Picked up an 85 250R and have a question

[JOEY11]

I picked it up yesterday knowing it needed some work. I tried turning the compression damping knob on the shock reservoir and it won’t budge. The shock is like a pogo stick so I know it needs rebuilding but what causes the knob to freeze? I didn’t try any penetrating oil and wrench yet but does the knob being locked be an issue where the shock itself is not repairable? I’d post a pic of the bike but I can’t post attachments.

[jasong_10]

I would think the penetrating oil would be a good start, honestly though I've never touched mine . . .

[shortline10]

Pretty common problem on those shocks , it can be replaced during the rebuild .

[Onetrackmind]

The knobs were frozen on the rear shocks of my RZR when I bought it a while back. I soaked them in Kroil for a couple of days, the tapped them on the face w a small ball peen hammer.

Worked like a champ [emoji2369]


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[JOEY11]

Thanks. I was messing with other things on that side and it’s natural to see a knob and want to turn it but I’ve never actually used it on any other bike to tune the suspension. I found a local place that will rebuild the shock and forks but also considering Schmidty’s. I have a budget and overpaid for the bike so it may be a long process getting them rebuilt. It runs extremely well though so at least I don’t have to worry about that right now.

[wild200x]

I had one rebuilt once and put what I think was called a "gold valve kit" or something like that in it. I was quit happy with it.

[BOB MARLIN]

if the shock is like a "pogo" stick it's blown. Needs a rebuild.

[JOEY11]

It runs great but no fun and not the safest riding with blown suspension and possibly damage even more if I ride it. Just need to repair the suspension and replace brake pads, bleed them and it'll be a nice trike. I work at a forklift dealership so I was talking to some of the techs and they're going to help/show me how to reseal the forks and shock. They rebuild hydraulic cylinders all the time and said it's not much different and have worked on motorcycle stuff before.

[Tri-Z 250]

Forks are about $65 a leg for service the rear around $125. Parts, fluid disposal/solvents and upgrades add up quickly so work within your means. Do the rear 1st, it’s most expensive figure a full refresh around $225. If the front forks are not squirting fluids, drain clean and replace oil. Super easy DIY home repair for less than $50. I recommend a shock repair for local MX guys in the area. I’m sure the guys at the Lift shop could do it. I just like the idea that it’s best to have someone who does it everyday that has a pros eye and knowledge of little things that could cause issues. The best money spent IMO is suspension when wanting to stabilize at speed.

[wild200x]

I agree. suspension is the most important thing. A lot of ppl want to make the motor faster first. Suspension first!

[JOEY11]

Yeah I was thinking of that after they said they could do it and I'm sure I could replace the seals and assemble it but wouldn't know if there was anything wrong with the internals that could cause more damage down the road or a shitty ride after resealing them. I agree that suspension on these things is very important and don't want to cut any corners if I can help it. I rode it a little yesterday and it's totally unstable as it sits now and the brakes are trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro so it's a death trap.