Shock length

deckard · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 03:10 PM

Looking for a way to increase ground clearance on my '92 750ss, particular around the exhaust header.

I've heard that the 99 and later Supersports had a longer shock by approximately 1/2", and that this is an economical way to increase ground clearance and tighter up the steering up a pre-98 SS.

Does anyone have any further information on this?

Aragorn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 06:40 PM

I put an Ohlins on my bike and they specify the same longer length shock for both late and early model ss, so the stock late model shock should bolt right on too.

gusservonwusser · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 08:27 PM

I cut the upper eye off of my shock (94') and welded it back together with a 1/2" chunck of aluminum as a spacer. working fine for the past 5 years.

blade625 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gusservonwusser

I cut the upper eye off of my shock (94') and welded it back together with a 1/2" chunck of aluminum as a spacer. working fine for the past 5 years.

You Sir, are brave and crazy man!

glad it worked.

I just bought a Penske w/ adjustable length.

Deck, you can have my '99 shock for cheap if you want it [or for welding practice...] PM me if you are interested, or if you want me to measure eye/eye distance for comparison.

bobducati · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 03:15 PM

I'm interested in the same question....so yes please measure the eye to eye on your '99 stock shock.

bruntr · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 04:44 PM

Yes it's longer, not sure how much off the top of my head. I put one on my 93SS for the same reason. I've never liked how the older SS bikes seem to sit low in the back, I also lowered my bike in the front as well.

cugno749 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 06:46 PM

Just switched out my sacks for an ohlins. So if anyone wants the sachs off an 03 800ss?

DesmoBob · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 08:55 PM

If I remember correctly, it's between .5"-.75" longer; definitely raised the rear and quickened the steering when I put one on my '97 SS.

bobducati · #9 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 02:27 AM

bruntr....did the stability of the bike change any? Since it has such a short wheelbase it might get a bit squirrely in the turns with the rear raised.....how did it do in this way? Since you raised the rear and lowered the front, I suspect I know the answer, but would like you to comment on that anyway.

Also... when we say '99 and later stock SS shocks as being compatible with the 98 and earlier SS, are we talking all years up to and including the present? I guess it's time to start browsing ebay for a nearly new stock shock.

**NC Rick** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 02:42 AM

Sean,

It would help me out (save me taking my Penske off) if you can measure your 99 shock length and stroke? I am going to put another body on a weird piggy back Penske to make it fit Joyces 900ss CR I think the CR has a 13" eye to eye.

I have a real funky idea to install superbike forks on the CR with out boring the triple or getting other clip-ons.

I need to talk to you RE the sprocket too

bruntr · #11 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobducati

bruntr....did the stability of the bike change any? Since it has such a short wheelbase it might get a bit squirrely in the turns with the rear raised.....how did it do in this way? Since you raised the rear and lowered the front, I suspect I know the answer, but would like you to comment on that anyway.

Also... when we say '99 and later stock SS shocks as being compatible with the 98 and earlier SS, are we talking all years up to and including the present? I guess it's time to start browsing ebay for a nearly new stock shock.

I have no handling problems what-so-ever and where I live you can spend 90% of your time ridding in corners. Bike is very stable in the corners and to me that’s when the bike feels alive ... hard to explain but if I'm not in a corner with the bike I feel like the ride is a waste of time..... I can brake deep & through corners without up-setting the bike, rear slides are predicable, even had the front slide a few times with the only out-come a seized up sphincter muscle, I'm also running superbike forks and metzler M-1's. It will be interesting to see how the bike handles with about 20 more hp when I make the jump from my current 785 to the 966 engine I'm building. Not sure what year bike my rear shock came off but it has blue adjustment knobs for comp & rebound settings instead of the older style adj screws.

blade625 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 01:44 PM

I measured my stock '99 SS shock.

It looks to be 335-336mm center to center of the eyes. [best as I can tell without pulling the spring, or finding some long rods to run out through the eyes]

hope this helps

**NC Rick** · #13 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 06:19 PM

Make sure you get the Showa shock, not the piece of crap Sach/Boge. When I upgraded mine to a Penske guys were beating my door in for the Showa. I likely let it go to cheap at $150...