I am gonna start racing my Raptor. It only has stock shocks right now. I never have messed with any of the shock settings on any of my quads. What would be best settings for mx? I am about 5'9 220 lbs.

 

if your going to get serious about racing, i would dump the stock shock. Plan on purchasing a set of their Elkas or TCS.

 

Yeah, if you're running mx on a stock raptor and you weigh over 200, replacing the stock shocks is a must. Anything is an improvement over stock, but go with the best you can afford. I would look into PEP or custom axis if you are serious. Otherwise, a good set of works triple rates w/remotes or Ohlins shocks is good for the occasional mx'er. A-arms and an axle are also definite musts. The air and speed you'll soon be getting with these improvements will find you wanting a better rear shock and swingarm also. A halfway decent, full suspension setup will cost you between $3,000 and $4,000. Good luck.

I raced my raptor stock for some time and faired well, however, I often found myself coming in second to bikes with full suspension setups. Cornering and whoop-section speed just isn't quite there on the stocker.

 

I already have a Durablue extended axle. Need to get a-arms and shocks and mx tires. They just built an open track not too far from me so I will be able to practice. I have always wanted to race but never had anywhere to practice. Now I will be more confident to enter races. Raptor is already running 12/44 gearing so that is done. Suspension is just so expensive. I will ride it stock in mean time. So what do I need to set the stocker shocker's at? Very much appreciate the info. Thx guys.

 

I ran the stock front shocks one setting stiffer on the preload for the two races I ran them in. As for the rear, that is up to you.

One way to set your shock up is to give yourself 1 inch of sag. This is done by measuring the distance from the ground to the grab bar with the suspension fully extended and again with the bike resting on the ground. To create a 1 inch difference between the two measurements, adjust the spring preload accordingly until that is obtained. This is a good general measurement to begin with. On the bottom of the shock there is a large screw. Turning the screw, with a flat head screwdriver, to the right will increase your rebound, or the speed at which the spring returns from being compressed to full travel. Turning to the left will slow your rebound speed. As you turn this screw, you can feel the changes by pushing down hard and compressing the rear shock and watching it return to rest. Faster riders usually have a higher rebound.

There is another screw at the top of the shock reservoir. By turning the screw left you decrease your compression, and to the right you increase your compression. Compression affects the amount of travel the shock uses and how quickly it reacts to the hits received from landing jumps and hitting woops and square-edged braking bumps. Again, depending on the speed at which you ride, your settings will vary.

The best way to determine suspension setup is to actually go ride at a track, take your tools, and make minor adjustments and see how they react.

 

I am a fast rider so that sounds like what i'll have to do til I can gain some experience and get my suspension setup.