[Orange Squishy]

Hi guys,

In March 2008 I had my 2005 CRF250R suspension serviced by Krooz Tune here in Melbourne, a reputable suspension company. I gave them my no-gear-on weight of 85kg (187lbs) and told them I was riding mid to hard-pack, skatey motocross track with some supercross sections and my skills were at high-beginner (compared to the other crazies at the track - wow). They swapped out the stock spring to a straight rate Eibach 889 5.1. They left the existing fork springs in and serviced the lot. The suspension was definitely better at the time but it's hard for me to tell what it should feel like.

I was slack about setting the sag, but when I got around to it, it was definitely better again.

2 years (40 engine hours) later and my skill level is up to a mid-high intermediate and I am down to 80kg (176lb). Any decent flat-landed jump bottoms the rear. I can lean back seated on the bike over decent bumps (not jumps) and bottom it. If I come up short and flat-land our 75 ft tabletop, I nearly get bounced off the bike, sideways mainly. I've played with the clickers 'til I'm blue in the face with marginal difference. Both compressions are set up the higher end.

I ride my 150lb intermediate friend's RM125 and it feels much more plush but I can still bottom it. The bike is quite light comparatively. I ride my 170lb expert friend's stock-suspended KX450F and it feels great on the jumps but a little hard for me to steer in the berms (he has no issue - he's much faster).

I haven't looked at my sag for a good few months but it was about 95mm loaded. I've forgotten the other figures I'm afraid.

I grease my bearings every year and just replaced the top shock bearing this morning as lifting the bike from the rear caused clicking. I traced it to that bearing.

So I'm wondering what to do. The bike is really fatiguing me and beating me around especially if I put my head down and push it. The Race Tech calculator says my stock spring is 5.2 and that I should be on a 5.1. My skill level is definitely up. I'm clearing jumps I couldn't 12 months ago. I'm riding woops, not fast, but I'm riding them.

I'm thinking scoot the rear spring up to a heavier rate?

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Jason

[krisrtch]

If it's been since March of 08 it is in defiant need of a fluid change IMHO the oil does break down and make it feel spongy.

[Orange Squishy]

If it's been since March of 08 it is in defiant need of a fluid change IMHO the oil does break down and make it feel spongy.

Yes, good call. That is going to happen shortly regardless, but I'm thinking while I'm getting it done should I up the springs?

I'm not a pimple on the butt of a pro, but out of interest, what would a pro run? How about an expert? Any skilled riders want to give up their specs?

[euromike_85]

hey orange squishy, im a pretty standard rider dont really know what level to call myself, probobly intermediate, but i stand at 175cm 80kg (with gear) so we have similiar builds i guess. my bike has the standard spring rates in it (rarely bottom out), with pretty standard clicker settings (manual recomended) with minor adjustment depending on track conditions. its oil that does it for me really. i change it every year myself in the forks and every two years in the shock (i get a shop to do this). i hear that the nitrogen charge in the shock can go flat after a while of disuse so that can affect your bottoming resistance. the new oil definately makes the travel more plush and if youv gotten faster then put the original spring back in (hows your fitness?). generally the faster the rider the stiffer they like their springs, but that doesnt make us regulars any faster. if you have good fitness (20 minute motos at YOUR race speed) then put the stock spring back in and definately change out the oils and set your sag will make it ride better.

for clicker settings i find the best way is to get someone to record me on camera while i ride. when i play back the video i can see how my suspension is working (whether its packing, kicking, balnced, etc) over different terrain. helped me dial in the suspension alot and i have no complaint for my current level