Stiffening CR250R Suspension

thormx11
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thormx11
Edited Date/Time 3/7/2014 8:22am
I've got an 02 cr250r with stock suspension on it. I've already got my suspension about as stiff as the clickers will go (I like my suspension pretty stiff) and weigh about 205 before gear.

I will be changing my fork seals soon, but is there anything fairly simple I can do while I'm inside my forks to stiffen them up a bit?
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Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 3/6/2014 5:53pm
3/6/2014 5:53pm
You could go to a thicker or higher viscosity oil in the forks. My suggestion would be to go up on your spring rates for both the front and rear of the bike as the stock springs are for much lighter riders. You can go to racetech.com and find the correct springs for your weight and your bike.
thormx11
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thormx11 3/6/2014 6:46pm
3/6/2014 6:46pm
Racetech recommends a .47/kg for fork springs and 5.7/kg for rear. How much of a different would springs make over stock?

I know how to change the front springs, but what about the back? I hear they are a bit more work that front.
Matt Fisher
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Matt Fisher 3/6/2014 8:20pm
3/6/2014 8:20pm
Absolutely start with springs. Change out to fresh fluid and you'll probably be much happier with the suspension.

The rear is easier to change than the fronts.
CamP
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CamP 3/7/2014 6:01am
3/7/2014 6:01am
I'm also 205lbs and am running stock 08 CRF450 springs, front and back, on my 07 CR250. These springs are spot-on for me. The rear shock is underdamped from the factory, but instead of a re-valve, I'm running 7wt Maxima shock oil. This allowed me to run the clickers near the OEM settings and it works great.

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Riesenberg448
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Riesenberg448 3/7/2014 8:22am
3/7/2014 8:22am
Springs are the first step to a well handling bike. They will get your bike balanced like it's initially designed for.

It looks like we recommend quite a bit stiffer on both front and rear for the springs, so you'll definitely notice a difference. Also, if you haven't changed the oil in a while, a broken down oil will cause your suspension to soften up as well.

I'd recommend getting proper springs in with a QUALITY oil (not all oils are created equally!) and give it a ride. If your'e still looking for more, then a revalve would be your next option.

If you'd like to order springs/oil through Race Tech, be sure to mention VitalMX for a 20% off discount. You can contact me directly at chris@racetech.com for a quote with the discount as well.

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