2003 Suzuki RM 250 KAYABA forks

Eversole
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Eversole
Edited Date/Time 11/28/2015 8:08pm
I have a 2003 RM 250 with probably the least favorite forks from what I have read.

Are they really that bad or could I respring them and adjust as recommended in the owners service manual?
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Cancerman
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Cancerman 7/28/2015 11:18pm
7/28/2015 11:18pm
I had an 03 RM250 and an 03 RM125(which I still own), and I found out that the 125 was a Team bike used by Davi Milsapps. The 125 had 04 forks, Showa on the 125 and KYB on the 250. Springs for your weight are a must, oil level lowered to get rid of the mid stroke harshness. I had Factory Connection revalve the 125 while I restored it, since it was worn out (shock was dead). I also resprung. I discussed this very question with them, and they said that there is much more they can do with the Showas of that era, as opposed to the KYB "Bumper" forks. Depending on what your needs are, they may work OK for you, but don't try the Showas, or you won't want to ride the KYB's again. RM's of that era were all under sprung, so unless you are slow and under 150 lbs, you will want springs.
DPR250R
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DPR250R 7/30/2015 12:57pm
7/30/2015 12:57pm Edited Date/Time 7/30/2015 12:57pm
The faster I got... The worse they were.

I could not get them to work well for me. Felt like someone was taking a hammer and smacking the bottom of my triple clamps.
BAMX
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BAMX 7/30/2015 1:34pm
7/30/2015 1:34pm Edited Date/Time 7/30/2015 8:08pm
I sent my 03 to RG3 and they were awesome from there on out. At the time, RG3 was doing a lot of stuff with Team Suzuki and they had some good settings for those forks.
moore433
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moore433 7/30/2015 2:52pm
7/30/2015 2:52pm Edited Date/Time 7/30/2015 2:54pm
I personally have always liked KYB better than SHOWA'S. Just my opinion...
Never had any KYB'S revalved. But have had to have every set of SHOWA'S revalved...

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MXandSXracer21 8/28/2015 6:46pm
8/28/2015 6:46pm
Is it possible to switch the forks and shock from a newer, showa equipped RM250? Is the shock a direct swap? Does the newer triple clamp work on the 03?

Also, would it be possible to install SFF coil forks and triple clamos from an RMZ?
DPR250R
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DPR250R 8/28/2015 7:00pm
8/28/2015 7:00pm
MXandSXracer21 wrote:
Is it possible to switch the forks and shock from a newer, showa equipped RM250? Is the shock a direct swap? Does the newer triple clamp...
Is it possible to switch the forks and shock from a newer, showa equipped RM250? Is the shock a direct swap? Does the newer triple clamp work on the 03?

Also, would it be possible to install SFF coil forks and triple clamos from an RMZ?
I don't know about the newer SFF forks.

The setup back in the day was to grab a set off of a RM125 and have them setup for the 250. They were Showas. Starting in 04 the 250's came with Showas. I do not know if they are a direct swap.
Bruce372
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Bruce372 8/28/2015 7:54pm
8/28/2015 7:54pm
MXandSXracer21 wrote:
Is it possible to switch the forks and shock from a newer, showa equipped RM250? Is the shock a direct swap? Does the newer triple clamp...
Is it possible to switch the forks and shock from a newer, showa equipped RM250? Is the shock a direct swap? Does the newer triple clamp work on the 03?

Also, would it be possible to install SFF coil forks and triple clamos from an RMZ?
from memory, if the 03 ran the same linkage as the 02 (and i think it did), the linkage was changed significantly in 2004 when both bikes had showas. the 04 and newer shocks ran a much longer clevis, around 20mm so the linkage and swingarm might be off by a mile.

in 2005, both suzukis had much better spec showas 18mm shock shaft and the 24 mm cartridges.
Eversole
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Eversole 11/28/2015 8:08pm
11/28/2015 8:08pm
Okay so it's been a while since I last visited and Happy Holidays too all.

I have decided to purchase Showa forks and not even mess with the KYBs on my 2003 RM-250. What I need to know is up to what year will the Showas off an RM-250 bolt-up to the stock triple clamp?


Thanks in advance,
Ronnie Eversole

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