SR400/500 Rear Suspension Swap: Comparing the Ride of the G-SUSPENSION 265 and 280
We explain the steps for replacing the rear suspension on the SR400/500 and the chain and brake adjustments you must do afterward. We also compare the ride of the G-SUSPENSION 265mm and 280mm.
- Rear suspension replacement steps using a center stand or jack
- Chain and brake adjustments needed after replacement
- How the G-SUSPENSION 265 and 280 differ in ride
We fitted the 280mm suspension, a new addition to the G-SUSPENSION series, to an SR that had been running the 265mm suspension and compared how they ride.
We also show the steps for replacing the rear suspension.
01 Securing the bike
The center stand is often removed during customizing, but it's extremely useful for jobs like this.
If your bike has no center stand, a jack works too. As long as you can secure the bike with the rear wheel off the ground, you're fine.
02 Suspension replacement steps
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Remove anything that gets in the way of removing the suspension. On this bike, the muffler interfered with the suspension, so we removed it. On a stock SR, removing the rear passenger footpegs is enough to do the job.
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Remove the suspension nuts and pull the suspension off.
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Once both the left and right suspension units are off, nothing is supporting the swingarm, and the wheel drops all at once.
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Fit the new suspension along with the included collars and re-tighten all the nuts and bolts.
With both suspension units removed, the wheel drops suddenly and may even dent the muffler. Remove them carefully. Also, if the jack or other support slips in this state, it could cause a serious accident, so take great care.
03 Always adjust the chain and brake after replacement
When the suspension length changes, the distance between the front and rear sprockets changes too. After replacement, always adjust the chain and the brake.
That completes the suspension swap. Going from 265mm to 280mm, the suspension is about 15mm longer. It looks more natural than we expected, too.
04 265 vs. 280: how they ride
Out on the road, the 280mm rides really smoothly. The jolts we used to feel over bumps are dramatically reduced. Of course, the 265mm also has plenty of stroke compared with conventional 265mm suspension.
| Ride | Recommended for | |
|---|---|---|
| G-SUSPENSION 265 | Firmer than the 280mm, but with less jolting than conventional short shocks. Lets you achieve your ideal low stance | Riders who put looks first |
| G-SUSPENSION 280 | A very soft ride that handles long touring with ease. An ideal length that suits everything from a lightly customized stock bike to a full-custom chopper | Riders who value both looks and ride comfort |
What we used
- G-SUSPENSION (with included collars)
- Center stand or jack
- Tools for removing the bolts and nuts
Products featured in this article
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*Installation is at your own risk. If you're unsure about doing the work yourself, we recommend consulting your local motorcycle shop.
*The content and photos reflect the time of writing. Please check each product page for current specifications, fitment and stock.