Hi charliechitlins,

That would be much appreciated.

So far I've drawn a blank regarding how to loosen up this shock so any information would be better than none at all.

Please come back to me here or email me on ghisoni@comcen.com.au if you prefer.

Best of balance.

Neo

I'll find out for you.

I can tell you, though, that the work requires some specialized equipment and is not for the home mechanic.

That's fine, I don't mind if I have to pay someone to do this.

Many thanks.

Neo

I cannot tell you how to loosen this shock up, but I do believe that Ryan has a fully adjustable one available. I do not see it on the website, but I am sure you could get the straight scoop by e-mailing him directly.

ryan AT rypusa.com

Or, post the question on his BB under rypusa.com and he answers as well as many of the other Sherco folks.

I bought the '04 290 and my 13 yr old son the 125 as first bikes for both of us eighteen months ago

All the problems you experienced with all the mods to cure them, but the greatest turning point is when my son became a much better rider very very quickly - Then he rode my bike & taught me the way to ride the 290! By riding the 125 I learnt to ride without using the power of the 290 & it really helps, Oh, and a few lessons from Graham Jarvis! "Ride slower, use first gear"

The nine tooth sprocket will slow down your minimum speed at tickover in first gear but it makes it snappier off the throttle - I tried the 9 & the 11 and went back to the original gearing ( slipping that cluth is the secret)

The greatest improvements to the '04 in order of improvement (That yr. had the most aggresive power)

Retard timing & rejet - carb manifold spacer - slow throttle - handlebar position - suspension softened (2.5wt in front - adjusted rear - I weight 70kg)

BUT time in the saddle was the most important and falling off about 100+ times practicing was another benchmark

Edited August 31, 200521 yr by mariomatrix

Hi Gents,

Here's my update.

In summary:-

Retarding the ignition

Running on 92 Unleaded

Slow action throttle

9 tooth Sprocket

Keep slipping that clutch

Has made me feel like a new rider! - one that's in control!!

Many thanks for everyone

Hi Neo....seems like I have the same "probs" you mentioned....want plusher suspension and waaaaay less power on the 290.

I rode Dave Marchants Scorpa yesterday and I have to say it was more gentle on me than my 03 2.9.