best Proven suspension mods for xr400r

[paddy70]

Is there anyone out there with a proven suspension mod for th400.  I weigh in at 225lbs 

[Trailryder42]

Are you wanting info on full blown pro rebuild with springs, pro valving, info on swap over to CR forks, etc. or info on what can be done with the stock components to get better performance with little expense?

 

[notoriousE-R-I-C]

Even new oil makes a world of difference. On xrs the best thing Ive seen is race tech gold valves. Race techs gotta whole fork package thats easy to install. Rears harder.

Race tech

[Trailryder42]

I will say, that at 225, springs front and rear to match your weight is one of the best proven mods.

A fork brace to make the spindly XR forks more rigid so they track where you point the front end, instead of deflecting.

If you don't go for all new Pro valving, then new oil and doing the fork compression shim stack mod for improved hi speed compression over choppy terrain makes a big difference over stock.

[FFMan]

with some work the suspension can be transformed. standard settings are harsh and non-compliant for off-road use. Best £300 i spent on my XR. +1 the fork brace especially if you are on the heavier side like me.

if the budget stretches to it, find a local specialist and tell them your weight and the type of riding and level you are and let them do some magic on front and rear. If the budget doesn't stretch or you want to do yourself, there is some good advice on this forum if you search.

[paddy70]

Thanks for all replies.  I don't want to go an inferior way. I would rather do it right the first time.

[afm774]

Just springs, shim stack mod, and new fluid make a world of difference. I did this to mine years ago and only refresh the fluid once a season now. Suspension works great.

[Firestone]

Paddy,

the XR400 fork is a sub-standard fork in my opinion with the stock valves. I would purchase Race Tech gold valves for the compression base valve. And then adjust the rebound stack as needed since there is nothing out there that I know that will work on it. The forks handle well and even take a lot of terrain and speed, but they are fidgety and always feel different as the temperature changes. I finally gave up on the stock base valves and replaced the forks with shortened USD's. I do Race my XR in casual hare scrambles. Again, do the gold valves if you intend to push the forks hard and a fork brace. They flex a lot. Which is actually good if you are a slower rider. A fast rider, not so much.