250SX rear suspension question

[Squirrel Master]

I just picked up a 1985 Honda 250 SX. It seems to be in pretty good condition, but I am not sure about the rear suspension. I weigh about 240 lbs and it just doesn't seem to have any travel even with my big ass on there. I have watched it when others are riding and it does not seem to move at all! Is this normal? Does this trike just have a really stiff rear spring or what???:confused:

[Squirrel Master]

Nobody so far?

[mad_max]

Stock 250SX's have a shock with a preload adjuster. if the adjuster is cranked all the way around to firm it will be real stiff. If you have the original tool box (under the rear seat/fender) look for a C shaped tool with a handle.

[atctim]

the 250SX does indeed have a very stiff spring. Very much like the Big Red - and I think it is the exact same shock/spring that is on the Big Reds. I weigh 240lbs too, and it is nice to drive over a big log on a trail and not have the suspension bottom out. All sounds normal to me.

[Squirrel Master]

:) Thanks for the info! I do have the adjusting 'spanner' for the rear spring/shock in the tool box, I will play with that adjustment later today.

[Squirrel Master]

I jacked up my 250sx this morning to adjust the monoshock. When I jacked up the bike, the rear suspension did not drop. It only dropped down after I removed the top bolt from the shock. After I adjusted the spring to the softest setting, the shock extended out, like it had been 'stuck'. After I bolted everything back up and took it off the jack, it sat up all the way, like the shock is stuck. When i sat on it, the shock compressed down and stayed down. If you lift the rear end up by the grab bar, the suspension still does not drop AT ALL. The spring is a little easier on the kidneys now, but I still don't seem to have much suspension travel, maybe a half inch. This does not seem normal to me, but I am a newcomer to this hobby. Please help!

[atctim]

Sounds like you have a trashed shock - post up a wanted ad in the classifieds and you'll have one from somebody real soon.

It sounds not good or normal to me suspension travel should be about 5 or 6 inches I'd say for an SX - probably not worth rebuilding as you can get a good used one cheap.

[bigredhead]

It should have some displacement.. my SX will easily bounce up and down when i jump on the foot pegs ( i weigh 175 lbs ! ) .

remove the chock adn take it apart.. might just be full of mud and grit.. clean the shaft and oil it up and work it ..

Even if the shock itself was shot.. the spring should have you bopping around like a slinky..

[1DEADPRESIDENT]

Will the trx rear shock work on a 250sx. Like the 300 trx and the 200sx???