[CRF230dad]

I read the post about making the bike taller which includes:
BBR rear link, BBR triple clamp, Guts racong tall seat foam. Should I also change the front & rear springs? Does the stock rear shock have a adjustment? I'd like to make to make it stiffer in the mean time so it won't drop so much when my son sits on his bike. I just bought his bike in June and he is growing like crazy (15yrs.) The power and weight are perfect because he is a new rider. I think my 230 is too much for him right now until he gets much more ride time in. Will the cables reach with the triple camps on because the forks drops an inch and the bars raise 3/4". Do I need thicker fork oil for the new springs? Thanks!

[willflyforfood]

All you can do on the rear is adjust the sag. The link, triple clamp and foam is mucho $$. Springs will be another $200. First you can try adding some washers to the top of the stock springs and some thicker oil. Haven't done this myself though, check the stickys over in the 150/230 forum at TT. If you do decide on stiffer springs, I've heard the BBR's are too stiff, Cannon Racecraft makes several spring rates for the 150. Check with them, they can suggest a rate for your son based on his weight and style.

[Old Dude]

With the triple clamps I had no problem using the stock cableand a slightly taller bar (Renthal Henry bend) that were cut down about 1 1/2". I do recommend the BBR rear link. It doesn't give the rear any more travel but it does raise the seat height nicely. My son is about 5'8" If you just use the link you transfer more weight to the front of the bike which is why BBR recommends that you get the triple clamps to balance the weight bias.
Setting the sag will cure the big "sag" if you will with the stock rear sring. The BBR sring will help the rear but without dampening adjustment it is just a band aid for the poorly suspended rear end. It can be fixed, but it can get expensive. Hlebo Bros in Campbell Ca,it has been reported have had some good luck with rebuilding the shock to make it work better for a lot less than a new hi pro unit.
FYI: The 230 cables are tight with the triple clamp and you can't get the brake lever rotated into the proper position if you use a taller bar with a cross brace. I run the Henry bend Pro Taper 1 7/8 bars with no problems.

[CRF230dad]

So is there an sag adjustment on the stock rear shock/spring for the 150? If so how do I do it? Will the addition of washers raise front end or only the bars? My son has Pro Taper SE CR High bend Bars and the cables reach fine now but I'm concernd that the triple clamp may be too high for the cable lengths. I don't want to open a can of worms on this one. I just spent $3K+ buying this bike 5 months so I need to make it ridable for my son at least a couple years. I want to do it as cheaply as possible. What are the stickys in which forum? My son is is pushing 5' 11" 135lbs. In 5 months he has almost out grown the bike. Being a new rider a larger (heavier) displacement bike was not an option. Thanks!
P.S. How do I adjust the chain tension on an 05' CRF80?

[PGer555]

Before i got a job this school year iwas thinking the same things about raising the 230. In fact i wrote that pots about the bbr stuff and the seat foam. Over the few months i have come to the conclusion that instead of wasting all the money on the 230 ill just get a bigger bike. Once you put that $600-1000 in seat foam and BBR goodies, the 230 may have a good suspension setup but it will still be lacking power. I am thinking of getting a used 125(if i have to buy it) or a new 250x(if my dad will buy it).

[CRF230dad]

The bike in question is a CRF150, and I can get the parts at cost so it may not cost $600-800.00. It would still be cheaper considering I just bought it brand new.

[CRF230dad]

Is installing the triple clamp and rear likage on the 150 a do-it-yourself project? I'm no mechanic but I do OK with a wrench!

[odrogaaa]

Yes, it's easy.