1986 xr 200 shock.Are stiffer springs available?

[vulcanduro]

Looking to possibly stiffen up the rear suspension. Are the xr 200 spring rates all the same? I have an old worn out 1985 xr200 shock for parts.It was a heavier bike.Is the spring stiffer than 86 model? Thanks for any help

[ASP1227]

Looking to possibly stiffen up the rear suspension. Are the xr 200 spring rates all the same? I have an old worn out 1985 xr200 shock for parts.It was a heavier bike.Is the spring stiffer than 86 model? Thanks for any help

Racetech suspension, they'll have them if they exist

[Chuck.]

The XR250R springs fit and depending on year are stiffer. IMO the problem with the 84-91 XR200R is the shock valving. I, and Chadzu, have used 96-04 XR250R shocks (a next generation shock); but they are longer and require reworking to fit.  When I converted to the 96-04 XR250R shock I was able to go back to a stock XR200R spring. 

In any case I recommend at least a fluid change in your shock, it will help.

From my notes:
88-91 XR200R shock (flash Red) 9.52kg/mm
84 Xr250R shock (Orange) 9.91Kg/mm (+4%)
95 XR250R (Blue) 10.33kg/mm (+8.5%)
96-04 XR250R (Yellow) 11.39kg/mm (+20%)
87 XR250R (Blue) 9.22kg/mm (-3%)

 

[chadzu]

The main problem with the xr shocks is that they are crazy stiff all ready, pretty close to double the rate of most bikes.  That makes aftermarket options a dead end.

Chuck gave sound advice on what you have to work with.

[Daniel627]

I have Cannon Racecraft springs all around that were made for my weight and bike. I have no idea of the spring rate though, I'm working out of town and nowhere near my paperwork. Call up Mark Atterberry, I'm sure he can help you out 

[vulcanduro]

Chuck that's interesting that you were able to retrofit a 96 xr250 shock. Do you have any more information about that project? 

Thankyou for the replies

[Chuck.]

The stock 84-91 XR200R shock is 13 1/2" center to center. The 96+ XR250R shock is 14 3/4" c-c. The linkage ratio at full extension is very close to 4:1 so a 1/4" change in shock length will change full extension seat height by 1". So that makes it important to use the same shock length or mod the frame. I shortened the shortens the shock clevis, used 84-85 linkage that lowers the bike about 3/8", and moved the upper shock mount up.

Chadzu modded the shock so he could shorten it more than I did but he also had to mod the linkage for more clearance for the shock clevis. However he did avoid modding the frame. He also had 86-88 linkage which is easier to mode than the 93-02 steel linkage. 

Here is a link to my TT thread: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=815548

Chadzu's thread: https://thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/1200247-will-a-230-motor-fit-in-a-200r-frame/

 

[Xrtrlrider]

Ive got an 88 xr200, racetech fork springs up front (.43kg i think) with eibach 2.25"x8" 13.3kg springs on mine. Same amount of coils compared to honda oem. All i had to do was get an adapter for the top to reduce it to roughly 2" they are ment for coil over automotive shocks. Rebound seems to respond well to them still. 

Edited January 16, 2019 by Devin Bernier