Off Road Suspension on a GS450

[mrmacioci]

Hey guys,
I have a GS450 that I'm building and will be looking to do rear suspension soon. I really didn't want to spend an arm and a leg here so I'm looking for options. I know I could go with Hagon's, or Progressive's, but I'm really looking for a shock thats not all chrome. Ideally I have a set of front shocks from my 660 Yamaha Raptor that are about 15.5in opposed to 13in on the GS. However I am worried that the valving and spring rate would be too soft and the extra height would throw the whole bike off. Im not really going to be putting tons of miles on the bike I don't know if that makes a difference. Has anyone done anything like this, even on a tracker/off-road bike?

 

[irk miller]

Hagon and Progressive have non-chrome options. You can have the shocks built to your specific specs, as well.

 

[mrmacioci]

Thanks Deviant,
I didn't realize they had a choice of chrome or black on the Hagon road shocks. Looks like that will be the route I go, but I'm sure there is a way I could add an extra inch or two in lift with a custom application? Does anyone have any advise about off-road shocks or increasing the rear height?

 

[irk miller]

Go here for the Hagons:
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

You have to watch your swing arm angle when going with taller shocks, as it can interfere with your chain at the pivot.

 

[xb33bsa]

longer forks would be needed to go 2" longer in the back and in the back at +2" you would need a slider on top front swingarm and something to take up the extra slack in the chain,like a well place stationary or spring loaded roller or slider up under the chain preferably close under the swinger pivot area
you cant just run the chain tighter by adjusting it
it sounds like you are more concerned with the color of the shocks than the function which throws up a red flag,you can after all operate a spray can of paint ?

 

[mrmacioci]

xb,
The ideal situation would be to throw a pair of Ohlins with external reservoirs and call it a day, however this being my first motorcycle project I was going to try and keep the budget down. Im my opinion aesthetics are just as important as function when looking at the finished project. I was simply looking for options outside the box rather than the standard hagon/progressive/stock referb. route. If I was going to put the fabrication into a longer fork and a chain tensioner that time would seem to be better spent switching to a mono-shock set up? Again, I've never built a bike before so all your advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[sav0r]

Im my opinion aesthetics are just as important as function when looking at the finished project.

That is only true if you plan to never ride it. The second you sit on it and begin to move forward the only thing that preserves your pretty face asides from skill and luck is the ability of your motorcycle to function properly.