Aftermarket Shocks: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:wp suspension.jpg|100px]]

WP (not to be confused with Works Performance -- WP used to be called White Power, but you can imagine why~~, in this PC age,~~ they changed their name) makes excellent shocks. They don't make a model specifically for the Ninja 250, but they list the EX500 as a supported model. ~~Anything~~ which fits the EX500 will physically fit the EX250, and will be sprung and valved pretty close to correctly.

WP (not to be confused with Works Performance -- WP used to be called White Power, but you can imagine why they changed their name) makes excellent shocks. They don't make a model specifically for the Ninja 250, but they list the EX500 as a supported model. Any shock which fits the EX500 will physically fit the EX250, and will be sprung and valved pretty close to correctly.

~~The only price I've been able to find~~ is $429 over at [http://www.le-suspension.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=48 Lindemann Engineering], but it's for the wrong model of shock. Lindemann has frankly been very snotty to me the last few times I've tried to talk to them, so ~~I'm not inclined to call and see if they can order~~ the ~~correct shock~~. The WP website had me call the US KTM distributor, who said I should call my local dealership. After calling 7 different dealerships, I haven't found one which can even order WP parts. WP doesn't seem to be making a huge effort to sell aftermarket products in the US; there isn't ~~even a US distributor~~ on their [http://www.wpsuspension.com/company/importeur.php distributor list].

There is no US distributor, so the price is only a guess. The WP website had me call the US KTM distributor, who said I should call my local dealership. After calling 7 different dealerships, I haven't found one which can even order WP parts. WP doesn't seem to be making a huge effort to sell aftermarket products in the US; there isn't any information on their [http://www.wpsuspension.com/company/importeur.php distributor list].

The EX500 shock model number is 17.17.H9.03 according to their fitment list (an Excel spreadsheet file). Click on [http://www.wpsuspension.com/products/rearshocks.php Which for my bike].

The WP shock most likely uses shim-stack valves. Their website says they offer adjustable length standard (which will allow you to raise or lower the rear of the bike), and that the listed shock comes with preload and rebound adjustments. This shock will be suitable for all types of riding, from commuting through racing.

==Suspension companies with no EX250 shock==

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==Glossary==

Ball-check valve: one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A ball-check valve is usually implemented as a steel ball pressed into an orifice by a spring. Oil is forced past the ball to achieve damping. See also shim-stack valve and damping.

'''Ball-check valve''': one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A ball-check valve is usually implemented as a steel ball pressed into an orifice by a spring. Oil is forced past the ball to achieve damping. See also shim-stack valve and damping.

Compression damping: a reduction in the shock's ability to compress freely. Compression damping enhances rideability on the leading edge of a bump. See also damping.

'''Compression damping''': a reduction in the shock's ability to compress freely. Compression damping enhances rideability on the leading edge of a bump. See also damping.

Damping: a reduction in the ability of a shock to move freely. This is typically done by forcing oil through some kind of a restriction. A spring without a shock absorber has no damping whatsoever.

'''Damping''': a reduction in the ability of a shock to move freely. This is typically done by forcing oil through some kind of a restriction. A spring without a shock absorber has no damping whatsoever.

Emulsion-type shock: a shock which provides no barrier between the oil and gas (usually air or nitrogen) in the shock body. Emulsion shocks are typically not pressurized. Because of these two factors, the air and oil can mix (either via churning or cavitation), which reduces damping effectiveness. Contrast with the reservoir-type shock.

'''Emulsion-type shock''': a shock which provides no barrier between the oil and gas (usually air or nitrogen) in the shock body. Emulsion shocks are typically not pressurized. Because of these two factors, the air and oil can mix (either via churning or cavitation), which reduces damping effectiveness. Contrast with the reservoir-type shock.

The oil and gas mixture will separate after a short period of sitting, and these types of shocks are fine for the street. They just won't hold up under the constant stress of racing.

Preload: the amount a spring is pre-compressed by the suspension system. Spring preload compresses the spring by a set amount (this amount is usually adjustable, although the stock Ninja 250 shock lacks this adjustment), which corresponds to a certain amount of weight, as determined by the spring rate. See also spring rate.

'''Preload''': the amount a spring is pre-compressed by the suspension system. Spring preload compresses the spring by a set amount (this amount is usually adjustable, although the stock Ninja 250 shock lacks this adjustment), which corresponds to a certain amount of weight, as determined by the spring rate. See also spring rate.

Progressive spring: a spring which has been wound such that the spring rate is non-linear. Usually a progressive spring will start out very soft, and get stronger as it's further compressed. Most suspension professionals do not recommend progressive springs because they complicate suspension tuning, and can actually make suspension less responsive. See also spring rate.

'''Progressive spring''': a spring which has been wound such that the spring rate is non-linear. Usually a progressive spring will start out very soft, and get stronger as it's further compressed. Most suspension professionals do not recommend progressive springs because they complicate suspension tuning, and can actually make suspension less responsive. See also: spring rate. See also: [[Why Progressive springs are a bad idea]]

Rebound damping: a reduction in the shock's ability to expand after being compressed. This is a shock's main job. Rebound damping keeps your bike from bouncing up and down like a pogo stick. Adjustable rebound damping is usually desirable, and is more important to have than a compression damping adjustment. See also damping.

'''Rebound damping''': a reduction in the shock's ability to expand after being compressed. This is a shock's main job. Rebound damping keeps your bike from bouncing up and down like a pogo stick. Adjustable rebound damping is usually desirable, and is more important to have than a compression damping adjustment. See also damping.

Reservoir-type shocks: shocks which provide some kind of barrier, usually either a flexible rubber barrier or a metal piston, between the oil and gas (usually nitrogen) in a shock. Reservoir shocks are usually pressurized. Because of this pressure, the oil can't cavitate under heavy use, making them better suited to high-stress environments such as racing or offroad use. Contrast with the emulsion-type shock.

'''Reservoir-type shocks''': shocks which provide some kind of barrier, usually either a flexible rubber barrier or a metal piston, between the oil and gas (usually nitrogen) in a shock. Reservoir shocks are usually pressurized. Because of this pressure, the oil can't cavitate under heavy use, making them better suited to high-stress environments such as racing or offroad use. Contrast with the emulsion-type shock.

Shim-stack valve: one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A shim-stack valve is much what it sounds like: a stack of thin pieces of metal, precisely shaped and sized. It is held together by spring pressure, and oil is forced through it to achieve damping. Shim-stack valves are a more modern design than ball-check valves. Their primary advantages are greater flexibility in tuning, and easier tuning. Contrast with the ball-check valve.

'''Shim-stack valve''': one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A shim-stack valve is much what it sounds like: a stack of thin pieces of metal, precisely shaped and sized. It is held together by spring pressure, and oil is forced through it to achieve damping. Shim-stack valves are a more modern design than ball-check valves. Their primary advantages are greater flexibility in tuning, and easier tuning. Contrast with the ball-check valve.

Spring rate: the amount a given spring compresses for a given weight. Front fork springs are usually expressed in kilograms per millimeter. Rear shock springs are usually expressed in pounds per inch or kilograms per centimeter. For instance, a 450 lb/in spring will compress one inch when 450 lbs is applied to it, or two inches when 900 lbs is applied to it. Spring rates are usually linear unless they're explicitly stated to be progressive. See also progressive spring.

'''Spring rate''': the amount a given spring compresses for a given weight. Front fork springs are usually expressed in kilograms per millimeter. Rear shock springs are usually expressed in pounds per inch or kilograms per centimeter. For instance, a 450 lb/in spring will compress one inch when 450 lbs is applied to it, or two inches when 900 lbs is applied to it. Spring rates are usually linear unless they're explicitly stated to be progressive. See also progressive spring.

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 [[Image:wp suspension.jpg|100px]]
-WP (not to be confused with Works Performance -- WP used to be called White Power, but you can imagine why, in this PC age, they changed their name) makes excellent shocks. They don't make a model specifically for the Ninja 250, but they list the EX500 as a supported model. Anything which fits the EX500 will physically fit the EX250, and will be sprung and valved pretty close to correctly.
+WP (not to be confused with Works Performance -- WP used to be called White Power, but you can imagine why they changed their name) makes excellent shocks. They don't make a model specifically for the Ninja 250, but they list the EX500 as a supported model. Any shock which fits the EX500 will physically fit the EX250, and will be sprung and valved pretty close to correctly.
-The only price I've been able to find is $429 over at [http://www.le-suspension.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=48 Lindemann Engineering], but it's for the wrong model of shock. Lindemann has frankly been very snotty to me the last few times I've tried to talk to them, so I'm not inclined to call and see if they can order the correct shock. The WP website had me call the US KTM distributor, who said I should call my local dealership. After calling 7 different dealerships, I haven't found one which can even order WP parts. WP doesn't seem to be making a huge effort to sell aftermarket products in the US; there isn't even a US distributor on their [http://www.wpsuspension.com/company/importeur.php distributor list].
+There is no US distributor, so the price is only a guess. The WP website had me call the US KTM distributor, who said I should call my local dealership. After calling 7 different dealerships, I haven't found one which can even order WP parts. WP doesn't seem to be making a huge effort to sell aftermarket products in the US; there isn't any information on their [http://www.wpsuspension.com/company/importeur.php distributor list].
 The EX500 shock model number is 17.17.H9.03 according to their fitment list (an Excel spreadsheet file). Click on [http://www.wpsuspension.com/products/rearshocks.php Which for my bike].
 The WP shock most likely uses shim-stack valves. Their website says they offer adjustable length standard (which will allow you to raise or lower the rear of the bike), and that the listed shock comes with preload and rebound adjustments. This shock will be suitable for all types of riding, from commuting through racing.
 ==Suspension companies with no EX250 shock==
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 ==Glossary==
-Ball-check valve: one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A ball-check valve is usually implemented as a steel ball pressed into an orifice by a spring. Oil is forced past the ball to achieve damping. See also shim-stack valve and damping.
+'''Ball-check valve''': one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A ball-check valve is usually implemented as a steel ball pressed into an orifice by a spring. Oil is forced past the ball to achieve damping. See also shim-stack valve and damping.
-Compression damping: a reduction in the shock's ability to compress freely. Compression damping enhances rideability on the leading edge of a bump. See also damping.
+'''Compression damping''': a reduction in the shock's ability to compress freely. Compression damping enhances rideability on the leading edge of a bump. See also damping.
-Damping: a reduction in the ability of a shock to move freely. This is typically done by forcing oil through some kind of a restriction. A spring without a shock absorber has no damping whatsoever.
+'''Damping''': a reduction in the ability of a shock to move freely. This is typically done by forcing oil through some kind of a restriction. A spring without a shock absorber has no damping whatsoever.
-Emulsion-type shock: a shock which provides no barrier between the oil and gas (usually air or nitrogen) in the shock body. Emulsion shocks are typically not pressurized. Because of these two factors, the air and oil can mix (either via churning or cavitation), which reduces damping effectiveness. Contrast with the reservoir-type shock.
+'''Emulsion-type shock''': a shock which provides no barrier between the oil and gas (usually air or nitrogen) in the shock body. Emulsion shocks are typically not pressurized. Because of these two factors, the air and oil can mix (either via churning or cavitation), which reduces damping effectiveness. Contrast with the reservoir-type shock.
 The oil and gas mixture will separate after a short period of sitting, and these types of shocks are fine for the street. They just won't hold up under the constant stress of racing.
-Preload: the amount a spring is pre-compressed by the suspension system. Spring preload compresses the spring by a set amount (this amount is usually adjustable, although the stock Ninja 250 shock lacks this adjustment), which corresponds to a certain amount of weight, as determined by the spring rate. See also spring rate.
+'''Preload''': the amount a spring is pre-compressed by the suspension system. Spring preload compresses the spring by a set amount (this amount is usually adjustable, although the stock Ninja 250 shock lacks this adjustment), which corresponds to a certain amount of weight, as determined by the spring rate. See also spring rate.
-Progressive spring: a spring which has been wound such that the spring rate is non-linear. Usually a progressive spring will start out very soft, and get stronger as it's further compressed. Most suspension professionals do not recommend progressive springs because they complicate suspension tuning, and can actually make suspension less responsive. See also spring rate.
+'''Progressive spring''': a spring which has been wound such that the spring rate is non-linear. Usually a progressive spring will start out very soft, and get stronger as it's further compressed. Most suspension professionals do not recommend progressive springs because they complicate suspension tuning, and can actually make suspension less responsive. See also: spring rate. See also: [[Why Progressive springs are a bad idea]]
-Rebound damping: a reduction in the shock's ability to expand after being compressed. This is a shock's main job. Rebound damping keeps your bike from bouncing up and down like a pogo stick. Adjustable rebound damping is usually desirable, and is more important to have than a compression damping adjustment. See also damping.
+'''Rebound damping''': a reduction in the shock's ability to expand after being compressed. This is a shock's main job. Rebound damping keeps your bike from bouncing up and down like a pogo stick. Adjustable rebound damping is usually desirable, and is more important to have than a compression damping adjustment. See also damping.
-Reservoir-type shocks: shocks which provide some kind of barrier, usually either a flexible rubber barrier or a metal piston, between the oil and gas (usually nitrogen) in a shock. Reservoir shocks are usually pressurized. Because of this pressure, the oil can't cavitate under heavy use, making them better suited to high-stress environments such as racing or offroad use. Contrast with the emulsion-type shock.
+'''Reservoir-type shocks''': shocks which provide some kind of barrier, usually either a flexible rubber barrier or a metal piston, between the oil and gas (usually nitrogen) in a shock. Reservoir shocks are usually pressurized. Because of this pressure, the oil can't cavitate under heavy use, making them better suited to high-stress environments such as racing or offroad use. Contrast with the emulsion-type shock.
-Shim-stack valve: one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A shim-stack valve is much what it sounds like: a stack of thin pieces of metal, precisely shaped and sized. It is held together by spring pressure, and oil is forced through it to achieve damping. Shim-stack valves are a more modern design than ball-check valves. Their primary advantages are greater flexibility in tuning, and easier tuning. Contrast with the ball-check valve.
+'''Shim-stack valve''': one of two common methods used to achieve damping in a shock. A shim-stack valve is much what it sounds like: a stack of thin pieces of metal, precisely shaped and sized. It is held together by spring pressure, and oil is forced through it to achieve damping. Shim-stack valves are a more modern design than ball-check valves. Their primary advantages are greater flexibility in tuning, and easier tuning. Contrast with the ball-check valve.
-Spring rate: the amount a given spring compresses for a given weight. Front fork springs are usually expressed in kilograms per millimeter. Rear shock springs are usually expressed in pounds per inch or kilograms per centimeter. For instance, a 450 lb/in spring will compress one inch when 450 lbs is applied to it, or two inches when 900 lbs is applied to it. Spring rates are usually linear unless they're explicitly stated to be progressive. See also progressive spring.
+'''Spring rate''': the amount a given spring compresses for a given weight. Front fork springs are usually expressed in kilograms per millimeter. Rear shock springs are usually expressed in pounds per inch or kilograms per centimeter. For instance, a 450 lb/in spring will compress one inch when 450 lbs is applied to it, or two inches when 900 lbs is applied to it. Spring rates are usually linear unless they're explicitly stated to be progressive. See also progressive spring.