My 2000 DS650 suspension seems not to be set up as it should. I recently acquired this machine and at higher speeds, through minor rough stuff, it is all over the trail and is really a hand full. The steering is tight and not a problem. I'm sure the guy that had it before me has it all out of whack or is this a problem with the 2000 model year? At speed, my Banshee and my wife's Polaris Sport would just float through this minor stuff. The DS seems to ride really stiff and hard. I have not messed with it at all until I get some input of maybe a standard place to start. I am a 220 lb rider and not a novice but would welcome some input from anyone with any worthwhile advice. Thx in advance..Dean

 

Steering/suspension set-up thread

 

Thx for the info. Looks like adjustment may help tremendously. What are the costs of new a-arms? As I read the info, it appears that having different off set front wheels (new factory)helps. Does anyone know this to be a fact or have they tried it? Thx. again. I owe you..Dean

 

Markynark..Thanks again for your info and help. Will check this tomorrow night and also may make a change on the tires. I have another set in the garage that are of another more round configuration which may also help. Thx again. You will probably hear more from me...Dean

 

Don't believe the BS about the wheels being the only thing changed for the '02 DS and Baja. They didn't completely change the a-arms just for looks. I have a '01 DS and an '02 Baja. My '01 was a beast till I put the TimmyBoy uppers on it and changed to works triples, and then changed the springs on them.
....Here's the point. I wanted my XCT's on my Baja, but didn't want to switch tires and rims, so I put my '01 wheels and XCT's on my Baja.
Theoretically this should have undone the only improvement to the '02's.
Not so. It handles just like the '01 with the TimmyBoys. The Baja and '02 DS are dramatically changed, and it is not just the wheels. Oh there may be a little less offset, but it is the caster in the A-arms that makes the big difference.
....Check your toe. With rider aboard, 1/8" toe-out is the consensus around here, and can make a world of difference. Also remember that 23" front tires effectively increases caster as well.
....The stock shocks vary considerably. The stockers on my Baja are just fine. The shocks on my DS were valved for a Mack truck. Back way off on the preload front and rear, put a 15 tooth countershaft sprocket on it which will save your chain roller and compensate for 22" rear tires which add ground clearance and traction.

 

That's the way mine seems to be Fourlix. It seems to be valved for a Mack truck and rides like it too. It will really jar your teeth. I don't want to seem like a whine butt, BUT, if Bombardier knew this situation existed, it should have been corrected by THEM. It seems that everbody who has one then needs to spend big bucks ( WORKS shocks, adjustable A-arms and etc.) to correct a engineering design fault on a performance quad that can be very dangerous. I know you better stay right on top of it or you will end up on your ear. Oh well, I will check and change the things I can and lighten the preload and change the tires with others I have and the toe-out and etc. I'm sure that will help. Thx. again to all..Dean

 

I have the mack truck front shocks on my '01 as well! When I set the front sag at around 2" or 20% of travel, they are as stiff as a ?????? Snap your arms off at the elbow or take a nose dive while turning! That's the two settings I have with the stock front shocks! Setting the toe at 1/8" out with the rider seated does make a big difference though!

 

I am a "Mack Truck," but i ride an 02 baja as well..

Later