Author Topic: Looking for advice for new set up (Read 5868 times)

cww909 · « **on:** January 30, 2016, 01:38:19 AM »

So I've had my R for about a year now and have rode it a few times, completely stock as far as I could tell. I've put some ESR parts on after some research here, 5b center mount, ESR intake and airstryker carb.

So now with spring approaching, I'll be shopping to upgrade the suspension, axle and a arms. So my question is this, I've been on here for quite some time and have seen to steer clear from the cheap eBay arms. I'm leaning towards the "Dune Package" on Lonestar and getting the Elka Legacy Shocks, my 450 has the Elkas and it rides very well, or talking with JD and swing what kind of similar package they can put together. Any suggestions as to either way? I know that LSR puts out quality just wasn't sure if JD is comparable, as they seem a little cheaper. Sorry for the long post, cheers!

Curtis
Sorry for crappy pic, it's winter and garage is filled with cardboard from gifts haha
86 R

2004 YFZ 450

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cww909 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2016, 01:48:18 AM »

Oh forgot to add that I live in Reno, so main riding will be rocky high desert with occasional trips to Sand Mountain and up to Oregon Dunes(used to live and ride there)

Novice riders btw. Also open to other possible brands. Trying to keep it cheap but still have quality. ~$2000 is limit with the shock package at about $1000 already

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jwraymond6 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2016, 01:57:54 AM »

I have an older set of LSR arms and Elka stage 4 I'm pretty happy with the way they ride alot smoother than my stock yfz450

huntertools · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2016, 09:31:30 AM »

I will let you know soon about the JD package. Just installed +3 MGC with Elka stage 5 long travel front and rear. Laeger swingarm. Have a few more things to button up before it's ready to ride, but can't wait to see how it's going to perform.

Michael88R · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2016, 09:51:18 AM »

I'd pick JD over lone star. Those Mgc arms look sweet. Good for rocky terrain too. Another option is teixeira tech. He did have long travel arms for $575. His stuff is quality.

cww909 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2016, 11:49:27 AM »

Didn't see any for us on Teixeira's website. But thanks for the replies. This site is awesome, wouldn't think of doing anything to my quad without looking here first

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cww909 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2016, 11:52:00 AM »

Now if I'm doing desert and dune riding, is going +2 or +3 better, and LT or ST? I'm leaning towards ST since I won't be jumping and if I do, it will only be small stuff at the dunes.

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havinnoj · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2016, 11:59:30 AM »

Quote from: cww909;63883

Now if I'm doing desert and dune riding, is going +2 or +3 better, and LT or ST? I'm leaning towards ST since I won't be jumping and if I do, it will only be small stuff at the dunes.

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A long travel shock might not give you more wheel travel but it will give you more shock travel. More shock travel can be nice for various reasons, some being: better tuning, plusher initial ride, etc. If you're spending the money on both a-arms and shocks, I would go LT. As far as +2 v +3, that can be personal preference. I only ride dunes and prefer a front end around 50". +3's with a 4:1 offset wheel will get you to right at 50" and handles well.

cww909 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2016, 02:02:13 PM »

Ok awesome. Yeah 50" is about what I would like. I believe the 450 is at that width. It had the shocks and arms and looks to be new axle when I bought it. Houser arms, Elka shocks all around and rear is wide so I assume aftermarket axle. Plush ride, so I would like the R to ride similar as my wife and I will be riding either one at any given time

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Michael88R · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2016, 10:35:01 PM »

It doesn't cost that much more to go with a long shock setup if u are buying new. Maybe $100-200 more. I think JD charges $100 more for long shock arms. Most shock companies are same price whether it's 16" shock or 19" shock. As said above, +3 arms with 4+1 wheels is the way to go unless the width is a problem where u ride.

cww909 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:56:07 AM »

So I've now decide to definitely do LT arms, but am wondering if I can just do the arms and shocks in front, new rear axle and leave the stock rear shock? I was thinking that I could change the rear shock later in the year or next spring as money would be easier and I could do higher end front shocks, otherwise I would just do the Elkas all around since they have a really good deal.
I was leaning towards still spending around $2000 on the suspension and saw a LSR with Fox Evols for that price.
Or I have even thought of contacting Maul Tech and get their HLS Enhanced(remote resi) $695, or the Elite(piggyback) $895 which has hi/low compression. I'm sure they might be a bit more for LT. I like them just because I've heard such good things.

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cww909 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:12:40 PM »

I need to find a cheaper hobby

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havinnoj · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2016, 04:27:24 PM »

Quote from: cww909;64485

So I've now decide to definitely do LT arms, but am wondering if I can just do the arms and shocks in front, new rear axle and leave the stock rear shock? I was thinking that I could change the rear shock later in the year or next spring as money would be easier and I could do higher end front shocks, otherwise I would just do the Elkas all around since they have a really good deal.
I was leaning towards still spending around $2000 on the suspension and saw a LSR with Fox Evols for that price.
Or I have even thought of contacting Maul Tech and get their HLS Enhanced(remote resi) $695, or the Elite(piggyback) $895 which has hi/low compression. I'm sure they might be a bit more for LT. I like them just because I've heard such good things.

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Buy once, cry once is my thought when it comes to this hobby.

If it were me - I would get exactly what you want now - so means doing the LT arms + front shocks and an axle and doing the rear shock later - that's a good decision. No reason you must do front and rear shocks at the same time.

broken1 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2016, 04:34:53 PM »

You could also just send your stock rear shock in for a rebuild & have it set up for your weight & riding style. That would be cheaper than buying new & oem rear shocks can be set up to work well.... We have friends in Sparks that desert race, lots of great riding in your area & I can't wait to go back.

cww909 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2016, 05:00:25 PM »

Quote from: broken1;64489

You could also just send your stock rear shock in for a rebuild & have it set up for your weight & riding style. That would be cheaper than buying new & oem rear shocks can be set up to work well.... We have friends in Sparks that desert race, lots of great riding in your area & I can't wait to go back.

Thanks that's an option I didn't even think about. As I've seen from other threads that rebuilding shocks is a pretty cost effective alternative. I'll have to look and see if there is an atv shock guy here that could rebuild. I know there is a bunch of dirtbike shops here and one that may do suspension if they're still in business.

And ya I agree, buy once cry once. So it may be nice front, axle and rear rebuilt.

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