the a-arms are different, they are set back 1" in 86-87. in 88-89 they were +1" forward but all years, to my knowledge, still had the same overall WIDTH, which is still less than the 450R. the 450R is like 46.3" wide. do you realize that is like 1" LESS in width than the stock quadzilla500 of the good ole days? i used to have a warrior and its wheelbase was 47" and parked it next to a quadzilla it looked like a toy! that quadzilla was so wide it looked like it could swallow that warrior! but the new quadracer 450 is 49" wide! i hope they improved the steering, but still at 49" wide - it is not a trail bike. you will see aftermarket making -1,-2 inch A-arms for this puppy.

however, 250R still handles better, IMO. but most of you know this by know after hearing me rant about it whenever this question pops up.

the 86-87 swingarm is +1in longer than the 88-89, but it is steel instead of aluminum.

as far as the original shock questions, the fronts off the 450R are excellent, but i would get another kind for the back if it doesnt fit your 250r. get an elka or something and have it revalved. rebound on the 450 shock is just not right. it can be adjusted to an extent but stock - it's just plained valved wrong.

 

yeah i went ahead and bought a brand new works performance rear shock, but i wonder if the 450r a-arms will fit my 88 250r? hmm. if so i wonder if that would take care of the top of the front tires from tipping inward since they (450r a-arms) are a little wider?

 

well as far as i know they do, as i have a set of 2004 450r shockes on my 2003 trx 250.

 

Well since you have both bikes, just go take some measurements. Check the width of the slots where the a-arms bolt up, then check the width from one end of the arm to the other. If they do fit, it should take care of your "tipping" problem. You definetly should try and solve that problem. I would assume that it could have a serious effect on your overall handling of the bike.

 

Hey when u say the spring is wound out all the way with no preload do u mean that the spring holding screw at the top of the shock is turnd up all the way? I want to buy some 450r shocks and put them on my 87 250r but i only wiegh 130lbs. If the springs are still a bit harsh with no preload the quad would throw me a around even more. If thats the case i will buy new elkas and get them built to my specs.

 

So whats the overall opinion on the shocks? improve handleing? and are they worth the extra $200 or so