I recently bought my first quad, I love the quad, runs beautifully. One thing I have been noticing, the better I get, the harder I ride, the more I feel the suspension is not so great (really beating up my butt). My boyfriend has been saying that I need new shocks. He has been looking all over the Internet and can't find any aftermarket shocks for this bike in particular. First, does anyone else have any other, possibly cheaper, fixes for softening my suspension? Second, if shocks are a must, where can I find them? Any advice would be great appreciated!

 

I did a quick check, works performance, elka, and fox all show models for you cat. Additionally, this is really a Suzuki built z400 with different seat and plastics. Shocks labeled for it or the Kawasaki kfx400 will be a direct fit. You could get the stock rear rebuilt, revalve and respring for your weight and riding style. It is cheaper than an aftermarket unit, and will feel a lot better. For example, I had GT THUNDER do that to my yfz rear, and it matches up real well to the Fox Floats I run on the front. Adding wheel spacers or longer a arms to the front will also change the leverage ratios and effectively soften the stockers, which may work well enough for you. Spacers won't change suspension feel on the rear.

Another quick thought, how are your suspension bearings? These are often overlooked in routine maintenance but if they are seized up your shocks can't compress properly and the ride gets quite harsh.