The Most Important Dirt Bike Mod

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“It’s not the bike it’s the rider.”
You’ve probably all heard this a few times, and I really do believe it. A skilled rider can make just about any motorcycle do incredible things. BUT, if I had to choose one thing about my bike that goes a long way towards bettering my riding, it would be my suspension.
When my suspension is working flawlessly, a few great things start to happen. I conserve energy, I gain confidence, and I build on my skillset.
Fighting with your bike in the bouncy, rocky terrain should not be a thing. I mean yes, the rocks are tough, but you’d be amazed at how much easier that stuff becomes with suspension that does its job properly. Fighting to keep the rubber side down can drain your energy prematurely.
Your forks and shock should be absorbing the rough terrain, not bouncing and deflecting. Makes sense right? Now don’t feel bad if you don’t know the difference yet. I honestly didn’t know until I finally found the correct set up.
Okay, let’s continue.
Confidence. Ah yes. This is a big one. There’s nothing worse than coming up to a log on the trail and praying to the dirt bike gods as you come barreling into it that everything is going to work out. Ideally, you want to be able to predict the outcome based on your skills, the conditions, the obstacle, etc. If you know exactly how your bike is going to handle and react, you’re going to have the confidence to tackle the obstacle properly.
Which then brings me to building on your skillset. With a comfortable and predictable bike set-up, comes progress! I noticed it immediately when I got my new suspension set up. Right away I was able to eliminate one major variable (incorrectly set up suspension), and really focus on the steps to mastering a certain technique.
So what is a proper suspension set-up?
Your suspension should be sprung for your weight. From there you can change the valving and adjust the clickers to what feels best for your riding style and the type of terrain you like to ride.
I’m going to give you guys a quick tour of Suspensionwerx in Vancouver, British Columbia where I had my suspension done. For those of you that are into the techy stuff, keep watching to hear from James, the man responsible for setting up my bikes, and changing my outlook on suspension completely.
Alright guys, so like I said, James has changed my outlook on suspension completely. If you’re going to spend money on your bike, let it be on a proper suspension set-up. Give the guys at Suspensionwerx a call, even if you just have a few questions. They will be happy to help!

[@ow-my-achilles1106]

My bike is lowered and revalved, re-sprung, and made a HUGE difference in confidence and handling. The best money spent is on suspension.

[@goforfish99]

Great video, I am 250lbs and road my bike for 2 years with stock springs. I finally installed spring for my weight and it was amazing how much better it was. My confidence and speed increased dramatically. Most important mod for sure!

[@sublime9847]

Hey Doug. What springs did you go with. I'm about the same size but this is the first upgrade I want to make to my trail bike.

[@goforfish99]

@@sublime9847 racetech.com I went for the highest spring rate they had for my drz400

[@cwpatey44]

Absolutely right, i am a 175 pound shartarse, i also used progressive rate coils and lowered 1.5”, much easier to handle when you can touch ground when needed, suspension sure makes a big difference, thanks for the videos meg.

[@Toldea34]

I have always felt like little one liners like 'Its 90% rider and 10% bike' are loaded statements that depend upon many assumptions, apply to only the most gifted riders. I ride to enjoy it and I love to learn more about what I am doing and how to become better. Megs, I love that you put this video together because it exactly matches my own experience. I was suddenly able to do so much more and become a faster rider with more control and less fatigue once I got that suspension equation dialed in with proper configuration. Although I have met riders that can just take a machine with two wheels a motor and go anywhere and do anything (Shane Watts on a Yamaha TTR-230 comes to mind), they are the exception, not the rule. Because they exist, does that mean you do not need to pay attention? Or that others are wasting their time learning this stuff? Are you that skilled? Maybe you are, but most are not. For those of you who just casually fling those little one liners around, you are forgetting that your experience is not the same as everyone else. Most of us stand to gain much by understanding and setting proper spring rates, valving, tire selection, bar placement, and really focus on learning proper technique all after making sure we have the correct machine for the riding we intend to do and getting it set up correctly. The vast majority in this sport are not those highly skilled pros who can simply will the bike to do anything effortlessly. That is why all this is out there. To go on quoting those one liners is simply ignoring what the others are struggling with and create a less enjoyable situation for them. What is worse, is you are likely missing out on a better experience yourself for ignoring some of these lessons on setup. Put the ego in the trash can with the silly one liners.

[@cambo6911]

As always, well said Meg. I used to ride an 02 KX250 pinned everywhere I went never even serviced the suspension, not even changing out the stock linseed oil. Then I got new valving, and springs and set up properly by a professional and my riding abilities increased exponentially. Definitely the most important part of the bike 👍 James is a genius!

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Absolutely agree, people don't realize how much better and faster you can ride, and not even know it, when the suspension is done right! Everything is just..smoother and less tireing.

[@bluejack644]

I've noticed over the years that a lot of people never mess with their suspension settings, or even adjust their hand and foot controls when they buy a bike. (It's one of the first things I do, right up there with new chain & sprockets and carb cleaning). Makes a tremendous difference when your bike is set up properly, tailored to your own size, weight, riding style, proper settings and personal preferrences. It becomes a far superior bike afterwards (for you specifically).

[@sunda3650]

I definitely agree with this! Rocks were my enemy on my old bike, and landing. Good suspension gave me a lot more confidence now that it wasn’t bucking out every time I hit a jump or rock. Now I have to work on holding the bike with my legs to prevent unwanted flight and fight o_o’

[@timmwhite9218]

Right on Megan ! Back in our (old school days) we had spring rate, fluid viscosity, and preload adjustability ONLY...and once the spring/preload was set right, viscosity made a HUGE difference!! Thick shock oil was the quickest way to demonstrate to yourself on any quick set of whoops, jumps, or tree root section how important rebound is. Nothing like hitting the 3rd whoop with ZERO travel in the shock (completely bottomed out!!) Your guy @ Suspension Werx is GOOD. Many of the 'aftermarket sellers' will just have you buying different rate linkages and a bunch of unnecessary stuff without dealing with the real issue [dampening capability.] The real tuners are artist, folks like Mike Gosselar who wrenched for Chad Reed, Rickey Carmichael, and others throughout his long carreer. - or - in the words of SO many through the years "All the horsepower in the world is useless if you can't get it to the ground!" Thanks : )'

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Yay, a Megs video! Suspension can feel like the unicorn search trying to find the right set up and get it dialled in. Doing that search right now so this vid is double timely!

[@allenhuling598]

Best explanation/demonstration I's seen on the subject...thanks Megs!

[@jonnoMoto]

I remember the first race I had on revalved forks. I could hold a line through bumpy turns and my wrists weren't ruined at the end. Didn't notice so much change at the shock though.

[@masterchief586]

Thanks to you Megs, I bought a KTM 250xcw-tpi for Christmas.Had all the suspension lowered 1in. I raced back in the late 70's, and I am now 59 and a short guy. Thanks again doll. You are loved.

[@mikeskorude3352]

Hey Joe, I am 5'7" and considering getting the suspension lowered an 1" to an 1 1/2". How do you like it?

[@agnieszkapiorko5475]

Very nice tips! I have to see all your films. Valuable comments that helped me a lot. Thank you so much

[@rippy4freedom499]

Totally timely Meg and a great vid.... my bike arrives this week! And I have to lower it because I am height challenged ! I have been doing alot of research but finally someone answered all my questions... thank you James! Now to figuring out what particular components I need for my xt250 suspension??????

[@megs_braap]

Rippy4 Freedom Awesome! I’m so glad to hear that the video helped! Congrats on the new bike as well :).

[@jeremywilson7198]

Great explanation of importance of suspension balance

[@jasonlamure3474]

Man that set up really changed you bikes handling. I think it's time for me to get my set up checked out and sorted. Thanks for the killer info #Megs_Braaap. And for showing people the Gnarly Assed parts of the world we get some a that here love it.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Yep. I put the most moola into suspension. It almost makes it look like I can ride. 👍

[@user-ui6lw6mi6k]

obviously not alone with the later one.

[@PlushEnduro]

☝️ what my PA brotha said.

[@electricdeckhead3083]

nice doo bro!

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@electricdeckhead3083 Hey brother, dig your hair. 👍😀

[@zardportugal]

Brilliant video, Meg. Congrats.

[@megs_braap]

Thank you!

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Yeah awesome. I'm looking at getting my suspension redone soon too.

[@southernlanding7720]

Great video! Trying to lose some weight then get my suspension set up. Going from 248 down to 190 hopefully! Definitely the first mod I’m doing. The stock springs are killing me

[@megs_braap]

That's awesome! Good luck with your weight loss!

[@southernlanding7720]

Megs Braap Thank you so much!

[@RidingOnEggshells]

People keep recommending your videos to us, but we already love em!

[@megs_braap]

Thank you!!

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

In road racing it’s all about suspension, tires and brakes. The bike is great as is but better when it’s set up for the rider. As a two year deep trail rider I’ve applied some of that knowledge (14 years of track days) and constantly learning to have fun riding when my scoot is set for me. 👊🏽✊🏽🤘🏽

[@nigelsenchez]

Suspension tuning is key. Just remember that a setup for tight slow rocks and roots is not good for fast flowing sandy terrain.

[@gearhigher2027]

WELL DONE...Don't understand why more enduro related vids don't focus on the imprtance of correct suspension setup, this is definitely the easiest way to progress in skill.

[@croomrider9785]

I’m getting a 2020 yz250f in about a month, I have a 2015 crf250r right now. Can’t wait to have kyb suspension! I live in Florida so I ride a lot of sand. It’s the most fun terrain to ride in in my opinion, especially a sand mx track!

[@trustmedood780]

Man you’re so awesome. Thanks for teaching me these things.

[@moronanticriss]

I send my fork and shock last years and now I check for a cone valve set because difference is just insane just revalve, imagine factory one ..., my 2012 300 is still pulling more then I can grip it so Totally agree with you.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Choose the proper spring to your weight is 1st step; set the proper sag is the 2nd step; right and easy. Then comes the difficult part: set the proper clics of compression and rebound, front and rear. My findings on my WRF250 are that standard clics are for motocross fast ride style, so that for enduro gnarly terrain ride, one has to open compression and rebound front and rear, by 2 to 4 clics depending on speed/momentum on these terrains. At the end of the day, rider fitness makes the difference.

[@gordonsmithsa115]

Good advice, that place you are riding in looks amazing...

[@humblewisdom8976]

Back in the day I went from a old Honda CR250 to a almost new CanAm 200 that was setup for me. The difference was dramatic, though the Honda was way faster if your in the woods the CanAm would flatten that trail out and just go. When you got back your arms didn't feel like you had been on a jackhammer all day.

[@lionbear7706]

i cant wait to ride out west this year!!! great advice in this vid.

[@makkapakka882]

Hey! I live in the lower mainland of BC, have you ever thought of making a video telling some good places to ride at different levels in BC? I’m new to riding and only know of a couple places to ride

[@sonnylevoit7004]

Awesome video, thanks.

[@jasonhalbert8279]

Very professional job with the informative video! I subscribed just becasue its true valuable information..spot on!

[@megs_braap]

jason halbert Thanks Jason! I really appreciate it!

[@josephroberts2555]

Im gonna go mess with my suspension brb

[@moondaddyrc]

Agree 100% Proper suspension setup is key! So now that you're dialed in, You gonna show us Texas "gumbys" how to ride Revlimiter "Easy" this year?

[@redneckenroutekevan6397]

It’s the thing that goes between the front and rear fenders!

[@endurojimmy3109]

I don't know what it's like nowadays, but it seems like things are pretty similar, when I was riding (15+years ago) you could buy a new KTM and it would be fantastic other than the (WP) suspension which you would have to take to a suspension guy and get sorted. However when I bought a Gas Gas, it came with suspension ready to race (Marzocchi and Ohlins). Overall I did prefer the KTMs after the suspension was sorted. That was just my experience.

[@rogerd4523]

Hey Megs. Wondering why you didn’t go to riders edge? They being relatively close to you in Kelowna.

[@jeffflick2573]

Are you using the WP trax shock on the rear suspension? Nonetheless from your vid it looks to be tuned near perfect!

[@hicksfamilyadventures7757]

great tips!! love the video

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

I often watch your videos and Don't make comments. Perhaps one reason why is I Don't Ride off-Road, but I still find your videos informative, entertaining & Amazed at what you can do on a Motorcycle Miss Megs.! The reason for my comment today, just a Big THANK YOU for all that you do for others, & a reminder you have a Big Fan & Supporter for the last 3-years in Me.! - Angel (Calgary Girl Street Rider) P.S. - Would you ever wanna sing another Cover song or do a humours Music Video

[@brianfister5530]

This is a good video for beginners thanks hope to see more great videos 👍🏻

[@Markatmjm1974]

Well said Meg👍

[@Markatmjm1974]

What a gorgeous trail !

[@adambatchelder4121]

I don't disagree, however I would add that nearly as important and sometimes more important would be tire selection and tire pressure. For example great suspension can feel really bad with hard knobby tires with way too much air pressure. Of course if a rider is really light or really heavy suspension is definitely priority. When I set up a new bike for myself it's always suspension and tublis and good soft rubber tires for my first big expenditure.

[@cakejob69]

Great video Meg.So what was the problem with your shock originally? Not enough compression or too much rebound?ps Gotta love the Irishman!

[@SANDS78]

Meg you kickass!

[@dave1096]

HI megan i'm Ellie and I'm 8 years old and I just started riding a CRF 50 with my dad. He has a KTM 350 doesn't like his suspension either😃 my brother rides a KLX 110. We live in pennsylvania but my parents are from nova scotia😊 I 💜 watching your videos.

[@markcardwell]

Damn, if he's talking, I'm listening! Thanks Braap

[@alexsgarage01]

2:06 lol I wish I heard that one before

[@Clickmaster5k]

How do you feel about steering stabilizers for the riding you do?

[@RobertKehl]

The first thing every rider should do is adjust the rider and bike sag settings. Doing this is mandatory for the suspension to work properly. You want your rear shock to sag 1/3 into the travel while your sitting on the bike in your riding stance. If this is not setup properly your bike could understeer, oversteer, bottom out, bounce you off the seat Etc. As you are setting up your sag you may find the spring is to stiff for your weight or it might be to soft and you need to go stiffer. You will be Surprised how much better your bike handles when your sag is adjusted to your weight.

[@kevinlepage123]

New to this channel and I'm looking forward to seeing your videos thanks and take care

[@Jeremybaland]

What kind of money did you spend on your suspension work? Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@magoomagoon]

The first things to spend your money on should ALWAYS be tyres and suspension. It does'nt matter what kind of bike you ride, supersports, cruiser, dual-sport, enduro or anything inbetween. Tyres first.... If you lose grip and fall, it will hurt. Suspension second... see the video! Never mind that fancy ass exhaust system that gives you an extra few bhp, if you cant CONTROL the bike you cant use the power anyway!

[@josephbishop3231]

I love how every suspension selling video on KZbin never talks about price... Fortunately, I'm close to the right weight for factory suspension. Although, my dual sport is old enough to buy liquor, so probably doesn't help that much.

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Had a local place revalve my suspension on both ends with the Gold Valve system and heavier springs. $550.

[@michaelbarnett2077]

It always amuses me when I see someone riding a bike with a expensive pipe, all the bike accessories and all the best gear and $0 spent on suspension.

[@mattymccolgan9453]

Don't forget the Ryan Dungey or Villipotos race replica graphics along with Dungeys number 5... makes me LOL do they think we think that they are Dungey or Villipoto riding around ass planted on the seat over every bump

[@korrtan]

Awesome vid! Can you give us a ball park number into the cost of having suspension done? Thanks

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Depends where and what you have done. I had a local shop install the Gold Valve system in my CR500 (both ends) along with heavier springs for $550, but that was a couple of years ago. Should be under $1k if you have a place that can do it locally.

[@bigbearcanada1]

I weigh 173lbs buck naked most mornings and am 5'7". Does it make sense to lower my 300 XCW by 2" and maybe install a low seat as well for an extra 1/2 in?

[@Lou-xd9ef]

Totally agree. But also Steg Pegz!

[@singletrack_king7700]

It is I ride 2003 kx250 suspension was amazing from day one only bike I haven't done a revalve for it does great I ride like you so that's saying something.

[@williamschuman4951]

Wow, you nailed it again, just saying motor on.

[@NoodlesR6]

Dammit! Now I need to go do this stuff. 🙂

[@Brad-RB]

Great video.

[@Hutch_moto]

Definitely agree

[@johny364]

At 5'6" all the big bikes are way to tall for me. Not sure how you do it at 5'3" . Do you have your bikes lowered ?

[@sxsmarine4075]

Never Learned so much from a women other then my mother. Thank you. Great videos.

[@thejuneadventure]

Hi megs what action cam is that?

[@DStabs720]

I’ll take your word because you have way more skill and practice than me!

[@sbduranchannel9760]

Hi megs.. i'm a beginner.. could you suggest a nice suspension for my crf150L?

[@nmsmitto]

I’m short and I didn’t think I could pivot turn. You proved me very wrong with the seat slide to the back. Keep the vids up 👌 Edit. I can

[@christophercaldwell5506]

Was this expensive to do? im wondering if its worth spending money on my bike or just buying a new one

[@tynce563]

Holy crap watching her on those wall climbs and the buck made my stomach twist. Looks terrifying 😂

[@DenisElpashev]

Well, this is really important if you're far from average rider's weight, but if you're not - just play a little with clickers and you're good to go ;)

[@megs_braap]

Yes, the first step is making sure the bike is sprung for your weight :).

[@gillesgenete9598]

Average rider's weight is said to be 75/85kg, right ?

[@beauclose2235]

You still need to set your sag thoe

[@BrokenSprocket]

Good video thanks for sharing ...

[@megs_braap]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@kyleburger7727]

I love your videos!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@megs_braap]

Kyle Burger Thank you!

[@randypullman1155]

I'm still skeptical. Might as well buy a proper unit to begin with. Could you imagine me strolling in there with my WR and asking to set it up for 6'4" 280 lbs? 🤣

[@Kefciu]

What camera rec this video????

[@thealvaco]

True.

[@ehd1990]

I'm glad you said suspension because if you had said anything else, you would have been wrong

[@johnchopp3278]

Gurl. You crazy. Lol

[@paispe]

What bike is that?

[@seanwahl1000]

According to Vegas Romnics, it's the bike not the rider... God that guy needs to put down the camera and start watching some of your videos.

[@jasonlamure3474]

Yo Rizzo. Absolutely always the rider. But the right bike for the right job with set up like megs says will help. Sure helped me no I just need to fins a good suspension guy near hear I'm due for full service and possible upgrades.

[@octaneaddiction1405]

he could probably ride better if he didnt have the cheapest possible stuff and set up on his bike

[@spymaine89]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYG1qJuVmbp9q8U

[@Jake_Hynds]

Wow that guys an idiot in so many ways

[@vegastyle84]

Pretty sure his point is 450 MX bikes vs trail bikes. If you've ever ridden a 450 MX bike on gnarly single track trails, you would agree. It's super hard. Sometimes impossible on some hill climbs. And to Jake Hynds, we're all idiots in some ways, captain fucking obvious.

[@numbzinger350]

It should be a law that every shop has a shop dog.

[@simplyrise5217]

That's the first thing I did when I bought my bike brand new.

[@openpalmclosedfist2282]

Where were you riding in this video at the start of the video?

[@megs_braap]

Open palm Closed Fist I riding area called Mcnutt in Maple Ridge, BC.

[@imamsatriani81]

Nice nice...from Indonesia

[@sciencemilitia1853]

I just run KYB suspension and pin it

[@singletrack_king7700]

Sadly I'am the same it works so lol

[@hoptard]

Go Sherco! Sherco and GasGas are the 2 best out of the box race bikes on the planet, starting with KYB suspension.... Same here, why I gave up on KTM's "race ready" claimed motto, WTF!!!...with WP (wallet pounder) it's buy the bike and break out the credit card and blow another $1.5K+ WP reservoirs/internals (too small) on the PDS shocks are a joke...fluid boils up way too fast. One other note, KYB and WP source their fork tubes/housings/legs from the same Far East supplier (hint from Technical Touch USA in L.A.)....just swap to KYB internals, cheaper than cone valves.

[@sciencemilitia1853]

@@hoptard I agree! I test rode the KYB GasGas bikes and was absolutely blown away. Hands down best bike I have ridden in my life is the 2019 GasGas EC250. I cant stress it enough how much better those bikes are than any KTMs, even KTMs that have suspension work done.

[@Gregg0112]

I use the magic screw driver

[@osvaldomohino4x4]

Muy bueno.

[@Jacare1973]

Suspension adjustments definitely help but for my bike the Rekluse Auto clutch was a drastic improvement.

[@woodworm3615]

Well...Aaaaaa..." At a Girl! "

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Can't believe it took you this long to figure this out. You've been riding with the wrong group if no one told you about proper suspension setup.

[@megs_braap]

T Bahr I am not just figuring this out now. I’ve known the importance of suspension. I’m saying I finally found a set up that works for me.

[@hoosiertrailrider]

I should have said, finding the right professional to tune the suspension.

[@DM-qp7do]

That's right, the rider is the biggest part. "Its not the arrow....its the Indian.

[@kispe82]

I love you! 😊 😍❤️

[@megs_braap]

kispe82 😊

[@catmandan93]

Did Moose get you a discount since he's a good boy?

[@shauncry1917]

Idk where you live but I want to be there.

[@woodworm3615]

1:48 to 1:54 is beautiful

[@hevechvy]

Rekluse