Suspension woes

[Jeeks]

As I stated in some earlier posts, this 00 250 is new to me, so I have no clue what has been done with it at this point.

I rode a buddy of mine's new 125 the other week and noticed how nice the suspension felt (I didn't want to give the bike back  ). So it got me tinkering with my 250.

I followed the procedure on setting the sag, and after a couple turns on the spring, everything checked out perfectly. No load - 25.5", Race - 22", Static - 24 3/4" Which gave me 3.5" race sag and 3/4" static sag.

But when I balance tested the suspension the forks didn't compress.  I have the comp. backed off all the way and the air bled.

Springs? Oil/Oil Level?  Oil viscosity?

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

Might be a dumb question, but did you lock the front brake when you did the test? Since you dont know the service history of the bike, it would definetly be benificial to service the suspension front and rear. You would be suprised how quickly the fluids break down. I do mine 2-3 times a season. Which is 15 - 20 enduros, a couple of dualsports and some trail riding in between.

[Jeeks]

Yes, on the front brake question.

I've been reading my 98 service manual....I may just buy the tools to do it myself.

[KXcam22]

Jeeks,
  Forks are easy to service. Grab a turkey baster for a fluid level setting device.  When starting it is best to set the clickers to the factory setting and then adjust from there. Always go 2 clicks up or down at a time so you can feel the difference then back add or back off 1 click as needed. Always record your settings for each change and do one change at a time. Cam.

[hughes]

Need to know what springs are in the bike. Unsure order new ones. The valving could be set for motocross, or woods. May need some one to check the shims stacks and shim to your riding needs.

[Jeeks]

I was able to do some riding on the new/used forks I picked up off the bay. What a difference!   After installation, I immediately noticed a change in the balance between the front and rear suspensions.  After riding on the settings they arrived in, I softened the compresion 5 clicks.  The balance was pretty much perfect.  For the first time, since I had the bike, I was able to pound some berms and whoops.  I don't know what was put into the forks that came on the bike, but there is something terribly wrong with them.