Budget suspension upgrades?

[Worldtraveller]

Can I get into a decent racing suspension for under $600? I'd like to do significantly less than that, but that seems to be the lower limit from looking around (Elka?).

I think I will get some linear springs and heavier oil in the front and try that for next season, but finding a rear shock without spending almost as much as I paid for the bike seems quite a bit more difficult.

I want rebound and preload for sure. Ride height would be nice. I'm not too worried about adjustable compression damping.

I'm also finally moving up to racing slicks. My total off season budget for upgrades is about $1k, so I want to get the suspension done for under $600. Although I might bump that up and see if I can get someone's takeoffs and save money on the tires initially. Of course, that will probably cost a bit more in the long run, but I've got to start using tires at some point. I've been running on DOT Pirellis for 14 races now, and although the tires have plenty of life on them, I've definitely reached the limit of what they can give me.

On the plus side, I dropped nearly 10 seconds off my lap times in just two months, and I know what it feels like to slide the rear quite a bit.

[Qomomoko]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Can I get into a decent racing suspension for under $600? I'd like to do significantly less than that, but that seems to be the lower limit from looking around (Elka?).

I think I will get some linear springs and heavier oil in the front and try that for next season, but finding a rear shock without spending almost as much as I paid for the bike seems quite a bit more difficult.

I want rebound and preload for sure. Ride height would be nice. I'm not too worried about adjustable compression damping.

I'm also finally moving up to racing slicks. My total off season budget for upgrades is about $1k, so I want to get the suspension done for under $600. Although I might bump that up and see if I can get someone's takeoffs and save money on the tires initially. Of course, that will probably cost a bit more in the long run, but I've got to start using tires at some point. I've been running on DOT Pirellis for 14 races now, and although the tires have plenty of life on them, I've definitely reached the limit of what they can give me.

On the plus side, I dropped nearly 10 seconds off my lap times in just two months, and I know what it feels like to slide the rear quite a bit.

intersted in this info too..

I am sure you are talking about a new gen 250.
What about using an SV 1999-2001 rear shock? Is that much of an upgrade?
I been looking but I believe many SV parts work on the new gen ninja but not sure (sure hope the work on my pre gen ninja as I am "shock less in the rear" at the moment"

[BlownWideOpen]

GSXR rear shock is a pretty solid upgrade. I'm gathering parts to install mine. I'm about 70 bucks into it lol

[Somchai]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Can I get into a decent racing suspension for under $600? I'd like to do significantly less than that, but that seems to be the lower limit from looking around (Elka?).

I think I will get some linear springs and heavier oil in the front and try that for next season, but finding a rear shock without spending almost as much as I paid for the bike seems quite a bit more difficult.

I want rebound and preload for sure. Ride height would be nice. I'm not too worried about adjustable compression damping.

I'm also finally moving up to racing slicks. My total off season budget for upgrades is about $1k, so I want to get the suspension done for under $600. Although I might bump that up and see if I can get someone's takeoffs and save money on the tires initially. Of course, that will probably cost a bit more in the long run, but I've got to start using tires at some point. I've been running on DOT Pirellis for 14 races now, and although the tires have plenty of life on them, I've definitely reached the limit of what they can give me.

On the plus side, I dropped nearly 10 seconds off my lap times in just two months, and I know what it feels like to slide the rear quite a bit.

You could ask here http://www.yssusa.com/ for the Ordernumber: MZ366-320TRL-13-5. This shock has all your looking for and as an addition you can extend it by 5 mm.

[Qomomoko]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

GSXR rear shock is a pretty solid upgrade. I'm gathering parts to install mine. I'm about 70 bucks into it lol

what year gixxer? and thats for a ne gen 250? other details?

[csmith12]

A savvy shopper can get a gsxr rear upgrade for < $50. In total, I spent $42 on mine, shock, bones, bolts and all. I am even including the new drill bit I had to buy for the proper size hole.

The front is a bit more tricky to get cheap. I would never buy used springs, so there is $120 at least but the rest can be had used/cheaper if you shop around.

All said and done, I got $700 (just $100 more than your budget) in suspension mods to my 250 but I got some extras that I have learned I can live without but sure are nice to have when I need them.

[Qomomoko]

Originally Posted by csmith12

A savvy shopper can get a gsxr rear upgrade for < $50. In total, I spent $42 on mine, shock, bones, bolts and all. I am even including the new drill bit I had to buy for the proper size hole.

The front is a bit more tricky to get cheap. I would never buy used springs, so there is $120 at least but the rest can be had used/cheaper if you shop around.

All said and done, I got $700 (just $100 more than your budget) in suspension mods to my 250 but I got some extras that I have learned I can live without but sure are nice to have when I need them.

which gen gixxer?

[csmith12]

08 gsxr 600

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by Qomomoko

what year gixxer? and thats for a ne gen 250? other details?

Mine is from an '05 GSXR 750, which requires you to remove the airbox for it to fit.

Bottom "fork" area that bolts into the knuckle has to be ground down. and the top bushing has to be changed out for a 250 one.

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by csmith12

A savvy shopper can get a gsxr rear upgrade for < $50. In total, I spent $42 on mine, shock, bones, bolts and all. I am even including the new drill bit I had to buy for the proper size hole.

Mine came with the GSXR bones, bolts, and knuckle as well. I'm hoping to swap everything over, making it slightly less work. Hopefully.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

Mine came with the GSXR bones, bolts, and knuckle as well. I'm hoping to swap everything over, making it slightly less work. Hopefully.

Cool! Which bones you use will/can (adjustable) will determine the height of the rear. I wanted a 1in raise, so custom made bones it was.... I used the stock knuckle with my setup, but hey... if it works for you, then ride on.

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Cool! Which bones you use will/can (adjustable) will determine the height of the rear. I wanted a 1in raise, so custom made bones it was.... I used the stock knuckle with my setup, but hey... if it works for you, then ride on.

I think if you use the stock bones it raises it 1 inch. Don't quote me on that though.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

I think if you use the stock bones it raises it 1 inch. Don't quote me on that though.

I am quoting you. hahhahaha but only ask a question. Stock of which bike? The 250 or the gsxr?

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by csmith12

I am quoting you. hahhahaha but only ask a question. Stock of which bike? The 250 or the gsxr?

Stock bones off the 250!

[Qomomoko]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

I think if you use the stock bones it raises it 1 inch. Don't quote me on that though.

Originally Posted by csmith12

I am quoting you. hahhahaha but only ask a question. Stock of which bike? The 250 or the gsxr?

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

Stock bones off the 250!

lol

i am getting confused but the MODS will happen
** so the 05 750 GXR shock with the new gen 250 bones will raise the rear one inch"

I am not even a NOOB at modding so all this is like shots of Tekila

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by Qomomoko

lol

i am getting confused but the MODS will happen
** so the 05 750 GXR shock with the new gen 250 bones will raise the rear one inch"

I am not even a NOOB at modding so all this is like shots of Tekila

For you, I'd go with the '08 GSXR 600 shock, to make the swap a bit easier. If you go with the one I chose, airbox comes out, carbs have to be played with and it becomes a mess. Lots of reading helps! And the people here are great as well, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

[Qomomoko]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

For you, I'd go with the '08 GSXR 600 shock, to make the swap a bit easier. If you go with the one I chose, airbox comes out, carbs have to be played with and it becomes a mess. Lots of reading helps! And the people here are great as well, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

thanks.. reading to be done...

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by Qomomoko

thanks.. reading to be done...

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

Stock bones off the 250!

negative, stock 250 bones and gsxr shock will lower the rear slightly which you do not want, so get shorter bones to lift the rear back up

[alex.s]

the gsxr shock is about an 3/4" shorter than the ninja shock which translates to about an inch and a half drop on the rear with stock ninja bones.

for about $10 each you can order heim joints and rods to make adjustable dogbones from McMaster Carr. and being mcmaster, they will arrive the day after you order them if you are in the US. or if you are in san diego like me, you'll receive them a few hours after you order them. i love mcmaster.


edit: i looked it up, each heim joint is $6.20, you need 4- 2x left hand and 2x right hand. and the connecting rod with threads on both end in opposite threads is $3 each. you need 2.


so a set of brand new, high quality fully adjustable dogbones costs $31. those would be rated for 7klbs. more than you would ever see on those dog bones unless the bike was tumbling end over end.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

negative, stock 250 bones and gsxr shock will lower the rear slightly which you do not want, so get shorter bones to lift the rear back up

The 06 & 08 gsxr shock itself is shorter than a stock 250 rear shock. While shorter bones will raise the height, shorter shocks with the stock bones will lower it.

[BlownWideOpen]

Ah that was it. Mixed my stuff up!

[Qomomoko]

awesome info.. how do I like your guys post and such!!!
Still a noob at this site.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Qomomoko

awesome info.. how do I like your guys post and such!!!
Still a noob at this site.

The ability to "like" or "find helpful" a post is granted after 1000 posts. Your almost there, just a few more past 61. There is no rush to get 1000 posts or "like" things. Us members who have been around for a while already know.

[subxero]

Originally Posted by csmith12

A savvy shopper can get a gsxr rear upgrade for < $50. In total, I spent $42 on mine, shock, bones, bolts and all. I am even including the new drill bit I had to buy for the proper size hole.

The front is a bit more tricky to get cheap. I would never buy used springs, so there is $120 at least but the rest can be had used/cheaper if you shop around.

All said and done, I got $700 (just $100 more than your budget) in suspension mods to my 250 but I got some extras that I have learned I can live without but sure are nice to have when I need them.

Front springs $120, emulators $150, Preload adjusters $120 ish, GSXR shock mod you said <$50

120+150+120+50= $440 What am I missing? unless you upgraded to cartridges or something

^ could have got a new rear spring as well so +$120 ish but even with that I am short a little over a $100 from the $700

[csmith12]

Fork oil, seals, preload caps ($100+ alone), various bolts, lock washers, custom bones, various tools I didn't have and so on.

The price of the parts are one thing, the total job is normally different. ijs... But yea, could be done for $600 or less now that I have learned a few things along the way.

[subxero]

^ gotcha

[GreatScott]

I've read the GSXR shock swap a few times but still don't know for sure what the benefit is for this swap. I weigh around 275lbs... would the swap make my bike handle better?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

I've read the GSXR shock swap a few times but still don't know for sure what the benefit is for this swap. I weigh around 275lbs... would the swap make my bike handle better?

Depends on the type of riding you do and your tolerance level. Could make the highway less bumpy, could take more of the load during cornering (it should anyway). Then again, my main race competition runs a stock shock on the highest setting w/ 0 fuks given because it's his race bike. I say don't fix problems that don't exist, myself.

[alex.s]

swapping to gsxr shock gives you damping adjustability. you can't adjust stock rear shock damping. stock gsxr spring is heavier than the stock ninja spring which is specced for someone 140#, so basically it would help someone over 200# in pretty much every way... provided it was in good working order.

[Worldtraveller]

I'm watching this item on ebay.

Anyone have any good links about add on piggyback systems? (Do they work with an existing shock? I wouldn't think so....)

[MirinNinja]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Depends on the type of riding you do and your tolerance level. Could make the highway less bumpy, could take more of the load during cornering (it should anyway). Then again, my main race competition runs a stock shock on the highest setting w/ 0 fuks given because it's his race bike. I say don't fix problems that don't exist, myself.

What front end internal mods he running (if any)?

[csmith12]

He is super cheap. lol He changed the fork oil and cut some pvc preload spacers. That's it!!! Total: $23.49

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Depends on the type of riding you do and your tolerance level. Could make the highway less bumpy, could take more of the load during cornering (it should anyway). Then again, my main race competition runs a stock shock on the highest setting w/ 0 fuks given because it's his race bike. I say don't fix problems that don't exist, myself.

I weigh about 180 with all my riding gear. I have the rear shock maxed up, and it feels soft and wallowy when I'm leaned over and have to make even the slightest adjustment to my line. The front end seems to exacerbate it.

A lot of the 250 guys here say just being able to adjust rebound and preload will be enough of a difference to get me most of the stability I need. Then again, I've shaved almost ten seconds in two months....with stock suspension, street tires, and only adding rearsets.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Then again, I've shaved almost ten seconds in two months....with stock suspension, street tires, and only adding rearsets.

What does that mean? 10 seconds is like..... stupid forever on the track.

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

I think if you use the stock bones it raises it 1 inch. Don't quote me on that though.

stock bones with the GSXR shock is lower then stock height.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by csmith12

He is super cheap. lol He changed the fork oil and cut some pvc preload spacers. That's it!!! Total: $23.49

lol, there are some guys out here that can ride the mess out of the crappy stock bits as well, wobbling and bobbing and jumping and skipping tires in a way that would have me cleaning my shorts lol. And win races too . I have to get up and go to work in the morning lol so mentally I have to give some "****".

[csmith12]

True dat! Some of my best lap times was on a completely stock bike. The only mod was BT003's. Bike wassa chatterin' more danna angry squirrel on a cold Nov. morn'.

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by csmith12

What does that mean? 10 seconds is like..... stupid forever on the track.

Yeah, 2 months ago, I was running low 2:17s, this time out, my best time was a 2:08.2, and consistently around 2:10. It's mostly just me getting the feel for higher entry speed. I'm not creeping up on max lean angle nearly as much. Also, with the extra confidence that I'm not going to start dragging my toes/pegs anymore, when my knee first touches, I tuck it up and lean a bit more.

That's why I think I'm finally ready for the suspension upgrades. I'm closer to the bike's limits, and the suspension has noticeable feedback where it shouldn't.

[leed]

Originally Posted by Qomomoko

intersted in this info too..

I am sure you are talking about a new gen 250.
What about using an SV 1999-2001 rear shock? Is that much of an upgrade?
I been looking but I believe many SV parts work on the new gen ninja but not sure (sure hope the work on my pre gen ninja as I am "shock less in the rear" at the moment"

I just wanted to point out that the stock SV shocks are junk, so never put one on a bike if you can avoid it!

I put a GSXR shock in my Ninja, never got around to taking it to the track after that though. Maybe next season