zxr250 rear shock

[masterofpuppets]

well...... the zxr has felt quite bouncy lately. took it in for a warrant today and the guy said there is no damping in the rear shock. so i thought about it and well he is right . so now i have to find another shock for my baby.

so, i was wondering...

1. are these shocks sealed, or are they rebuildable. if so, is it worth to rebuild ir should i look at some wreckers (or even easier if one of you good people have a spare lying around.)

2. i read somewhere that they are interchangeable with ones from other model bikes, specifically the same era gsxr, and possibly kr dirtbike. is this the case, do they bolt straight on, or do they need some modifying.

3.being a poor student i am looking for something relatively cheap. (without compromising handling). i was wondering if anyone had an idea what the rear shocks are worth. and i will be putting it in myself to save a bit more.

Nick

[Rhino]

I can't help you with questions 1 or 3, but can offer some advice for question 2.

I wouldn't even think about trying to fit a shock from another model of bike. Even if it physically fits you will probably find that the spring rate, compression damping and rebound damping will be nowhere near the specs of your original. You may end up riding a pogo stick, instead of a bike.

An aftermarket replacement could be a good option if the original is too expensive.

[T.W.R]

may be able to offer a suggestion or ideas for you,

most factory shocks are rebuildable, replacement springs & re-gasing. but its a 50/50 call price wise to whether to do that or just replace the shock. depending on where you go a re-gas is about $150ish ( has to be done properly) and depending on spring brand anywhere around the $200mark upwards.
example: my ZXR750 ( 89' h1) re-gas = $130 and the spring ( hyperpro, sourced from the UK was $270 & the only readily available aftermarket brand to get.
don't even think about chucking in 1 from another bike as pre-load rates, damping rates all come into the picture.
don't trust any from a wrecked bike as you have no idea of what punishment it may have had ( could end up worse off than what you got). theres plenty of aftermarket replacement shocks available just depends on what flavour you want & how deep your pockets are, theres budget brands right through to premium wish-list brands. checkout a reputable dealer they'll have supplier catalogues with everything that is available to get.
and as for fitting a rear shock, simple job just time consuming, just prop the bike up ( under the frame, remove rear wheel, release bottom shock bolt, drop the swing-arm, release top shock bolt & out it comes. fitting is the reverse.
your better off to go after-market than factory as most factory shocks are made by after-market companies anyhow; kyb, showa etc its only the likes of yamaha who have ohlins( they own ohlins).
do a search on the web for motorcycle suspension it will show you whats out there and whats available for your bike

[masterofpuppets]

well im pretty sure the spring itself is fine. the spring rate on the bike seems good, but no dampening so im guessing its just the shock. but then should i replace the whole unit, or can i use the old spring and just get a new shock.
as for putting it in, no worries. i have the workshop manual lying aroung somewhere.
cheers people
Nick

[FROSTY:Me]

Hmm--well Im wondering if you should try the stock shock out of a zxr400h or SP ---weight and demension wise I think theres not a lot in it--within the allowance for a heavy versus light rider.
The advantage is it "should " be a straight swap but you'll get heaps more adjustability and a remote resevoir to boot.
Check the part number for a spring for yours and the spring for a 400L model--my gut feeling tells me theyre the same.
In essence I agree with RHINO-but in this case its almost like swapping out a zxr250 shock

[masterofpuppets]

well ive just been thinking...... well seriously, and i thought what about sourcing one from japan. my girlfriend is going to japan next week, and she would be happy to send it over to me providing she can find one. do you guys think it will be cheaper/more available there?? lso do you have an idea on any wreckers websites over in japan.

Nick

[masterofpuppets]

also any idea if the 250a would use the same shock as the 250c???
Nick

[F5 Dave]

No idea, but my advise would be take it to Damon at Cycleworks (eastern hutt rd). If it has no damping left then the oil has broken down or leaked out. If it has leaked then the shock may or may not be saveable.

He can rebuild shocks or as a last ditch effort for non-rebuildable ones, drill & weld a valve onto the shock (basically a tire valve) & refill it. This will be a damn sight safer than a damper which isn’t doing it’s job. You may have to show him the bike so he knows where he can mount the valve so it doesn’t get hit when the suspension compresses.

Probably cheaper & more likely to be better than a 2nd hand one.

[R6_kid:Me]

the 250a and 250c shocks are the same. it would probably be cheaper in japan if she could find one... would need to be under the $200 mark or she'd be getting ripped off.

an idea would be to get it rebuilt, yes its expensive as its 'non rebuildable' but when you get it back it will be 10x better than an off the shelf/out of bike replacement.