Well it finally happened, I bent the right side of my axle. I guess we were jumping too much, and over the past year it finally had enough. At first I thought it was the wheel, and they stuck it on a computerized balancer and the wheel was straight. So I headed home, and put the bike up on jackstands, and took the left tire off. Started it up, put it in 1st, and walked around really slow (like a kid being punished), and sure enough is had a bend to it.. maybe only a 4-5mm runout [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]. In the past month I have spent a good chunk of change...bought a HMF header, nerf bars, replaced both front and rear grab bars, and bought new Razr's all around. And I guess I am going to need a new axle.

My question is, I searched for "bent axle" and came up with some information, but it was from 2000-2002 posts. People stated the RPM or LSR's are great for jumping, RPM being better. Next month I get my college pell grant, and will have some left over...somewhere in the neighborhood of...$400-$600. I need a good strong, reliable axle. I can purchase a stock Yamaha axle off of ebay, brand new for $200...but it will bend again. I am not wanting an extended axle, a stock size axle for a Raptor. If i pick up a new axle will my hubs, caliper, and sprokets fit onto the splines from the new axle?

I am open to opinions, but I really need a good..."Buy this axle, because, and it comes with this" kind of reply..
Thanks for all the help...

 

Don't buy a factory yamaha axel, they are junk [banshee-raptor share the same axel]. I bought a dura blue axel for $280 or so, but the best deal on axels now are the g-force axel from rocky mountain atv.com. $200, and they are adjustable width. Very good axel. Again stay away from stock yamaha banshee-raptor axels.

 

Why dont you want an extended axle? It sure helped my bike. Probably the best mod I have done so far. I feel alot more comfortable making turns without the tippy feel.The G-force has been great so far. Looks really good and can be adjusted to +2 or +4 inches. Although it seems wider then that. I measure 50" inches wide at the rear now.(widest setting). I dont really jump so I cant help you there, but the axle comes with a lifetime warranty I believe. I liked it so much I put the G-force spacers on front two! I think I got the axle for like $220.00 shipped to my door.

Good Luck...

 

do they make that G-Forces in std. size?

 

No, just +2 or +4...

 

Well I read some information on G-Force both here and at b1uetraxx forums. Sounds like a great deal for the price. Their is just no solid evidence to back it. From what I hear it is a new product, but the one thing that caught my attention was the warranty. I don't like that I can't keep my stock width. As for widening, I would love to widen the rear, as long as i get to widen the front at the same time. Most likely, I will drive it like it is for now, and in a couple of months, upgrade. Alba has a setup for $1000 with A-arms w/ Elka shocks, I will then prolly get an axle to match the +2 the provide. Thanks for the info.

 

If you are looking for a combination of great strength, widened and a fairly budgeted axle, call ALBA and ask them if the "uberaxle" has been put out for sale. They are developing an axle that is dang near indestructable and should be out soon if not already. Good luck.