I bought a '99 YZ 250 about a year ago. The guy I bought it from told me it had Race Tech Gold Valves and was set up for a 220 lb. rider. However, the springs are stock. I weigh 190 so I attributed the harshness I was experiencing to the previous owners set-up. I had to run the compression clickers almost all the way soft to get any fork action at all, but the thing would bottom fairly easily. I adjusted the oil level to 100mm but it still bottoms.
I had never done more than replace the seals on the front forks, but I finally had enough and took the thing apart last night. It wasn't as bad of a job as I had feared. Sure enough, it has the Gold Valves, but the shim stack makes no sense what-so-ever. I have the Race Tech compression chart, and the set-up on the bike is no where to be found. This is what I found beginning at the bottom of the stack (next to the compression valve):
1) .10x11
2) .10x12
3) .10x13
4) .10x12
5) .15x21
6) .15x21
7) .15x21
I'm guessing 1 - 3 are supposed to be the high speed stack and 4 - 7 are supposed to be the low speed stack?? Also right next to the compression valve (under the stack) were two spacers -- one about 5mm thick and then what appears to be a regular washer (or a really thick shim). The instructions mention a washer, but nothing about a spacer.
My questions are:
1) Could the lack of correct shims in the High Speed stack cause the severe harshness of the fork? Am I blowing through the stroke?
2) Is this 5mm spacer supposed to be there or is that another problem?
3) Where can I get shims without buying 10 of every size I need?
4) It also appears that he did the RT recommended mid-valve modification. Is this a good thing?
I'm a 40+ guy so I'm not burning up any tracks, but I do think this system should offer more than what I'm getting. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
Len :bang:
I had never done more than replace the seals on the front forks, but I finally had enough and took the thing apart last night. It wasn't as bad of a job as I had feared. Sure enough, it has the Gold Valves, but the shim stack makes no sense what-so-ever. I have the Race Tech compression chart, and the set-up on the bike is no where to be found. This is what I found beginning at the bottom of the stack (next to the compression valve):
1) .10x11
2) .10x12
3) .10x13
4) .10x12
5) .15x21
6) .15x21
7) .15x21
I'm guessing 1 - 3 are supposed to be the high speed stack and 4 - 7 are supposed to be the low speed stack?? Also right next to the compression valve (under the stack) were two spacers -- one about 5mm thick and then what appears to be a regular washer (or a really thick shim). The instructions mention a washer, but nothing about a spacer.
My questions are:
1) Could the lack of correct shims in the High Speed stack cause the severe harshness of the fork? Am I blowing through the stroke?
2) Is this 5mm spacer supposed to be there or is that another problem?
3) Where can I get shims without buying 10 of every size I need?
4) It also appears that he did the RT recommended mid-valve modification. Is this a good thing?
I'm a 40+ guy so I'm not burning up any tracks, but I do think this system should offer more than what I'm getting. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
Len :bang:
