Progressive Suspension Springs from XR's Only, how do they rate? (Pun or no Pun)

I see that xrsonly.com has progressive Suspension springs for my 1990 XR250R. Would this be a good suspension upgrade for the bike? My springs feel kind of weak to me, but that may be just the way they normally feel. Would the xrsonly springs be a big improvement over the stock springs (even if the stock springs are working as new)?

Progressive Suspension springs are top quality, but this in only half the battle. XR's Only also does their own custom valving. If you send them the forks, you can get the springs, valving, new oil, etc. for around $350. Best investment you can make in your XR. If it is time for complete rebuild, then you are looking at another $100 plus, but it is well worth the money. It will feel like a totally different bike afterwards. You won't believe the difference.

desert rat 2 said:

Do they do the rear shock as well (rebuild that is)?

jd3020 said:

Personally I would not recommend the fork springs, but I would endorse the shock spring. Progressive springs are not only Progressive in name but in nature. Much of what you need depends on what you want. Are the springs too soft and sag too much when you sit one the bike? Is it too stiff initially bottoms easily? I am guessing that they sag too much AND bottom easily.

The fork springs are just that, progressive, and as far as I remember they are a 20/30 lb/in rate. The problem is that even with the Progressive Spring in the fork, they sag too much in the initial travel and you are in the same position you are in now. Stock fork springs with an increased oil level will get you to the same place the Progressive fork springs will get you to.

I would recommend going to the Race Tech site, using their suspension calculator to determine the corrent spring rate for your weight and riding type and then buying Eibach straight rate springs since they have a shorter spacer than the Race Tech. These will provide you with a correct ride height and stiffen up through the stroke.

The Progressive shock spring is a good improvement, but a progressive rate on a rising rate suspension is kind of an odd fix. I have used the Progressive rear spring and liked it with valving, but I have also used a stiffer straight rate spring and found that not only did the sag and ride height fall within range, the bottoming resistance was better.

AHRMA17L said:

Does that mean the Race Tech springs come with a spacer that makes up the difference in length needed between what the fork needs and what the length of their springs actually are? In other words, Eibach springs would actaully be longer?

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. I figure most of the problem is 17 years of age on those old springs, and not as good a spring to begin with.

When using the Race Tech calculator, it comes up with .438 to .444 (180-190lbs. for the rider). Race Tech and Eibach both have .43 and .45 springs, would I choose the .45? Wouldn't end up to harsh if I went on a power diet and ended up at 175 would it?

OK, I just noticed someting about Race Tech's calculator. When I select my 1990 XR250R and "Custom Fork Spring Calculation and Available Rates", enter the values for type of riding and weight of rider, the springs listed are in fact Eibach, right down to the part number. Interesting.

jd3020 said:

All of the aftermarket springs come with a spacer, Eibach, Race Tech AND Progressive.

Personally I choose a stiffer spring, but you may want to go softer. It all depends on preference and your style and skill level of riding. If you are just doing woods riding, go with the .43 and adjust oil height to control bottoming.

AHRMA17L said:

Thanks for the info. My weight was right at the top of the rear spring rating for one and at the bottom for the next one up. That one has me more concerned than the fork springs.

I am on an XR400, and I found that the rear spring had enough adjustment for me to dial it in pretty well, so never did the rear spring. As for the front, if you do the springs and valving, you will really appreciate it, no matter which springs you end up choosing.