[jjmaine]

I find the stock rear shock pretty harsh and since I already have back problems, I may get a good adjustable shock. Just wondering if it improves the ride much to be worth $600+? Same as my other thread asking about the ecu flash, just wondering if it will be worth the money so I thought I would ask those who have done it.
I don’t race but even riding on the street at a regular pace the shock is very harsh and I am 190lbs. I have it set in the middle for preload now…

 

[jjmaine]

I’m aware of the Gsxr 600 swap but I don’t want to go through the hassle of getting a new spring put on it and cutting my airbox at all. I don’t mind spending the money if it will drastically improve my riding comfort

 

[jjmaine]

Oh nice I'll check those out though i would rather not have to cut my airbox... I know upgraded shock should be better, it seems obvious but I only ride normal road spees for the most part. Just need some helps with the bumps haha.
You don't find the stock shock to be harsh at all? Maybe I should clean and re-grease my linkage and swingarm like I saw someone else doing recently...

 

[jjmaine]

Thanks Ghost, I have adjusted it. I can get the correct sag with the stock spring so I don’t think that’s my problem. I’m on the middle setting now and sag is about right (I can’t remember exact but maybe on the high side 40mm?) I have tried it on the 2nd lowest setting to get a little softer ride but then the rear of the bike really squats. I’m 190lbs.
It feels to me like the shock damping doesn’t allow the shock to compress fast enough because when I hit a good size bump the shock kind of bucks the rear of the bike up.
I’ve changed the front springs and oil already and those feel a lot better.
There is no way that a fully adjustable shock with the correct spring rate would not be better than the stock shock. Just how much better is the question I guess…

 

[jjmaine]

Thankgs guys! I can afford it but just wanted to ask if it was worth spending the money on since my riding is basically short commutes and weekend blasts around the countryside. Maybe a softer rear spring would help as I've had a couple pre-gen 250's and a 500 but never had an issue with the suspension being as harsh as on this bike.
Topaz you make a good point also, my bike is a 2016 nearing 8000 miles so likely at the least the oil needs replacing (if only it were possible). No way I'd spend any money to replace it with another oem unit. If I replace it it will be with something adjustable and rebuildable. I have no plans to sell it, these little ninjas are awesome and perfect for the riding I like to do (and very easy to maintain).
I just have a habit of thinking I need things and after I buy them realize I could have done without it lol. Trying to cut back on that and make informed purchases from now on.

 

[jjmaine]

Thanks Ghost I appreciate the offer but I think I will upgrade the shock since I plan on keeping the bike around. I guess I'll find out if it was worth the money lol,

 

[jjmaine]

Hey guys, after much thought I have decided to save the money and go with the Gsxr600 shock. I don't mind having to cut some plastic off for it to fit if it means good suspension. I'll pick a good clean used one up off ebay and I'm lucky I have a friend with a small shop and all of the tools to refresh shocks, change springs, nitrogen etc.
I know I can order the correct spring from Racetech which I'll do but I remember seeing somewhere here (can't find it now), that I'll need a different spring base to use the Racetech spring? The post I remember had a part number but I can't find it now. Does anybody know if I do need a new spring base or retainer (can't remember what they called it) to use a racetech spring on the Gsxr shock?

 

[jjmaine]

Thanks Ghost, I’ll try the Gsxr spring first as some say it is the same as the stock spring rate. If I need to re-spring it I’ll just call racetech and get to get the correct spring and base plate

 

[jjmaine]

Sweet shock, I use a YSS on my dirtbike and they are great quality for the money. Does that shock have adjustable high and low speed compression also or just rebound?

 

[jjmaine]

I just put the gsxr shock on my bike and it is most def. much better than stock.

 

[jjmaine]

Yeah I saw a guy on ebay selling the TSS G-Sport shock for $240 shipped from Thailand. I was going to order one but he never really answered any of my questions because I dont think he spoke much english. The YSS shock I have is excellent and the fit and finish is perfect. Very nice stuff. I think my next upgrade will be emulators for the forks. I wish there was an easy way to upgrade to bigger diameter forks on the 300. I notice a lot of flex in my forks and the front just does weird things under hard braking lol

 

[jjmaine]

Off topic but I heard that Kawasaki will be selling a Zx4-R in the USA in 2023. An inline 4 cylinder 400 that revs to the moon. I need one for sure. I wish we could get the Zx25-R over here, the sounds those bikes make is music haha

 

[jjmaine]

To be honest I'd be just as happy with a Zx25r. I've always wanted one of the small inline 4 bikes but they are absurdly expensive and I guess finding parts for them is a nightmare. Now that Kawasaki is making them again I need one lol.

 

[jjmaine]

Nice, I bet they are weapons on the track. I've kind of had my eye on a Ninja 400 but I'd take the zx4 over the N400 in a heartbeat. I love the small displacement bikes and to have a small bike but with the inline 4 sound is perfection haha. I don't care about increased maintenance or any of that. I enjoy that part of owning motorcycles anyways....