Rear shock info

[Warlock]

I know it's been discussed, but anyway what is a good replacement for a 08 GS Spyder. Cannot ride 2 up without bottoming out. Any suggestions appreciated. Don't ride all the time 2 up but ever now and then.
thanks, Davi

[spacetiger]

How much did you want to spend (max)?
What do you weigh?
What does you passenger weigh?
How would you characterize your riding preference?

[Warlock]

How much did you want to spend (max)?
What do you weigh?
What does you passenger weigh?
How would you characterize your riding preference?

Both together around 420. I ride pretty aggressive. She would only be on back during fun runs and maybe a trip or so. Other than that I ride the curves pretty good. I could probably count on 1 hand how many times a year.
David

[SpyderAnn01]

Your least expensive option may be to get an OEM shock from a newer year RS. On the 10RT it was a noticeable improvement switching to a rear shock from a 2011 or 12 RT. I’m thinking the same may be true for the 08 GS.

Can anyone confirm if the rear shocks from 09-12 were improved from the 08?

[Warlock]

Your least expensive option may be to get an OEM shock from a newer year RS. On the 10RT it was a noticeable improvement switching to a rear shock from a 2011 or 12 RT. I’m thinking the same may be true for the 08 GS.

Can anyone confirm if the rear shocks from 09-12 were improved from the 08?

Might have to take a look at my wife's shock. I know here swing arm is different than mine, but don't know about shock length.
David

[oldgoat]

Your least expensive option may be to get an OEM shock from a newer year RS. On the 10RT it was a noticeable improvement switching to a rear shock from a 2011 or 12 RT. I’m thinking the same may be true for the 08 GS.

Can anyone confirm if the rear shocks from 09-12 were improved from the 08?

FYI:-They changed the length of the rear shock after the '08 GS model.

I got this from Elka: The rear Elka 1+R you purchased used is about 1.5" too long ( 14"). This longer one is for the 2010 -2012 RS. Even some 2009 models have the longer shock. The correct length for a 2008 GS rear shock is 12.205" between centres of the mounting holes.

They rebuilt my "too long" rear shock to 2008 GS specs for me for $400CAD ($2.50US)

[Warlock]

FYI:-They changed the length of the rear shock after the '08 GS model.

I got this from Elka: The rear Elka 1+R you purchased used is about 1.5" too long ( 14"). This longer one is for the 2010 -2012 RS. Even some 2009 models have the longer shock. The correct length for a 2008 GS rear shock is 12.205" between centres of the mounting holes.

They rebuilt my "too long" rear shock to 2008 GS specs for me for $400CAD ($2.50US)

So what your saying is the longer shock will not work at all on the 08 model.
David

[spacetiger]

Both together around 420. I ride pretty aggressive. She would only be on back during fun runs and maybe a trip or so. Other than that I ride the curves pretty good. I could probably count on 1 hand how many times a year.
David

David,
You did not indicate what you weigh.

Your best least expense route will be to replace the spring with straight rate spring strong enough to handle 2 up duties but not too harsh for solo riding. This would assume the damping is still sufficient in the oem shock. How many miles are on the bike?

If the damping is shot, you have 2 options, get another shock (still would have to change the spring) or get a new aftermarket shock.

A spring will cost you less than $100. The cheapest aftermarket shock will probably run you at least $600.

Jerry

[spacetiger]

A pic of the shock (hopefully it comes through).

gs rear shock.jpg

There are 2 springs. The short one is the lower rate spring, the longer spring is the more stout spring. You could replace both springs and the spacer in between or you can replace the shorter spring. I don't know the length of the shorter spring, but an Eibach spring should do. I would guess a 0400.225.0800 might be a good guess.

The 0400 = 4" length, 225 = ID of the spring, and 0800 = 800 lbs/in spring rate. You would need to measure the length of the short spring. That length is the installed length (it has spring installation preload on it, so the measurement you would take is not the free length). If you measure the length to be around 3.25 or 3.75", then the 4" spring would be okay.

Measure the ID of the spring. They come in standard ID sizes; I believe it is 2.25" but could be as small as 2". I don't think it is 2.5".

For the 2012 RT I had, I changed to 900 lb/in spring, I think 800 may be okay - but you need to post your weight so I can check to verify 800 is okay. You might need more capacity.

Here is a link to a potential 0400.225.0800 spring ($70 + shipping): http://www.jegs.com/i/Eibach/369/040...RoCbIgQAvD_BwE

If this is not the spring you need, google the size you may need, example: Eibach 0400.225.0900. There are lots of places that sell their springs.


Jerry

[Warlock]

A pic of the shock (hopefully it comes through).

gs rear shock.jpg

There are 2 springs. The short one is the lower rate spring, the longer spring is the more stout spring. You could replace both springs and the spacer in between or you can replace the shorter spring. I don't know the length of the shorter spring, but an Eibach spring should do. I would guess a 0400.225.0800 might be a good guess.

The 0400 = 4" length, 225 = ID of the spring, and 0800 = 800 lbs/in spring rate. You would need to measure the length of the short spring. That length is the installed length (it has spring installation preload on it, so the measurement you would take is not the free length). If you measure the length to be around 3.25 or 3.75", then the 4" spring would be okay.

Measure the ID of the spring. They come in standard ID sizes; I believe it is 2.25" but could be as small as 2". I don't think it is 2.5".

For the 2012 RT I had, I changed to 900 lb/in spring, I think 800 may be okay - but you need to post your weight so I can check to verify 800 is okay. You might need more capacity.

Here is a link to a potential 0400.225.0800 spring ($70 + shipping): http://www.jegs.com/i/Eibach/369/040...RoCbIgQAvD_BwE

If this is not the spring you need, google the size you may need, example: Eibach 0400.225.0900. There are lots of places that sell their springs.


Jerry

We have a combined weight of around 420 lbs. Some of the spyders has single springs and some just one. Will have to see what mine has. Thanks for the info

David