Honda 85 Big Red rear shock question

[Noreaster]

Hi everyone,

I recently put new rear tires on my 250ES (Bear Claws are awesome!). They're a little bigger than what was on there before, so they rub up on my plastics a little bit in rough terrain. I considered making a lift, but then though why not swap the rear shock for one that's an inch or two longer? (i think stock is 14.5" eye to eye) Has anyone done this, or have advice about it?

I've seen people near me parting out trx300's/350's. Saw a Scrambler too. Would any of those fit, and if so would they be too stiff?

[shortline10]

The trx300 fourtrax is 14.5 so it’s the same .
Not sure on the rancher

[Noreaster]

Thanks for the info
I think the Scrambler shock is 16". Anyone have any thoughts on that one?
Or suggestions about ones you know would fit?

[big specht]

The issue will the the width of the eyes the big red has narrow mounts. There is acouple of there threads on here about different shocks and what fits and don’t fit.

[KaiMaintenance]

I have the exact setup on mine. I had a trx250x shock on mine and it felt like a hardtail. I currently have a trx450es front shock on mine. What size are your tires? Mine are 26x12x12

[Noreaster]

They're 25x12.5x9 on paper, but the treads stick out further than that.
How are you liking the 450 front shock? Is it longer than 14.5?

[KaiMaintenance]

I seems to be about the stock height, i will measure it later today to verify.

[KaiMaintenance]

Shock is 14.5 eye to eye. Lifting the rear an inch or two is extremely easy. All you need is some angle iron.

[Noreaster]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking of doing in the first place, but got distracted by the prospect of a smoother ride...
I think you sold me. I'll start by making a lift and revisit the shock-swap later.

Thanks a bunch!

[KaiMaintenance]

No problem!