Is it just because it isn't a high selling item, therefore the price needs to go up? Or is it the actual construction/parts of the suspension?

 

Even stock suspension costs a fortune. Ever price an OEM replacement shock? Nice thing about aftermarket, they will costom make them for your weight and riding conditions.

 

I'm talking about any suspension-aftermarket, or OEM. I priced some 05 KFX front shocks for the EX last night.....$1000 each...thats ridiculous.

 

and, cuz I know this question will come up later...I work at a Kawi dealer and get a discount and KFX shocks fit the EX, thats why I was pricing those out.

 

Its actually very simple. People think more money makes it better. Just like a K&N filter they are the most expensive but you would be better off to just put an oily sock in the carb than run one.

 

Thats why im happy i bought a KFX and got quality shocks right off the bat

 

I work in manufacturing, and we get this all the time. We need to make a fair profit, in order to stay in business. We arent going to go to the trouble of making something and then selling at cost, if we did, we'd be out of business. Everyone who touches the part expects to be paid..designers, engineers, managers, supervisors, machinists, tool room guys, accountants..the list is endless. Then theres the liability issues, and insurance, worker comp, healthcare, EPA, OSHA, ..hell that list is endless too.
Bottom line, the cost is spread among the products made. If we could make a million peices and sell every one, the cost per piece is low, if we only sell 20...its extremely high. We try to keep pricing at a point where people will buy, but we do need to make a buck...and youd be surprised, at how little the manufacturer really keeps after expenses are paid. Now we have to compete, with the chinese and indians, and they arent burdened by the regs and insurance and government costs we have. I can tell you this...it will get much worse, before it gets better.
Its not only manufacturing...every thing is getting very expensive....gone out for beers lately, fill the truck up , buy a house, get sick, or have a tranny repaired?

 

Yea yea I agree that people have to make a profit in order to stay in business, but the fact still remains that ATV suspension parts are over priced. I'd bet anything that a Z400 shock does not cost more than 50 bucks to make. The entire machine sells for under 6K msrp. Someone once priced all the parts piece by piece for a honda 4x4. I think it was the old 300. Anyway it was a 5k dollar quad and if you bought all the parts separately it would cost something like 25,000. That's making more than a little profit!

It's just supply and demand at its finest. There are just a few aftermarket companies that produce ATV shocks. Because of this, they can jack the price and make a killing. Granted, there probably isn't a huge demand for ATV shocks but they are still a rip off.

I can by buy like 20 edelbrock shocks (which are awesome) for a car for the price of a good set of Elka shocks for a quad. That is pathetic! I could buy a truck load of sears road handlers!

They are overpriced, but what can you do?

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yeah it sucks i mean i would like to have a set of elka's but im not going to shell out about 3k for a set its bull shlt

 

EXRider22, Illini rocks!, and im a true Illini fan, not on the band wagon. How bout that sweet victory against Iowa today?