I hope this isn't a silly question, but I just bought a new 01 Black DS, which I am picking up at the dealer monday. My question is about the toe out setting on the front end. Should I have the dealer do this for me, or is it something I can do when I get it home? Can't wait to ride this beast!


Thanks,

 

Tell the dealer to do it[you are buying a new quad, they should take care of you], but check it yourself when you get home.

 

Hey Knutz~
What should the toe out be adjusted to on a new DS? Mine is about a month old and I would like to make the handling a little better without going into aftermarket parts(not yet atleast). It seems a little twitchy at times, but that could be due to my lighter weight(165lbs).

 

First, set your pre-load[or sag] to 4" in the front and about 4.5"-5" in the rear. This set up is good for lighter riders.

Then, with you on the quad, set your toe to 1/8" toe out.

This should set your handling about as stable as is practicle with stock components. I hope that helps.

 

Hey Knutz~
Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try today. I'm just having one problem...I can't get the preload spring to turn on my rear shock. Does it just have to be broken loose with a big channel lock pliers? Any ideas? Thanks.

 

First, spray the threads with a health dose of WD-40 or similar cleaner/lube. This will clean the dirt and gunk out of the theads making it easyer to adjust.

Then, release the upper ring with a large, flat head screwdriver and a hammer[a proper sized spanner wrench is preferred, but few people have this tool], tapping it counter clockwise when viewed from the top of the shock.

To adjust the pre-load, turn the spring in the direction you want to adjust it. Clockwise for more pre-load, counter clockwise for less. It is much easyer to adjust if you have a way to hold the rear of the bike up. A friend lifting on the grab bar untill the tires are barely one the ground works great.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks again, Knutz for the good info. I picked up my new 01 Black ds today and had the dealer's mechanics adjust the toe to 1/8" toe out. They had never had a customer ask for this before! I am very impressed with this machine!