1987 xr200 rear shock

[bnt5]

I need some more suspension on my 87 xr200, I am a big guy at 6-4, 230lbs and I would like to make the rear suspension squat less when I ride. Any suggestions other than get another bike....?

[foytix]

maybe use a heavier spring off of a xr250r

 

[tlrmark]

The shock spring off the 1984 and 1985 XR250R will fit your shock and is quite a bit stiffer than the XR200R spring.

[Chuck.]

The only thing I could add is to check and adjust your sag values.

I don't have a lot of spring info but here is what I have:

90 XR200R spring is about 9.7kg, I suspect similar for the 86.

The 84-85 XR250R spring is about 10.2, only about 5% stiffer.

The 95 XR250R spring (blue) is about 10.6kg, about 9% stiffer.

96-04 XR250R spring (yellow) is about 11.7kg, about 20% stiffer.

Also the shock charging pressure adds to the spring rate so you should have your shock recharged, a dealer or suspension shop can do that. Any dry gas will work but most will use nitrogen.

 

One problem I've had with the remote reservoir shocks is lack of damping, fresh oil will help. My best fix for my 01 XR218 was to shorten a next generation shock from a 96-04 X250 to fit, also had to cut the shock mount on the frame and reweld it a bit higher. I ended up using a softer spring than with the stock shock.

[KTM520EXC]

HD Spring for sure, but also consider getting shock serviced and properly charged with nitrogen.

I have my '90' shock on my '87' and I changed the seal head and changed to lightest shock oil I could get.

This finally gave me the adjustment that I needed and I really like the shock.

I am significantly lighter than you @ 160, so the first thing to do is get the heaviest duty shock spring you can get and go from there.

If you are a fabricator, or DIY'er, take a look at how Chuck did his shock and swingarm for his XR218R, might be something to consider.

Michael