Boingers to LTR Soon. Any advice?

[AZRickD]

I'm going to do a race next weekend, then it's time to get the forks and shock R&R-ed. 2005 DE250 (title says DE, decals say EC, wires from the stator exit from the 10 O'clock position) 12-ounce FWW. Ohlins in the rear. Zoke/Shivers in front.

I'm about 40 pounds heavier than the former owner (I'm 199 nekkid), so the stock springs need consideration. Also, given that Arizona single track consists of rocks, boulders, and stones, I'm looking forward to having Mr. LT make it ride like the 99 EC300 he did for a friend a while back. Like magic over rocks.

I'm a mid-pack C racer (that's counting the DNFs as well). Sometimes I can surprise myself with pace, but usually it's all I can do to keep in the thick of the C-riders. Our races are supposed to be technical single track with the aforementioned rocks (and long sand wash). But lately, with government agencies making it tough to get use permits for races, we have been seeing one, then two, and now three of our races each year incorporating portions of MX tracks (as a result, the single track is added almost as an afterthought). I don't do the long tables but the short ones are doable for me.

So, I've been advised that I'll get the best results from LT-Racing if I'm "honest" in describing my needs. Anything else I can offer up?

Those who have gone with LTR (or other suspension shops), how have your results been?

Thanks,

Rick

[Boomhauer]

Rick,

Just tell Les what kind of riding you do, (ie, rocks, whoops, sand, etc) what caliber of a rider you are (AA,A,B,C, etc) and let him work his magic. He is one of the best ouyt there IMO. I wish I would have known about him when I had my KTM & Track Bike. The 3 times I ahve used him the sag was spot on right out of the box. You might, just might have to turn your clickers to your liking but I doubt it.

You will really like his work!

Boomer

[Skidad]

I'm thinking your correct about different springs. At 190lbs with no gear I'm thinking you should go up at least 1 rate on both ends. Stock fronts are most likely .42 and the back 5.2. You might be better with .43 and 5.3 or 5.4 (yes there is an Ohlins 5.3 spring). Stock the suspension is set for about a 170lb rider so talk to Les about this issue for sure.

If you want to want to try something outside the box give Trail Trick a try in CA. He is the KTM god at the moment and really seems to have a handle on suspension setup and has spent years in Europe tuning factory suspension for various teams. I have a spare Sachs shock with him at this very moment to see if he could become a good alternative for GG suspension.

[2 strokes 4 life]

well here in Canada the guy to go to is http://www.ridersedgesuspension.com/index.html

I am having him do my suspenders because he races the same series I do so he knows what he is doing.

[Boomhauer]

Skidad no offense here but I have seen trail tricks job and I was not impressed at all. A friend of mine here in Houston had his suspension done by him and the forks came back leaking. Plus I doubt he knows the Ohlins & Zookes like Les does.

Use who you want Rick but remember there are some folks that specialize just on the gasser brand so they do know their stuff.

[Grampy]

Les has done the work on my DRZ250, KLX450, KDX200 and will soon get my Gas Gas 250EC Ohlins. All of these bikes are very different in their suspension mode needs and he hit them all spot on. In case you didn't know Les rode Gas Gas for quite a while so knows them well.

[AZRickD]

The boingers are sent. ($53 shipping via the main UPS Customer Center)

I await Magic.

[GMP]

I ride GGs and my brother Huskys, I work on them both. GG Zokes have too much free bleed, thats why you use up the travel like that. They also lack high speed rebound. Husky TE Zokes seem to come with gear oil in them, they are much better with an oil change. The 2-stroke WR250 Husky Zokes were very harsh in rocks. Les can make it all good.

[AZRickD]

I spoke with Les over the phone. He looked at my pics and asked if I was going fast through those sections and if the bike was bottoming. I told him I was going "enduro-cross slow" and that I was unaware of it bottoming. He wasn't to concerned at that point.

[AZRickD]

Uh-oh. Les e-mailed me to send me a copy of his "worksheet" (weight, skill, terrain, etc). He mentioned that even though I removed my quickie bleeder valves and replaced them with mini-screws, and even wrapped them in plastic and tape, they still leaked all over the place.