NX250 Rear shock absorber

[marcus]

Yes, I have installed a Bandit shock, but i don't know which one.
I'm 95 kg, and it's much better than the original one !

[Twistgripper]

...I stumbled upon a documentation of all WP shocks build....the spring rate as well as the length of the shock is listed.....
proved just perfect, the length almost identical, spring rate a bit higher than WP recommended and the damping is adjustable.

Great post, thank you. but you made no mention of the stroke length. Will the bandit shock result in losing some suspension travel???? in the pic you provided, it looks like the bandit would have shorter stroke...I'd hate to limit the rear swingarm travel.

Just picked up an '88 NX250 - 200lb rider - wow that thing is way too soft front and rear.

ALSO: I have some 1976 XL350 forks - they are 35mm instead of 37mm but i read the spring diameter does not really matter much - worth a try?

[scrambler]

Will the bandit shock result in losing some suspension travel???? in the pic you provided, it looks like the bandit would have shorter stroke...I'd hate to limit the rear swingarm travel.

The hub of the NX250 shock is approx. 60mm, the Bandit shock approx. 58mm, if I remember correctly. So almost identical. A lot of people now have Bandit shocks and almost everyone is thrilled, even in tough off-road use.

There were only two types of complaints - some claimed that their Bandit shock was too short and too soft. But that was always the wrong Bandit shock, only the GSF600 (from 2000) WVA8 type is suitable http://up.picr.de/19970200ij.jpg?rand=1414647390 . Short-legged people may also have a problem with the seat height, which increases significantly with the Bandit shock.

I have some 1976 XL350 forks - they are 35mm instead of 37mm but i read the spring diameter does not really matter much - worth a try?

Don't think so. Apart from that it might be difficult to adjust the XL fork (drum brake), it might also be more unstable. If you want to swap forks, then go with an XR250L (not R) fork. Otherwise, for most people it is sufficient to replace the very soft, short additional springs with spacers viewtopic.php?p=14531#p14531.

[Twistgripper]

I have some 1976 XL350 forks - they are 35mm instead of 37mm but i read the spring diameter does not really matter much - worth a try?

Don't think so. Apart from that it might be difficult to adjust the XL fork (drum brake), it might also be more unstable. If you want to swap forks, then go with an XR250L (not R) fork. Otherwise, for most people it is sufficient to replace the very soft, short additional springs with spacers viewtopic.php?p=14531#p14531.

whoops I meant to say trying the SPRINGS from the xl350 fork...

And thanks for the reassurance about the shock - i bought one on ebay today (2002 bandit 600 - same style as recommended)

[scrambler]

whoops I meant to say trying the SPRINGS from the xl350 fork...

As far as I know the XL has a similar weight but less suspension travel. So those fork springs probably aren't much of an improvement? And have fun with the Bandit shock, I'm sure you'll be thrilled too .

[leshark]

Just replaced mine with a Bandit shock, didn't know where to set it (looks like it might be difficult to adjust once in) so set it in the middle, slightly higher ride height, but much plusher, less harsh, just a better feel

[Twistgripper]

Just replaced mine with a Bandit shock, ....set it in the middle, slightly higher ride height, but much plusher, less harsh, just a better feel

Less harsh than the nx shock? the big complaint is the stocker is too soft.....User weight? did it "feel" like the right amount of compression and rebound damping?

[Vaskar1]

Hello from Greece. I have the AX-1 and I 'm trying to do some improvements on my bike.
I have a major problem with the Cush Drive Rubbers at my rear wheel (I'll make another post for this issue), and I wonder if someone can help me with the rear shock replacement I'm thinking to do
I guy from Greece told me that he replaced the rear shock with one from BMW funduro 650 . The replacement told me was "plug n play" with no modifications , he said.
Also there is an "urban legend" that the rear shock of Aprilia Pegasus is the same shock with funduro that can do the job.
Anyone ever tried these 2 shocks or have any info about ?

[scrambler]

A few years ago I tried to adapt an F650 shock to an NX650 and took the measurements.

There were three different versions:

1. Shock absorber F650 ST and for factory lowering:
Showa type BO 332 Part number: 7 668 653 Length of shock absorber (center eye-center eye): 305mm, stroke?

2. Shock absorber for standard GS Showa type BO 192, part number: 7 668 649, length shock absorber 315mm (NX250: 320mm) and 48mm stroke.

3. Shock absorber for Dakar with Showa expansion tank type BO 292, part number: 7 666 619
Length of shock absorber 330mm and 59mm stroke.

The shock absorber number 2 could actually fit well for the NX250, but there is a big problem.

The upper eye has a diameter of 30mm, so you would have to grind it down to the 25mm of the NX250 shock, but it is only 25mm at the bottom - so the 30mm wide swingarm linkage has to be milled off on the left and right. This would possibly work with the linkage of the NX650, it is made of steel. On the NX250 it is made of aluminum, so I would definitely not grind it.

F650 shock.jpg