Would you trust taking an EX500 LA to Chicago?

BobTheBiker · 07-07-2009, 05:03 AM

its not JUST the suspension that sucks on the EX500, the frame is the next weak point because the engine isnt a stressed member, which makes the frame flex like hell. with sticky tires in a 140 size on the rear, this becomes overly evident, as does the shitty suspension.

fortunately, the suspension is fixable with progressive front springs and an SV650 rear shock, but the frame isnt unless you can do two things: 1. make the motor a stressed member, and 2. gusset the living SHIT outta the frame to strengthen it.

but hey, its REALLY old tech. the engine design is somwhere in the 30 year old tech range, considering the motor its based off of, combined with 80's tech frame and undersprung suspension. its an entry level/commuter though, so its kinda a take it or leave it design. does its intended job fairly well and gets decent mileage, so yeah.

07-07-2009, 05:03 AM	#25
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	its not JUST the suspension that sucks on the EX500, the frame is the next weak point because the engine isnt a stressed member, which makes the frame flex like hell. with sticky tires in a 140 size on the rear, this becomes overly evident, as does the shitty suspension. fortunately, the suspension is fixable with progressive front springs and an SV650 rear shock, but the frame isnt unless you can do two things: 1. make the motor a stressed member, and 2. gusset the living SHIT outta the frame to strengthen it. but hey, its REALLY old tech. the engine design is somwhere in the 30 year old tech range, considering the motor its based off of, combined with 80's tech frame and undersprung suspension. its an entry level/commuter though, so its kinda a take it or leave it design. does its intended job fairly well and gets decent mileage, so yeah.