Installing a ZX750 shock: Difference between revisions

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Notes and opinions:

So, I got this thing by mistake. I figured what the hell and changed the oil and put it on my bike to see how it would work. After a short ride a week or so ago, I was pretty pleased with how it felt. Then I took a 125 mile run through some of my favorite twisties. Lots of long sweepers, tight switchbacks, and plenty of rough pavement ~~and also~~ some freeway riding going to and coming from. Overall, I think this shock is perfect ''for me'', at about 250-260 pounds in gear. It did not seem to be too stiff, but it definitely performed better than my old EX500 shock with the preload cranked down. With the EX500 shock set for me (cranked about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way down) the ride was stiff enough but tended to be harsh on particularly bumpy roads.

So, I got this thing by mistake. I figured what the hell and changed the oil and put it on my bike to see how it would work. After a short ride a week or so ago, I was pretty pleased with how it felt. Then I took a 125 mile run through some of my favorite twisties. Lots of long sweepers, tight switchbacks, and plenty of rough pavement, with some freeway riding going to and coming from. Overall, I think this shock is perfect ''for me'', at about 250-260 pounds in gear. It did not seem to be too stiff, but it definitely performed better than my old EX500 shock with the preload cranked down. With the EX500 shock set for me (cranked about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way down) the ride was stiff enough, but tended to be harsh on particularly bumpy roads.

Tearing through the twisties, the back end felt planted, and the bike felt more balanced front to rear. I was being particularly harsh in my riding style, so I think it's fair to say that you can definitely use a shock from a ZX750, but you should ~~also~~ be at the "heavy" end of the spectrum. My buddy who sometimes gets to ride my 250 only weighs about 170-ish, and he barely compressed the shock when he sat on it. The EX500 shock at about 1/4 preload fit him fine.

Tearing through the twisties the back end felt planted, and the bike felt more balanced front to rear. I was being particularly harsh in my riding style, so I think it's fair to say that you can definitely use a shock from a ZX750, but you should be at the "heavy" end of the spectrum. My buddy who sometimes gets to ride my 250 only weighs about 170-ish, and he barely compressed the shock when he sat on it. The EX500 shock at about 1/4 preload fit him fine.

Final verdict - this ranks as one of those things where sure, it'll work. But there are a couple of reasons NOT to go this route:

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3. Depending on what you need in suspension, you might be better off with an [[Aftermarket Shocks|aftermarket shock]] specifically suited to your weight and riding style.

Me, I made lemonade when I got a bunch of lemons. I may eventually see how it feels if I add air to it, but right now I'm not that interested cause she feels pretty good as is.

Me, I made lemonade when I got a bunch of lemons. I may eventually see how it feels if I add air to it, but right now I'm not that interested, cause she feels pretty good as is.

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 Notes and opinions:
-So, I got this thing by mistake. I figured what the hell and changed the oil and put it on my bike to see how it would work. After a short ride a week or so ago, I was pretty pleased with how it felt. Then I took a 125 mile run through some of my favorite twisties. Lots of long sweepers, tight switchbacks, and plenty of rough pavement and also some freeway riding going to and coming from. Overall, I think this shock is perfect ''for me'', at about 250-260 pounds in gear. It did not seem to be too stiff, but it definitely performed better than my old EX500 shock with the preload cranked down. With the EX500 shock set for me (cranked about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way down) the ride was stiff enough but tended to be harsh on particularly bumpy roads.
+So, I got this thing by mistake. I figured what the hell and changed the oil and put it on my bike to see how it would work. After a short ride a week or so ago, I was pretty pleased with how it felt. Then I took a 125 mile run through some of my favorite twisties. Lots of long sweepers, tight switchbacks, and plenty of rough pavement, with some freeway riding going to and coming from. Overall, I think this shock is perfect ''for me'', at about 250-260 pounds in gear. It did not seem to be too stiff, but it definitely performed better than my old EX500 shock with the preload cranked down. With the EX500 shock set for me (cranked about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way down) the ride was stiff enough, but tended to be harsh on particularly bumpy roads.
-Tearing through the twisties, the back end felt planted, and the bike felt more balanced front to rear. I was being particularly harsh in my riding style, so I think it's fair to say that you can definitely use a shock from a ZX750, but you should also be at the "heavy" end of the spectrum. My buddy who sometimes gets to ride my 250 only weighs about 170-ish, and he barely compressed the shock when he sat on it. The EX500 shock at about 1/4 preload fit him fine.
+Tearing through the twisties the back end felt planted, and the bike felt more balanced front to rear. I was being particularly harsh in my riding style, so I think it's fair to say that you can definitely use a shock from a ZX750, but you should be at the "heavy" end of the spectrum. My buddy who sometimes gets to ride my 250 only weighs about 170-ish, and he barely compressed the shock when he sat on it. The EX500 shock at about 1/4 preload fit him fine.
 Final verdict - this ranks as one of those things where sure, it'll work. But there are a couple of reasons NOT to go this route:
@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 . Depending on what you need in suspension, you might be better off with an [[Aftermarket Shocks|aftermarket shock]] specifically suited to your weight and riding style.
-Me, I made lemonade when I got a bunch of lemons. I may eventually see how it feels if I add air to it, but right now I'm not that interested cause she feels pretty good as is.
+Me, I made lemonade when I got a bunch of lemons. I may eventually see how it feels if I add air to it, but right now I'm not that interested, cause she feels pretty good as is.