Stiffer forks big red 250?

[jeffatc250r]

Im an aggressive rider, even on a slow bike. The one thing i dont like about this big red is the front end just cant handle it. It keeps me from cruising the speeds i want and thats with nothing on the rack. Im not small at 240lbs either.
My question is there anyone else that has played with this problem already? Heavier oil? More oil? Spring spacer? The bike is super low hr so its not all worn out.
I believe it calls for ATF, maybe ill try 15 or 20wt and go from there.

[Yamaha_Rules69]

I know the heavier oil will make a big difference, and if you could fit a spring spacer in there (like PVC) it would make for a real nice ride. I have never done it on a big red, but have on a 200x, and it rides great for my larger size of 230lb compared to the stock set up.

[atc007]

Hmm, My experience is,the only way you would complain is they are shot.. I have pounded 250ES's into the ground for decades,including racing them at top speed through the woods and pastures. MY only complaints were always with worn out ones I had taken in on trade.. I respect what you are saying,,but I'm about your size too. I would start with heavier fluid also. Let us know how you make out!!

[userj8670]

progressive suspension springs?

[jeffatc250r]

Well i tore it apart and changed the oil to 20wt. Ill see how it acts tomm. Everything inside was in perfect shape. Springs needed to be compressed to get the caps back on, so i dont think theyre fagged out. Hopefully the oil change to the heavier stuff cures it. Ill know tomm.

[Thorpe]

I ride my ES hard too, (only weighing in at 215lbs) but have never had an issue with my front end being too soft...

[atc007]

WITH the plow on ,,lol!

[perrycyn]

My BR had soft front forks too, all I did was add 5cc or 10cc I cant remember and it helped a lot. I tried heavier oil but it still was soft at the factory amount.

[FastZ28]

I put 30wt fork oil in mine and thought it was perfect for aggressive riding. Well it was perfect till I blew a fork seal up at Rose City Michigan, but it was still decent with only one fork lol.

[jeffatc250r]

Well i tried the 20wt. It helped quite a bit, but still not up to my likings. In gonna thror a 3/8 long piece of round stock on top the spring and see what that yields.

[Thorpe]

WITH the plow on ,,lol!

At times!!!