Anyone experimented with alternative rear shocks?

[johnktm]

I see, from a quick search, that a favourite conversion involves a R6 shock and adapter or a YZF 750 back end,but I was just wondering if anyone had tried anything a bit left field,there are loads of shocks out there on ebay.
Anyone had good results with something unusual?

[dixonj]

2006 zx10r fits also.

[spondontrx]

I use a zx6r 2005 rear shock on my trx special, witch is easy to fit but damping and spring are way to heavy (so this is altered ) also the reservoir might be a problem when used with the original seat .

[johnners987]

Mine has a custom Maxton GP7 rear shock coupled to a YZF750 rear swingarm. Can't tell you anything about how it handles yet as I've yet to finish the build but it's a truly beautifully engineered component.
Final step of my build will be to take the whole bike to Maxton and have them fettle the front forks and complete the set up. The way things are going this will be over the winter ready for next season (the bike is primarily for track days).

[johnktm]

Thanks for the replies folks,the Maxton sounds sweet but as I am on an ubber tight budget,out of the question for me,I'd never use it's full potential any way.

The ZX10R option sounds interesting,is it a straight swap ? How does the length of the shock compare? If I could whack it in and gain a little extra ride hight that would be sweet,but I guess nothing is never that simple when modifying bikes

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

o6 zx10r shock is only 338mm so 7mm short plus the stroke is 5mm longer than std trx.
The 06-07 R6 conversion gives you a similar stroke to the trx but you need an adaptor to fit (300mm eye to eye). If you go for any later models you'll find they are only 293mm and 60mm stroke so you've lost 2mm.
The R6 maybe a 46mm body but again you've lost 45mm capacity. Thats why I found after a good track session the R6shock was getting tired and beginning to fade with squatting issues. Thats why the R6 guys ditch them.
The R6 has only 119.4mm rear travel compared to the 130mm on the trx so valving will be different to the trx.
So best of just rebuilding the std (.9kg/mm spring rate std so suit 75kg rider) and while at it put in a racetec gold valve . Cost you the same as finding an R6unit and adaptor.

[johnktm]

That's some good info there mate,cheers.
A couple of 10r shocks I've seen come with the bolt in ride hight adjustable top mount included, looks like that could be adapted to give you the overall length you wanted.
Hmmm,contemplation time.

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

The top eye mount on the trx goes straight between two lugs on the subframe.
They do not have a seperate y shaped eye mount bracket that bolts to the subframe . Is this what your looking at???
You would have to revalve and good chance respring the kwaka shock also.

[johnktm]

Just mulling over ideas in my head, an idea I had would be to remove the threaded bolt/ride height adjustment from the shock top mount and weld on a block drilled to suit the trx mount,might not work,but I'm just thinking out loud really.
How does the all up weight of a ZX10R compare to that of a TRX?

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

It all comes down to how the dampings factored in the shock and how the linkage ratios , length of swingarm ect front/rear % balance ,wheel and tyre size , gearing all have a play on this. Maybe they have a heavier spring to suit your weight like I found with the R6 shock which suited my weight at 85kg with a .98kg/mm spring rate but ultimately the shock itself wasn't built to all the other factors of the trx. If you rebuild the std it will be built to your weight and any other changes you may have made to the bike. Cost me (Aust.) $200 for a service/revalve and $160 for the correct spring to my weight and set up on the Ohlins I have now.