Finding a good used shock

Aside from the ZX600 shock, there is no decent stock shock from another bike that will bolt onto the EX250. There are a multitude of problems, the major one being that the majority of them are oversprung for our application. Also, the oil in them should be changed every five years, and the older ones are not readily accessible for this service.

In addition, most of the newer shocks have a piggyback reservoir design (the oil reservoir is attached to the top of the shock). This makes it difficult to fit into the limited room of the EX250.

It's not impossible, however. You would have to remove the airbox and run pod filters, and also move or modify the battery box. For the mechanically inclined, this would be a good way to go.

How to buy a used aftermarket shock

So, where does this leave us? In the aftermarket, that's where. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but finding a used Fox shock and rebuilding it yourself should be the most cost-efficient way to go. Fox tends to top the list as it's a better shock than the Ohlins (yes, seriously) and cheaper than any Penske. It's also very easy to self service. Also take a look at the available aftermarket shocks. Most can be special-ordered, so you can get the correct spring rate for your weight.

A Fox from earlier-generation (1995 and earlier) GSXR's will fit nicely, and only a very few Fox shocks have a piggyback reservoir; most are remote. The nice thing with those shocks is that if the spring rate is off by one, they're easy to change and need no revalving. So, if you found one with a 475, and wanted a 500, you'd just need to buy a 500 in/lb spring.

Fox shocks were pretty common in the past. Search for a Fox from any Suzuki bike from the 1990~2000 decade (GSXR, Bandit). Chances are they'll fit perfectly; you may have to get the seller to measure the length for you. They should also be very close in spring rate. When searching, also look for a Fox from an EX250 or EX500.

Spring rate guidelines (rider only, no gear)

• Stock shock spring rate is 440 in/lbs. Length from center of upper to center of lower eyelet is 320mm.
• Shock springs are pretty much interchangeable. Nearly everything made from 1990--> has a 2.5" ID, and just vary in length, and possibly thickness, of the wire. So, if you have a shock with a 6" spring and the wrong rate, you'd just look for the right rate spring in 6" (and some shocks could take a 7", too). Most suspension places have lots of pre-loved springs lying around.
• Recommended rates:

• For real lightweights, up to 140 lbs: 450 in/lbs
• 150~190 lbs: 475 in/lbs
• 200-250 lbs: 500 in/lbs
• 275+ lbs: 550 in/lbs

So, as you can see, the once-popular SV650 shock, at 550in/lb, is only good for the truly heavy.