85 vs 86 Front forks

[chickunfut]

85 vs 86 ATC250R ,, I know the physical difference with the springs, but are there any differences in performance??
I have a set of each and would like to put the better of the two on the rebuild...
Logic would tell me the 86 has better forks,,,, anyone know for sure??

[NINJA]

somebody correct me if i'm wrong, but i thought that the 85 had 2 springs per fork leg to make it dual rate, but the 86 had a progressively wound single spring in each fork leg.

[deathman53]

that and also the 86 fork holds more oil. the 86 fork is more progressive than the 85 and has a better feel. There is small differences, but many can't notice a difference.

[DeePa]

spend the 75 bucks on progressive springs and get the best outta both worlds

[MyMistress86R]

85 forks = 2 piece springs, 400cc oil
86 forks = 1 piece spring, 460cc oil

I've rode both with stock springs and really don't feel the difference. If you want to do the best you can though, run the 86 forks and take the previous advice about progressive springs. THAT, I can tell you will make a difference. I went from stock 86 to progressive springs and it was very obvious.