Would really like to improve the suspension department on my 06 crf250r, my suspension sucked ever since I got it in the spring of 07, but I didn't start to really notice it tell about a year ago. Well today I finally got pissed enoughf to play with the clickers. I softened the compression 4 clicks and slowed the rebound 5 clicks and wow what a difference! I am kicking myself for not playing with any of this earlier as I probably could have avoided some crashes and broken bones. Now it will absorbe bumps instead of violently glancing off them, the shock is still terrible tho, haven't had time to play with it yet.  I don't know if I should get it all overhauled or just tune the clickers and call it good.  Because the bike is getting old I have a notion to send it all in for a overhaul, that's not cheap.  However it might be such a big improvement that mabey I will start riding mx again.  I have shyed away from mx because I could never get comfortable on the track, half because of my endurance and half because of the way the bike handled....what to do

Have you ever rebuilt your forks and shock?

No, never. 3 or 4 years ago I changed the inner and outer fork oil in the forks only, that's it.  I probably shouldn't say the suspension was bad ever since I got it, 07 was a long time ago and I don't really remember anything, however I could say it was never properly set up.

Like VIETZE said, change out oil and play with clickers. I ride with a guy who has a new ktm 350 exc and he's constantly playing with his clickers when we trail ride. I took his bike for a spin and was blown away at how great he has his stock suspension set up.It rides just as well as other bikes that have had revalves done. We ride through the nastiest rooty, rocky terrain.
You can also adjust oil level lin your forks by removing bleeder screw and adding oil with a small syringe. For moto, I always end up adding about 5-10cc of oil on all my forks to keep the suspension from bottoming out. It works. Good luck.

Berm-Saw, on 06 August 2012 - 12:54 AM, said:

Do something crazy, read the suspension section in your owners manual. Several times.

Edited by YHGEORGE, 06 August 2012 - 08:02 AM.

Woah, let's start out small and work our way up here

Haha^   If nothing has been changed in 3 or 4 years it is time.  Also if you haven't serviced your shock since new the oil is cooked and the shock is probably awful.  I have a friend who owns an 08 CRF450 and the shock has never been touched.  He is a fast B rider and he says his shock is so hot now he can't ride the bike and it is awful to ride.  He looks like a novice because it just doesn't work.  Anyway I am just saying get it serviced with oil and proper ride height then start spinning the clickers and get it dialed.

First you cannot really tune anything without proper spring rates. Setting race sag is important, 100-110mm is what works on an 06 CRF250R. They stink bug, get head shake and handle like crap. Get that rear end down. Changing oil is a must after that many years but your stock valving can be set up great to handle almost any rider.

You would be suprised but speeding up the rebound will help keep your rear wheel on the ground and away from getting kicked, it makes wonders on how the suspension handles, but you dont want it to be to the speed were it kicks you. I for some reason havn't got my suspension done till a few weeks ago and I can tell you it helps so much, you will discover that you actualy had wack suspension settings and it will be so much better. I got my suspension done through track side suport so I met the guy doing it and he watch me ride and helped get it dialed. I would recomend getting it revalved and try to get it done trackside if you can! Also you will most likly find out you also have the wrong spring rate which will make it work bad.