What should I expect from my suspension?

mxenthusiast
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mxenthusiast
Edited Date/Time 3/24/2016 8:03pm
I got my first minibike when I was 5, rode daily, eventually got into MX racing and raced until about 2001. I haven't ridden an MX bike since. I'm thinking about getting a ktm 250 2stroke and starting up again, just for some fun, nothing serious.

Back in about 1996 I rode a pro's bike for the first time, with tuned suspension, and was like "Holy F$%k", I could not believe how much quicker I was per lap. From that point on I had my suspension worked on.

My question is, what should I expect out of "stock" suspension compared to "stock" suspension from 2001? I keep hearing that it has improved a lot, but is it that much?
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willieboi
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willieboi 3/24/2016 12:24pm
3/24/2016 12:24pm
air suspenders plus 15 years of body deterioration...expect a harsh ride
Pete The Fisherman 3/24/2016 12:25pm
3/24/2016 12:25pm
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension. A Yamaha on the other hand would feel like a pro riders a kit suspension built specifically for you.
mxenthusiast
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mxenthusiast 3/24/2016 12:29pm
3/24/2016 12:29pm
Pete The Fisherman wrote:
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension...
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension. A Yamaha on the other hand would feel like a pro riders a kit suspension built specifically for you.
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn 40 this year, planning to try out the 40+, if there are any others in the class.
willieboi
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willieboi 3/24/2016 12:37pm
3/24/2016 12:37pm
Go with a Suzuki that corners on rails...suspension should always be tuned to your specific needs

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eric513anderson 3/24/2016 12:38pm
3/24/2016 12:38pm
I'm very happy with the suspension on my 2011 YZ 250. I had Noleen J6 do the work for me. Night and day difference.
Motofinne
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Motofinne 3/24/2016 12:47pm
3/24/2016 12:47pm
If you want a Yamaha go 2006 or newer, if you want a KTM go 2012 or newer!
Bultaco
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Bultaco 3/24/2016 12:52pm
3/24/2016 12:52pm
I've noticed over the past 45 years of riding as the travel has increased and the suspension pieces became technically exotic, the closer I stay to the ground. These days I don't think my wheels even leave the earth on jumps. So, I don't think it has improved at all. Wink

Size the spring rates for your weight and ability. Adjust the damping adjusters/valve stacks for control.
Pete The Fisherman 3/24/2016 12:59pm
3/24/2016 12:59pm
Pete The Fisherman wrote:
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension...
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension. A Yamaha on the other hand would feel like a pro riders a kit suspension built specifically for you.
mxenthusiast wrote:
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn...
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn 40 this year, planning to try out the 40+, if there are any others in the class.
I think the Yamaha would be best for you if going 2 stroke. I personally ride a 2012 ktm 250sx 2 stroke but it took me nearly $1,000 to get the suspension perfect for me compared to Yamaha that was really well out of the box. The motor/brakes/clutch are better on the ktm so that's why I went with it but it doesn't sound like those are as important to you as suspension. Plus the Yamaha would be more affordable.
Steadman
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Steadman 3/24/2016 1:33pm
3/24/2016 1:33pm
mxenthusiast wrote:
I got my first minibike when I was 5, rode daily, eventually got into MX racing and raced until about 2001. I haven't ridden an MX...
I got my first minibike when I was 5, rode daily, eventually got into MX racing and raced until about 2001. I haven't ridden an MX bike since. I'm thinking about getting a ktm 250 2stroke and starting up again, just for some fun, nothing serious.

Back in about 1996 I rode a pro's bike for the first time, with tuned suspension, and was like "Holy F$%k", I could not believe how much quicker I was per lap. From that point on I had my suspension worked on.

My question is, what should I expect out of "stock" suspension compared to "stock" suspension from 2001? I keep hearing that it has improved a lot, but is it that much?
Welcome back to riding!
swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 3/24/2016 1:48pm
3/24/2016 1:48pm
You ought not feel any bumps at all, if you do, you must send your suspension out to get fixed and if that doesn't work, you will need to buy A kits. Remember good suspension ought to feel like your on a smooth road. (sic)...:-)
reded
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reded 3/24/2016 4:09pm
3/24/2016 4:09pm
Pete The Fisherman wrote:
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension...
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension. A Yamaha on the other hand would feel like a pro riders a kit suspension built specifically for you.
mxenthusiast wrote:
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn...
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn 40 this year, planning to try out the 40+, if there are any others in the class.
Get the Yamaha. I was in your shoes a year ago and was torn between the two. I ended up with the KTM and its a handful to say the least. The suspension never really makes me feel comfortable and the bike has a tendency to do some quirky things when I least expect them. As much as I hate 4strokes I'm almost tempted to sell this 250 and go with a 350sx even though I know as soon as I sell it I'll come to my senses and end up with a YZ250.
Revel Stoked 3/24/2016 6:41pm
3/24/2016 6:41pm
A 1982 Suzuki RM 125 Full Floater has as good or better rear suspension than anything brand new. Especially when it was set up correct.

cwtoyota
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cwtoyota 3/24/2016 7:36pm
3/24/2016 7:36pm
Pete The Fisherman wrote:
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension...
Depends on the brand really. I think any brand will be an improvement over what you rode back then. Even ktm and their sub par suspension. A Yamaha on the other hand would feel like a pro riders a kit suspension built specifically for you.
mxenthusiast wrote:
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn...
Maybe I'll go with the Yamaha then. I don't care about the engine really. Just want decent suspension, as I am out of shape. I turn 40 this year, planning to try out the 40+, if there are any others in the class.
Pete The Fisherman wrote:
I think the Yamaha would be best for you if going 2 stroke. I personally ride a 2012 ktm 250sx 2 stroke but it took me...
I think the Yamaha would be best for you if going 2 stroke. I personally ride a 2012 ktm 250sx 2 stroke but it took me nearly $1,000 to get the suspension perfect for me compared to Yamaha that was really well out of the box. The motor/brakes/clutch are better on the ktm so that's why I went with it but it doesn't sound like those are as important to you as suspension. Plus the Yamaha would be more affordable.
That's pretty solid logic if suspension is what you're after. Both bikes handle really well, the KTM has a killer engine and the YZ has awesome suspension.

Compared to a 2001 bike, a '12 and up KTM or '06 and up YZ will probably make you really happy. I chose the YZ for the better suspension, then had it valved and sprung for my weight and speed. Not only does it soak up the little junk which adds more comfort, it can handle any big hits or hard landings.

usp4u
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usp4u 3/24/2016 8:02pm
3/24/2016 8:02pm
First off, if the best you know is 2001 good.....then 2015 stock is gonna blow your mind.

I am a ktm convert but, in you situation, given that you know how important suspension is...just get any yamaha from the last 6 years, freshen it up and ride. You will be shocked how good it is..
Welcome back. Don't ever leave, we have your ISP now.
usp4u
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usp4u 3/24/2016 8:03pm
3/24/2016 8:03pm
I posted that reply without reading the responses....what's that tell you....find the newest yamaha you can, enjoy suspension that wasn't possible when you quit. Don't ever quit again.

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