newgen shock installed...

[ReDnEcK]

Well, I havent riden it yet but it feels better! Stock sag was 1 1/2" and now its only 3/4" with the newgen shock. The overall height was also raised 1/4" from stock. Ill post tomorrow about handling and all that good stuff after I go for a ride!

[rwurm]

Is that the rear shock? What's installation like? Bolt in?

[ReDnEcK]

Yes, rear shock. Took me 15 minutes. Direct replacement. No modifications.

[rwurm]

Go ride it and report back!

[ReDnEcK]

Ok, I rode about 30 miles today to see how the newgen shock would handle so I went up a few canyon roads near my house and what a difference! Its stiffer but not too much... perfect for me at 5' 10" and 150lbs with all of my gear on. I started out on the softest setting and the bike was noticeably more reactive and no more bottoming out in large dips! The rear end doesnt squat nearly as much either. I would highly recommend this to everyone!

Thanks to BuckyNaked for hooking me up with the shock!

[rwurm]

How do you think it would handle say, 230 lbs of rider? Would the stiffer spring be beneficial for me?

[ReDnEcK]

Originally Posted by rwurm

How do you think it would handle say, 230 lbs of rider? Would the stiffer spring be beneficial for me?

Indeed it would. At 150lbs on the softest of 5 settings, you being 230lbs would benifit you greatly. It took me less then 20 minutes to do this with no modifications. Well worth it if you ask me!

[Snake]

Great review.
Is the pre-load adjuster easy to get to to adjust?

[M]

It's a tight fit with the spanner tool, but can be done.

[ReDnEcK]

Originally Posted by Snake

Great review.
Is the pre-load adjuster easy to get to to adjust?

I dont have the tool yet, nor do I know what it looks like... but it seems like the side panel may have to be removed to make an adjustment. I think the softest setting should be good for most people under 160lbs.

[Snake]

^^^ I'm under 160lbs so when I install one on my bike I'll be sure to set it at the lowest setting. Thanks.

[ReDnEcK]

Well, I rode another 120 miles today and I do think this was a good move! I rode twisties, freeway, in town and even a dirt road and the 08 rear shock is all around a better, cheaper and easier mod that actually makes a noticeable difference! Going out again to the canyons in the am... til then!

[Grn99Kawi]

when I had my 250, I did the same swap (posted on here about it). It was one of the best mods I had done.. and my rear shock was in perfect shape with about 4400 miles.. but the J shock was so much better for me.

[ReDnEcK]

Originally Posted by Grn99Kawi

when I had my 250, I did the same swap (posted on here about it). It was one of the best mods I had done.. and my rear shock was in perfect shape with about 4400 miles.. but the J shock was so much better for me.

I agree completely! My stock shock only had 6600 miles on it and Im not sure how many miles were on the new J shock but its all around better than stock. For the price of a used J shock and 20 minutes of very easy labor, I think everyone should do this mod!

[M]

Originally Posted by ReDnEcK

I dont have the tool yet, nor do I know what it looks like... but it seems like the side panel may have to be removed to make an adjustment. I think the softest setting should be good for most people under 160lbs.

You don't have to remove the side bodywork to get the spanner tool to the shock.

I weight 135lbs and use the next to softest setting on the 'J' shock.

[ReDnEcK]

Originally Posted by M

You don't have to remove the side bodywork to get the spanner tool to the shock.

I weight 135lbs and use the next to softest setting on the 'J' shock.

Good to know! I was just trying to use my hand... Lol

I just got back from a 70 mile ride through some tight twisties. I adjusted the shock to the 2nd setting (1st being softest/5th being hardest) and thought it was a bit of a rough ride for me. I checked my weight with all my gear on before I left, I was right at 150lbs. I think lm gonna go back to the softest setting, its still much better than the stock shock!

[ReDnEcK]

I had a crazy idea... What if I were to wear a weight belt with different amounts of weight each time, could I test this shock at all 5 settings with pretty accurate results???

[ReDnEcK]

Originally Posted by Snake

^^^ I'm under 160lbs so when I install one on my bike I'll be sure to set it at the lowest setting. Thanks.

IMHO... At 160lbs, you would probably like the next setting up from the softest setting.

[SV_Hadder]

So I am trying to decide which is the better shock to get? I weigh about 150 pounds. Assuming the prices are the same for a newgen 250 shock and a ex500 shock which would be the better buy? So far I'm thinking that the ex500 shock will be a bit stiffer than the newgen, but then again, the newgen is easily adjustable using the spanner, while the ex500 shock is only adjustable using the two threaded lock collars. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[ReDnEcK]

Im 150lbs with all my gear on and I have had both shocks. I prefer the newgen shock over the ex500 shock. The ex500 shock will lower the bike slightly, where the newgen shock will raise it slightly (both by about 1/4"). Also, the newgen shock is more adjustable (iirc) than the ex500 shock.

[SV_Hadder]

Originally Posted by ReDnEcK

Im 150lbs with all my gear on and I have had both shocks. I prefer the newgen shock over the ex500 shock. The ex500 shock will lower the bike slightly, where the newgen shock will raise it slightly (both by about 1/4"). Also, the newgen shock is more adjustable (iirc) than the ex500 shock.

What does that mean, "(both by about 1/4")"? You said the ex500 shock lowers the bike, but then you followed by saying "both" raise the bike by about 1/4"? Are you referring to both shocks? Maybe a typo? Thanks!

[ReDnEcK]

Sorry, I meant that the ex500 shock makes it slightly lower and the newgen shock makes it slightly higher. If I had to choose, Id go with the newgen shock... unless your really short! Id also say the ex500 shock is softer than the newgen shock.