Suspension Setup recommendations.

Alright I figured it out on my own, I need a heavier spring.

Your stock valve looks exactly like my 50 open Zokes valves. Very nice new ones and glad to know it made a nice difference fot you. Im my 50's their is another "mid" valve that also looks the same. Id bet it would make another difference replacing that with the new one too.

I would bet you will need heavier fork springs as well. Do the same measurments with the forks as you did with the shock. youll need to get the proper rider sag without having too little static sag. Some changes in preload will probably be in order along with a spring change.

Jason,

You just do the compression valve, then Ian sets you up with a new shim stack for it. Then on your mid or rebound, you get a shim stack set up for that as well. The springs are set due to rider weight and where you want your sag.

Based on this fork sag, I went to order softer springs from Race Tech. The stock is .45kg and I thought Id start with .42kg. Race Tech told me I had the right spring for my weight (.45kg) and should not soften up the fork springs. I told them my sag numbers and they kept refering to their chart which puts me at .45s. What do ya think? Doesn't real life sag numbers tell the real deal rather than their chart? What would you do? I ordered the .42s.

Jason,
In my experience, Race Tech's spring recommendations have ALWAYS been on the stiff side. Your numbers indicate a stiff spring and it seems that's how you feel the bike is working. Try really hard to get your fronts tested, then go down from there. I'm hearing that these Zoke springs are not always as advertised.

Thanks for your input. These sag numbers are on the 11 TE model with the KYB. Still seems theirs been variances with race techs recomnendations?

You are looking for 40-42mm static and 75mm rider sag. Sag numbers do tell the tale. MX / SX bikes may need a bit less fork sag. But not 52mm rider sag.
Go to 102-103mm rider sag in rear. Your static will still be good.

I was replacing my reeds the night, and ended stripping the bike down to do some clean up. Got messing with shock compression adjuster to see where it was. I have never touched them since having it serviced. I was kinda surprised to find it two clicks from all the way in (to the +). I need to put it all back together and check the static and rider sag.

Two clicks in from max on the compression, does that seem extreme? Are there not like 30 positions on the clicker.

2 clicks in from the + stop is "harsher" or "slower" part or your range.

Well finally got around to testing new sag #'s.

-This is where I need to be-
Forks- 40- 42 mm static
75mm rider sag.
300mm travel.
Shock - 32mm static
105mm rider
296mm travel

-This is where I was at-
Rear
Rider sag- 104mm
Static- 34mm
Front(.45 kg)
Rider- 52mm
Static- 32mm

-This is where I am now-
Shock (no change except from piston to bladder)
Rider 104mm
Static 36mm
Forks(.42 kg and removed 2 face shims)
Rider 62mm
Static 41mm

Seems to me I need to go softer yet to .40 kg and add a little preload? I did a very short ride, impressions are that it feels very good but I did notice a little more fork dive. If I go to the .40 kg I'm afraid I'll get more fork dive but the rider numbers say I'm still too stiff?

Yes, Go to a .40. Recheck and see if you need more preload. Static sag should be in the area that it is currently. Rise your oil level to max. Be sure to be running a light fork oil. I use 5wt Maxima RFF. On the light side of a 5wt fork oil. OR go to PJ1 2.5wt.

You want the fork to dive some going into corners. Just not bottoming out when you do. You want the front and back to "SETTLE" into the corner so you can turn sharper.

Man my head hurts after just reading all 6 pages of this. This is over my head but I really appreciate you guys taking the time to help others out; great thread. Now can anybody guess as to what spings I need front and rear on my 08 CR125. I weigh in at 200lbs . I think I'm gonna contact the guys in Canada on their parts as long as they will install them. Thanks.

John,

Ian will install them @ Riders Edge. He will also do your preload on forks, valving and correct spring rate.

He's does shocks rear shocks as well and you are probably 5.6 ish on 08 125.

Best thing I ever did to get the Zokes to work like other top forks.

Cool thanks. I think I'll give them a call on Monday since I'm waiting on my WB165 exhaust.

I finally got the rest of my "stuff" and got my WR250 resto. with Ian's base valves finished. All I can say is those valves do what they were claimed to. The bike is a real pleasure to ride now.This is the third day that
I have been riding in Eastern OR. I originally planned to return last night, but the bike is so much fun.
More later.

Awesome! Glad they worked out good, plus you did it yourself!

I rechecked my sag numbers with all my gear on, I think im supposed to do that with all gear on and the last numbers on the forks were without moto gear.

With the addition of ride gear-

fork rider sag 68mm
fork static sag still 41mm.

Ive had 2 good rides with these new springs.(.42) My impressions are thats its much better. I did bottom lightly on a couple jumps that are the biggest id do.

Is 68mm close enough considering the bottoming or should I still go to the .40kg? The bottoming happened with stock recomendations on clickers.

Thanks for all your help.