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HOW TO: 450R shocks on 400EX
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Posted by: gcart2

im 175 with full gear on lsr +2's and my pogos are hurtin me. will the 450r shocks help me? stiff is ok... n e thing is better than bottoming out at the top of 4th.
will they help me?

Posted by: Def-e-nition

Very much so mr 175 pounder sir .

I found them a little stiff , but I can almsot guarantee you they will not bottom out on the top of the 4th .
The difference is major , and once you get em your butt will itch to rebuild em . But stock , they 'll help you a lot .

Guaranteed .

Posted by: gcart2

tyvm

Posted by: yamihoo

Did the button head screws, works great! Nice improvement!
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t221/jmz_photos/ShockNut2.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t221/jmz_photos/ShockNut3.jpg

Posted by: Napalm Nate

I installed 450r shocks on my 400ex and love them no more bottoming out. My question is now my front tires are wearing funny, anybody know how to fix this.

Posted by: Honda6sv

i got a set that have been modded for sale! 250 and YOU pay shipping. Just a set of nice 450r shox. Perfect shape.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hondasv/1469734470_l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Posted by: liljhall09

so will a rear 450r shock fit on a 400ex ???

Posted by: glamiskid395

im sure this has probably been asked and answered somewhere in this thread but i do not want to read through 16 pages to find it.

i noticed that someone put yfz450 shocks on a 400ex instead of the 450r front shocks.

i can get a set of these shocks for free from a friend, but when i tried them the upper eye was to wide to fit in the shock mounting location on the 400ex.

what is the solution to this?
do i have to grind down the eye of the yfz shock?

thanks

Posted by: Def-e-nition

quote:
Originally posted by glamiskid395
i noticed that someone put yfz450 shocks on a 400ex instead of the 450r front shocks.

i can get a set of these shocks for free from a friend, but when i tried them the upper eye was to wide to fit in the shock mounting location on the 400ex.

what is the solution to this?
do i have to grind down the eye of the yfz shock?

[/B]

Yip. Probably make it thinner . But it'll work , sure enough .
And the shocks are shorter , but their plushness is amazing .

Posted by: Ruby Soho

how come some of you dont use the flat head style screw bolt. it would probly give even more clearance?

Posted by: gcart2

cuz they dont want to knock off the nut that is welded on.

Posted by: 250exkid

my question is if i by them and leave them in stock form with it eventually ruine my fron a arms or anything? and all i do is occasionlly jump here and there and have bumpy woods trails would the 450r shocks in stock form br good or no?

Posted by: honda_runner

what about 450r rear shock? will it fit on my 400ex?

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by honda_runner
what about 450r rear shock? will it fit on my 400ex?

it'll fit, but it will ride worse than a stock 400ex rear shock

Posted by: honda_runner

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
it'll fit, but it will ride worse than a stock 400ex rear shock

REALLY? I can get one for 75, and i was wondering if it was worth it.

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by honda_runner
REALLY? I can get one for 75, and i was wondering if it was worth it.

No it wont. Save the 75 and put it towards getting the stock shock rebuilt.

Posted by: honda_runner

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
No it wont. Save the 75 and put it towards getting the stock shock rebuilt.

thanx man, i'll do that!

Posted by: gcart2

quote:
Originally posted by 250exkid
my question is if i by them and leave them in stock form with it eventually ruine my fron a arms or anything? and all i do is occasionlly jump here and there and have bumpy woods trails would the 450r shocks in stock form br good or no?

no its not gonna break anything. however i wouldnt suggest it unless you like firm suspension orr plan on having them revalved. however if you were doing mx or a lot of jumpi9ng then id say thumbs up.. hope this helps.

Posted by: Gatekeeper

quote:
Originally posted by gcart2
no its not gonna break anything. however i wouldnt suggest it unless you like firm suspension orr plan on having them revalved. however if you were doing mx or a lot of jumpi9ng then id say thumbs up.. hope this helps.

just curious- I weigh 270- Do most my riding in woods/powerlines/logging roads. Do you all think they would be too stiff for me? New into sport atv's- like going fast- haven't got the stones for any jumping....yet

Posted by: boosted3g

I got my set on today from an 05. I didnt run them stock i put on a set of triple rate springs from works to eliminate the height problems. It actually sits a little lower than the stock 400 shocks on the lowest preload setting. With the compression and rebound both on their softest setting it is night and day. They are firm but not too firm. Our buddy owns 1000 acres and we have a track set up and on some of the long sweeping turns i would tend to have an oversteer problem that i couldnt get rid of until now. Jumping is much better, i dont air it out but you can tell a difference for the better. To me they take a bump and recover smoother and faster while with the stock 400 shocks i would rebound hard and was left with a loose feel. Total spent was 515 for the new 05 shocks and the Works zero preload spring set.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

I ride mostly all trails from going slow to 55-60MPH over the whoops. I love to do jumping when I find some. Will the 450r shocks be worse on the whoops than stock because they are stiffer or even so will they be better? I hate when my front end dips on the whoops and the stock pogo stick make it feel like you hit a huge log. I have read this whole thread and see almost all good on the shocks but for trail riding will they be to stiff without a revalve? I weigh only 145lbs

Posted by: yamihoo

If your 145 they probaby will be a little stiff for you. I'm 200lbs and I have the springs all the way down and they are a little stiff for me, but I like how they handle so much better with the dampening, just a much better shock its a no brainer. I ride pretty aggressive on the trail and the harder you ride them the better they perform. BUt I plan to get custom springs soon. Dual or triple rate springs would really ultimate with these shock.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

so do you think it will be worth getting them without a revalve for the time being or no? i know with a revalve and new springs they will be way better than stock but stock for stock will i be better off with 450r? the picture i'm posting is proof stock shocks suck lol

Posted by: Hondamaster5505

By the time you buy the 450r shocks and revalve/spring them, wouldnt it be just as cheap or cheaper to buy nice used or new aftermarket shocks??

Posted by: flauge

All of yall that knocked off the nut off the frame instead of grinding the shock-eye...... how hard was it to knock off? Did you have to beat on it with a sledge or just give it a few taps with a tack hammer?lol..
I just wanna know what to expect..

Posted by: DF400ex

quote:
Originally posted by flauge
All of yall that knocked off the nut off the frame instead of grinding the shock-eye...... how hard was it to knock off? Did you have to beat on it with a sledge or just give it a few taps with a tack hammer?lol..
I just wanna know what to expect..

It was pretty easy. All it took was a metal punch and a tap with a hammer. Way easier than grinding your shock.

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
By the time you buy the 450r shocks and revalve/spring them, wouldnt it be just as cheap or cheaper to buy nice used or new aftermarket shocks??

Yes it would. To buy the R shocks and get all three of your shocks rebuilt and resprung would cost around 900.
You can find a set of nice used shocks get them revalved, and get your rear shock resprung and valved for around 900 as well.
If you plan on getting R shocks redone later I would just save the money and get used aftermarket shocks.

Posted by: Ruby Soho

i plan on getting them, so my quad can take larger jumps on the track. i way 145, maybe alittle stiff but its gonna be alot better than bottoming out the stockers on 60ft jumps

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by Ruby Soho
i plan on getting them, so my quad can take larger jumps on the track. i way 145, maybe alittle stiff but its gonna be alot better than bottoming out the stockers on 60ft jumps

I weigh the exact same and I nkow they will be much better on harder landing and big things but for me riding mostly all trails with tons of whoops idk if those shocks would be a downgrade on the little stuff.

Posted by: Ruby Soho

quote:
Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
I weigh the exact same and I nkow they will be much better on harder landing and big things but for me riding mostly all trails with tons of whoops idk if those shocks would be a downgrade on the little stuff.

thats why im getting them cause i want to be able to handle larger jumps ill eventually get them revalved

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

a huge majority of the jumps I do dont have a landing ramp at all. The rear is ehh and the front is alright but its not a plush landing its more of a jar when you land. For smaller whoops and jumps stock shocks work pretty good but once you start to ride agressive their ture suckfest come out. I have riden 450's and their suspension is amazing over a 400ex and they ride so smooth. I want a ride like that without the huge price tag. Anyone have 450r shocks that are not revalved and rides trails? Tell me how they are

Posted by: flauge

Aww yea. I just bought me a pair off ebay! I dont think Im gonna even put them on my bike yet. I'll probably just send them back out to gtthunder to let them do what they want to with them.

Posted by: glamiskid395

i just got some 450r shocks for free from a buddy because it couldnt see selling them on ebay for $200, so he gave 'em to me.

i put them on, grinded the frame a little and knocked off that nut, they bolt up easily and raise the bike a little too.

they are not as smooth as stock even with the compression set at softest and preload all the way out. but they are smooth landing.

i also jump without a landing, jump off a razor back and land flat on the top of the dune. i was able to bottom out even with the 450r shocks set at hardest compression.

i have a question though....how much is it for gt thunder ot TCS to revalve them for my wieght?
and where is the link or post where it shows how to use compression and rebound adjustments??

thanks

Posted by: flauge

quote:
Originally posted by glamiskid395
i just got some 450r shocks for free from a buddy because it couldnt see selling them on ebay for $200, so he gave 'em to me.

i put them on, grinded the frame a little and knocked off that nut, they bolt up easily and raise the bike a little too.

they are not as smooth as stock even with the compression set at softest and preload all the way out. but they are smooth landing.

i also jump without a landing, jump off a razor back and land flat on the top of the dune. i was able to bottom out even with the 450r shocks set at hardest compression.

i have a question though....how much is it for gt thunder ot TCS to revalve them for my wieght?
and where is the link or post where it shows how to use compression and rebound adjustments??

thanks

399 at GTT. Should be about the same everywhere else too.

Posted by: glamiskid395

quote:
Originally posted by flauge
399 at GTT. Should be about the same everywhere else too.

wow thats a little steep for me

Posted by: flauge

Not really when you think about what you're getting..
Revalve, re-spring with double or maybe triple rate springs, depending on where you get it done at. And they modify the body to shorten the compressed length..
After all that you'll have a shock thats up to par with a lot of the aftermarkets, or so I've heard... I'll tell you how they ride sometime this week when they come in.

Posted by: honda_runner

quote:
Originally posted by Honda6sv
i got a set that have been modded for sale! 250 and YOU pay shipping. Just a set of nice 450r shox. Perfect shape.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hondasv/1469734470_l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

where can i get the graphics that u have?? i like em

Posted by: 440challenger

looks like ONE industries. Nice quad!

Posted by: R_Hoaglin2

Oh hell yea! I was wondering about this!

Posted by: flauge

Uhh Oh!!! I just got my 450 fronts back from GTT!! As soon as I beat that dam nut off the frame I'll put em on and let yall know how they ride..

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

this anticipation for the ride review is killin me haha come on man get them bolts off faster

Posted by: flauge

Sorry to keep ya waiting. haha. Well I got the nuts off, that was easy. But I found out that the shock eye was still hitting the frame. So I had to bust out the dremel for a few minutes.
Then I found out that I didnt have any carrage bolts so I called it a day.
I'll tell you man, it took a lot of willpower to keep me from riding out with no front plastic.lol

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

my friend rode his 400ex for a bout a month with nothing on the front all you saw was the gas tank then rear fenders and a seat it was hilarious.

Posted by: flauge

I just got back from riding and all I got to say about it is DAM!

The shocks are very plush and did great at everything I threw at it. Small bumps are barely noticeable, but just enough to let you know theyre there. I also did a few small jumps and they feel real smooth on landings.
Handling is alot better too, its turns like its on rails and doesnt lean nearly as much as it used to.

I cant wait till March so I can test them in an XC race.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by flauge
I just got back from riding and all I got to say about it is DAM!
The shocks are very plush and did great at everything I threw at it. Small bumps are barely noticeable, but just enough to let you know theyre there. I also did a few small jumps and they feel real smooth on landings.
Handling is alot better too, its turns like its on rails and doesnt lean nearly as much as it used to.

I cant wait till March so I can test them in an XC race.

Are you on stock a-arms or what?

Posted by: flauge

Yea Im still on the stockers.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

I'm hoping to get some 450r fronts. Thats deffinately my next mod and then the revalve/respring when i get some cash.

Posted by: flauge

Do it man, you'll be glad you got em.
I was thinking about getting just aftermaket fronts before but im kinda glad I didnt now. For that price I got a good front and rear setup and I still have a lil money leftover.

Some say aftermarket might be better, but for the price and the way I ride revalves are perfect for me.

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by flauge
Do it man, you'll be glad you got em.
I was thinking about getting just aftermaket fronts before but im kinda glad I didnt now. For that price I got a good front and rear setup and I still have a lil money leftover.
Some say aftermarket might be better, but for the price and the way I ride revalves are perfect for me.

I'm trying to understand your reasoning. 200$ for the R shocks, 700 to respring and revalve all three shocks equals 900$ dollars.
Used aftermarket shocks 400$ realve those 100$, rear shock resprung and valved 300$ which equals 800$.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
I'm trying to understand your reasoning. 200$ for the R shocks, 700 to respring and revalve all three shocks equals 900$ dollars.
Used aftermarket shocks 400$ realve those 100$, rear shock resprung and valved 300$ which equals 800$.

its only $100 to revalve aftermarket? a bet a good $100 is the springs though.

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
its only $100 to revalve aftermarket? a bet a good $100 is the springs though.

respring would be more. you just need to find shocks with the right spring rates.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
respring would be more. you just need to find shocks with the right spring rates.

which normally if you have to get them revalved you need new springs for your weight too so the 450r fronts are better in the long run

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
which normally if you have to get them revalved you need new springs for your weight too so the 450r fronts are better in the long run

It's really not that hard to find a set of used shocks setup for something close to you. plus they've been engineered for the 400ex, R shocks haven't.

Posted by: flauge

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
I'm trying to understand your reasoning. 200$ for the R shocks, 700 to respring and revalve all three shocks equals 900$ dollars.
Used aftermarket shocks 400$ realve those 100$, rear shock resprung and valved 300$ which equals 800$.

I started out looking for used aftermarkets but I got aggrivated b/c I could'nt find the kind of shock I wanted that was around my weight. Yea, call me impatient.

Where did you get that price on a revalve?

Posted by: atvmaster0927

quote:
Originally posted by flauge
I started out looking for used aftermarkets but I got aggrivated b/c I could'nt find the kind of shock I wanted that was around my weight. Yea, call me impatient.
Where did you get that price on a revalve?

he got that from colby@c&dracing...personally i think that is a little much, i was gunna buy 450r shocks but now i dont think i am cause it is quite a bit more(700$ more) to get them revavled.

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by atvmaster0927
he got that from colby@c&dracing...personally i think that is a little much, i was gunna buy 450r shocks but now i dont think i am cause it is quite a bit more(700$ more) to get them revavled.

It's 700 to get it revalved and resprung (new springs). I was not saying that.

Posted by: flauge

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
It's 700 to get it revalved and resprung (new springs). I was not saying that.

Sorry, I meant the price on the aftermarket revalve. Thats cheap man. Its hard to find a price that low on just a service.

Posted by: Quadmulisha

I put my friends 450r shocks on my 04 400ex and its so much different. It changed the ride height about 1/2 to a inch lower compared to stock shock. We just had to grind a bolt that was in the way and they fit perfect.

Posted by: Milemakerex

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. After reading about the 450R shock setup I decided to try it on my 400ex.

Just picked up a set of 06 450R shocks today. Plan on installing tonight. I replaced the stock shocks with (used) Works Triple rate with RES last year and it was a big improvment. But never like the fact that I could not adjust them at all.

I'm going to try the (06) 450R shocks with the stock springs and see how they ride. I'm around 275lbs in full gear, so I'm hoping for the best.

If I do need new springs. Do you order them for your weight and riding style or do the spring kits have adjustability?

Posted by: 08400EX

quote:
Originally posted by Milemakerex
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. After reading about the 450R shock setup I decided to try it on my 400ex.

Just picked up a set of 06 450R shocks today. Plan on installing tonight. I replaced the stock shocks with (used) Works Triple rate with RES last year and it was a big improvment. But never like the fact that I could not adjust them at all.

I'm going to try the (06) 450R shocks with the stock springs and see how they ride. I'm around 275lbs in full gear, so I'm hoping for the best.

If I do need new springs. Do you order them for your weight and riding style or do the spring kits have adjustability?

If I were you I would try installing the Works Triple rates on the 450R shock. They may fit perfectly and you will have the best of both worlds.

I think with the stock springs on the 450R shocks you will not be happy, especially after having the Works Triple rates.

Worse case scenario you can sell your Works shocks as is and order the Works Triple Rate Spring kit for the 450R shocks custom tailored to your weight and riding style. From my research they are by far the least expensive at $229 for the kit.

Posted by: 08400EX

The Works Triple Rate Spring Kit for my 450Rs showed up Thursday. High Quality Kit, install was a snap and so far I am very pleased, especially for only $229!

Posted by: REDRIDDER

JUST PUT ON MY 450R SHOCKS TODAY...NOW IF IT WARMS UP A LITTLE I CAN TRY THEM OUT LOL..WHAT SHOULD I EXSPECT? IM 6FT 250LBS OF TRAIL RIDER.

Posted by: awesome450

I have these shocks on my bike and had GT Thunder do all three shocks and they are awesome!! I race xc and its the way to go.

Posted by: Bigdaddy52302

I way between 200 and 220 and want to know how to set my 450r shocks I like to jump, I was thinking I need to loosen the tension on the spring all the way, but how far in or out should i set the pre load or is it adjustable on the rese's, dont have any more money for springs or vavle jobs.

Posted by: REDRIDDER

Just play with the settings for your situation eventually you'll come across one set up you'll like.

Posted by: Ruby Soho

yeah. just adjust the settings till you find something that works for you, there is so much adjustment you can make on these shocks your bound to find something close

Posted by: Speedy 400ex

Hi i am new areound here.

any ways i have been wanting to do my front end for a wile now and 450 shocks, but i am like 130 pounds and it sounds like it will cost more to have them done then is would be to get this sistem I found on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRX4...31431932

the elka shocks will be made for me before i even get them. and i get + 2 arms.

Posted by: Ruby Soho

theyll ride fine stock at 130#'s

Posted by: drocracing247

can you do it to the back to or no??

Posted by: drocracing247

can you use a 450r back shock for the back of the 400 too

Posted by: REDRIDDER

quote:
Originally posted by drocracing247
can you use a 450r back shock for the back of the 400 too

you can their really is no advantage and you have to move your air box around i believe.

Posted by: sc400ex_rider

i just put some 450r shocks on my 400ex and though they were a little harsh/stiff at low speed(full soft settings). the stock spring is a single rate and i didnt have the 3 bills to get them redone by gt thunder. so i looked around for some cheap dual rate springs. the yfz450 spring is 1/2" shorter and 1/8" bigger but its dual rate and every one raves about the yfz plushness so id try. i got the springs off here for $40 and painted them red put them on. the 1/2" shortness was not a prob i just put the adjuster collor all the way down. i was worried about the 1/8" play(mostly up top) but i just beat them for 3 hours and the springs have settled in a nice way offcenter by 1-2 MM. i was going to change the shock oil to a lighter weight if needed but at speed the stock shock worked well it was just a little stiff even at zero pre load. so i figured that i would give them a try well the ride is awesome they are very plush. i have my comp about 1 turn in from soft rebound at full soft. im going to go in on the rebound cause i hit a bump wrong at high speed and it kinda poped up. i am amazed how much faster i can run and how much longer, its not as feteuging (sp) on you. the steering is way faster with these shocks too. this might be a good mod for the budget riders/racers.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r20/starcraftier1/S4011126.jpg

Posted by: imc188222

quote:
Originally posted by Speedy 400ex
Hi i am new areound here.

any ways i have been wanting to do my front end for a wile now and 450 shocks, but i am like 130 pounds and it sounds like it will cost more to have them done then is would be to get this sistem I found on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRX4...31431932

the elka shocks will be made for me before i even get them. and i get + 2 arms.

I weight 130# and the 450r fronts did not ride well with stock springs. They handled jumps and hard bumps much better than the stock 400ex shocks but on small stuff, washboard, potholes, roots, small bumps that you would not usually notice, they were very harsh. I ended up buying works triple rate spring kit for them and they work great now. Much better than before and no comparison to stock.

Posted by: Speedy 400ex

ok then how much will it cost to get a works spring kit? Cus i do mostly trail riding.

Posted by: imc188222

The works spring kit is $229 either directly from them or through ebay. Its a nice kit, they custom set them up for you based on your weight, type of riding, desired ride height and a-arm length. Fairly quick turnaround, it was shipped a couple days after ordering. You need a way to compress the springs in order to install them your self. Some strut spring compressors work, a shop press and a couple of plates work good or if you have the equipment and no-how a one can be fabricated pretty easily. Good kit though, I finally got some serious ride time in on mine and I love it. I ride mostly trails, fast.

Posted by: Jnblaster05

man i just put 450r shocks on with works triple rate springs i bought them off ebay this way and man was it easy to install and it rides awesome

Posted by: bearair

Got my new '07 450R shocks last night and mounted them up. Went riding after work today, and my first impression is that it was well worth the money just to put a set of stockers on. I'm about 240 with gear, and the springs are a little stiff for me. I'm thinking a progressive set would really help out here. Had to set the compression down to "soft" and I'm about 1/2 on the rebound. I may stiffen it up slightly.

My question is this. Having the fronts working better now, the rear wants to kick in the stutter bumps and harsh stuff. The front feels like it's planted MUCH better now and I'm sure it will be even better with revalves, but the rear is going to drive me crazy. What would any of you suggest to set it up? I had the compression turned down a bit in the rear and the rebound most of the way towards hard to make it work with the stock fronts, but now with the front so different, I'm wondering where I should go next with the rear shock. Thanks ahead of time!

Posted by: STUNTIN400EX

MY NEW SHOCKS!
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/NINJARDR91750/BIKE%20PICS/ATV%20PICS/IMG_0556.jpg
Could anyone give me any advice on set-up. i am 135 lbs. and ride xc. i am fully aware that the ride will be ruff but i don't have the money to have them revavled. any help would be great THANKS!

Posted by: glamiskid395

quote:
Originally posted by STUNTIN400EX
MY NEW SHOCKS!
Could anyone give me any advice on set-up. i am 135 lbs. and ride xc. i am fully aware that the ride will be ruff but i don't have the money to have them revavled. any help would be great THANKS!

set the preload all the way up, so it sits as low as possible, then set the compression and rebound to the soft setting, you may have to fine tune the compression and rebound to where you like it. check your manual to see exactly how to tune the shocks
(the 450r fronts adjust the same as the 400ex rear)

i like mine, thats how i have mine set

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

As of 5 minutes ago I just joined the 450r front crew.

Posted by: STUNTIN400EX

set up and installed my shocks and they're stiff as HELL!

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by STUNTIN400EX
set up and installed my shocks and they're stiff as HELL!

what year shocks?

Posted by: 400exMO

quote:
Originally posted by STUNTIN400EX
set up and installed my shocks and they're stiff as HELL!

yep soften all your settings as low as possible. I never got even close to rideable with my shocks. I switched to aftermarket. If you look on my first page you'll see I was initially impressed but not for long.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by 400exMO
yep soften all your settings as low as possible. I never got even close to rideable with my shocks. I switched to aftermarket. If you look on my first page you'll see I was initially impressed but not for long.

What year were your shocks?

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

I got on my 450r front shocks. Imediately backed the preload all the way off and it wasnt as stiff as I thought they would be. I screwed the compression screw all the way out which is softer at least I think I couldnt tell by pushing the front end down. But then I turned the rebound softer and it made a pretty big difference. I havent had a ride test on them yet but I can tell by pushing on the front end vs my brothers 400ex with stock shocks I will have a much better ride. We ride pretty hard and race each other a lot and stock 400ex front shocks I couldnt stand. They were unforgivng if you hit a huge whoop all of a sudden or hit a jump. They would make you bounce around rarther than soak stuff up hence the "pogo stick" name for them. My brother thinks everything I do is wrong and everything I have done that he said was wrong was actually right and then he wants it. I guarantee as soon as he rides my quad to see what the shocks are like he will say I gotta get some new front shocks. How some say they are stiff I cant imagine they are that stiff when set up but it could be that riding fast and stuff you see the improvement and with lower speed its a bit stiffer. I have 2005 450r fronts because the 2006 and up they just put a heavier spring on them. I cant wait to get a ride test and I'm glad to have joined this club of 450r front shock users lol

Posted by: zrpilot

Just posted in the for sale section. all of you that say they are too stiff, here is your chance!
Springs for sale

Posted by: Slapasack

im sure this already been asked but i didnt feel like going through all the pages soo

would it be worth it to get 450r shocks without getting them resprung or revalved for my 400ex when i mostly just do trail riding, only hitting up the track every once and a while?

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

i'll let you know how mine do trail riding this weekend. I set them up as best I could with the push on the front end and jump on the bumper feel and they seem pretty good with the compression all the way out and the preload all the way up and the rebound turned a half turn or so. The fine adjusting will begin when I am out riding but they dont seem that stiff.

Posted by: NCRIDERED

I acquired a set of 2006 450R shocks from a friend of mine that have never been out of the show room. They were brand new in the box. I put them on last week and backed the preload almost to the top of the threads. Once I did this my ride height measurement was the same in the front as the rear measurement. I then backed off the preload on the rear shock to lower my rear ride height 1/4" lower than the front ride height (per GT Thunder's instructions). I have the compression all the way out(Full Soft) and the Rebound almost all the way out (Full Soft). I read on GT Thunder's website that they suggest the rebound on your front shocks be softer(rebound faster) than the rear. I am going to ride on Sat. so I will give an update after I ride to post anymore adjustments I had to make. I mostly trail ride and occasionally hit the track. I am 6'3" 195lbs. Still may make further adjustments. My plan is to eventually send to them Santo Derisi Racing to get revalved and resprung, since they are in the state where I live. Everyone prefers different settings, but I thought I would share mine so far.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

I finally got to ride test my 450r front shocks. WOW!!! Much better. I starting riding saying these feel a bit better than stock but not a whole lot... that was until I rode my brothers 400ex with stock shocks and I said wow these are a huge improvement and the stuff i've been doing all day I wouldnt have been able to without these 450r fronts. Jumping, whoops, small bumps, it all had an improvement. You notice it more if you ride the same place with stock 400ex shocks and then ride the same place with 450r shocks. Great buy I recomend these! If your a slow rider I could see how they might be stiffer I mean look at how soft the 400ex shocks are. But for anyone that riders more agressive they make a world of a difference. I could hit big jumps or unbeleiveably huge whoops and they would soak it up. I now wonder how big I can go before I can bottom them out rather than how small do I have to go before I bottom these out when I had the stock shocks. The shocks look nicer too lol.

Posted by: UNBROKEN

^ thanks, now when i find a decent pair of 450r shcoks for sale that arent overpriced i just may buy them

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

I adjusted my shock after I went riding last time because I knew what changes needed to be made. Today i went riding and they are even better than before. Everytime I adjust them or get them dialed in a little bit more you feel how plush they are. I was taking the whoops like nothing all day and I wasnt getting worn out or anything. And me adjusting the front it made the rear better because of the rake and the rebound difference between the 2. They truely are amazing everytime you get them 1 step closer to being dialed in for you you notice it. I can just cruise over the whoops without the front bouncing around or the back swapin around I just sail over them. If you find a pair less than $175 get them! Take them out a few times and adjust them see what works best and you wont be disappointed. It might be the greatest addition to how my quad performs and feels yet!

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

another note to add after I was reading all these replies in this thread again. People say they are stiff? Deffinately not. You can adjust them pretty darn good. 1st time I was bottoming out pretty easy but still not as bad as stock. I set them up a little different ad I have the shocks dialed in pretty good and they are about right. I love watching my brother take the whoops with stock 400 fronts him bouncing like a rag doll if the front comes down and then I ride and its so smooth its incredible. R shocks ra enot too stiff with stock a-arm, just take the time to set them up.

Posted by: Ruby Soho

they are alittle on the stiff side, as far as large jumps go they work perfect, but small roots and rocks they aren't the greatest.

i could only imagine how well they'd perform after being sent to GT thunder

Posted by: Tyson-T

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h236/TYSON-T/PIC_0342.jpg http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h236/TYSON-T/PIC_0343.jpg http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h236/TYSON-T/PIC_0344.jpg http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h236/TYSON-T/PIC_0345.jpg http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h236/TYSON-T/PIC_0346.jpg

Posted by: Tyson-T

Just got my frame welded back together!! and gotta test my new shocks!
havn't even touched them and they ride awsome, takes the whoops lika champ too

Posted by: TunedPerforman

I just installed a set of works tripple rate spings last week! Went for a ride today and may this works awesome, have the preload adjust all the way off and shocks are not revaleved and I was able to tune them in, not bad for a light weight 150lb....