Compression dampening adjustment?

A fast question about the front suspension.

It feels very, very, very hard to me; when going over a telephone pole sized log, for example, the forks feel as though they compress very little compared to my KLX250.

First off, this is (I believe) an issue with the compression dampening force, correct?

The manual details how to adjust it but it doesn't specify which direction to turn the screws to achieve a harder or softer ride. The picture shows an image but doesn't provide a point of reference to that image so I'm not sure which way to turn the lower adjusters.

If I pretend I am laying under the bike with my head at the front wheel and my feet at the back wheel looking up at the bottom of the motorcycle, which way would I turn the lower adjusters to achieve a softer ride?

Thanks... Mark

Don't have a manual in front of me, but it should say "Direction A" which means clockwise = harder, or "Direction "B" which is counter clockwise = softer

Derangedhermit over on TT posted this recently to another suspension question and I though I'd Bring it over here to help you out. That thread has helped me dial my bike in pretty nicely so far.

Quote :

To prevent confusion, and so nobody gets catapulted , I'll try to summarize the adjustments, using the manual's terminology. If folks use those terms it might help.

* All adjustments are made starting from maximum damping.
* Maximum damping is always found by turning the adjustment screw or
knob in the clockwise direction (as you look at the head of the
adjustment screw).
* All adjustments are measured in "clicks" from maximum damping.

Fork leg adustment:
* Always adjust the left and right front forks evenly.

Fork rebound damping is set at the top of each fork leg. As you
look down at the adjusting screw, turn it gently but completely
clockwise until it stops. This is maximum rebound damping ("Hard"
suspension).

Maximum (hard) = 1 click out.
Standard = 10 clicks out.
Minimum (soft) = 12 clicks out.

Fork compression damping is set at the bottom of each fork leg.
Lay down to do this the first time so you can see. Pry out the small
black rubber plug at the very end of the fork. Turn clockwise to reach
maximum compression damping. Replace plug when finished.

Maximum (hard) = 1 click out.
Standard = 10 clicks out.
Minimum (soft) = 19 clicks out.

Rear shock adjustment:

Shock rebound damping is set by the knurled knob at the bottom
of the shock. Access from right side of bike. "Clockwise" on this is as
if you were looking up from underneath, just like the compression
damping on the fork. That is, turn the side of the knob closest to you
towards the front of the bike to go clockwise.
Turn clockwise to max damping.

Max = 1 click out
Std = 12 clicks out (WR250R)
Std = 13 clicks out (WR250X)
Min = 25 clicks out

Shock compression damping is accessed from the left side of
bike. It is the small screw at the top of the external oil reservoir.
This one, on my bike, I cannot hear "click" - I have to go by feel. It
is a very light sensation.
Turn clockwise to max damping.

Max = 1 click out
Std = 10 clicks out (WR250R)
Std = 7 clicks out (WR250X)
Min = 12 clicks out

Remember, "Max" always means maximum damping. That means hard suspension. Min means minimum damping. That means soft suspension.

Check out the rest of it Right here.

Thanks, that clears it up!

Looking to adjust forks.

Does that 'rubber cap' just pull off? It looks like the edges of the cap are behind a metal washer/nut of some kind. Should I just crab the center of the rubber cap with a needle nose and pull it out?

^^ G'day again gator - yes those rubber caps on the lower fork legs just pop out. You shouldn't need much pressure to pry them off with something like a flat blade, butter knife etc. Maybe don't use the pliers as you may end up pinching & holing the rubber dust boot.

Cheers, Gavin.