Is there a difference in the ride? I'm not asking if the shocks are interchangeable, I'm asking if they ride the same as far as stiffness.

 

Well...go down to a dealer and jump up and down on both of them.

The big difference is weight! The EX is 50 pounds lighter, so even if they had identical suspension, the EX would be way ahead just because it is lighter. Actually, I have not owned a Recon in years, but as I recall the EX suspesnion is a fair bit "sportier"....although it sure isn't meant for the track.