I've searched around but have really found an answer to my question. I just picked up an 06 klx250s and it needs some improvements in the suspension. I way about 250lbs so the stocky springs arent cutting it. I spoke with John at Moto-pro and he service seems to be the best bang for the buck but I can't justify spending $800 on suspension for a $1200 bike. Just cruising around on some dirt roads I have already blown a fork seal so the forks need to be rebuild.

Have any of you bigger guys had any luck just running stiffer springs and thicker oil in the front?

Do I have enough preload and damper adjustment on the rear shock to get it better/close?

Thanks in advance

 

Heavier springs and stock/slightly heavier oil will be fine for what you want, and the rear is just slightly light for your weight, but you should be able to make it work with preload.

Seals are really easy on these forks if you are thinking of DIY

 

Thanks Zomby! I've rebuilt the forks on my SV650, so yes I was planning on doing seals and bushings myself.

The factory fork oil is 10wt right?

 

nope...... 5wt

 

I had John redue my forks (I'm at 190, with gear & tools). I didn't do the shock, but I think you would be wise to follow John's advice. At your wt, these bike as way too soft. If you plan on jumping much, they are way off. I think John reworks the valving on the forks too, which other say is 1/2 the problem (just going to thicker oil will not solve that problem).

You got a good deal & bike, if you really want to ride quickly you have to do the suspension. If you just want to ride around the campground and down to the hardware, one could live with it stock.

 

Pivot Works sells an excellent rebuild kit for the forks-it has all of the parts needed except the oil.