Trailmaster TM38

Moracing15 · 11-26-2023, 12:39 AM

I have a Trailmaster TM38 and the suspension is a little soft for me. I'm 194lbs and I believe it is set up for someone around 175lbs. I've done what I can with the adjustments but it's still too soft. Does anyone know what bike these forks cross with. I think I need nee springs.

TominMO · 11-26-2023, 08:59 AM

1. Have you tried a thicker and high-quality fork oil?
2. What about making some preload spacers, either with washers or PVC?
3. Pull out a spring and measure coil thickness, ID, OD, and overall length. Then contact the below to see of they can match you up:
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...ork-spring-kit

Thumper · 11-26-2023, 10:13 AM

Tom is right about the fork oil. Go with a heavier oil like Motul 15W
THat alone will probably solve the problem. But you can get spacers from Joe Henner if you want to. He makes them for the Templar, and I am pretty sure that those same exact KKE fork tubes are on the TM38.

Moracing15 · 11-26-2023, 11:13 PM

Thank you guys. I will try the fork oil first and go from there.

Moracing15 · 11-26-2023, 11:19 PM

You guys happen to know about how much oil I'll need to get? Sorry I've been out of the game for about 30 years.

TominMO · 11-27-2023, 08:34 AM

Put back in whatever you drain out. Best would be to have a precise measuring container.

krat · 11-27-2023, 09:35 PM

Putting back in what you drain out does not always work. I have dumped forks that had 400cc in one side and 50cc in the other.

Generally about 250cc per side is about right on the 125cc-250cc level bikes.

Thumper · 11-28-2023, 08:25 AM

One liter bottle will cover it, with some to spare. Measure what comes out when you pour off the original fork oil.

11-26-2023, 12:39 AM	#1
Moracing15 Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Woodland, Wa Posts: 3	Trailmaster TM38 I have a Trailmaster TM38 and the suspension is a little soft for me. I'm 194lbs and I believe it is set up for someone around 175lbs. I've done what I can with the adjustments but it's still too soft. Does anyone know what bike these forks cross with. I think I need nee springs.
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11-26-2023, 08:59 AM	#2
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,842	1. Have you tried a thicker and high-quality fork oil? 2. What about making some preload spacers, either with washers or PVC? 3. Pull out a spring and measure coil thickness, ID, OD, and overall length. Then contact the below to see of they can match you up: https://www.progressivesuspension.co...ork-spring-kit __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
	1

11-26-2023, 10:13 AM	#3
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,194	Tom is right about the fork oil. Go with a heavier oil like Motul 15W THat alone will probably solve the problem. But you can get spacers from Joe Henner if you want to. He makes them for the Templar, and I am pretty sure that those same exact KKE fork tubes are on the TM38. __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it
	2

11-27-2023, 08:34 AM	#6
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,842	Put back in whatever you drain out. Best would be to have a precise measuring container. __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
	1

11-27-2023, 09:35 PM	#7
krat Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: KY Posts: 257	Putting back in what you drain out does not always work. I have dumped forks that had 400cc in one side and 50cc in the other. Generally about 250cc per side is about right on the 125cc-250cc level bikes. __________________ %90 of the Chinese motorbikes ever made are still on the road. The other %10 made it back home.
	1

11-26-2023, 11:13 PM	#4
Moracing15 Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Woodland, Wa Posts: 3	Thank you guys. I will try the fork oil first and go from there.
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11-26-2023, 11:19 PM	#5
Moracing15 Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Woodland, Wa Posts: 3	You guys happen to know about how much oil I'll need to get? Sorry I've been out of the game for about 30 years.
	0

11-28-2023, 08:25 AM	#8
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,194	One liter bottle will cover it, with some to spare. Measure what comes out when you pour off the original fork oil. __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it
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