1988 Ninja 500 fork springs?

[SV_Hadder]

There is a guy in my area with a wrecked 88 Ninja 500. One of the forks is slightly bent, but the spring should be ok, yes?

Also, will the older springs work in a 2001 Ninja 250? The guy selling them told me that the older springs are stiffer than the ones from the updated 1994 model, is this true or is he just BS'ing me?

I only weigh 145 w/o gear, anybody else have suspension suggestions? I was thinking EX500 fork springs and an EX500 rear shock. Thanks guys!

[kkim]

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Front_suspension_upgrades

[SV_Hadder]

Yeah.... I've read that, too. Didn't find anything much in the way of pre-94' ex500 springs, that's why I asked you guys. Thanks!

[ReDnEcK]

I just upgraded my '03 ninja 250 rear shock to a '08 ninja 250 rear shock and I love it! See my thread titled "newgen shock installed" in the '86 - '07 Tech Talk section.

As for the EX500 springs, I think the '94 and newer springs are the only ones that will fit.
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[SV_Hadder]

Yeah I have been following that thread of yours, and I'm thinking about going with the new-gen 250 shock. How much do you weigh? I'm only about 145 without gear, so maybe 155 with gear, I would think that the new-gen rear shock and some 94' and up Ninja 500 fork springs would suit me just perfect. I wanted to get a ninja 500 rear shock, but they are either too old, or too expensive... There are 07 ex500 shocks on ebay for like $100 which is ridiculous for what you are getting. Then there are mid 90's ex500 shocks for around 30 to 70, and those are likely to be worn out/leaking oil, which would be a waste of money.

[ReDnEcK]

You could always make some longer spacers for the fork springs and see how you like it before spending money for nothing. Its very easy to do, almost as easy as replacing the rear shock.
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[bob138]

Pre Gen ex250 had 36mm fork tubes.
1st Gen ex500 had 36mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

New Gen ex250 has 37mm fork tubes.
2nd Gen ex500 has 37mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

You'd have to compare stock spring rates to be sure. I'll see if I can dig them up.

Bob

[Guppy1026]

Originally Posted by bob138

Pre Gen ex250 had 36mm fork tubes.
1st Gen ex500 had 36mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

New Gen ex250 has 37mm fork tubes.
2nd Gen ex500 has 37mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

You'd have to compare stock spring rates to be sure. I'll see if I can dig them up.

Bob

Any word on the spring rates on the New Gen 250's?

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Guppy1026

Any word on the spring rates on the New Gen 250's?

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...15&postcount=9

from this thread...
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ht=spring+rate

[SV_Hadder]

Originally Posted by bob138

Pre Gen ex250 had 36mm fork tubes.
1st Gen ex500 had 36mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

New Gen ex250 has 37mm fork tubes.
2nd Gen ex500 has 37mm fork tubes.
So those are replaceable and could provide a firmer front.

You'd have to compare stock spring rates to be sure. I'll see if I can dig them up.

Bob

So if the 1st gen EX500 (94 and older) is 36mm, and the pregen 250 is 36mm...... why does the suspension FAQ say to get 94' and newer EX500 (2nd gen with 37mm tubes) springs?

Also, according to a wiki on the EX500, during the minor revamp of the 500, the fork springs were stiffened up, thus answering my original question, but which springs fit a pregen EX250?

Thanks!