Rear shock

[unit32]

Is there a difference between the rear shock from say an 86 or 87 and an 88 or 89?

[deathman53]

yes, 86, 87 and 88/89 had different body and shaft length, as well as internals. 85/86 and 87-89 had different length dogbones also. If you include it, 85 and 86 atc's used the same body and shaft length, but had different internals also.

[unit32]

So I would not be able to mount an 86 or 87 rear shock to and 88 or 89?

[deathman53]

yes, you can, you would have to use the correct dogbone to get the correct ride height and suspension action. The swingarm length may make a a difference i, how much preload you have to do to get a good ride height. The rear suspension was changed as years went by to get it right. They are all good and with the suspension settings set to your weight, riding abilty and conditions, you won't notice much of a difference. That is unless you are a pro racer and very picky about suspension settings.

[deathman53]

most of the time to get your 250r to sit right, you will need the 87-89 dogbone. I made that mistake too, I put a 88 shock on my trike and used a 86 dogbone(I didn't know what I had), it didn't sit right, suspension didn't feel right, and was too soft. I got a 87-89 dogbone and had to lower the preload alot, it sat right, handled right and performed alot better. Considering, this was on a 86 swingarm. You can picture how bad the shock was with the 86 dogbone!!! My friend had a 87 shock on a 85 swingarm w/ 86 dogbone and the ride height was low. I couldn't stand how it handled, he always commented how well mine handled. I don't understand how he liked the suspension on his as it was setup?? I tried several times to get him to try a shorter dogbone, didn't want to hear it.