Question-------------------------Thank you Mark for the insight, I sincerely appreciate the information and the assistance. To clarify.. Should I raise the spanner nuts back near the top of the shock like they were when it was purchased (new)? You didn't mention anything about the shock being bad/blown, the shock itself couldn't have went bad just by disengaging it from the swing arm could it? Thank you again for your time vested in these questions of mine, I didn't want the bike ridden until I had a better idea of what might be going on with it.
Norman // nogade@alltel.net
Followup To
Question -
Bike - 2002 Honda CR-250R, purchased in May 2003 (9 months ago), approx 18 races on bike.
Rider - approx 210lbs.
Bike Repair History - 2 Chain replacements (non o-ring), 1 front and rear sprocket replacement, rear brake pad replacement, swing arm bolt replac-ment, (all items stock).
Suspension History - lowered two spanner rings (?) on mono-shock to lift rear end of the bike in hopes of better support due to weight of rider, lowered approx 1 inch (near bottom threads on shock), have not noticed any problems over two month period.
Current Situation - Pulled engine out to replace top end, crank bearings, clutch plates. Prior to engine re-install, replaced swing-arm bearings, bushings, seals (all greased well), chain slide, chain roller, chain, etc. Replaced engine and swing-arm. With bike back to normal appearance, the suspension in the rear seems to have stiffened up considerably on both compression and rebound. Rear suspension was fine prior to this disassembly. Have not noticed any binding between swing-arm and engine. Should I raise the two spanner rings (?) on the shock back to original setting? Could the swing arm bushings be installed incorrectly? Could the newness of these items cause stiffer suspension? Could any of the suspension bolts be over-tightened? Should the shock (my biggest fear) and/or seals be replaced?
Thank you for any insight you could provide me with on this.
Norman
nogade@alltel.net
Answer -
Hi Norman,
Very well written question/description. Compliments and Thanks!
New bushings will snug things up a bit. The swingarm will loosen with a break-in of the new parts providing that all fasteners were torqued to factory specs. Check installation of bushings against service manual.
Visit "www.bikebandit.com" to see parts microfiche on-line.
Spanner nuts: compressing shock spring will lower ride height and stiffen ride. Opposite for extending shock spring.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
AnswerThanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. FYI...I'm a roadracing tech, however, basics are same.
There are several variables, as you have noticed. I really need to have hands on access to give accurate prognosis. Need to see and feel how tight swingarm is, etc... It's frustrating for me to try and give intel without being there. Drives me nuts! Same for you trying to figure out the problem. :)
Try to tune by making one change at a time. This way, you know what effect the change made.
To eliminate doubt, you might try adjusting the spanner nuts and notice the effects. Tune accordingly until you get the desired results. Loosen swing arm axle nuts and tighten to specs using torque wrench.
The mono-shock should be just fine with reinstallation. Yes, the shock could be worn or defective. Sorry, I forgot to mention this. A dealer could measure the spring free length and examine the shock for you. Again, the need to be there with you. The first thing I replace on my race machines is the factory shocks. They are not worthy, in my opinion. Ohlins or Fox shocks are expensive, but well worth the investment in performance and handling.
There a coulple of moto-x websites out there. I found these to be decent.
www.off-road.com/dirtbike/tootechp1.html
www.actionsports-usa.com/_The_Tech/_the_tech.html
Mark
