350x Suspension Fork Problem

[Fixer_Upper]

Hey everyone! I finally got my frame gusseted on my 350x, and I took it for the first ride today after being apart for 5 months. Unfortunately, I noticed my left suspension fork seems to have some slop in it. It’s very hard to describe, but instead of just sliding up and down like it’s supposed to, the fork tube moves front and back as though something inside of the fork is acting as a pivot. I’ve had these forks apart before, and I remember this one was in very bad shape specifically. Although I won’t know for sure, is it possible that the piston nut has just come loose? Or have people had this problem before?? I’ve never seen anything like this, but if anyone knows anything about this issue, please let me know!

[Footy]

Sounds like a lot of wear but you could check the damper rod to see if it is tight. I think the bolt is on the bottom of the forks for the damper rods.

[Fixer_Upper]

Yes, not a lot of wear, but a lot of rust damage. I cleaned it all out last year, but there was some severe Pitting in the shock, and I’m sure all the valving and everything is junk. I did check that bolt, but it didn’t seem like it was loose at all. Maybe a bushing went out??

[350for350]

I was thinking about a bad/worn bushing too.

[Dave8338]

If there is a lot of interior pitting it is possible that fluid is getting past the seals via the pits and is causing an ‘out-of-balance’, lack of dampening and rebound (fluid-wise) which would certainly make things twitchy on a front end.

Just a thought.

[Fixer_Upper]

If there is a lot of interior pitting it is possible that fluid is getting past the seals via the pits and is causing an ‘out-of-balance’, lack of dampening and rebound (fluid-wise) which would certainly make things twitchy on a front end.

Just a thought.

That could explain why the trike does not handle bumps very well, especially while turning. While turning left to be specific.

However, that is something I can live with, especially because I may be buying a TRX450R soon, so the 450 would become my main rider and the 350 would become the backup bike. Or vice versa, I’ll have to decide which I like more ��

But getting back on topic, I do indeed think I have a bushing that has gone out. Or perhaps one of my fork seals gave out causing a little bit of slop. (I had just replaced all of the fork seals a year ago)

[Footy]

I have a 350X and a 450R. I think the 350 is easier to ride especially when chasing my kids. If I am going to the mountains I will take the 450R simply because of the stability.
But power wise there is no comparison. The 450 is about double the power.

[Fixer_Upper]

I have a 350X and a 450R. I think the 350 is easier to ride especially when chasing my kids. If I am going to the mountains I will take the 450R simply because of the stability.
But power wise there is no comparison. The 450 is about double the power.

I have heard mixed opinions. Some people love the 450R and say it’s the best quad they’ve ever rode, and others say it is very hard to handle. I think with a couple small modifications I could fix that problem, but I have heard that it is a rather “small” quad. As in it wouldn’t be comfortable for a big guy. I am 6’6 260 pounds, so I’d say I fall into that category. However, I don’t think the 350x is any bigger, and as a matter in fact I’m pretty sure it’s smaller.

[Footy]

The 450R is good, but you've got to want to ride it. I like it more than the yamaha 450 of that era. My 450R is a 2007 SE. Maybe you should look at the raptor 700.
There is a youtube channel called dirt obsession which is run by several "full grown" dudes. They have multiple videos on both the 450R and raptor. Some info there might be good for you.

[Fixer_Upper]

The 450R is good, but you've got to want to ride it. I like it more than the yamaha 450 of that era. My 450R is a 2007 SE. Maybe you should look at the raptor 700.
There is a youtube channel called dirt obsession which is run by several "full grown" dudes. They have multiple videos on both the 450R and raptor. Some info there might be good for you.

I’d love a Raptor 700, or even a Raptor 660 for that matter, but it seems like they are always insanely high priced. Plus, to go into further detail, the main reason I’m interested in a 450R is because one of my coworkers is selling his, and he’s selling it at a very reasonable price.

[350for350]

In that case, definitely buy the 450R. The biggest thing is that they like to be ridden agressively. You can be lazier when you ride the 350X.

[Fixer_Upper]

In that case, definitely buy the 450R. The biggest thing is that they like to be ridden agressively. You can be lazier when you ride the 350X.

I’ve heard it’ll throw you around if you don’t ride it like a man, which I believe I should have no issue with, I ride the 350 harder than I probably should, and as a rider I could push harder, I’m simply limited by power, and suspension. Of course some small details make it harder to ride as well, but those are the main 2.

[Dirtcrasher]

There are very few parts in these forks, unlike a CRF250/450 or many of the late 90's 2 stroke forks with cartridges.

A bent fork will stick, I'm not sure if that's what you are feeling, and/or the bushings get worn and the lower bushing (that goes on the chrome tube) is now discontinued.

There is a spacer between the fork seal and where it seats as well but other than the 10 pieces give or take inside there, I can't think of any other issues.

You could be missing the clip or it's not seated, the damping rod bolt could be loose, the oil lock piece could be missing, unless you rebuilt them yourself who know what's in there.

If you drain the oil that leg should travel up and down and have a firm stop in both directions.