Couple questions 'bout my new Ess-Vee

[Philo]

Hey all. I just picked up a first gen SV with '05 gsxr 750 forks and a stock rear shock. As it is right now, the bike has a very "nose up" attitude. It doesn't want to turn that much and wants to run away real wide when cornering.

Question #1: I'm not sure if the bike has been lowered in the rear. It seems very short underneath you. The dogbones are stamped "20F". Are these stock? Should I measure? What is stock, 104mm?

Question #2: I have a revalved '03 636 shock that I plan on installing soon. Will that raise the rear significantly or should I invest in longer dogbones?

Question #3: what bolt do I use to mount the 636 shock on the lower mount. I've read about shaving the head of the bolt, but am I using the stock SV bolt, the stock 636 bolt, or another?

Question #4: I guess ideally I'm looking for someone with the same setup. I guess I would need to know how far the forks are raised through the triple, and rear ride height, and how it was accomplished (shims, dogbones, etc...)


I'm a noob to SV's so any and all replies are welcome and much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

:)

[Kurt'sSV]

1. Those are the stock dog bones. Leave those alone.

2. The 636 shock, which is an improvement over the stock SV shock, even though it's right about the same length, will improve handling characteristics.

3. You use another bolt that fits and is a bit longer than the stock bolt so you can put that nut on there. Take the stock bolt with you to the hardware store and find one that works. It'll be in stock. Be sure it's a high grade bolt - nothing soft.

4. GSXR forks should be about flush with the top triple, but maybe try bringing them up a couple millimeters (like 3) and see how that works. You'll have to play with it.
To get the optimum geometry from a shock, you'll need one that is 355-356 millimeters in length (about 14 inches). For that you'd have to buy a Penske or another aftermarket shock who's length can be set.

[Philo]

Check, and check.

Thanks a lot Kurt!!! :cool:

[soulofadra6o]

tip #1: get a 2nd gen :squid:





























jk!!!!! :waits for the flammage:

[Rocko]

take the shock to marshalls in miramar area...they have all the hardware you need

[Philo]

Originally posted by soulofadra6o
tip #1: get a 2nd gen :squid:



Tip #0.5, borrow money from soulofadra6o. (soul of a dragon?)






Yeah Rocko I love everything about Marshall's except their hours.
:sad:

[racinteach]

if the rear of your bike sits lower, then the rear might have been lowered..

the gsxr forks are shorter so the back should be higher...the 636 will work ok, and will keep the back on the ground better.
if you get the new links it will really jack the back up....

[sr9004u]

Damn good questions from a newbie

[J.Moto]

Originally posted by sr9004u
Damn good questions from a newbie

He says newbie to Essvees, not bikes.

[MotoDave]

hey you might want to check your tire pressure, a while back I neglected to check my pressures for a ride, and noticed the bike handled very slow through the turns. Getting the tires to the right air pressure made all the difference.

Just something easy to check before spending big $$ :)

[Philo]

Haha yeah I've had a few bikes before. But I've finally got the SV I've been wanting for so long. :groove:

Well I just can't shake the suspicion that my bike's been lowered. I think I'll roll it up to Mira Mesa bike night this week and see if I can find another SV to compare it to.


Thanks again for the replies everybody. I'm sure I'll be posting more questions up shortly.

:)

[racinteach]

do me a favor and measure the eye to eye for me and I will compare a pair I have here...

[Philo]

Sorry for the delay. I don't mean to sound like I'm questioning Kurt about the dog bones, I believed him when he said they were stock. I was more curious if there was any other way to accomplish lowering the bike. :confused:

I did measure the dogbones for curiosity's sake and came up with about 105.5mm. That's my best upside-down, sideways in the dark measurement. I would imagine they are 106mm dogbones.

I think I'm going to go ahead and attempt the 636 shock install this-evening. Wish me luck! :)

[SofaKing]

If your looking to compare to a stock SV, I'll roll to the Mira Mesa bike night tonight. Mine is a stock '04.

You thinking about swapping the shock before the bike night?

Erik

[Philo]

Originally posted by SofaKing
If your looking to compare to a stock SV, I'll roll to the Mira Mesa bike night tonight. Mine is a stock '04.

You thinking about swapping the shock before the bike night?

Erik

Well I get the impression that the shock swap will be a somewhat involved process, so I doubt I would get it done that quickly. If I decide to put it off 'till this weekend I may show up at mmbn.

Thanks for the offer, though! I may just see you there.

:D

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by SofaKing
If your looking to compare to a stock SV, I'll roll to the Mira Mesa bike night tonight. Mine is a stock '04.

Erik

Your bike is totally different than his bike. Apples and oranges.

[codzilla70]

Maybe the shock has been changed, isn't the 2ndgen shock shorter than a 1st?

[Kurt'sSV]

You can lower the bike by changing the shock linkage, but that's not something just anybody will do. It's a lot more complicated than just putting on longer dog bones, but I'm positive my stock dog bones say 20F on them, too.

The front could be riding high if the springs are too stiff or there is too much preload in the springs.