Suspension upgrade disclaimer: Difference between revisions

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If you feel you should upgrade your suspension, then by all means do it. But put some miles on first. Of all the '''bike''' mods out there that can be done, the suspension will return the best bang for the buck in ride quality, but the '''best''' bang for the buck is always rider training.

Make sure to read through the Suspension articles here in FAQ and get the right suspension for your weight and riding style. There is a tendency by newer riders to make things too stiff, which results in a less desirable riding experience in everyday riding.

====Pre-2008 model====

~~If you don't know who~~ [http://www.ninja250.org/BrianM Brian] is ~~by now, you'll soon learn. He's~~ a certified motorcycle mechanic with over 100,000 miles of riding experience. He has also worked as a race suspension tech. Here's his take on the stock "classic" suspension:

[http://www.ninja250.org/BrianM Brian] is a certified motorcycle mechanic with over 100,000 miles of riding experience. He has also worked as a race suspension tech. Here's his take on the stock "classic" suspension:

*Why is it that I'm among the heavier riders, know how to ride the bike hard, and yet don't have issues riding on stock suspension? Yes, it has limitations, but it's easy enough to deal with and yes, it's the first thing I'd spend real money on for an upgrade (a $30 horn is not "real money", but ~$500 for the suspension overhaul is). But the stock, ''maintained'', suspension is more than enough for street riding.

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====J model====

Brian again: The older bikes ride better for daily road use. They are FAR more comfortable. Even at 240lbs, I think the '08 suspension is stiff and unforgiving. It's the biggest complaint I have ~~for~~ the bike. Of course, that does make it better, in stock trim, for track duty. Knowing what I know right now, I'd never buy an '08+ for street duty. Track use, sure. Of course, it helps to not be hung up on aesthetics.

Brian again: The older bikes ride better for daily road use. They are FAR more comfortable. Even at 240lbs, I think the '08 suspension is stiff and unforgiving. It's the biggest complaint I have about the bike. Of course, that does make it better, in stock trim, for track duty. Knowing what I know right now, I'd never buy an '08+ for street duty. Track use, sure. Of course, it helps to not be hung up on aesthetics.

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 If you feel you should upgrade your suspension, then by all means do it. But put some miles on first. Of all the '''bike''' mods out there that can be done, the suspension will return the best bang for the buck in ride quality, but the '''best''' bang for the buck is always rider training.
+Make sure to read through the Suspension articles here in FAQ and get the right suspension for your weight and riding style. There is a tendency by newer riders to make things too stiff, which results in a less desirable riding experience in everyday riding.
 ====Pre-2008 model====
-If you don't know who [http://www.ninja250.org/BrianM Brian] is by now, you'll soon learn. He's a certified motorcycle mechanic with over 100,000 miles of riding experience. He has also worked as a race suspension tech. Here's his take on the stock "classic" suspension:
+[http://www.ninja250.org/BrianM Brian] is a certified motorcycle mechanic with over 100,000 miles of riding experience. He has also worked as a race suspension tech. Here's his take on the stock "classic" suspension:
 *Why is it that I'm among the heavier riders, know how to ride the bike hard, and yet don't have issues riding on stock suspension? Yes, it has limitations, but it's easy enough to deal with and yes, it's the first thing I'd spend real money on for an upgrade (a $30 horn is not "real money", but ~$500 for the suspension overhaul is). But the stock, ''maintained'', suspension is more than enough for street riding.
@@ Line 19: / Line 21: @@
 ====J model====
-Brian again: The older bikes ride better for daily road use. They are FAR more comfortable. Even at 240lbs, I think the '08 suspension is stiff and unforgiving. It's the biggest complaint I have for the bike. Of course, that does make it better, in stock trim, for track duty. Knowing what I know right now, I'd never buy an '08+ for street duty. Track use, sure. Of course, it helps to not be hung up on aesthetics.
+Brian again: The older bikes ride better for daily road use. They are FAR more comfortable. Even at 240lbs, I think the '08 suspension is stiff and unforgiving. It's the biggest complaint I have about the bike. Of course, that does make it better, in stock trim, for track duty. Knowing what I know right now, I'd never buy an '08+ for street duty. Track use, sure. Of course, it helps to not be hung up on aesthetics.