn't a good alternative. I've seen that a Bandit shock could bot right in, would that work in this instance? I realize that nothing may be perfect, but I would like to get as close as I can for as little $$$ as I can (yes I know that's a tough position to be in). Let's say I could spend $200 on a shock, is there anything I should be looking at? Rebuild my stock shock, go with a 'Busa or Bandit shock, something else?
I have found this forum a wealth of knowledge and appreciate all the input I have received in helping me enjoy my Kat thus far. It's a comfortable bike, and with a little work it will be a great tourer in my opinion...
Moto_Geek
So... I have a 1995 GSX600f. The rear shock is the original. It's not terrible when I ride it by myself, but the wife recently took an interest in riding with me. So here's the issue. I'm not small. I find the Kat to be fairly comfortable (I put 570 miles on it my first day on the bike and haven't slowed down since then). However, I an 6'1" and 280lbs with all my riding gear on. I've got a set of saddle bags that are generally half full with water, tools, rain flys for the bags and other general stuff you might need when riding in Montana where the weather can change in an instant. With the wife on a short ten mile ride this week, the rear shock was very close to bottoming out.
Many would say I need a different bike, but $$$ is an issue in that department. This is the bike I have, and I have to do my best to make it what I need it to be because I can't afford to purchase a different bike.
That being said, I am 280lbs with my riding gear and my wife is 5'11" and has an athletic build. What are my best options for rear shock on the 05 Kat 600? I don't care if it raises the tail a little (I also have lowering links in the garage that came with the bike), I just want a shock that can better manage the weight when we ride two up or when I tour and the bike is loaded down.
I am posting this question because when I search I find conflicting information on what works. I don't mind cutting the battery box to fit a 'Busa shock, but one thread I read suggested that the 'Busa shock wasn't a good alternative. I've seen that a Bandit shock could bot right in, would that work in this instance? I realize that nothing may be perfect, but I would like to get as close as I can for as little $$$ as I can (yes I know that's a tough position to be in). Let's say I could spend $200 on a shock, is there anything I should be looking at? Rebuild my stock shock, go with a 'Busa or Bandit shock, something else?
I have found this forum a wealth of knowledge and appreciate all the input I have received in helping me enjoy my Kat thus far. It's a comfortable bike, and with a little work it will be a great tourer in my opinion...
Moto_Geek
I'll shoot him a message soon. It looks like the shock, and passenger riding, may have to be put on hold a bit. Yesterday after work my bike was knocked over while parked and now there are several things that need repalcing/fixing 
. Mirror, brake lever, bar end, turn signal all have to get replaced asap so I can resume our regularly scheduled broadcast...
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