Front End push 07 RM 250

gharmon
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2773
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4/1/2008
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Valley, AL, USA
Edited Date/Time 8/16/2014 11:00am
Posted this in the wrong section to begin with so I'm moving it here now.

Hi guys, got a quick question about what causes front end push? I'm not really good with suspension but have seen the term used but never knew what it meant till the other night. I was racing my 07 RM 250 and noticed what I assume is front end push. I was trying to turn and it was wanting to go straight. Don't really know how else to describe it but it kind of felt like it was "pushing" straight instead of turning like I wanted it too.

What part of the suspension needs to be addressed to fix this or at least make it better? Like I said I'm not that great with suspension and have never really noticed it till the other night .
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Idaho747
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558
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8/4/2014
Location
Idaho Falls, ID, USA
8/5/2014 3:48pm
gharmon wrote:
Posted this in the wrong section to begin with so I'm moving it here now. Hi guys, got a quick question about what causes front end...
Posted this in the wrong section to begin with so I'm moving it here now.

Hi guys, got a quick question about what causes front end push? I'm not really good with suspension but have seen the term used but never knew what it meant till the other night. I was racing my 07 RM 250 and noticed what I assume is front end push. I was trying to turn and it was wanting to go straight. Don't really know how else to describe it but it kind of felt like it was "pushing" straight instead of turning like I wanted it too.

What part of the suspension needs to be addressed to fix this or at least make it better? Like I said I'm not that great with suspension and have never really noticed it till the other night .
Try raising your forks in the triple clamps
Mr Bean
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6/18/2014
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USA
8/5/2014 7:19pm
There are many variables that can contribute to or cause this. An RM250 isn't known for understeer, so either something is off, you've got your weight well to the rear, have a worn out front tire, etc. Like I said, there are a number of variables involved.

Since you say you aren't that great with suspension, I'd tell you to establish a baseline and use a notebook to log changes so you can learn what effect any changes are having (and so you'll know where you are, where you came from and how you got there).

So, to get a baseline I would first determine if the springs are usable for your weight, and if so I would then set the rear sag to about 100mm for a starting point. I'd also set all the clickers to the stock settings to be sure you aren't way off the reservation and check the fork height in the triple clamps to see if it's in the stock position. Then ride it and see what it's doing.

If it's still pushing the front end after this, I'd look at making adjustments to it.

There are a number of adjustments that can be made but it will help you get where you want to be quicker if you understand how each affects the handling. Keeping a log is a big part of learning and diagnosing handling and suspension issues.
NHtoWA421
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Bremerton, WA, USA
8/5/2014 8:26pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2014 9:09pm
It could be something as simple as your tire pressures being out of whack. Ive had that problem before, particularly with my rms. I run the pressures on my zooks slightly low. I run mine at about 13 psi front and 14 rear. When i have the front any higher, i seem to get a similar feeling as to what you're describing. not to mention, headshake.
I also second what mr bean said. if you bought the bike used, set all of the clicker settings back to stock, and verify your fluid level is what it should be from the factory. Then set the sag and go from there. Stock valving/springs "should" be adequate if youre in the 160-190 pound range.

Kyriazis298
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Location
CA
8/7/2014 2:04pm
It can get complex but easiest things to do are to make sure your sitting forward by the gas tank, set your forks and shock (adjust the shocks sag and play with the clickers on the forks and shock) and those sorts of things, most of the time the forks are to stiff when the front end is blowing through ruts and or you body positioning is just off. Mr. Beans answer was the best you will see, hese got it dialed

The Shop

OldMechanik
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82
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4/1/2008
Location
Charleston, SC, USA
8/12/2014 2:18pm
Give us more info....what do you weigh.....was the dirt hard/dry....is the tire suited for the dirt, does it have the right air pressure...is the compression set to max stiff, are the springs too stiff.....were you on the gas when it washed out.....???
wpark89
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1168
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12/9/2009
Location
Mattawa, WA, USA
8/12/2014 6:31pm
Set your sag and make sure your front tire isn't flat!

You're talking about probably the best turning bike of all time here! I've rode RM 250's since '93 and still have an '06 I ride quite a bit.

Even with any worn out goofy front tire on it you shouldn't be having any problems unless you're sitting on the rear fender.
gharmon
Posts
2773
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4/1/2008
Location
Valley, AL, USA
8/12/2014 9:09pm
I checked the sag and it's about 103. I reset all the stock setting the other day and was gonna work on some of the other issue but unfortunately during my first practice at a Monster Mountain race this past Sunday some kid swapped out after casing a jump after I'm already in the air. I'm let with bent bars mounts and a hole in the clutch cover from his foot peg. Worst of all I'm left with a broken wrist that requires surgery next Tuesday, 2 broken ribs and a stage 1 spleen laceration (small nick basically). So i'm down for awhile. Maybe we can pick this conversation up in about 8 weeks.

Thanks for the info and help guys.

Gerald
MXtoXS
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104
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12/21/2013
Location
Grand Junction, CO, USA
8/14/2014 7:55am
Damn son......get well soon!!
Spinnin t's
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7/26/2012
Location
Haughton, LA, USA
8/16/2014 11:00am
I also rode rm250's a lot. If you come off a 4stroke a 2t will push a little more. Have to steer with the throttle a bit more. Now your sag seems fine. Could bring that number up a bit for sand but I think everything is fine. Unless the compression tube in one of the forks is ripped out. It happens on my old 04'.

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