2016 RMZ 250 suspension help please

FIFIFO
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FIFIFO
Edited Date/Time 10/19/2015 11:37am
I now have 2 rides on my 16 and I'm getting my ass kicked trying to tune the KYB air fork. I figured I'd go with the stock settings in the manual and tune from there. It feels way to stiff...tried all the obvious (soften comp, drop air pressure to the minimum of 31.3 pounds, etc.) but still doesn't feel comfortable. Before I try messing with the oil level has anyone figured out a good starting point, I'm a "B" rider, 165 pounds. I ride in the northeast at tracks like englishtown mostly. On a positive note the shock feels good!
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bkent136
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bkent136 10/18/2015 4:57pm
10/18/2015 4:57pm
Maybe it's a sag issue. Set the sag between 100-105 and see if that helps. I had to use a lower sag set up like 110 to get comfortable on some bikes. Try different sag settings and tire pressure. They come at like 60 psi so make sure you drop that
bkent136
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bkent136 10/18/2015 4:59pm
10/18/2015 4:59pm
Also, what bike are you coming off of? If it's a ktm, it just may seem stiffer because of the frame
FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/18/2015 5:09pm
10/18/2015 5:09pm
Sag is at 105 and 12 psi in the rubbers. I'm 43 and have owned ever color except orange over the past 38 years. I usually dial a bike in to the point I'm feeling pretty comfortable with in a few motos. This one has me scratching my head.
keith101
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keith101 10/18/2015 6:11pm
10/18/2015 6:11pm
FIFIFO wrote:
Sag is at 105 and 12 psi in the rubbers. I'm 43 and have owned ever color except orange over the past 38 years. I usually...
Sag is at 105 and 12 psi in the rubbers. I'm 43 and have owned ever color except orange over the past 38 years. I usually dial a bike in to the point I'm feeling pretty comfortable with in a few motos. This one has me scratching my head.
if it's as bad as you say it is and you're as smart as you claim, loosen all the pinch bolts and axle, and reset. Also the clamps pinch bolts. Something sounds like it might be binding.

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FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/18/2015 6:40pm
10/18/2015 6:40pm
I wouldn't be asking for help if I thought I was so smart. Just saying I've been around for awhile and kind of have an idea when it comes to bike set up. I torque down the clamp bolts to spec and installed the front tire the way I've always have. I'll loosen everything up and start from scratch.
Camp332
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Camp332 10/18/2015 6:44pm
10/18/2015 6:44pm
Yo J-Lo! This might sound weird but putting more air will actually help it feel more plush. My Honda forks felt worse, the less air I had in them. 34PSI is the magic number on my scoot
SwapperMX
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SwapperMX 10/18/2015 6:52pm
10/18/2015 6:52pm
Just clarifying your original post, and what might be confusing a few people prompting their replies, are the forks actually too stiff, or are you finding them harsh?? The first time I rode on a set of air forks, I couldn't get off the thing quick enough due to the fork's harshness. There is a big difference, and possibly why you haven't got much of a decent response yet ??
keith101
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keith101 10/18/2015 7:35pm
10/18/2015 7:35pm
Since you are new to air forks, I'm wondering if you are referring to static feel vs dynamic ride? Air forks can feel "stiff" to some in the garage, but should feel plush when riding once they are dialed. I don't think this is the case, but those new KYB's on the Suzuki may have crappy valving too, but I'm not sure.

In the end, it could be as simple as your definition of what feels harsh compared to what you have been riding. Hard to say without more details if that makes any sense.
onenastynotch
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onenastynotch 10/18/2015 7:52pm
10/18/2015 7:52pm
just like my 2014 jlo.....how Suzuki can miss the mark for so long even changing suspension brands they still suck
FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/19/2015 5:03am
10/19/2015 5:03am
Camp332 wrote:
Yo J-Lo! This might sound weird but putting more air will actually help it feel more plush. My Honda forks felt worse, the less air I...
Yo J-Lo! This might sound weird but putting more air will actually help it feel more plush. My Honda forks felt worse, the less air I had in them. 34PSI is the magic number on my scoot
DC, I think you're on to something. I had 34 psi in it for my first moto, did 2 laps & had arm pump like I just did a 30 minute moto at Southwick. I dropped the pressure to 32 and started making adjustments from there. I'm going to go back to 34, soften up the comp and see how it feels.
FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/19/2015 5:06am
10/19/2015 5:06am
SwapperMX wrote:
Just clarifying your original post, and what might be confusing a few people prompting their replies, are the forks actually too stiff, or are you finding...
Just clarifying your original post, and what might be confusing a few people prompting their replies, are the forks actually too stiff, or are you finding them harsh?? The first time I rode on a set of air forks, I couldn't get off the thing quick enough due to the fork's harshness. There is a big difference, and possibly why you haven't got much of a decent response yet ??
Swapper, I'd have to say more of a harsh feel. I stopped riding Saturday after 5 motos because my wrists were hurting. lol That never happened before.
FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/19/2015 5:07am
10/19/2015 5:07am
tempura wrote:
Put some KYB SSS on, job done..Tongue
I already thought of doing this. Whistling
Camp332
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Camp332 10/19/2015 5:56am
10/19/2015 5:56am
Camp332 wrote:
Yo J-Lo! This might sound weird but putting more air will actually help it feel more plush. My Honda forks felt worse, the less air I...
Yo J-Lo! This might sound weird but putting more air will actually help it feel more plush. My Honda forks felt worse, the less air I had in them. 34PSI is the magic number on my scoot
FIFIFO wrote:
DC, I think you're on to something. I had 34 psi in it for my first moto, did 2 laps & had arm pump like I...
DC, I think you're on to something. I had 34 psi in it for my first moto, did 2 laps & had arm pump like I just did a 30 minute moto at Southwick. I dropped the pressure to 32 and started making adjustments from there. I'm going to go back to 34, soften up the comp and see how it feels.
Sounds good! You probably need a revalve also. Mine definitely felt awesome after the revalve.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/19/2015 8:05am
10/19/2015 8:05am
When we were shooting the first impression video with Michael Lindsy, he has a similar problem setting up the fork. I remember him pulling in after 2 laps because his wrist hurt. Here's the video, but maybe he can shed more light on the subject...

First Impressions: 2016 Suzuki RM-Z250 - More Motocross Videos

FIFIFO
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FIFIFO 10/19/2015 8:46am
10/19/2015 8:46am
That pretty much sums it up. Thanks for the video. At least I know it's not just me.
rmgsxr
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rmgsxr 10/19/2015 9:09am
10/19/2015 9:09am
Camp332 wrote:
Sounds good! You probably need a revalve also. Mine definitely felt awesome after the revalve.
Who did your revalve?
SweetDaddy
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SweetDaddy 10/19/2015 9:58am
10/19/2015 9:58am
SwapperMX wrote:
Just clarifying your original post, and what might be confusing a few people prompting their replies, are the forks actually too stiff, or are you finding...
Just clarifying your original post, and what might be confusing a few people prompting their replies, are the forks actually too stiff, or are you finding them harsh?? The first time I rode on a set of air forks, I couldn't get off the thing quick enough due to the fork's harshness. There is a big difference, and possibly why you haven't got much of a decent response yet ??
FIFIFO wrote:
Swapper, I'd have to say more of a harsh feel. I stopped riding Saturday after 5 motos because my wrists were hurting. lol That never happened...
Swapper, I'd have to say more of a harsh feel. I stopped riding Saturday after 5 motos because my wrists were hurting. lol That never happened before.
I have an 15 RMZ450 and run 190 inner/balance (0 outer); Once I tried running 180 inner/outer and it made my wrists hurt.
Camp332
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Camp332 10/19/2015 11:37am
10/19/2015 11:37am
Camp332 wrote:
Sounds good! You probably need a revalve also. Mine definitely felt awesome after the revalve.
rmgsxr wrote:
Who did your revalve?
Factory Connection Suspension

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