How to Upgrade the CRF250L Front Suspension

[@MrGordonchase]

Honest Question: If one is only going to change the spring in the one front fork, why is it necessary to remove both forks and drain the oil? Why not simply remove the top cap, measure the depth of the oil with the old spring in it, lift out the old spring, insert the new spring, adjust the oil level as necessary with something as simple as a turkey baster, refit the cap et voila! No removing of wheel, brake, loosening of pinch bolts etc. I ask this because many purchasers of the new 300l and Rallye think new suspension is an absolute must for heavier riders above say 75kg, which is probably most western males. In these new bikes, surely changing the oil is hardly necessary. Of course, if the bikes are older and due for a fork oil change anyway, then sure, but otherwise leaving the forks in place and simply removing the old spring and inserting a new one, is literally a 5 minute job using one spanner, not an hour or two with a friend to help out. What am I missing here? Changing the oil for better damping may be a thing, but surely better to try a simple spring swap and then see if you really need better damping and whether a different oil makes any noticeable difference.

[@lightweightadv]

Hi Gordon, that's a fair question! The reason to change the oil is due to it being a different weight, or viscosity. The weight of the oil affects the dampening through the valves in the forks. The spring manafactorers provide the right weight of oil for the spring side, so that they work optimally. Therefore, you need to change the oil in the opposite fork, else run the risk of asymmetrical dampening (which could put excess strain on components as well as affect handling!).. Hope that helps 👊🏻😎

[@MrGordonchase]

@@lightweightadv Thanks very much for your prompt reply and yes I get that the grade of fork oil needs to be the same on both sides. But if one is happy with the damping and just need a stiffer spring couldn't one just change that out in the right fork while leaving the forks installed? As I'm 100kg I'm thinking the spring is the main issue for me, not the damping.

[@lightweightadv]

No problem Gordon. The oil also acts to regulate the return rate of the spring. Too light an oil and there might be potential to "pogo" on the forks! The oil is half of the function of the forks. For taller, stiffer suspension alone, we look to the spring, for the above and better functioning suspension (which is what many want), spring and oil. For even better functionality, look to revalve the forks.

[@lightweightadv]

No problem Gordon. The oil also acts to regulate the return rate of the spring. Too light an oil and there might be potential to "pogo" on the forks! The oil is half of the function of the forks. For taller, stiffer suspension alone, we look to the spring, for the above and better functioning suspension (which is what many want), spring and oil. For even better functionality, look to revalve the forks.

[@MrGordonchase]

@@lightweightadv ok thanks very much. A question I have for Honda is why don't they have one set of fork specs for the USA/EU/OZ/NZ markets where they surely know we are bigger blokes, and another set for the rest of the world? Surely having two spring and fork oil options isn't asking too much.

[@porter5877]

Best simplified explanation of front fork damping ever.... Really cracking video!

[@porter5877]

@@lightweightadv keep it up, I can see you guys doing well with subscriptions... Once the crf300l has second hand bikes out I will definitely be picking one up

[@coltenhawks]

Thank you for the excellent video. Your demonstration of removing the fork clip was excellent. I got it on the second try doing the job by myself. Posting the torque requirements for all of the bolts would be helpful.

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, torque settings....i think I followed them once 😅. No problem, I'm pleased it helped 😎👍🏻

[@steveh100]

Thank you once again, gentlemen. For both this and the rear shock video. Without these I would have struggled... the only bit I thought I'd struggle on was the circlip, and I did! However, a tip for anyone doing this - once you have pressed the spring down, also push down, with your little screw driver, the washer that the circuit sits in - mine didn't fall down, but once I pushed it down the clip came away easily. This was on a 300 rally, might be different on the 250L/Rally. Thanks again.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Stephen, really pleased you found it helpful. Great tip on the circlip too 👌🏻

[@marknewton4833]

Fitted my new Hyperpro springs today. This is a fantastic, simple explanation of the job, thank you.

[@lukereinhart5387]

awesome explanation. I never really understood how forks operated before. After your video I am confident that I can complete this same job with my bike. Thank you

[@lightweightadv]

That's what it's all about dude, share and subscribe he knowledge 👊🏻😎

[@lucasbillington2604]

Doing mine on the rally next week thanks so much for the detailed vid it's more straight forward than I thought it would be cheers

[@lightweightadv]

You're welcome dude, it's simple enough 👍🏻

[@rodneystewart4312]

Thanks , after watching this I ordered the Same kit for my 250 rally .

[@lightweightadv]

Brilliant, you'll enjoy the upgrade 👍🏻

[@davidroberts7490]

I followed your excellent video to change the fork oil on my Rally today. really well explained 👍

[@KevinMoranTV]

Great video. I just did the MCCCT here in Michigan with stock suspension on my '17 250 Rally and yikes! With Mosko bags and me at 200lbs I was hammering the bump stops. This is what I need to do. Subscribed. Keep it up thank you.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey KFM, yep, for sure the suspension needs upgrading. The stock is too soft for travelling with. Happy to have you along for the ride, thanks 👊🏻😎

[@KevinMoranTV]

@@lightweightadv I might have missed it in the videos but what are your riding weights? Are you including gear? Sorry if this is answered somewhere else. Cheers from Michigan. -Kevin

[@1971carmichael]

another mod i done was put bleed valves in caps..forks will pressurize and can pop seals otherwise.

[@stevemiddlebrough8542]

Did the same upgrade on a CRF300L worked just the same , great video

[@donnym2103]

Was there much difference from the stock? Iam 97kg

[@pacopaez04]

I think is a good idea to change the oil, I saw some murky dirty oil after the clean clear came out at the end.

[@lightweightadv]

Hyperpro give you 7.5wt oil to refill with when you change the spring 👍🏻

[@EmilSbaste]

Very informative. Makes me feel so much better about replacing my suspension (when the time comes).

[@EmilSbaste]

Oh, there is a lot that can go wrong :) But it’s the part of the experience, right?

[@savage22bolt32]

I live in USA, and would love to own that 4 wheeled vehicle I saw in your garage! Need left hand drive, diesel with manual gear box. Any color but dark blue or green are my favs!

[@savage22bolt32]

@@lightweightadv I've loved the Defender since I first saw one many many years ago.

[@tiggerable]

I'm a tad confused to why the CRF250L only has a spring in one of the two forks. I remember doing this for my Honda Transalp and both legs had a spring in it. Excellent vids though, very clear to the complete rebuild.

[@tiggerable]

@@lightweightadv Thanks! That explains a lot! It seems they are called 'Separate Function front Fork' Or SFF for short from what I can gather on the Showa website. Hope that might help for anyone else who might have the same questions ;-) Thanks again!

[@zeez9053]

Well presented video with lots of info🤘🇬🇧(North East)

[@zeez9053]

The Lightweight Adventurers yes it will be a good reference video for the future.

[@heynow3788]

You mentioned the oil is a thicker weight. Is it 15w to go with the heavier spring? I'm installing an Ohlins rear shock and a K-Tech front spring on my 250L and trying to decide if I should go with the 15w or if I should mix some 10w and 15w together so it will effectively be 12.5w. Interested to see what oil weight they sent with your spring and looking forward to your review of the new suspension upgrades.

[@MrScottydog1973]

Specifications on the Honda CRF 250l are pretty clear on the amount of oil needed for each fork. Simply pour correct amount of oil into fork and that’s it. Don’t need fancy tools a measuring jug from tesco will do. 🐽

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, thanks for the comment. Yep, hyperpro were also very specific about the exact ammout of oil to use with their upgrade and supplied oil, it's good to get it right 😎👍🏻

[@greivinmorarojas7903]

Cuanto es la medida que dice el manual ?

[@kenmoist]

Nicely done! Thanks

[@robertfekete4827]

Cool bike. 👍 could you make a video before and after? Or review of the new spring?

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks Robert, we did a review a while ago, I hope it helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIGzineDm9CMbNk

[@robertfekete4827]

@@lightweightadv thanks for quick reply, I will chack it. I'm thinking to do it as well 😉

[@lightweightadv]

Ah no problem Robert, I think you will be pleased, since fitting this system to my L I have put the YSS shock onto the rear (my original shock failed) and it has made it even better to ride

[@jamesdane6189]

Why a spring only on one side? I’m old school and we used to put a heavy plate over the top of the wheel so cloth sides had to work together. I’m guessing the fender is doing this but if you do much jumping are you going to have problems. I notices the Honda CRF 300 Rally is the same setup.

[@lightweightadv]

Hi James, the spring is only for return, with the other leg being dampened by a precise amount of oil. This setup saves a fraction of weight, and perhaps more importantly for honda, cost. It seems to work well 😎👍🏻

[@s.o.m.e..g.u.y]

Thank you for this video! Awesome stuff!

[@bartoszpajak2285]

Good job! I’m curious how they work since I need to upgrade the suspension on my bike as well (6”1, 90kg +), although I think I’ll go for the YSS rear shock with preload and damping adjustments.

[@ericlodgins3678]

Nevermind. Got it. Woop Woop

[@garthwaters5756]

awesome , thanks guys :-)

[@Edsdrafts]

Thanks for the video. I have noticed couple of sites selling dual Ohlins springs for the front. Why?

[@darceedarcee]

Thank you

[@lightweightadv]

No problem 😎

[@ramonsolves6736]

Hi, I am aiming to upgrade my forks as well and have doubt. The stock oil is said to be 10w and I saw some pictures of Hyperpro kits which show 15W but your video it seems you got and used 7.5W. Is't it supposed to be thinner than the stock one?

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Ramon, I don't honestly know! I just refilled with the oil supplied (7.5w) and didn't question it. What I can say, is that it feels great with that weight in both legs 😎

[@carkdonwah1528]

Great vid as always guys. Did you torque it all up or just guesstimate that bit. Also do you have to do anything special to ensure the forks are aligned straight or did it just fall into place?

[@carkdonwah1528]

@@lightweightadv cheers guys. Really useful set of videos.

[@laurawoll3599]

Thanks for this great video. I bought my Crf250L with this suspension upgrade. But I need to change the oil ans seals now. Can you tell me how much of the Hyperpro 7,5 Oil im ml I need to fill into the right fork? I don't want to remove the spring, so I can not measure the air.

[@tiggerbiker192]

Every bike i have owned and worked on, when measuring the air gap it always said to take the top cap off and let the damper rod drop then measure the air gap. In the honda manual its very vague about filling the left damper leg so i would be unsure about measuring the oil level how you done it as holding the damping rod up allows you to put more oil in the leg, what are your thoughts.

[@andrewbozhozr]

I always thought that you just add a spring to other fork that doesn't have it...

[@lightweightadv]

Some kits do that, some uprate the spring you have 👍🏻

[@Mac-bn]

hi sir, i have replace my rear shocks CRF250L with YSS HONDA CRF250L MZ456-395TR-10 (55 to 85kg) my weight is only 65kg. After watching your video I want to replace the front fork with Hyperpro. Is the Hyperpro suitable for my weight or any other fork which you recommended? Thanks

[@iangriffiths9930]

I’ve done the rear just need to get the forks done now! How have you found the difference?

[@iangriffiths9930]

@@lightweightadv can I ask why you went with a progressive spring and not just a standard upgrade spring? Also what are your sag measurement now please?

[@LifeMyWay007]

So the 40mm Lowering Kit would keep the seat height about the same or even just a bit lower than stock?

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, I think a 40mm kit would take it just below stock height, maybe around 15mm below at a guess. Hope that helps 😎👌🏻

[@AndreaCattel]

Hi! I just bought and installed the same kit on my 250 rally. The rear feels way better, I'm a big 104kg guy and I had to undo a bit the preload on the back, as the standard setting for the oem spring was to hard. On the front it feels strange, measured the levels on both sides as workshop manuals suggest, but it starts to do a little bouncing on the front. Did you experience the same issue? Nice video btw. Ty.

[@lightweightadv]

Hmm, odd. I presume you checked all the basics, like forks level in the yokes etc? Did you use the oil provided by Hyperpro? I didn't feel any bouncing, just a firmer feel. Sorry I can't be more help 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AndreaCattel]

@@lightweightadv yes, used the provided oil and followed the workshop manual indication👍 nwm I'll figure it out, love to spend time on it. Bye ty for replying.

[@AndreaCattel]

I was finally able to find out what was wrong. It may be useful to someone else too. Unbalanced front wheel! It worked properly with the oem spring, but not with the new one. I just removed the weights and that's it.

[@runeburdahl7141]

@@AndreaCattel I have the same problem. I bought the bike (250 Rally) with the Hyperpro kit front and rear. At 50 km/hr or so serious bouncing or fork pogo. Changing the oil weight made no difference. Turns out the wheels needed balancing. However I have also ordered a stiffer fork spring as I feel this is the main problem. The Hyperpro spring kit is for lighter riders in my opinion. They have no information on the rates for the 250 rally kit.

[@runeburdahl7141]

Quick update, changing the front spring to K-tech 9 N/M, 20 W Maxima oil and balancing the wheels made no difference. If anything the fork pogo is worse. I would welcome any suggestions. Considering moving on to another bike but we will see. Cheers.

[@donnym2103]

Great video. Did you find a big improvement over the stock springs?

[@donnym2103]

@@lightweightadv nice one. I've a 300l on order so this might be an option to upgrade the suspension.

[@danielmartin4956]

How much difference do you think it would make upgrading to the yss shock? Is it with the extra cost?

[@lightweightadv]

I can answer this with full confidence and say the YSS makes a big difference and is worth it if you have the money. The hyperpro makes it better for sure and I'm happy with it, but the YSS is a further, bigger step up again from the spring.

[@danielmartin4956]

Thanks for replying so fast! Would you combine the hyper pro front spring with the yss rear shock or go another route?

[@lightweightadv]

This is exactly the set up Jamie has on his 250L and he really like it 😎👍🏻

[@SethJayson]

are the fork tubes keyed to make sure they go back into the bike perfectly aligned, or is there a procedure to make sure of that?

[@lightweightadv]

Hi Seth, nope, no keyways. We put them in hand tight and then slif the axel bolt in to make sure. If the axel does up with mono resistance, that's straight enough for me 👍🏻

[@baldomeroh]

So which do u think is better? hyperpro front or racetech front for front upgrade?

[@lightweightadv]

We've only tried the hyperpro front, so I can't compare them, sorry

[@baldomeroh]

@@lightweightadv I'll buy the hyperpro. cause this tutorial is trustworthy.. does the front fork come with custom weight for rider?

[@lightweightadv]

@@baldomeroh not as standard. It's provided with 7.5wt oil, which you could adjust

[@johnhanson6814]

The hyper pro progressive spring available on ebay keeps showing me two shorter springs. Should I assume it's not the same as the one you've installed?

[@johnhanson6814]

@@lightweightadv the description tells me they're not compatible on 2013 crf 250l.

[@for_tune]

Hello guys , what is your Honda Racing rim decals ? do you have a link ?

[@lightweightadv]

Here you go 👊🏻😎 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184657575870?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=gW2L_8iXSg-&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3ZHRwbBUTh2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@ridingwithmrP]

I have fitted the Hyperpro to my CRF 250l but a friend has fitted the race-tec and its much better boo hoo hindsight aah..

[@ridingwithmrP]

@@lightweightadv Had to get the oil level down to 450ml before it would stop leaking 4 sets of seal so far, none since I dropped oil level

[@davidhudson8960]

Christ that retainer was a pita!! 🤬 All for the sake of saving a few pence on a proper circlip...

[@lightweightadv]

Haha, yep! Gotta admit, it goes fine one you've got the technique, but until then...!

[@ericlodgins3678]

I can't get that spring out. There's no room under the lip to pop it out. FRUSTRATED!

[@ericlodgins3678]

@@lightweightadv Yes indeed. I found a thinner edged screwdriver. Otherwise, I would have asked you over to my place to show me the way. Is Peterborough, Ontario close to you gents?

[@stevobob2069]

I've got a crf 250l and is it really necessary to put better front forks on, it's quite limited to what it can do anyway, it's a fantastic bike don't get me wrong, cheap, low maintenance, reliable but really

[@lightweightadv]

They're budget forks for sure, but I can't honestly say I've ever felt the need to upgrade beyond the springs.