85/86 250R Fork difference??

[Dirtcrasher]

How can I tell whether I have 85 or 86 front forks?

The rear is easy, gold knob or black knob.

I bought these forks naked and IDK if there is any way to tell but I do know that the suspension (front or rear) use different oil capacities from 85 to 86.

Thanks for any help!

[NINJA]

85 has 2 springs per fork leg, one long, one small. 86 has 1 progressively wound fork spring per leg.

[Dirtcrasher]

^ Thanks bud.............

Does the 86 progressive spring perform as well as the aftermarket brand??

[88 Turbo Coupe]

Maybe when the 86 spring was new but after 24 years the spring is probobly beat. A new progressive is the way to go. Mine cost me $68.00.

[pantera1975]

Shortly here I'm gonna be buying a set of progressive suspension springs for my 86. I heard good reviews on them.http://www.progressivesuspension.com/cart.aspx

[NOS_350X]

IMO it is a night and day difference between the 85 and 86 fork, The 86 is MUCH better.

[goump1995]

Chicken, Pork , And gravy...Yum!

[NINJA]

^ Thanks bud.............

Does the 86 progressive spring perform as well as the aftermarket brand??

I agree with Nick, with fresh oil set at the proper level, the 86 fork definitely feels better. Putting the aftermarket spring in makes a night and day difference. So no, the stock 86 spring doesn't compare to the Progressive Suspension brand spring.

[NOS_350X]

I have a set of front forks with progressive springs, and the "gold valve kit" built for my weight and riding.

I just recently did a set of 86 forks, Just cleaned em inside real good, put it back together with some heavyer oil, and a small spacer on the top and honestly they dont feel any different.