good eye '01, i do have the same shock, the top mount is the same a an ex, washers and bushings, just like the diy on here says, but, the resivour on the 450r is bigger and offset to the kicker side, so i had to cut the front mounting tab for the rear plastics off, and also the air snorkel and the little rectangular piece that it mounts to on the airbox lid, but i've heard of guys actually cutting into the airbox for the ex to fit???, i didnt have to do that, it rubs a little but i keep it greased to stop it from squeaking
now i've never had an ex, but i highly doubt that honda made the ex a better shock than the 450r, as for my opinion, get the 450r, it takes the same amount of effort to mount it, and this thing rides like a cadillac, i love it, best $62 i've spent on this bike, and i also have "works" fronts now too, and it's a perfect match to them, i'm taking whoops and really rough football sized rock runs and it seems the faster i go, the less i feel them, and it hasnt try'd to come around or buck at all, they seem to be very equally balanced
go for the 450r shock, you will not be sorry
