How to upgrade 2002 Rev-3 suspension?

[SCExpat]

When riding yesterday (end of world ride) we got a little crazy and swapped bikes . I know this is a family oriented forum and it is not something I am proud of and now I am suffering the consequences. At first I wanted a new bike. The 2012 GG 250 Eco and 2010 Raga 300 suspension were just so much better than my 2002 Rev-3 270. After some serious though I realized that my bikes power and turning are quite good and if I had suspension better suited to my 250 Lb. (pre-clothing) obese lump sacking the suspension on my bike it may be a big improvement and keep me from divorcing my bike for a new one.

So what would be the best way to upgrade the suspension on my 2002 Rev-3 270 to match my considerable heft? I know heavier springs could help prevent the frequent bottoming but then won't that over power the stock compression/rebound hardware? Where would be the best place to get the new hardware?

TIA

[lineaway]

The owners manual had a very good shock set up guide. That would be the first place to start. At 250 you are pushing suspension setup on a trials bike. You either need a heavier spring up front or shim it with pvc. The rear seemed to have plenty of adjustment in the spring to make it work.
The 2002 had good suspension for it`s time. If it is your first trials bike you should be able to make it work Yeah it won`t feel as good as the raga , but it should work better than that crappy econo. The econo looks like a pro, but it leaves a little to be desired when you leave the parking lot.
so have you touched the suspension at all . The first owner might have weighed 150.

[Twin-shocker]

A 2002 bike thats been used any amount will need a rear shock rebuild, and ideally new springs front and rear for your weight. Its never going to be as good as a brand new bike, unless you have the suspension modified by a specialist, which will be quite costly.

[lineaway]

Originally Posted by Twin-shocker

A 2002 bike thats been used any amount will need a rear shock rebuild, and ideally new springs front and rear for your weight. Its never going to be as good as a brand new bike, unless you have the suspension modified by a specialist, which will be quite costly.

Twinshocker, his bike is as new. Less than ten hours and only 1 novice trials.

[SCExpat]

Originally Posted by lineaway

Twinshocker, his bike is as new. Less than ten hours and only 1 novice trials.

What a good memory you have. I have been riding it about 2-3 hours a week for the past ....4 months. So the bike has lost that.......like new appearance. At first when I fell it was just on flat ground on the sand. Now I have gotten good enough to fall off and break stuff. Like the front fender.

I have set the rear preload as far as it will go and cranked up the compression on the front and rear. The suspension (under my fat arse) is still quite soft and I frequently bottom out. I was real surprised that the power of my bike was the same as the 2012 250 Eco. So I figure if I upgrade my suspension I won't need to get a new bike. I want to get the right springs for my weight but am concerned that they will over power the stock suspension rebound ability. Figuring that getting the suspension set up for me is cheaper than a new bike but wondering if I need to have ti done at a trials specific shop or would a good shop be able to do the work.

Unfortunately I took a look at CL and found a great deal on a beautiful 2011 Beta http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/3489076263.html I am actually going to deliver a bike I sold near there and will have the cash from the sale.......very tempting.

But I believe the best thing I can do to improve my riding is to get rid of 50+ Lbs. of fat.........well stored beer and good memories.

[lineaway]

I would call one of your Beta dealers and check availability of the springs. The work is straight forward easy, just getting the correct springs is the concern. A regular shop would have a hard time locating the springs(As trials is still an underground market) but could make spacers to adjust the preload. I would try to find the springs first.

[2whlrcr]

Originally Posted by lineaway

Twinshocker, his bike is as new. Less than ten hours and only 1 novice trials.

Yea, but it's a Beta. I'm surprised it made it out of the shipping crate, without falling apart.

[SCExpat]

Originally Posted by 2whlrcr

Yea, but it's a Beta. I'm surprised it made it out of the shipping crate, without falling apart.

Well I did damage the crate really bad as I was kinda excited to get it. One thing I have noticed is that my Beta starts first kick and I am warming up while the GG guys are still kicking.

[lineaway]

Originally Posted by SCExpat

Well I did damage the crate really bad as I was kinda excited to get it. One thing I have noticed is that my Beta starts first kick and I am warming up while the GG guys are still kicking.

I believe the sarcasm was ment for twin shocker. But the beta was always easier to start than a gasser!

[laser17]

I think the springs would make a world of difference. You could go with heavier oil in the rebound side of the fork and I "think" the shock would have enough adjustment. (Im not positive as I never could get them dam Beta crates open...)

Lots of good deals on used Beta's right now as the new 2013 HF frames are much sexier than the old I-Beam style. Not sure I like the "Devils Tail" rear fender treatment though - makes me wince.

[lineaway]

That devils tail looks ripe just to trim off! I`m almost 200, seems the Beta could handle another 50 without springs for a new rider. Granted when I rode the 2002 `new` I was 180. I had a 2001 270 that I dropped off the highest drop ever, bottomed front and rear and crashed thru the end gates for a clean. Never did understand why no one else tried that line!!

[SCExpat]

Originally Posted by laser17

I think the springs would make a world of difference. You could go with heavier oil in the rebound side of the fork and I "think" the shock would have enough adjustment. (Im not positive as I never could get them dam Beta crates open...)

Lots of good deals on used Beta's right now as the new 2013 HF frames are much sexier than the old I-Beam style. Not sure I like the "Devils Tail" rear fender treatment though - makes me wince.

I do want to get heavier springs (easier than stopping/reducing my beer intake to lose weight) but am a little concerned that the stiffer springs may over power the rebound dampening. But......I guess with a heavier oil that could help. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by lineaway

That devils tail looks ripe just to trim off! I`m almost 200, seems the Beta could handle another 50 without springs for a new rider. Granted when I rode the 2002 `new` I was 180. I had a 2001 270 that I dropped off the highest drop ever, bottomed front and rear and crashed thru the end gates for a clean. Never did understand why no one else tried that line!!

Almost 200! I blew past that years ago. IF we did not do the whole dirty swap thing I would still be very happy with my bike. But after the Raga I have been.......somehow contaminated with the idea that I "must have" better suspension. I really do not think my riding will improve with new suspension. But, hopefully it will help me from crashing so much.

I also had a great day riding yesterday and my coach was really pushing me (in a good way) on my form and for the first time I did some circles touching the stop most of the way. This just reminded me of what I know but lost track of just having fun riding......master the basics first. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all the details of proper form that it becomes very frustrating. Seems like so much to do and I have not done it enough to do it without thinking about it. So rather than focusing on my line my brain is full of....knees bent, outside knee out, inside arm straight, outside elbow up, don't lean too far forward.......... But still the most fun/addicting thing to do with your clothes on.