DieselTech Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 Hello all, I'm beginning to plan out my complete 'Shee rebuild, and I'm looking for advice on suspension set-up. Everything is stock right now, but I want to upgrade the suspension 'cause stock sucks. I ride mostly trails in NY and PA, and I ride at a good pace. I also take it to the MX track every once in a while too. So, given that, any suggestions? I've been researching thru BHQ forums on this subject, and it sounds like a shorter swingarm gives better traction (moves weight back), and that +1/+2 arms up front are the way to go. I'm not sure about the swinger, as far as -1 or -2, any opinions about which is a better choice. Also, recommendations on specific manufacturer's? I'm pretty much set on either Elka or TCS shocks. As far as engine stuff goes, it's pretty much stock - just a Dynoport 2-1 pipe and Vforce2 reeds. I plan on doing a complete rebuild of the motor (out of an '87, my bike is a '99 - the original motor will probably get sold on ebay after I build the '87) - but it will be pretty mild as well - these things have plenty of power for the type of riding I do (no dunes here in NY). So what I'm saying is that I'm not building some monster motor for this thing - I've got better things to spend my money on than a $5k motor! I'm considering going to a 2-1 carb setup, and possibly some porting (maybe do it myself). The '87 motor needs a crank, so I'm considering either a HotRods or Vito's crank, or having this one rebuilt (or rebuilding it myself - now that's a big task!). I'd like to fabricate/repair as much as I can on this build - alot of satisfaction in knowing that I did all the work myself. Of course, I'm no expert either, so the chances of screwing something up are good too. Actually, I've contemplated building my own arms and swinger too - but I may be too ambitious. This is my first project bike - I've never done a complete rebuild before. Anyway, any suggestions or advice on any aspect of these ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiftdT4R Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 I run a -1 LSR swinger on my bike with a TCS rebuilt stock rear shock. The +2+1 arms will move the front of the bike out an inch, and a -1 will move the rear of the bike in an inch. So the bike will be same length as a stock bike, but your center of gravity will be closer to the back wheels. I'm a lighter guy so I noticed a huge difference with my new suspension setup. Definately hooks eaiser out of the corners, and gets way more traction (which is good for a high revving motor like these). Alot of guys are running -2s now, I was concerned that would be a little too short, although Ive never ridden one. The biggest thing is going to be making sure you have the right shock for the shortened swinger. TCS will rebuild your stock rear for around $300-$400, (includes new valving, recharge and springs) they do an awesome job, and the rebuilt rear is comparable to a $700 elka rear for a lot less. All in all, if you dont care about the price, or can find something cheap I would definately reccomend it. If you price out a -1 brand new, and a TCS rebuild your over $1000. I don't think it's worth that much. I found a used swinger, and did the $400 TCS rebuild so the whole rear cost me about $650. For that price Id reccomend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OKCterror Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 i have a +2 rear swing with a +4 axela and i only weigh about 160 and i hook up good on corners wihen im just goofn off but when i go to the sand is when i get the best performance. I know sand is not what your going for but there are many diff ways to tune it to your settings. But i know alot of guys are runnging the -2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE GRIM RIPPER Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 Look up a guy on ebay called SLCQUADCUSTOMS... Tell him "daacreeper" sent you, IMO you should purchace a round house swingarm -1. That would be perfect for you. And as far as the shocks stick with ELKa's. You could make the setup even nicer if you used the Long travel linkage Elka sell as well... but that another $400.00... My $0.02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterlocal22 Posted September 3, 2008 Report Share Posted September 3, 2008 if you have the money get an avenger swingarm they make some really nice stuff. i prefer the -2 one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washburn Posted September 3, 2008 Report Share Posted September 3, 2008 My expirence with a -2.5 swingarm is it actualy hooked too hard but I am a big guy 300lbs and that had alot to do with it so Im back to stock. I would one day like to buy a used stock swingarm and cut it so its minus 1. Out of all of the guys that I talked too on here claim they love the -2 and a few true XC Racers and the XC guys said -2 is to short but they ride 4 pokes a bunch of them owned a Banshee at one point and probably never thought to go -2 is my guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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