i just baught a 86 250R, it has been restored from the ground up...(i got a deal...$3k) The only thing that didnt get replaced or rebuilt was the front shocks. It has never been raced. So im wondering if the cheaper...$300/pair, are worth it. Im mostly riding woods, trails...and some jumping on tracks...(most airials are 6 feet high and maybe 20-30ft long) So nothing major as far as abuse goes. I have heard that after a year of riding most of the cheaper aftermarket shocks need to be rebuilt. Is this true? And how much better would these shocks be than the stock ones?
Anyone have experience with the less expensive aftermarket shocks? Thanks for any advice.
Rich in Michigan.

 

I also own a 86 trx250r and the front shocks are the original I don't get as high as you yet but I'mn setting it up for MX and am getting new front shocks works or pep and having the back shock revalved and recharged with gas and maybe a stiffer spring. the aftermarket shocks do have to be rebuilt and are cheaper than factory replacements. I would go with new fronts (aftermarket) and a rebuilt rear (stock)

 

My rear shock was rebuilt fresh! For the front i'm looking at the dual rate non-resv. shock for $300. So if i get them, how much will it cost to rebuild them every year. Is this yearly rebuilding the same on even the more expensive ones...? Should i spend $600 on front shocks, im not racing.....just having fun, and trying to keep my body from being worn down so much after 2 or 3 hours of hard riding.

 

I just broke my front left shock on my 300ex and just ordered works dual rates without the res. I should get them in 2 to 3 weeks. I'll make a post and tell everyone how I like them. later

 

oh yea I've heard poeple say that you have to rebuild them all the time but I don't think this is true.nowbody says that about pep and they use the same bodies as Works shocks. well anyways see ya

 

I have the tripple rate works on my 86 250r and they work great, for the extra 30 bucks get the tripples, they will not fade as fast if you jump alot. I ride in the desert and jump into and out of 15 ft deep washes and have never bottomed them out. never hard of haveing to rebuild them every year, I think that would depend upon how you ride.
if your aggressive then ya perhaps you will need to rebiuld them more often.
Ct will rebuild then for less than $100 unless you want to upgrade them to Sag control.
But get the triples not the dual rates, you will be happier with the increase in travel.

 

You should be able to find someone to rebuild them for around $50 or $60. The big guys aren't the only ones who know how to do that. They just want to make you think so. It's one of those things that once you learn how to do it, it's not that hard. I've been rebuilding mine for a couple of years now.
Good Luck..

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I think i will go wtih the triple rates. Oh, also, im going to get a set of shock covers..i have seen there are two types, velcro and zipper. What do you recomend?
Also going to add a new "Fatty" pipe. Wondering which FMF silencer to get. I want a forest legal one. Are the powercore II and the turbo core IV both forest legal.?

I will also be doing other refinments and additions to this machine. It has been restored mechanically. Bored slightly over stock..(i think like 10 over, what ever is the next possible piston size up.) All the plumbing is brand new..(hoses, and lines) All the suspension bushing have been replaces..as well as all bearings. Frame was powder coated. Has a decent bumper and rear bar. nerf bars need to be cleaned up, or ill get some graydon's. I have a set of fresh holeshots and itp rims to slap on it. The rear shock (stock) has just been rebuilt. Ahhhhhhhhh
I could go on all day......hehehe...feeling like a kid at christmas! Cause i baught it for $3,300 Email me if you would like a pic. rich215@home.com

 

Hey Rich,

I've been tossing that question around in my head as well as in what shocks are right for me. Like yourself I do mostly trail riding with mild jumps, and also don't want to spend the big money if I'm not going to use the shocks to their potental. I like the triple rate would do nicely but with or without reservoirs.

Also what place are you looking to buy from, I'm still searching for the best price.