Installing an EX500 shock: Difference between revisions

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You're looking for a shock from an EX500D. The "D" series started in 1994. In reality, any EX 500 shock will work, but we will now give you the N250RC shock caveat: Shocks wear out with use. The seals fall apart with time. A 1990 shock with only 3k miles should be in better shape than a 1999 with 35k miles on it, but you never know what that older shock went through. Be cautious, and try to get as much information as you can about a used shock before you buy it.

The part number from EX500 A1 ('87) all the way through EX500 ~~D12~~ ('05) is 45014-1365. This means that they will all fit, but, of course, newer is usually better.

The part number from EX500 A1 ('87) all the way through EX500 D9F ('09 - end of production) is 45014-1365. This means that they will all fit, but, of course, newer is usually better.

====Here's how to put it on your Ninja 250:====

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Experience-based comment from IanJ:

I weigh 210 with no gear, and probably 240ish with the bike all loaded up for daily riding. I switched to an EX500 shock with good results -- stronger rear suspension, and an overall improvement compared to the EX250 shock. Dead simple to install. I would find a cheap EX500 shock and give it a try before you give up on the idea. If it sucks, you're out very little money and 20 minutes of install time. Seriously, it's so easy, and made a big difference for me.

*I weigh 210 with no gear, and probably 240ish with the bike all loaded up for daily riding. I switched to an EX500 shock with good results -- stronger rear suspension, and an overall improvement compared to the EX250 shock. Dead simple to install. I would find a cheap EX500 shock and give it a try before you give up on the idea. If it sucks, you're out very little money and 20 minutes of install time. Seriously, it's so easy, and made a big difference for me.

I know nothing of any specs or numbers on any of this stuff. This is based purely on my own experience.

:I know nothing of any specs or numbers on any of this stuff. This is based purely on my own experience.

====An anti-testimonial====

Experience-based comment from Jim Race:

*EX500 shocks *really* aren't the ideal solution to the EX250's shock problems. Despite coming from a bigger bike, the spring is actually softer than the EX250's. The only way to get ideal sag is to crank it down. Then you end up with a shock that feels stiffer, but actually provides less overall support than the stocker.

We of the N250RC FAQ staff can't help you make your decision, except to say that many people have been satisfied with their EX500 shock, and many have liked their ZX600 one.

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 You're looking for a shock from an EX500D. The "D" series started in 1994. In reality, any EX 500 shock will work, but we will now give you the N250RC shock caveat: Shocks wear out with use. The seals fall apart with time. A 1990 shock with only 3k miles should be in better shape than a 1999 with 35k miles on it, but you never know what that older shock went through. Be cautious, and try to get as much information as you can about a used shock before you buy it.
-The part number from EX500 A1 ('87) all the way through EX500 D12 ('05) is 45014-1365. This means that they will all fit, but, of course, newer is usually better.
+The part number from EX500 A1 ('87) all the way through EX500 D9F ('09 - end of production) is 45014-1365. This means that they will all fit, but, of course, newer is usually better.
 ====Here's how to put it on your Ninja 250:====
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 Experience-based comment from IanJ:
-I weigh 210 with no gear, and probably 240ish with the bike all loaded up for daily riding. I switched to an EX500 shock with good results -- stronger rear suspension, and an overall improvement compared to the EX250 shock. Dead simple to install. I would find a cheap EX500 shock and give it a try before you give up on the idea. If it sucks, you're out very little money and 20 minutes of install time. Seriously, it's so easy, and made a big difference for me.
+*I weigh 210 with no gear, and probably 240ish with the bike all loaded up for daily riding. I switched to an EX500 shock with good results -- stronger rear suspension, and an overall improvement compared to the EX250 shock. Dead simple to install. I would find a cheap EX500 shock and give it a try before you give up on the idea. If it sucks, you're out very little money and 20 minutes of install time. Seriously, it's so easy, and made a big difference for me.
-I know nothing of any specs or numbers on any of this stuff. This is based purely on my own experience.
+:I know nothing of any specs or numbers on any of this stuff. This is based purely on my own experience.
+====An anti-testimonial====
+Experience-based comment from Jim Race:
+*EX500 shocks *really* aren't the ideal solution to the EX250's shock problems. Despite coming from a bigger bike, the spring is actually softer than the EX250's. The only way to get ideal sag is to crank it down. Then you end up with a shock that feels stiffer, but actually provides less overall support than the stocker.
+We of the N250RC FAQ staff can't help you make your decision, except to say that many people have been satisfied with their EX500 shock, and many have liked their ZX600 one.