Fitted 636 rear shock

[saltire88]

I have fitted a 636 Rear shock, it is as stiff as a brick, but goingto get Ohlins to service and spring it.

[Deswilkie]

Nice; good photo's too cheers for posting that.

Did you have to manufacture anything yourself or did it pretty much fit right on?

The original "L" one I was running was knackered (no damping at all so interesting changing from 6th to 2nd for a hairpin with the back end bouncing about). Changed to an "H" model with an SP spring but this shock seems to be popular on eBay.

[saltire88]

Had to buy the top mount, A guy here in Belfast makes them and sells them on Ebay. You have to file out a part of the swing arm (takes about an hour). You also have to drill out the eyes on the shock to 12mm as the 636 ones are only 10mm.

[AFM327]

Looks like a huge change in ride height/swingarm angle, between the shock and top mount I'd guess over 30mm. Did you measure it before and after to know what your geometry changes would be after the new shock install? Filing the swingarm to fit, I think there's a clue there? Looks like a lot of work for a crap stock kawi shock. I'd rather spend my pennies on a ohlins/penske/matris etc...

[saltire88]

Shock is being reworked by KTech. Total cost will be about 350 quid. Ohlins don't make a new one. New Maxton is 650. Problem I have at the minute is getting the bike to turn and it is losing me about 2 to 3 secs a lap. Spening 350 on the engine would never get me 1 second a lap. Front forks are next upgrade probably cartridge kit.

[mick41zxr]

AFM327 is on the money, 30mm in the shock will translate out to approx 60mm change in ride height. ZXR's run a short trail to start with.
Did you measure the bike to start with. Ohlins from ZX6 - ZX9 & GSXR's can be made to fit, remember they have an adjuster on the bottom
of the shock shaft for length adjustment.
Regards,
MB

[saltire88]

I didn't measure it as I know other guys that have the same conversion on their bike. I can ofcoarse still measure it to see the difference just out of interest. I had a similar upgrade on the Honda as it had an SV rear shock. It was best handling bike I ever had.

[AFM327]

Apples and oranges, what is the stock geometry on the Honda, a quick search but didn't find it, I did find a mention that it was less aggressive than the Kawi which already has a steep front end with little trail. I've also had handling issues with the rear of the bike giving a pumping feel in fast corners with too much swingarm angle. Also when you swapped the shock did you change the spring to match your weight? I'd bet with the zxr linkage with the stock 6r spring is way too stiff.

[saltire88]

The Shock has been sent to K Tech to be resprung to my weight and serviced. Just have to wait and see what ahppens when i get it back.

[saltire88]

Out of interest is there any suggestion for a different linkage.

[saltire88]

Ok just heard back from KTech and they can't re-gas the shock so it is not worth me re-springing it. What other rear shocks can be fitted.

[mark400]

GSXR K6 - K7 , I have done one.

[kurty_22]

ive a k3 gsxr one on a zxr i just bought looks totaly standard with no work done 2 it as far as i no! if ya want il pull it out and you can feel free 2 try it

[saltire88]

Cheers I will give you a call over the weekend.

[saltire88]

Decided to splash out. I am getting an Ohlins built for me by Graham Irvine.