2008 250J shock installed

JeffM · January 23rd, 2011, 06:10 PM

Today I installed a 250J shock that I purchased from a forum member. Installation was very easy and took only about 30 minutes.

After the install I sat on the bike and noticed that the sag was way less than the OEM shock. I weigh about 185-190 with gear (178 without) and have the shock set on the second lightest pre-load setting.

Took a brief ride to check out how the new shock felt and can only say that the rear of the bike felt firmer. Overall the rear felt more controlled and less like a marshmallow. I can not wait to get a little more time on the bike (It has been a wee bit like the frozen tundra around here lately) and play around with the pre-load.

Replacing the OEM is one of those mods to the 250EX that really makes a difference if you are are a heavier rider.

kkim · January 23rd, 2011, 07:11 PM

you'll notice a bit quicker steering, too, as the new shock raises the back end a bit and thereby decreases steering head rake. people that I know who have done this mod to their pregens love their bikes with the shock change.

better tires help too.

JeffM · January 23rd, 2011, 09:28 PM

Kelly, I didn't notice the steering being quicker....yet. However the little 15 minute ride was not enough to notice.

Better tires - check. Pirelli Diablo Scooters.

kkim · January 23rd, 2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

I didn't notice the steering being quicker....yet.

you will once the weather gets better and you're back in the canyons. I think you'll really like the change.

HKr1 · January 25th, 2011, 02:05 PM

I think the geometry of the linkage is a bit different between the two gens. Cause the 08(up) is a bit stiffer over all, swap does make a diff. But I was a little dissapointed it wasnt as firm.....

Jinx250 · January 28th, 2011, 04:06 PM

It doesn't change the height of the rear. It only seems that way since the bike isn't sagging under its own weight anymore, and is compressing less with the rider's weight.

kkim · January 28th, 2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinx250

It only seems that way since the bike isn't sagging under its own weight anymore, and is compressing less with the rider's weight.

wouldn't that alone cause the rear of the bike to sit higher thereby affecting front end rake angle?

also, IIRC, the newgen shock is longer, eye to eye, than the pregen shocks. I tried looking for a picture that was posted on this forum before, but was unable to find it, but I think I remember it showing the newgen shock next to two iterations of pregen shocks and I remember it being about an inch longer.

Alex · January 28th, 2011, 06:29 PM

Hi Kelly -

Here's a link to a pic of the two shocks next to eachother. The new-gen sure does look a bit longer:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...6&postcount=15

Here's another link of Craig's that tends to agree that the bike sits approx 1" higher in the rear:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...85&postcount=2

kkim · January 28th, 2011, 06:40 PM

thanks, Alex.

HKr1 · January 29th, 2011, 07:52 PM

It's a tad longer. When its on the center stand, the tire is still on the ground.
You have to put the center stand on a 1/2" piece of wood

JeffM · January 30th, 2011, 07:27 AM

With Pirelli Diablos, my rear tire just clears the ground when the bike is on the center stand, no wood needed. The rear ride height only matters when you are on the bike. That is the geometry that will change rake angle when riding.

Clearance issues aside, it is the amount of sag that is the biggest initial difference. My OEM shock compressed a lot when I sat on the bike. I haven't measured sag, before and after, but it is now only about 2 inches. Prior to changing the shock, it had to be about 4.

Yesterday, I went for an hour ride, on city streets, and I am pleased with the transformation. The bike now feels more balanced fore and aft. The OEM sprung bike felt like I was overwhelming the rear suspension and would compress and unload a ton over bumps. I used to worry about bottoming out when cornering. Once I actually did and never wanted to repeat that surprise.

So far I am pleased. Not a bad upgrade for $50 and thirty minutes of my time.

ninjette997 · July 19th, 2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

So far I am pleased. Not a bad upgrade for $50 and thirty minutes of my time.

For $40, and a little more time, you can also install a fully adjustable OEM GSX-R shock that includes: spring pre-load, compression damping and rebound damping.

For several hundred dollars, you could install a used Penske or Ohlins from a GSX-R.

JeffM · July 19th, 2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjette997

For $40, and a little more time, you can also install a fully adjustable OEM GSX-R shock that includes: spring pre-load, compression damping and rebound damping.

For several hundred dollars, you could install a used Penske or Ohlins from a GSX-R.

I used the 2009 due to ease of installation (literally 10-15 minutes, plug and play), price, and I felt that it was a great option for the type of riding I do. Commuting and canyon riding. Further, I think a Penske or Ohlins would be way overkill for our 250's unless your are serious about racing.

I considered the GSX-R but went with ease of installation of the new OEM ninja unit.

Jeff

ninjette997 · July 19th, 2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

I used the 2009 due to ease of installation (literally 10-15 minutes, plug and play), price, and I felt that it was a great option for the type of riding I do. Commuting and canyon riding. Further, I think a Penske or Ohlins would be way overkill for our 250's unless your are serious about racing.

I considered the GSX-R but went with ease of installation of the new OEM ninja unit.

Jeff

You bet, glad that you are happy with your modification. We just installed the Gixxer unit on my wife's 250.

JeffM · July 19th, 2011, 02:31 PM

Pictures?

ninjette997 · July 19th, 2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

Pictures?

No pictures now. Perhaps when we replace the tires in the next few weeks.

Snake · July 19th, 2011, 02:47 PM

I just purchased a 250 J shock from a member and am waiting for it to arrive. While I have the rear wheel off for the shock mod I am thinking about pulling the swingarm off and painting it black like the newgens.
My stock shock is sticking so this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade.

ninjette997 · July 19th, 2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

I just purchased a 250 J shock from a member and am waiting for it to arrive. While I have the rear wheel off for the shock mod I am thinking about pulling the swingarm off and painting it black like the newgens.
My stock shock is sticking so this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade.

Hell yes paint that swing arm black!

I wanted to paint my ZZR600 frame and swingarm black so freakin' bad. I did it a little differently though, I sold the ZZR and bought an R6 that already came black from the factory.

Black swingarms and frames are nice looking!

Snake · July 19th, 2011, 03:55 PM

JeffM,
How hard is it to adjust the preload after the shock is installed? Do you have to take it off to re-adjust?

JeffM · July 19th, 2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

JeffM,
How hard is it to adjust the preload after the shock is installed? Do you have to take it off to re-adjust?

No need to take the shock off. I found you do have to take off the left side panel to get enough access to get the adjuster wrench on the adjuster ring. On the right side the brake reservoir gets in the way.

Oh, and you will really like the difference. I weigh 180+- and initally had it set to the second to lowest setting and found that stiffer than the old-gen OEM. For my track day I set it to the next to stiffest setting and have left it there. Good for the canyons.

Jeff

Snake · July 19th, 2011, 04:35 PM

JeffM, Addjuster wrench. That is something I have not thought of. Where is the best place to buy and adjuster wrench and what size do I need?
Thanks,
Rick

EsrTek · July 19th, 2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

JeffM, Addjuster wrench. That is something I have not thought of. Where is the best place to buy and adjuster wrench and what size do I need?
Thanks,
Rick

It's a custom shape, I believe.
Probably your best bet is to buy a tool kit from someone selling parts from a crashed newgen.

Cuongism · July 20th, 2011, 01:11 AM

It's a spanner wrench. Cycle gear sells a spanner attachment that connects to a ratchet, but it's not as sturdy as the one from the toolkit. It's only $6.58 from bikebandit, part 92110B. I do recommend also getting the extension tool to add leverage, part 92111.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...7215#sch550353

Snake · July 20th, 2011, 05:13 AM

Thanks for the link Cuong.

CynicalC · July 20th, 2011, 05:58 AM

Thanks for the reminder. I need to do mine! Got it about 2 weeks ago and it's just been sitting.

choneofakind · July 20th, 2011, 06:06 AM

this sounds dumb, but if you do this swap, make sure to re adjust your headlight. I finally adjusted mine and it helps a ton

JeffM · July 20th, 2011, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

this sounds dumb, but if you do this swap, make sure to re adjust your headlight. I finally adjusted mine and it helps a ton

Funny, I never thought to do that. I'll have to check how ny healight is aimed. I'm sure it is a little low as the new-gen shock raises the rear of my pre-gen up. Even with the sag I'd imagine the light is aimed a tad low.

Thanks!

choneofakind · July 20th, 2011, 09:30 AM

Yeah I never thought to either until I realized even my bright light wasnt cutting it on a backroad. Duh it was way too low. It took like 3 full turns of the screw driver in the adjuster to get it closer. The low beam is actualy not worthless now and the high beam is perfect

January 23rd, 2011, 06:10 PM	#1
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	2008 250J shock installed Today I installed a 250J shock that I purchased from a forum member. Installation was very easy and took only about 30 minutes. After the install I sat on the bike and noticed that the sag was way less than the OEM shock. I weigh about 185-190 with gear (178 without) and have the shock set on the second lightest pre-load setting. Took a brief ride to check out how the new shock felt and can only say that the rear of the bike felt firmer. Overall the rear felt more controlled and less like a marshmallow. I can not wait to get a little more time on the bike (It has been a wee bit like the frozen tundra around here lately) and play around with the pre-load. Replacing the OEM is one of those mods to the 250EX that really makes a difference if you are are a heavier rider. __________________________________________________ "I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to" - Jimi Hendrix Cancer

January 23rd, 2011, 09:28 PM	#3
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Kelly, I didn't notice the steering being quicker....yet. However the little 15 minute ride was not enough to notice. Better tires - check. Pirelli Diablo Scooters. __________________________________________________ "I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to" - Jimi Hendrix Cancer

January 28th, 2011, 06:29 PM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Hi Kelly - Here's a link to a pic of the two shocks next to eachother. The new-gen sure does look a bit longer: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...6&postcount=15 Here's another link of Craig's that tends to agree that the bike sits approx 1" higher in the rear: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...85&postcount=2 __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

January 30th, 2011, 07:27 AM	#11
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	With Pirelli Diablos, my rear tire just clears the ground when the bike is on the center stand, no wood needed. The rear ride height only matters when you are on the bike. That is the geometry that will change rake angle when riding. Clearance issues aside, it is the amount of sag that is the biggest initial difference. My OEM shock compressed a lot when I sat on the bike. I haven't measured sag, before and after, but it is now only about 2 inches. Prior to changing the shock, it had to be about 4. Yesterday, I went for an hour ride, on city streets, and I am pleased with the transformation. The bike now feels more balanced fore and aft. The OEM sprung bike felt like I was overwhelming the rear suspension and would compress and unload a ton over bumps. I used to worry about bottoming out when cornering. Once I actually did and never wanted to repeat that surprise. So far I am pleased. Not a bad upgrade for $50 and thirty minutes of my time. __________________________________________________ "I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to" - Jimi Hendrix Cancer

July 19th, 2011, 02:31 PM	#15
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Pictures? __________________________________________________ "I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to" - Jimi Hendrix Cancer

January 23rd, 2011, 07:11 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	you'll notice a bit quicker steering, too, as the new shock raises the back end a bit and thereby decreases steering head rake. people that I know who have done this mod to their pregens love their bikes with the shock change. better tires help too.

January 25th, 2011, 02:05 PM	#5
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	I think the geometry of the linkage is a bit different between the two gens. Cause the 08(up) is a bit stiffer over all, swap does make a diff. But I was a little dissapointed it wasnt as firm.....

January 28th, 2011, 04:06 PM	#6
Jinx250 Smoker Name: Bob Location: SoCal Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556	It doesn't change the height of the rear. It only seems that way since the bike isn't sagging under its own weight anymore, and is compressing less with the rider's weight.

January 28th, 2011, 06:40 PM	#9
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	thanks, Alex.

January 29th, 2011, 07:52 PM	#10
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	It's a tad longer. When its on the center stand, the tire is still on the ground. You have to put the center stand on a 1/2" piece of wood

July 19th, 2011, 02:47 PM	#17
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I just purchased a 250 J shock from a member and am waiting for it to arrive. While I have the rear wheel off for the shock mod I am thinking about pulling the swingarm off and painting it black like the newgens. My stock shock is sticking so this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade.

July 19th, 2011, 03:55 PM	#19
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	JeffM, How hard is it to adjust the preload after the shock is installed? Do you have to take it off to re-adjust?

July 19th, 2011, 04:35 PM	#21
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	JeffM, Addjuster wrench. That is something I have not thought of. Where is the best place to buy and adjuster wrench and what size do I need? Thanks, Rick

July 20th, 2011, 01:11 AM	#23
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	It's a spanner wrench. Cycle gear sells a spanner attachment that connects to a ratchet, but it's not as sturdy as the one from the toolkit. It's only $6.58 from bikebandit, part 92110B. I do recommend also getting the extension tool to add leverage, part 92111. http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...7215#sch550353

July 20th, 2011, 05:13 AM	#24
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Thanks for the link Cuong.

July 20th, 2011, 05:58 AM	#25
CynicalC ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Colin Location: Bay Area Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '96 EX250 Posts: A lot.	Thanks for the reminder. I need to do mine! Got it about 2 weeks ago and it's just been sitting.

July 20th, 2011, 06:06 AM	#26
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	this sounds dumb, but if you do this swap, make sure to re adjust your headlight. I finally adjusted mine and it helps a ton

July 20th, 2011, 09:30 AM	#28
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Yeah I never thought to either until I realized even my bright light wasnt cutting it on a backroad. Duh it was way too low. It took like 3 full turns of the screw driver in the adjuster to get it closer. The low beam is actualy not worthless now and the high beam is perfect

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