Upgrades to my 87 250R

[Prime Target]

I got my bone stock 87 250R last year. It was a completely original barn find from CA that came to me in great shape. I put new tires, chain, sprockets, fluids, and cleaned out the carb. I ran it stock and had a blast on it all year - it ran like a new machine. Now that spring is around the corner i'm looking to add a little performance to it and dial in the suspension better.

The engine has never been opened; it's still on it's first bore and has great compression. Starts on second kick. I'm interested in putting on an ESR TRX5 pipe. I've read that it is a good all around pipe and will wake the motor up. I mostly trail ride on pretty open trails, where i'm in the upper gears. Is the TRX5 a pipe that's suitable for my riding? I haven't given porting much thought yet. I'm not against it but want to add a good pipe first, then decide about internal mods later. As I said, the motor is bone stock and I like the stock reliability.

I also want to upgrade the suspension. I'm 6'2", 215, and the rear shock is a little soft for me. I'd like to send the stock rear shock out to get rebuilt for my height, weight and riding style. I'd also like to upgrade the front shocks to maybe a Works or Elka setup. Nothing over the top, just a setup that is a little more forgiving on my 43 year old body than the 25 year old stockers.

I'm not racing the quad but I do get out on weekends with a bunch of guys and we wind them up pretty good. Most guys I ride with are on 450's and some big displacement 4x4's. I figure with a pipe and better suspension I'll be sticking a little closer with these guys.

You guys are the experts, so let me know your opinions. Thanks in advance.

[bearcat]

If I ever have to do it all over again I'll spend the real money on suspension components before putting any into the motor as long it's reliable and healthy. Good suspension and tires make it faster, easier, smoother, and safer almost everywhere you ride. HP wins drag races and bragging rights. JMHO

[wes350x]

Pipe, reeds, filter, larger carb, are things that will wake a stock motor without opening the motor up. CORRECT jetting is crucial for a good running and reliable motor.