[NCFRC]

I have an 04 CRF250X and ever since I got it , bought it used , I've never really liked the suspension , just doesn't give you that controlled confident feeling.
I'm quite sure the suspension is stock as in valving and springs.
I backed off the dampening screws and that helped slightly , but still feels like your fighting the bike more than you should. This is
mostly trail riding , moderately aggressive.

Tell me if I'm wrong but compared to an old 2000 Suzuki RM-125 , which has a great feeling of confidence when riding , tracks great and suspension is plush.
And even my son's CRF230 which just plain rides and tracks better.
I realize these two bikes are in a different league than the CRF250 but there's got to be something to make it better.

I'd guess softer springs ?? But I weight 200 lbs so it shouldn't need them , should it ??

Thanks for any feedback ,

Newbie ,,, NCFRC

[Asmith]

I don't share your observations. The Showa suspension on the CRF's is hands down the best out there.

Yours must be screwed up somehow.

Take it to a shop and have it sprung for your weight and valved for your style.

[Just me]

Mine is like a pogo stick at recommended settings and all stock. I'm a big boy and found that I could set the suspension to be very nice indead. I've dialed in a lot rebound in the rear and slowed up the high speed compression while leaving the low speed alone.
I had to slow down the rebound and compressionon the forks and it is really nice. I also raised the oil a bit to make the air spring come into play earlier.

Go try a ride and adjust each setting one at a time and no more than 2 clicks at a time until you see what effect each one has. Record your data for future review.
Have fun and learn!

[NCFRC]

I'll try adjusting it some more and like I said earlier , assume its stock . Maybe the guy before had some valving or springs done ?

We have a great suspension shop in NH and I may have to give them a visit.

I did lower the triple clamps a 1/4'' this afternoon and it seemed to help the steering stability some.

Thanks for your feedback

NCFRC

[ThumperX]

A bike that is 4 years old, the oil probably hasn't been changed out of the forks or shock. I learned my lesson the hard way that you need to have your suspension serviced at least once a year otherwise you'll get the pogo effect and land on your head like I did. While your there, its not a bad idea to re-spring your front forks and rear shock.

[NCFRC]

I'm sure your correct and the suspension has never been serviced ,, something I need to do.

NCFRC

[Just me]

There are some nice links here on doing it yourself. With 3 simple tools, they are easy to work on.

[rocketman]

Factory Connection fork springs and shock spring for your weight, the bike was set up for 165lb rider from Honda
check this site for prices

[NCFRC]

So if I'm heavier than what the bike was factory set up for I should find the suspension a little soft shouldn't I ?

Maybe not valved for North east trail riding ?

Probably just needs a good rebuiding job like someone else posted earlier.

Thanks

[woodsman]

There are some nice links here on doing it yourself. With 3 simple tools, they are easy to work on.

Could you post those links plz?

[Just me]

There are some nice links here on doing it yourself. With 3 simple tools, they are easy to work on.

Could you post those links plz?

Uh, well it could be that it is the sticky at the top of this sub forum.

http://www.crfsonly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11588

[RichardPT]

You'll want to make sure you get your bike sprung properly and set your sag to spec. For your weight and with stock springs, the bike is mostly likely sitting low in the rear which will make it steer like a dump truck. Once you have proper springs and have your saq set, you'll notice a world of difference. But it will still not handle like your 125.

Even with all of the above, I have been disappointed with the way my bike tracks. After scouring this forum, and thanks to the helpfulness of other members, I have come to the conclusion that I will also need a new set of triple clamps with less offset (more steering angle) than stock. Stock setting is 24mm offset. Consensus is you'll want a set with 22mm offset. Many have recommended triple clamps from Applied www.appliedracing.com. Hope this helps.

[NCFRC]

[quote="RichardPT"]You'll want to make sure you get your bike sprung properly and set your sag to spec. For your weight and with stock springs, the bike is mostly likely sitting low in the rear which will make it steer like a dump truck. Once you have proper springs and have your saq set, you'll notice a world of difference. But it will still not handle like your 125.

Even with all of the above, I have been disappointed with the way my bike tracks. After scouring this forum, and thanks to the helpfulness of other members, I have come to the conclusion that I will also need a new set of triple clamps with less offset (more steering angle) than stock. Stock setting is 24mm offset. Consensus is you'll want a set with 22mm offset. Many have recommended triple clamps from Applied www.appliedracing.com. Hope this helps.[/quote]


Is the 125 better because of it's weight ?
I've been told those were just great handling bikes ??

I agree with your tracking comment , that's exactly how I feel .

[RichardPT]

I'm sure shear weight and mass have a lot to do with it. 200 lb. 125 vs. 240+lb. 4 stroke. I've been told the gyroscopic effect of the 4 strokes also has an effect.

[redrooster65]

It's about the weight transfer, with too light of rear spring it is riding too low in the stroke and not transferring the weight back to the front tire.

If you are on a budget re-spring and service them, if money is no object send them to P.C.