Thanks for the note about the YSS shock. I did see those on ebay but I need something with full compression and rebound damping suitable for club racing and track days. I was supplied an Ohlins when nobody realized the differences between an MC18 and MC21 (we almost never see NSR's here). Turns out Ohlins only supplies a shock for the MC18. The Ohlins shock will not fit the MC18 with the stock plates, HRC type plates (unless they are installed with the long end down which results in too extreme a downward angle in the swingarm) nor with MC21 plates and link. The bottom eye of the shock jams up against the dogleg link. Looking at a custom built Ohlins shock for MC18 but i understand there are significant obstacles due to the shorter spring length required. I am also making inquiries with Nitron. The other possible option is a link kit from T2 Racing supplied by Webike Japan which seems to be designed to fit the MC21 shock into the MC18 frame and swingarm but it is difficult to get confirmation it will work due to language and other issues. I'll advise of the results in case anyone is interested.