1986 250r forks question

[Ganuvien]

Hey guys, I own a 1986 atc 250r, and i'm a kinda big guy in weight lol, anyways one of the issues i've been having with it is when riding on dirt or sand, whenever I hit potholes on the dirts or tire trails in the sand, my forks bottom out and it hurts the hands/arms, I've tried putting 1 inch of 1 inch pvc in the fork tubes on the top, and run mobil 1 atf in the forks for oil, but it still happens. What can I do to make it a more comfortable ride in the front forks? I've considered the bigger forks swap, but thats just too much money atm.

[slashfan7964]

Have you tried a heavier weight oil? Or just standard ATF? I've heard different weights can slow or speed up the shocks movement.

[Larry T Moore]

Im pretty sure you can get stiffer springs...I had an 86 250r and I clear 300...I never had that problem...

[Ganuvien]

I have not tried a heavier oil, i've had trouble finding some information on what type of oil I should use for my weight ( im roughly 315lbs), and where could I find some newer stiffer springs?

[slashfan7964]

The only reason I suggested a different weight oil would be that in slowing down the forks response it might reduce the feeling of it bottoming out...of course this is speculation and I've never had this problem myself. I'm with Larry, try getting stiffer springs if you can.

[falloutboy]

I would go with Progressive fork springs. Mostly because they are new and not 27 years old. You had the right idea adding preload. Also instead of ATF try a good fork oil. I think I used 15wt on my brothers 350x

[Ganuvien]

Alright ty much guys, will change the oil out and try fresh progressive springs.

[oldskool83]

Theres a guy on ebay who can set your forks up for you riding style and weight. wont be cheap but its better then trying it 2 or 3 times and still not seeing results you want.

he rebuilds rear shocks also. He spend alot of time on the phone with me helping me set me 250R suspenion up on a 200x. Guy is pretty smart. It pays to contact thim i feel. SRS suspeion i think was his biz but search atc250R shock rebuild on ebay. he will give you a estamage over phone.

[250rRoostmaster]

I picked up a set of progressive springs for $60 or $70 bucks, paired with 15wt fork oil and you'll be in buisness!! The progressive springs are really bada$$!

[NeverLift]

I agree with Roostmaster. Most ATF fluids are = to 10wt so the 15wt should help.