The overly soft suspension of the GS500 is an issue for many users, particularly those who have a more aggressive riding style. The rear suspension can be improved in two ways, by tightening the preload on the rear shock or by replacing the rear shock.

Tightening the preload on the rear shock is a fairly quick and easy procedure. Adjusting preload is a means of changing the amount of sag, or the amount the suspension compresses with rider on board. Properly adjusted sag will ensure that the suspension doesn't bottom out or top out on bumps. Note that adjusting preload does not increase the stiffness of the suspension. Preload, as the name suggests, increases the initial loading on the spring, but does not change the spring rate. Therefore, if the spring is just too soft for you, this will not solve the problem.

You will need only the tool kit that came with your bike. The tool shaped like a crescent on a handle is used to manipulate the rear preload and the tool shaped like a tube with one end pinched fits onto the handle of the crescent tool to entend its reach. These are pictured below. If you have lost them they are available from motorcyclesuperstore.com

At the bottom of your rear shock there is a coller with gaps in it and numbers written on the side. The picture below is taken from the right side where it is easiest to adjust.

Fit the wrench into the holes in the collar so that the flat vertical piece is resting on the collar and the hooked end is inside the gaps. From the right side of the bike, twist the wrench towards the rear of the bike. As you reach each further preload setting the collar will click into place. You will need to remove and reseat the wrench every time you advance the collar because there is such a limited travel space for it.

If you wish to decrease the preload you will have to advance the collar all the way around until it comes back to the lowest setting (1).

Katana 600 shock

One of the most popular upgrades for the rear of the GS is the Katana 600 shock swap. Not only does it provide a stiffer spring, but also allows rebound damping in addition to spring preload. The Katana shock will raise the tail end of the GS up about 1/2"-3/4" due to the longer length of the shock and the stiffer spring rate not allowing as much sag.

The Katana shock is a simple bolt in replacement for the GS shock. Simply unbolt the GS's shock, replace it with the Katana shock, and enjoy.

sv650 shock install

by hmmmnz

to do this mod. you'll need a few basic tools, a socket set/spanners a drill and a 10mm drill bit and a hack saw you'll also need the sv650 shock (you have to use the yellow type not the later model white coloured shock)

step 1. put your bike on its center stand,

step 2. remove your old gs shock, by unbolting the top and bottom bolts. (the back wheel will come down when either bolt is removed)

step 3. lift the gs shock up and out of the side of the frame.

step 4. now comes the fun part.... cutting and redrilling the sv650 shock so it will fit on the gs. (cut and drill on the yellow lines on the picture below)(ignore the yellow line at the base of the spring, that doesn't need to be cut)

step 5. install your nice yellow shock, by sliding the shock through the side of the frame and down.

step 6. bolt every thing up. you will have to lift the back wheel/swingarm up to get the top bolt to match up. you can do this with a peice of wood or by rocking the bike backwards.

now we have a nice yellow shock mounted to the gs giving us far better handling and a couple of extra inches of height at the rear.

sorry i don't have a before picture :(

the only issues with this mod apart from the drilling and cutting, is the fact that your center stand isnt long enough(it is but both your wheels will be touching the ground when its down) and your side stand is a little short as well, but it still works fine the bike just leans over a little.

right get modding :D