GSA shocks on a GS.

[Colban]

I'm planning to fit a pair of std,OEM GSA shocks onto my GS over winter.These are about 20mm longer than the GS ones.
Does the bike need any other modifications to accomodate the change?.I'm thinking safety and reliability.
For example,the swingarm is the same part no for both GS and GSA but the drive shaft has different part nos.I'm guessing here,but to allow for the extra suspension movement of the GSA,the U/J at the bevel box end has longer splines to engage in the shaft.
Does anyone know any different or foresee any other problems (apart from the too short centrestand one). Ta.

 

[sockpuppet]

No I think it'll run. Why not conside a set of Ohlins/Wilbers for the bike as they will compress less making it taller. Better shocks and same effect without the other hassles.

 

[Welshman]

Sidestand, nothing too wrong with the OEM GSA shocks fitted here, but markets diferred, the shocks are about 8 to 10mm longer, the 20mm is at the wheel...

 

[Onwalkabout]

Have done this to mine - 10K and no problems. I fitted Wilbers and as mentioned there is less compression and the bike sits higher. Parking mine next to a standard GSA and it appears to tower over it but there is probably only about 5mm in it.

The drive shaft is the same - only the part number is different for some reason. My local dealer showed me both and they are identical...

Stands are your biggest problem as both will be miles too short. You can get away with it - just - but the wheels will sit on the ground and you want a very flat place to park up. I used to carry a block of wood to sit the bike up on until I changed the stands. The adventure main stand just makes the length on mine now (slightly longer travel). The other problem can be the speedo cable which is now quite tight at maximum extension. One other member reported problems with brake lines being a little short at the front but I found no such problems.

Advantages are that you gain a little more height for seeing over traffic and I found the longer travel a little more useful off road. The Wilbers were a custom job and are better for load carrying but are a little harsh unladen. Downside is everything about a very tall heavy bike.