Fixing the #1 Problem with Cheap Dirt Bikes.. (CRF250F Suspension Upgrade)

Overall the CRF250F is a severely underrated dirt bike. The power to weight ratio makes it great for trail riding, but there is one MAJOR downfall.. The suspension. As with most entry level dirt bikes the 250F is dangerously under sprung, and with little to know damping, riding the gnarly stuff can get sketchy quickly.
In my quest to make these bikes as capable as the pumpkins, we had to address this issue. Thankfully there is a wise man out there that goes by the name of Bruce Triplett that sells a complete kit to take these bikes from questionable to capable.
Bruce has been in the suspension business for 30 years and has a passion for these air cooled, budget friendly trail bikes. After much research, he developed a front end kit that completely changes the way these bikes handle in any terrain. With his damper modifications, flute extenders, and heavier fork springs, this bike is going to handle like never before. Coupled with a fully adjustable rear shock from Hagon, you will no longer have to shy away from the obstacles in your path.
www.brucessuspension.net/
704-637-3675
Tanner's bike: Upgraded Damper Rods, Flute Extenders, Heavy Fork Springs, Hagon Shock.
Alexis's bike: Upgraded Damper Rods, Hagon Shock.
Alexis said it not me! Check out www.advdailyco.com for some official AD MERCH!
Tusk Sag Tool: bit.ly/TuskSagScale
Tusk Street Legal Kit: bit.ly/TuskLightingKit
Baja Designs Headlight: bit.ly/BajaSquadron
Integrated Turn Signals: bit.ly/TuskHandguardSignals
All other 250F parts: hyperlitemoto.com/collections...
Torque Specs:
Rear Axle Nut: (80 ft/lbs)
Front Axle: (40 ft/lbs)
Front Axle Locking Nuts: (9 ft/lbs)
Fork Caps: (17 ft/lbs)
Triple Clamp Pinch Bolts: (20 ft/lbs)
Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts: (20 ft/lbs)
Front Break Hose Clamp Bolt: (7 ft/lbs)
Upper / Lower Shock Mount Nut: (33 ft/lbs
Shock Arm Nut (Swingarm Side): (60 ft/lbs)
Shock Link Rod Nut (Linkage To Frame): (33 ft/lbs)
Triangle To Linkage Nut: (33 ft/lbs)
Swingarm Pivot Nut: (65 ft lbs)
#Honda #Dirtbike #CRF250F

[@paule5812]

I love watching motorcycle shop videos, best thing for a motorcycle fix during winter or while at work.

[@kylee.8918]

Haven't purchased my crf250f but I've been waiting for this vid! Thank you two for putting it together! I know we will be getting a vid on how they perform. Looking forward to it. And the Merch has been purchased. Happy Birthday

[@chrisescue6555]

Awesome that you always put in the elbow grease on stuff instead of just replacing things like the needle bearings. Happy birthday Alexis, gonna check out some merch for sure!

[@2vford241]

So glad someone is making good content for these bikes! Bringing mine to the black hills for a week in july🤙

[@westnorton2]

Man what an awesome video. Loved the info you give throughout, and especially loved the quick walkthrough at the beginning, helps me know what I’m getting into before really getting into it.

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback👊🏻

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

Great video! Happy Birthday Alexis!

[@BERTRAND85O]

Love the channel! Just got a 2021 crf250f and already love it!

[@JBH_207]

Happy birthday Alexis! Love the adventure daily videos!!!

[@jackjohnson291]

Torque specs: you’re going to make many people very happy for that, myself included. Thanks!

[@AdventureDaily]

You bet!

[@thetruthserum2816]

That, and 70mm sag, which I didn't find in the Honda manual.

[@Andrew-dz1zk]

His shop is right down the road for me and I just bought mine lol. I’m a big boy so I’m already looking into him replacing my suspension. Great video!

[@ethansmith4392]

I’m local to Bruce and went with my buddy to get his suspension done. He weighs about 60 pounds more than me, but I rode his bike with the forks redone and Hagan shock and it is a night and day difference between my 250F and his. Gonna get mine done soon. Definitely recommend

[@lukefish7562]

Good work buddy! Lots of details and you’ve nailed it. Even down to torque specs! Well done. 👏🏽

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad you liked it! Appreciate you watching ❤

[@andrewj9151]

Just picked up a 110f for my 9yr old son. He weighs about 70lbs with gear. PO had bbr front and rear spring and dampeners in it. Seems like it could be pretty stiff for him. Think I’m gonna go back to stock for him. Love all these videos and “how to” stuff you have on here.

[@rickcummins6198]

Happy Birthday Lex !! It's nice here in Texas (83 deg), about to leave work and go ride my new to me Africa Twin ! Be careful on your trip !

[@AdventureDaily]

Oooo nice choice, enjoy it Rick! Thanks for tuning in!

[@sagebrushsteppe]

Hi Tanner, I have watched and enjoyed many of your videos. I was also one of the first people in the states to get one of Honda's CRF300L's. I love the bike but understand why you like the 250f better. I would certainly like the less weight but I am 71 years old and doubt I need to ride as aggressively as you do. I'm sure the 250F is more "right" for you and the CRF300L is more right for me (although I would love to find a 30+ year old 125 four stroke for those old bike races). If I could afford it I would love to have a 250F also but I have my Harley Softail Heritage Classic and my CRF300L and that's all I can afford. I also due to some of your comments in this current video want to say I admire you for trying the variety of bikes you have and you are fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so. Like you said, I did choose a Honda for the reliability and lack of constant maintenance. I have found all of your videos interesting and informative and think you do a terrific job. Please keep up the good work. Right now I've been getting a lot of snow and doing a lot of skiing. As soon as the snow melt from my driveway I look forward to a lot of motorcycle rides on both bikes and a lot of camping off of both. Again, thanks for your videos and please keep up the good work

[@AdventureDaily]

Hey Dennis, thanks for the nice comment! The 300L is still an amazing bike, and that's inspiring that you're still out riding, heck ya 🤘🏻 Snow can be fun, but it can also be a pain - especially when you're itching to get out on two wheels. Stay safe ❤️

[@dirtbikeheaven1129]

Thanks for the tutorial Tanner. I have already installed the Hagon shock and the fork cap extensions. The shock linkage kit and the foot peg relocation kit should be here tomorrow. I talked to Bruce about the fork upgrades but wasn’t clear on the exact procedures. This video answered my questions so I’ll be doing that soon. And a huge THANKS for the torque specs. Keep up the good work on your videos.

[@pepesixpac]

What foot peg kit are you using ?

[@dirtbikeheaven1129]

@@pepesixpac I tried the foot peg relocation kit but didn’t care for it and went back to stock. I’m still running the stock foot pegs.

[@jeremyharrell1901]

Happy birthday Lex!! I want one of these bikes so bad..

[@justincoull2166]

Great video guys and happy birthday lex hope you had a great day

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you! You too Justin! 👊🏻

[@prosport5435]

Great vid I like the looks of the black seat, but I was hopeful you’d do something different with the other bike so we could here a comparison, like the Tuscany rear shock with dual chamber fork conversion.

[@BarnStangz]

Hope you have a nice birthday Alexis! I'm actually wearing an Adventure Daily shirt as I watch this! 🤣

[@spartanchirho]

One of your best quality videos ever!

[@vincedaugherty9687]

Got my forks done by Bruce mid last year. HUGE improvement. Got the shock last week. Hard ride this weekend to test and another huge improvement. It's like the rear tire is glued to the ground. Traction and handling increase=good times.

[@AdventureDaily]

Man that is awesome to hear, I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. I can’t wait to try it all out! thanks for tuning in!

[@akajonesy4388]

With this suspension upgrade do you think you could hit small hips up to like 5ft?

[@chrishemming9976]

Great video

[@pepesixpac]

Love this thank you so much. Do you still use your front fork extenders/ stretchers and the flute extender or just the flute rod extender ? Thank you

[@briansullivan961]

Happy birthday Alexis 🎊 have a great one 🎂🎈

[@Straubberry]

Thank you Brian!!

[@SirFatboy97]

Happy Birthday Alexis!

[@austintaylor753]

It’s finally here!!!!!!!

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Shame the 300L couldn’t work out for ya, excited to see 250F content though!

[@shereemitch]

Happy Birthday Lex!

[@aristeogonzalez6315]

Happy birthday Alexis , I have a 2022 250 f and am still trying to find time to break it in , I love watching your videos, you guys rock thank you

[@jeremyclarkson-69]

Happy birthday and lovely bike

[@JonGeiman]

I got the same kit on my bike a 23 crf250f and love it

[@wherewithalmoto]

Happy birthday!🎉 🎁 🎂

[@Straubberry]

Thank you!

[@dieguillorivillo5096]

Hey there where did you buy the hagon rear shock? I want to upgrade my 250f just like you did By the way nice videos! Great help for all of us trying to upgrade our loved 250 f ❤

[@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960]

Happy birthday lex......I did ktech on my 300L has a clicker adj on rear set up for 240lb...did 30% stiffer during in front

[@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960]

Spring

[@Spartan375X]

I am not comfortable yet in tearing apart my forks, so I'm doing the most basic task soon to replace the oil for my Grom's forks with a thicker fork oil. Get a feel for it before I start going at it for my other bikes that actually need some attention/upgrades.

[@jameswampler3135]

Happy birthday young lady!!

[@c0ck_l2oach75]

Seat concepts is a must. Will compliment that new suspension nicely.

[@kingkong81icloud]

I rebuild some forks when I was about 16 I had to make a rod with a nut on the end so I could take that bolt out at the bottom, it was a KMX 200 ,I did it reading one of them manual books before Internet was any good

[@robertmacneil7133]

Happy birthday lex

[@TheXTLife]

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 Alexis

[@Straubberry]

Thanks! 😊

[@danburby7936]

HAPPY B-DAY ALEXIS

[@maverickbeezley1311]

Want one of these but I live in cali and can’t plate it so I think the crf300L is the way to go would you agree ?

[@sumatai1]

Great video!! Where did you find the headlight at?

[@lilspeedwagon]

As a bit of a novice your vid really helped with the Hagon rear shock swap. My only head scratcher is the reference to a couple of the nut torques. Not having a good reference diagram I just want to be sure I get these right. Is there a good diagram you can direct me to… the “ shock arm nut ( swing arm side) is the one I’m most uncertain on which one that refers to but confirmation on the others would be a confidence booster too before I head for the hills! Cheers

[@zman3238]

Happy birthday Alexis!!

[@brianbennett6978]

Happy late birthday. Is Alexis still nursing? You ever coming to Bridge Day in Summersville WV.

[@marshahayes1626]

Happy Birthdat Alexis.

[@austinstarritt7361]

Hey would you be able to swap the front forks to upside down instead of the right side up forks?

[@BMH781]

I know i'm a bit late, but I was curious what the prices where to get the damper work done along with the extenders.

[@kinukokageura2707]

Can this be done for the crf250L? Would that be something you would recommend?

[@brianrichard1768]

waiting for test comparison. I did similar for my ttr and it was night/day.

[@pluck71]

Which set of heavy springs did you go with?

[@NyQuildaddy]

Do you use bel ray for barring/ axel grease ?

[@michaelanderson3771]

Happy Birthday Alexis

[@Straubberry]

Thanks! 😊

[@Phantom8Bit]

As a big guy, I'm pretty much stuck modding suspension even if the factory suspension was better. I'm 6'4" and 240lbs or more with gear, so quit a bit above average.

[@joelappin9735]

Happy birthday Alexis. I bought merch when you 1st posted you have it. I definitely would give the suspension a shake down run. It's always nicer to work on stuff at home and enjoy riding while away.

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you for your support!! 🤘🏻 definitely agree, it’s nice having it done and ready to ride!

[@freestylesfpv]

Happy Born Day!!! Pisces Are Extraordinary!

[@richytherippa667]

Hey, I was wondering if you could help me with an diagram of the rear linkage for the bike. I see your torque specs in the description but I don’t know which bolt is which

[@philiec137]

Happy Birthday

[@rubenrivera2132]

Do you get a higher seat height with the Hagon shock or stock shock with the motolite clevis extender? Assuming you use the Motolite linkage in both scenarios.

[@AdventureDaily]

Personally I felt the seat height stayed about the same, I didn't noticed much of a difference when I switched to the Hagon shock but I didn't actually measure or anything so that's a good question. I'll keep that in mind 👍🏻

[@ColtonC5762]

i found a used crf250f 2022 for $4500, do you think i should get a new 300l?

[@Silence_of_North]

Czy polecasz hondę crf300l? I czy faktycznie to zawieszenie to szmelc?

[@_904cam_ron]

love the video bro.

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻

[@Tyler27B]

Happy Birthday Lex! Thanks for fixing up Tanner’s suspension for him 😂 Come back for a review of it!

[@Straubberry]

Haha thanks Tyler, almost risked my hand for it!

[@RagingRapids311]

Picking this bike up today! Any improvements on the 2023 compared to the 2020 in the video? Curious why someone like you doesn't have a higher end dirt bike?

[@hermitrob5481]

He does

[@blaisehasty2393]

What is the name of the hagon shock that he uses like the exact one

[@dirtbikeghost7053]

Questions man do you know where i can find new forks

[@ronsmith7262]

So I just found out about Honda shipping the little xr150l. I’m going to need a solid review asap

[@dylantorkelson7895]

Happy birthday

[@waynes.2983]

I'm suprised he calls for multi grade oil in the forks. I guess it never gets warm enough to reach the higher number?

[@jakegordon1530]

I would really love to see u do the suspension on the 300l even tho u dont own it anymore. It would help me feel more confident on doing my own

[@AdventureDaily]

I will try and link up with Jake at some point but I just dropped a video explaining all that kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqmZWCahcl_Z7s

[@chris_8806]

what happens if you don’t set the sag?

[@waylonolsen]

I ordered same kit from Bruce.With extended caps for the forks... Will I need a longer front brake line?? Is so where you order it from?

[@AdventureDaily]

Nope! All good to run stock.

[@flappymcbobjoe35]

How much did the kit cost?

[@magnusenamd]

When I was 15 I had several Honda MT 50s and these are 4-speed. There is a kit with another gear. A gear after the 4th. So it became 5 gears. So my question is there a kit so you can get the crf250F to be 6-speed? If you could do it on a MT in 1989, surely you should be able to do this in 2023? Imagine an overdrive on the 250F how good it would be. Then you can even if you want to make 1 one lower.

[@booneman]

I'm 5'10", 220-230 lbs. I'm picking up a CRF250F as a bike to ride with my kid. I'm getting him a CRF110F as a first bike. Would you recommend doing this as a first step before I do any/much riding on the 250F?

[@booneman]

Just got off the phone with Bruce. What a great guy! I will be getting his kit for the bike for sure! It's so awesome what Adventure Daily has done to help Bruce out. Bravo!

[@burtrumsburgermeat5473]

Where you get the headlight

[@deanmanly7622]

Alexis, Happy Birthday

[@austintaylor753]

What kind of grease do you use for your linkage?

[@AdventureDaily]

Amsoil Synthetic Marine Grease! www.amsoil.com/p/synthetic-water-resistant-grease-gwr/?code=GWRCR-EA&gclid=CjwKCAiAjPyfBhBMEiwAB2CCIpJpUpOmm4bst4PZ5rjtQvYp8_8ArzO7-xhHYXkkWwx1ZSrxm0-R-RoCmYIQAvD_BwE

[@georgerose7278]

Happy Birthday 🎉spring chicken

[@davidkhodyrev]

How much was the suspension kit

[@ironthumb3048]

Does your forks have air bleeders on them?

[@AdventureDaily]

Yes! They extended fork caps from HyperLite come with bleeders.

[@moto_tech_braap_itout9852]

Happy b day lex 2222 strokeeeeee

[@mt1885]

Does he offer the front and rear suspension options without increasing the ride height?

[@AdventureDaily]

Yes & Yes that is what we did on Alexis’s bike.

[@mt1885]

@@AdventureDaily Perfect thank you

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

Recently got the bbr stiffer spring and installed it fairly easy with no issues like many of the videos out there suggest and got a vonkat shock and will test them both but both those options are better than the Hagon which got pretty terrible reviews from several riders and personally I wasn’t impressed with it either after riding it on a buddies bikes. Hope it’s working out for your kind of riding.

[@danburby7936]

TANNER ,THE BEST SUSPENSION VIDEO EVER HO HAH

[@deanmanly7622]

Hey leave her alone I'm the same size My bikes similar a XT250, got mine up to 125 kmh still picking up & had to back off. I need a steering damper & a new rear shock, to be lowered i made my own lowering links as well & bottoms out.

[@mschumaker1]

love your channel - fun and informative, but no way would I spend money to upgrade the suspension on that little trail bike!

[@AdventureDaily]

Thanks Mike! To each their own, this is way more of a capable machine than people give its credit for. More videos to prove it! Ha

[@mschumaker1]

@@AdventureDaily right on - I think you're an excellent rider and could probably do well on a boonie bike with a 5hp Briggs!

[@LiveToLoop]

Do a supermoto build on the crf! Put some warp 9s on it and have a street/enduro bike

[@AdventureDaily]

Maybe someday but for now I like the dirt too much 😂

[@moto_tech_braap_itout9852]

You're suppose to stop after 1st click when torqueing . 2nd click is over torqueing

[@dr.x4050]

Thanks for sharing! Will this work for doing non-racing at the VET MX track? I want to get in the trail/track sport, but I'll rather have a bike like this to practice on before getting a race bike. I'm also concerned about overheating and and top-ends, but that is another topic. Happy late birthday Alexis.

[@AdventureDaily]

Absolutely! I wouldn't send it off of too big of jumps but it's definitely worth a shot, give Bruce a call. Been riding hard 90+ degrees in the desert, no issues yet just run good oil and send it.

[@carsongodshall]

Are you coming to Colorado?

[@AdventureDaily]

Definitely top priority!

[@ericjohnson9080]

Price for these mods?

[@dougsutheimer6531]

Was going to ask the same

[@emanuilzahariev9561]

I am really wondering why did not you just change 300 L's suspension and doing the same things with a little bit more power, I am really wondering. I like you and suggest you to make a comparison between 300L and 250F and why you prefer one over the other, there is no video available with this content. I am enjoying your videos, keep doing them. :)

[@AdventureDaily]

I will make a video as a lot of people argue that, however the 300L is significantly heavier especially when my riding is geared towards off road which is what this bike is designed to do. But stay tuned as I will post a longer video explaining why I chose this route!

[@emanuilzahariev9561]

@@AdventureDaily cannot wait

[@lukef5370]

I wish Honda would make a bike that catters to the bigger folks like me. I'm 6'3", 230 lbs. The new 23'CRF 250F doesn't support riders of my weight according to the owners manual. We all know it can handle a heavier rider, but it's not comfortable for the rider, and we end up having to do all these upgrades if we want to ride hard without bottoming out all the time. I really hope Honda sees these videos, and maybe in the future, they will consider building a bike to rival something like the Kawasaki KLX 300R , perhaps even a Honda CRF 350F with a taller ride height and adjustable suspension. I want a CRF250F, but I'm not going to be saving any money if I'm constantly upgrading it.

[@Davido50]

KTM makes great bikes for trails & faster, heavier ppl.

[@hermitrob5481]

@@Davido50 I own KTM and thats not true. Factory springs/sag is for 160-180 max. Anyone over that has to change the springs at the very least.

[@greghayes2787]

Chineesium that is awesome!

[@austintaylor753]

Just kidding test ride dropping this afternoon right? 😂😂……….right😢

[@Motolympics]

Previous owner of Lex’s bike lived in Atlantis

[@jackjohnson291]

My thoughts exactly.

[@AdventureDaily]

FACTS! 🌊the more and more we get into this bike the more rust we uncover…

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

I imagine doing these same mods to a CRF300L would make that bike more capable as well.

[@AdventureDaily]

This video explains that haha! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqmZWCahcl_Z7s

[@StealingHubCaps56]

30lbs of gear while you ride??? Damn goku