best shocks?

juanpak87 · August 8th, 2013, 10:12 AM

Any recommendations on what shocks i should get for my 99' 250r?

csmith12 · August 8th, 2013, 10:25 AM

The easiest route is a new gen shock
The next easiest is a gsxr shock with custom bones, bolts and spacers
The rest is a function of your budget lol

agentbad · August 9th, 2013, 08:14 AM

Can't you get a used ninja 300 shock and put it on a 250 or would a new gen be better?

Lychee · August 9th, 2013, 12:50 PM

I have a 300 shock in my pregen and the 300 shock is an easy plug and play option as far as installing it goes. Compared to the pregen shock it is much stiffer, and has an adjustable preload. There are no other adjustments.

As far as comparing to the newgen shock, the numbers behind the 300 shock are a bit hard to find. From opinions on the internet and a second hand opinion of one of Race Tech's riders it is supposed to be stiffer over all than the newgen due to changed damper valving (or damper rod holes/oil weight/oil amount/whatever). It also supposedly has the same spring rate as the newgen, except with a longer spring, which allows for an extra preload setting. I haven't been able to confirm these findings and some marketing websites say that the shock is softer, in direct conflict with this information.

For reference, Race Tech says the new gen has a 9.3 kg/mm spring rate and the ninja 250 faq says the pregen has a 440 lb/in spring rate which equates to 7.86 kg/mm.

choneofakind · August 9th, 2013, 01:16 PM

I run a newgen shock. Not bad little change considering it only cost me $40. I might go with a 300 shock once I do emulators and heavier oil in my forks. Who knows?

Like chris said, it's really a function of budget when considering 'the best'

KawiKid860 · August 9th, 2013, 01:18 PM

Isn't the 500 shock a common swap on the pregens? Or is the newgen/300 kit better than the 500s?

choneofakind · August 9th, 2013, 01:38 PM

500 shocks are shorter, have softer springs, and require tons of preload. Some people swear by them, but I think the newgen/300 shocks are better options because they're newer and are designed for nearly the same bike with nearly the same suspension geometry.

quarterliter · August 9th, 2013, 02:45 PM

The 500 shocks aren't an upgrade.

agentbad · August 9th, 2013, 04:01 PM

I don't need the best just something that will do better then the stock pre gen since I'm a bigger rider.

juanpak87 · August 12th, 2013, 08:57 AM

Is there a website where i can purchase one of these shocks?

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · August 12th, 2013, 02:42 PM

Ebay is the cheapest. I think buying them new is gonna cost you like 5-10x more.

Lychee · August 12th, 2013, 02:51 PM

Craigslist. There is one on sale locally actually.

Monkeytofu · August 12th, 2013, 08:20 PM

+1 to newgen shock.

Newgen shock is definitely what you're looking for. Cheap, easy to install, makes the bike a hair taller, and can be adjusted to fit your weight.

spc2125 · August 15th, 2013, 10:39 AM

whats people inputs for quality of ride with new shocks? Able to handle more weight with a passenger? Better over bumps? etc.

Lychee · August 15th, 2013, 11:02 AM

@spc2125 All of the above. The pregen shock is really bouncy, like an old Cadillac. They tended to hydraulically bottom out if you were on a downward part of its oscillation and hit a bump. It squats very low with a passenger. On a side note. if you upgrade the rear shock only, you will really notice how crappy the front suspension is as well. Same problems as the rear, except that the squat comes from breaking instead of a passenger.

tc.young · August 15th, 2013, 02:59 PM

i say newgen, 40 bucks, preload. made mine a bit firmer. also reminded me the front needs a bit of improvement.

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · August 15th, 2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spc2125

whats people inputs for quality of ride with new shocks? Able to handle more weight with a passenger? Better over bumps? etc.

If you're gonna be carrying a passenger definitely buy the new-gen or 300 shock (or anything other than the stock). It is definitely stiffer and a used one is a pretty cheap upgrade. I wouldn't ever go back to stock. The one thing I've noticed is it is a tad bit easier to lock up the rear wheel during heavy braking.

Crriiissss · August 16th, 2013, 06:30 AM

Here you go

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=145651

7oxSin · August 23rd, 2013, 06:42 AM

Time for a bump, im bitting the bullet and upgrading my shock, i have a list of shocks and prices. it would kick monumental amounts of ass if yall could let me know which on of these would fit/be best. been trying to google with no luck.

Preemptive thanks!

01 zx6r 20$
09 ninja 650 25$
05 636 23$
96-03 zx7r 25$
08 zx6r 25$
99 zx9r 20$? (no buyout only bids)

these are what i have found so far, any input would rock, im still looking around for newgen or 300 shocks but i would rather spend 25 then 40 if i can.

7oxSin · August 23rd, 2013, 12:17 PM

Bump cuz its time sensitive?

Lychee · August 23rd, 2013, 12:48 PM

These shocks may require modification to fit into the 250. I recommend you research before you push the buy button. Anything will fit with enough time and money.

7oxSin · August 23rd, 2013, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lychee

These shocks may require modification to fit into the 250. I recommend you research before you push the buy button. Anything will fit with enough time and money.

yeah im hoping some one here has done it, just dont wanna pay 40-50$ for a shock upgrade, rather put some of that money towards more needed parts.

ninjamunky85 · August 23rd, 2013, 01:51 PM

I put swapped the shock in my 300 for one from an '07 gixxer 600. I'd imagine it would work with a pre-gen.

7oxSin · August 23rd, 2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

I put swapped the shock in my 300 for one from an '07 gixxer 600. I'd imagine it would work with a pre-gen.

hmm is the 300 backwards compatible with the pregen? if so did the gsxr use the same bolts? and also did it change your ride height?

Lychee · August 23rd, 2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

hmm is the 300 backwards compatible with the pregen? if so did the gsxr use the same bolts? and also did it change your ride height?

Yes it is, I have Ryan's 300 shock in my pregen lol. If there was a change in ride height I did not notice it. The gsxr shock requires modification.

alex.s · August 23rd, 2013, 02:56 PM

your weight:

below 120lbs: no change
below 150lbs: newgen or 300 shock
above 150lbs: gsxr shock
annual income above 75k: ohlins, baby. ohlins.

7oxSin · August 23rd, 2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

your weight:

below 120lbs: no change
below 150lbs: newgen or 300 shock
above 150lbs: gsxr shock
annual income above 75k: ohlins, baby. ohlins.

im 195 and i 2up my wife atleast 4 times a week.

alex.s · August 23rd, 2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

im 195 and i 2up my wife atleast 4 times a week.

cool

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · August 24th, 2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

im 195 and i 2up my wife atleast 4 times a week.

I would recommend the gxsr shock. I have personally never ran it but the newgen shock is still too soft for my preference, as stiff as it is (on stiffest setting).

fr1dayn1ght · August 24th, 2013, 07:31 PM

after reading this and some of the threads about shock upgrade i went on ebay and grabbed a newgen shock for 40 buck

exciting!
quick question though: where can i get that special wrench to adjust the shock? or can you do it without??

csmith12 · August 24th, 2013, 07:41 PM

It's called a spanner and they can be purchased used from OEM toolkits or you can also get them at cheapcycleparts.com

7oxSin · August 24th, 2013, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FvnnyL3tt3r1ng

I would recommend the gxsr shock. I have personally never ran it but the newgen shock is still too soft for my preference, as stiff as it is (on stiffest setting).

when i dont have my wife on the ninja with me will a super stiff shock **** me up?

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · August 24th, 2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

when i dont have my wife on the ninja with me will a super stiff shock **** me up?

I think a softer shock would f you up more by giving you more upset in turns and what not. It will probably be more jerky I mean you don't have to set it all stiff you can have sag I just personally would go stiffer. Think about it less momentum is gonna be absorbed and more is gonna be transfered to your tires. At least that's how it feels....?

7oxSin · August 25th, 2013, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FvnnyL3tt3r1ng

I think a softer shock would f you up more by giving you more upset in turns and what not. It will probably be more jerky I mean you don't have to set it all stiff you can have sag I just personally would go stiffer. Think about it less momentum is gonna be absorbed and more is gonna be transfered to your tires. At least that's how it feels....?

cool, guess its time to chop up my ninja. need to do some more research before that.

csmith12 · August 25th, 2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

when i dont have my wife on the ninja with me will a super stiff shock **** me up?

I don't think so, maybe ride a bit rough and give you a lot of feedback over the bump. But I think the worst of it will be leaned over riding over bumps, that may feel a little less planted and somewhat spooky.

There is not gunna be a setting that is perfect for both 1up vs 2up, only an acceptable middle ground. But you should lean toward the harder settings vs the softer ones. After you get accustom to the harder settings, I bet you will prefer them even while riding solo.

My R6 is set so hard, it barely moves when I mount up. But at pace, it rides like a magic carpet. lol

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · August 25th, 2013, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

I don't think so, maybe ride a bit rough and give you a lot of feedback over the bump. But I think the worst of it will be leaned over riding over bumps, that may feel a little less planted and somewhat spooky.

Oh yeah turning in is gonna be more difficult so make sure your on point there.

August 8th, 2013, 10:12 AM	#1
juanpak87 ninjette.org member Name: juan Location: jersey city Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 21	best shocks? Any recommendations on what shocks i should get for my 99' 250r?

August 8th, 2013, 10:25 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	The easiest route is a new gen shock The next easiest is a gsxr shock with custom bones, bolts and spacers The rest is a function of your budget lol __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 9th, 2013, 12:50 PM	#4
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	I have a 300 shock in my pregen and the 300 shock is an easy plug and play option as far as installing it goes. Compared to the pregen shock it is much stiffer, and has an adjustable preload. There are no other adjustments. As far as comparing to the newgen shock, the numbers behind the 300 shock are a bit hard to find. From opinions on the internet and a second hand opinion of one of Race Tech's riders it is supposed to be stiffer over all than the newgen due to changed damper valving (or damper rod holes/oil weight/oil amount/whatever). It also supposedly has the same spring rate as the newgen, except with a longer spring, which allows for an extra preload setting. I haven't been able to confirm these findings and some marketing websites say that the shock is softer, in direct conflict with this information. For reference, Race Tech says the new gen has a 9.3 kg/mm spring rate and the ninja 250 faq says the pregen has a 440 lb/in spring rate which equates to 7.86 kg/mm. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 12th, 2013, 02:42 PM	#11
FvnnyL3tt3r1ng ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Justin Location: Florida Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 2001 Posts: A lot.	Ebay is the cheapest. I think buying them new is gonna cost you like 5-10x more. __________________________________________________ Mods: Offset clutch pressure plate

August 12th, 2013, 02:51 PM	#12
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	Craigslist. There is one on sale locally actually. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

August 9th, 2013, 08:14 AM	#3
agentbad ninjette.org sage Name: bob Location: Earf Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250, 2006 SV650N Posts: 642	Can't you get a used ninja 300 shock and put it on a 250 or would a new gen be better?

August 9th, 2013, 01:16 PM	#5
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	I run a newgen shock. Not bad little change considering it only cost me $40. I might go with a 300 shock once I do emulators and heavier oil in my forks. Who knows? Like chris said, it's really a function of budget when considering 'the best'

August 9th, 2013, 01:18 PM	#6
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	Isn't the 500 shock a common swap on the pregens? Or is the newgen/300 kit better than the 500s?

August 9th, 2013, 01:38 PM	#7
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	500 shocks are shorter, have softer springs, and require tons of preload. Some people swear by them, but I think the newgen/300 shocks are better options because they're newer and are designed for nearly the same bike with nearly the same suspension geometry.

August 9th, 2013, 02:45 PM	#8
quarterliter ninjette.org guru Name: Kevin Location: Madison Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 Posts: 465	The 500 shocks aren't an upgrade.

August 9th, 2013, 04:01 PM	#9
agentbad ninjette.org sage Name: bob Location: Earf Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250, 2006 SV650N Posts: 642	I don't need the best just something that will do better then the stock pre gen since I'm a bigger rider.

August 12th, 2013, 08:57 AM	#10
juanpak87 ninjette.org member Name: juan Location: jersey city Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 21	Is there a website where i can purchase one of these shocks?

August 12th, 2013, 08:20 PM	#13
Monkeytofu I told you bro Name: Noor Location: Austin, Texas Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680	+1 to newgen shock. Newgen shock is definitely what you're looking for. Cheap, easy to install, makes the bike a hair taller, and can be adjusted to fit your weight.

August 15th, 2013, 10:39 AM	#14
spc2125 ninjette.org member Name: Steven Location: MA Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 10 Ninja 250 Posts: 172	whats people inputs for quality of ride with new shocks? Able to handle more weight with a passenger? Better over bumps? etc.

August 15th, 2013, 11:02 AM	#15
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	@spc2125 All of the above. The pregen shock is really bouncy, like an old Cadillac. They tended to hydraulically bottom out if you were on a downward part of its oscillation and hit a bump. It squats very low with a passenger. On a side note. if you upgrade the rear shock only, you will really notice how crappy the front suspension is as well. Same problems as the rear, except that the squat comes from breaking instead of a passenger. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

August 15th, 2013, 02:59 PM	#16
tc.young ninjette.org member Name: tom Location: nyc Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '89 klr 650, '00 250r Posts: 177	i say newgen, 40 bucks, preload. made mine a bit firmer. also reminded me the front needs a bit of improvement.

August 16th, 2013, 06:30 AM	#18
Crriiissss ninjette.org member Name: Cristian Location: Look behind you Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja Thunder Blue(sold), 2004 Suzuki GS500f(sold), 2006 Ninja 250, 2013 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 70	Here you go http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=145651

August 23rd, 2013, 06:42 AM	#19
7oxSin MSF Coach! Name: Lupe Location: Antioch, Tennessee Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886	Time for a bump, im bitting the bullet and upgrading my shock, i have a list of shocks and prices. it would kick monumental amounts of ass if yall could let me know which on of these would fit/be best. been trying to google with no luck. Preemptive thanks! 01 zx6r 20$ 09 ninja 650 25$ 05 636 23$ 96-03 zx7r 25$ 08 zx6r 25$ 99 zx9r 20$? (no buyout only bids) these are what i have found so far, any input would rock, im still looking around for newgen or 300 shocks but i would rather spend 25 then 40 if i can. __________________________________________________ Hey Unregistered wanna ride the dragon? Ninjette group ride! May 16th-20th Join the Ride!!http://www.ninjette.org/forums/group.php?groupid=35

August 23rd, 2013, 12:17 PM	#20
7oxSin MSF Coach! Name: Lupe Location: Antioch, Tennessee Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886	Bump cuz its time sensitive? __________________________________________________ Hey Unregistered wanna ride the dragon? Ninjette group ride! May 16th-20th Join the Ride!!http://www.ninjette.org/forums/group.php?groupid=35

August 23rd, 2013, 12:48 PM	#21
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	These shocks may require modification to fit into the 250. I recommend you research before you push the buy button. Anything will fit with enough time and money. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

August 23rd, 2013, 01:51 PM	#23
ninjamunky85 Que Buenos Son!!! Name: Ryan Location: Grovetucky, OH Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '14	I put swapped the shock in my 300 for one from an '07 gixxer 600. I'd imagine it would work with a pre-gen. __________________________________________________ Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!!

August 23rd, 2013, 02:56 PM	#26
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	your weight: below 120lbs: no change below 150lbs: newgen or 300 shock above 150lbs: gsxr shock annual income above 75k: ohlins, baby. ohlins. __________________________________________________

August 24th, 2013, 07:31 PM	#30
fr1dayn1ght ninjette.org member Name: Binh Location: NJ Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '07 Ninja 250 (sold), 2013 CB500F Posts: 125	after reading this and some of the threads about shock upgrade i went on ebay and grabbed a newgen shock for 40 buck exciting! quick question though: where can i get that special wrench to adjust the shock? or can you do it without??

August 24th, 2013, 07:41 PM	#31
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	It's called a spanner and they can be purchased used from OEM toolkits or you can also get them at cheapcycleparts.com __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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