brightmix Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 (edited) Hi all. Not sure if I am posting this in the right section but I could use some help from the more knowledgable amongst you. I bought a Gas Gas TXT 250 Pro (2008) from my local dealer recently and found out that the chap who owned it before me was around (I'm guessing) 11 or 12 stone - (154 to 168 pounds, or 70 to 77 kilos). I am a fair bit heavier at 16.5 stone - 231 lbs or 105kilos. Given that I am so much heavier and nowhere near as talented as the previous owner, should I change the stiffness of the rear and front suspension, assuming that it was either set up for the previous rider or was unchanged from the factory settings? Of course, I have been riding the bike and have got use the whatever settings the bike has, but I wonder if changing things to suit my weight would improve the feel of the bike and potentially my overall ability and enjoyment. If the answer is yes, I should change the settings, I'd be grateful if someone would talk me through how to go about doing it. I have read on this forum that the suspension should drop 1/3 when I stand on the bike. Can this be confirmed please. Many thanks in advance. Mike Edited November 30, 2009 by Brightmix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzralphy Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Hi Mike. Yes. The modern bike is sent out from the factory with front and rear suspension set for 70-90kg riders. To get the best from the bike i would recommend uping the front and back spring rates. Talk to a couple of sellers to get the best opinion of how much heavier rate to go for.... i'd guess a 10%-15% heavier spring. Yes set things up with 1/3 sag when stood on the bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copemech Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 Ralphy is correct in his reply, however I have seen MANY that just simply just kick up the spring preload a bit and they are fine! I can name a few local experts here that are rather robust yet still run the stockers to their full limits! Add, still kick ass in the process! I would think that you would likely want to reduce your static sag(weight of bike as stood) to near naught. Specially on the rear, just see how she is setting now and adjust accordingly. Mind you, you do not really want to overwind the preloads. Yet some seem to really like them loose and saggy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spark Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 Not so long ago I was in the same situaton as you. My Post On Springs I am 100kg and too heavy for the standard springs on my Gas Gas. I got the 10% stiffer fork and shock springs from Lewisport and am much happier. It is not quite as plush over the really small stuff but it sits much better and overall the suspension is better. The rear no longer has that saggy feeling that you have used up half the suspension just standing on it. I initially just put the shock spring in and it felt much better but then the front felt too soft. With the 10% stiffer fork and shock springs it feels balanced. My rear sag is now 68mm which is maybe still more than ideal but I wouldn't recommend going stiffer than 10%. One thing I have noticed is that the rebound speed has increased quite a bit and I may need to compensate on the clickers a bit for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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