Advise on Suspension upgrades

[MotulMonsta]

If you replace your A-arms with an aftermarket set, the kit should contain everything you need. Now if they are charging you for tie rods..then they're ripping you off.

[BenBB]

I'll throw in a couple cents.

 

If you're running dunes and desert, unless the trails are super tight, get +2" a-arms. Most aftermarket a-arms will be forward (I run Ricky Stators also and would recommend them, they are 5/8" forward). Also go with a +2" axle (I run an LSR Axcalibur and love it). The a-arms will come with longer tie rods, you'll need to use your stock ends.

 

One thing I might mention is that the stock Banshee rear shock is an Ohlins. It's a very good quality shock and fully adjustable. Unless you go with a no-link I don't think you'll gain a whole lot from a multi-rate rear shock since the stock linkage is progressive. If you really hate how the rear stocker works, you can always get it revalved and/or resprung for your weight and riding ability (Works, Janssen, Derisi and others do this).

 

On the swingarm length, I think it all comes down to traction. Sand draggers need that extra length to keep the front end down. MX & TT racers gain alot from shorter swingers for better traction and tighter turning radius. Most of the XC guys I've talked to like the stock length. So if you're constantly spinning, consider a shorter arm; if you're struggling to keep the front end down, go longer. Either way get a round-housing (or Honda style) swingarm and carrier, it is WELL worth not having the chain adjustment nightmare of the stocker, and will be stronger.

 

A-arm brands I would recommend; Ricky Stator, Janssen, Quicksand, Roll Design, Leagers.

A-arm brands I would avoid like the plague; anything made by American Star (some places sell them as their own but are ASR-like Alba and Magnum-they suck).

 

Axle brands I would recommend; Lonestar, RPM.

Axle brands I would avoid; Durablue (not firsthand experience but I've heard enough horror stories).

 

Shock brands, well get the best you can afford but I run Works fronts and love them, for the money I don't think you can beat 'em. Elka, Axis, TCS, Ohlins, etc. are all good brands and if they are set up right you probably couldn't tell much difference when riding, but anything is better than the stock fronts.

 

Another thing to consider when you're upgrading is an axle locknut like Alloyspecialties, shockwears to keep the shocks new, and a good chain like DID X-ring if you hafta change the length. Good luck.

[DUNEDEMON]

Now the axle I do plan on replacing but no one has yet to say good or bad things about Durablue.

 

You'll get some mixed views on this one. I run a Durablue X-33 axle, dune the ever loving shit out of my bike and abuse it in the desert too and I have yet to have one single problem with the axle. Guys racing MX may have another story but I love mine.

 

Also would stock length be sufficent or should I go longer?

 

I think you meant wider, and I would say yes, a wider axle makes the bike much more stable, plus depending upon the ofset of your wheels you can get the front and rear track width to match if you go with the +2+1 a arms.

 

With that in mind should I go -1 on the swingarm, leave it stock or go longer?

 

I say at the very minimum, leave it stock and get the rear shock re-valved. But if you primarily ride sand I say go longer. I have a +4 and still ride in the desert with no problems.

[racer]

is it true that you can only jump with up to a +4 swinger. i realize that a +10 is outrageous, but when im done with my motor im gonna have a hell of a time keepin that front end down since im so light. so would a +2 or +4 be ok for the dunes but not be too much to handle in the air?

[DUNEDEMON]

is it true that you can only jump with up to a +4 swinger. i realize that a +10 is outrageous, but when im done with my motor im gonna have a hell of a time keepin that front end down since im so light. so would a +2 or +4 be ok for the dunes but not be too much to handle in the air?

Never heard of a "rule" that a +4 is all you can jump. I have a +4 arm and air it out every chance I get, performs great while in the sand or in flight, no problems what so ever. While jumping a bike with a +10 arm may be a handfull, if the arm was built corectly there should be no problems.