ATV Aftermarket Shocks Rock!
By Dan Nitzel
Looking for that modification that offers a lot of bang for the buck? A new set of shocks may be just the ticket!
After market ATV shocks are a frequently over looked modification for ATVs. Most people who make modifications to their machines purchase a new exhaust system. In reality, a new set of quality after market shocks could be a much better option depending upon what kind of riding you like to do and your machine.
While suspension systems on most ATVs have dramatically improved in the last couple of years, owners of most older models and many newer models can see a considerable improvement in handling with a good new set of shocks.
It should not be “shocking” to people that I’ve been a “firm” believer in a good suspension for years. My first experience with after market shocks date back to 1989. Back then, the Yamaha Banshee ruled the roost in sand machines. However, the Yamaha stock shock absorbers and springs left a lot to be desired, especially on trails and rough sand. That’s when I invested in my first full set of aftermarket shocks.
Back then about the only choices for quads were from Works Shocks. Now a days, there are about a dozen or more manufacturers of aftermarket shocks. Recently, I equipped by 2003 Yamaha Raptor with a full set of Elka shocks and boy, what a difference for the better! I’ll tell more about this later.
So exactly what is the difference between a good set of after market shocks verses a pair of stock shocks? Generally, the stock factory shock is designed to meet the needs of many different riders. In my opinion, they tend to be designed for the easy-going slower paced rider. Stock factory shocks used on most ATVs generally no not lend themselves well to more aggressive riding, racing, and for jumping.
What sets the aftermarket shock apart from most stock shocks are the quality of the build, customization for the riders weight and style of riding. Additionally, they allow for the ability to adjust the operation of the shock for different riding conditions. If you wanted to do some trail riding and make your machine travel better in corners or over woop-dee-doos (moguls to some), you could literally ‘dial in’ adjustments on the shocks that make the machine handle better. If you wanted to do some drag racing, you could change the shock settings to produce better hook up of the tires. If you wanted to do some jumping, you could dial in shock settings to reduce the shocks from bottoming out.
When a set of after market shocks are purchased, the better brands custom make and setup your shocks for your brand of machine, your weight, and for your riding style. Shocks can be calibrated for drag racing, sand dune riding, trail riding (fast, slow or moderate), moto-cross or TT racing, and of course jumping or a mix of several different styles of riding. After market shocks can be re-built if a seal fails, if a spring breaks, or if you need them tuned differently for your style of riding. This can’t be done with most all factory shocks.
In the ATV world, what we call as shocks are really combination spring over shock absorber assemblies and are either installed with or without reservoirs.
The most common type of shocks on low end sport and utility factory machines are designed without reservoirs. These types of shocks generally offer little if any adjustability. They are designed as all-around use, but generally not for racing or higher performance riding. They cost the factory less to install, and can be very costly if they need to be replaced. If a shock or spring fails or becomes worn, usually an aftermarket shock of much better quality can be purchased for less than a factory replacement! A quality after market shock with or without a reservoir can greatly improve the ride of your machine.
Modern higher end sport ATVs come from the factory installed with shocks that have reservoirs and are adjustable. However, as with the non-reservoir shocks, these are designed to meet the needs and weight of many different riders. You may need a set of aftermarket shocks to give you that ‘edge’ over your friends and other riders!
Some higher end shocks are designed with a container or a reservoir for extra fluid and “nitrogen gas”. Reservoirs help keep the shock cooler and increases shock performance. Some shocks feature ‘piggy back’ reservoirs that are attached directly to the upper shock mount. Other shocks have remote reservoirs that are shock using a hose. The remote reservoir shock is sometimes needed for ease of installation or clearance, but there really is not any performance difference between the piggy back and remote reservoir shocks.
After market shocks have options that can be selected by the rider.
There are standard travel shocks that are designed to be the same length as the stock shocks on your quad and are made to work with stock or aftermarket A-arms.
Long travel shocks offer a longer shaft travel than the stock shocks. They can allow you to increase wheel travel when used with aftermarket A-arms. Additionally, they can easily be set up and tuned for the rider with a greater range of adjustment.
Dual-rate shocks are built using two springs where there is one main spring and one that helps to set the ride height.
A triple-rate shock is where three springs are used. The top spring is used to set the ride height, the middle spring offers a more plush ride over smaller bumps and then there is a large main spring.
Quadruple-rate long-travel shocks use four springs. The top is for the ride height, and the center two strings provide a smooth and plush transition before the main spring begins to work.
On my 2003 Yamaha Raptor LE, last year at the urging of Nate Bach at Curry Bros. Motorsports, I installed a set of Elka triple rate standard travel shocks with piggy back reservoirs on the front, and an Elka rear shock with a remote reservoir. This year I added an Elka lower shock linkage. Nate was right, the machine rides and handles much better. If you have ever ridden a first generation Yamaha Raptor, you will notice that with the factory suspension, there is a tippy-ness when cornering. Some people choose to widen out the stance of the Raptor to increase stability, but I like the narrow-ness of the machine for fast trail riding on narrow tree lined trails. Also the factory suspension is bouncy in the woop-dee-doos and it was difficult to keep the machine under control in big woops.
After the new Elka shocks, my Raptor corners much better, and the tippy-ness is GONE! Also the woops are smoothed out big time. I noticed even more of a difference with the new Elka lower control link. Additionally, the black, red and gold Elka’s look REALLY cool on my black Raptor LE. I installed the shocks in my driveway in about an afternoon. The rear remote reservoir with the stainless steel braided hose (from the reservoir to the top of the shock) was kind of a challenge, but was mounted near the fender for easy access to the adjusting knob.
If you would like to be able to travel down the trail or track, or just want some relief for your back, a good set of after market shocks like Elka’s will be a big improvement over the stock shocks. They even make set ups for utility 4x4 machines and strut replacements.
For pricing, contact your local ATV dealer. A good dealer will know what set up you will need. Elka is now offering a 10% discount to NOHVA members. You will need to have a current NOHVA membership to qualify. All the dealer has to do is contact Elka and mention the NOHVA 10% discount. To confirm your membership status, your dealer or Elka may contact me to confirm your membership. Elka suspensions can also be ordered directly from Elka.
Nebraska Elka Dealers
Columbus:
Curry Bros. Motorsports
1500 E. 23rd
402-563-2224
888-849-2225
Columbus:
The Off-Road Company
513 E. 23rd
402-564-7720
Hastings:
Hastings Cycle and ATV
522 S. Elm
402-463-4717
Lincoln:
Lincoln Cycle and ATV
3320 Cornhusker Hwy.
402-464-5551
Omaha:
C & D Cycle/Platte Valley ATV
4855 S. 66th Circle
402-614-2508
Elka Suspension (main plant)
1585-M De Coulomb
Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8L7
800-557-4855
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Tuesday, August 01, 2006