Just bought a new Raptor. I'd like to buy new shocks for it but was wondering if I need to change the a-arms or not. I wouldn't want to buy shocks and then have to change them later. I'm not a racer, but I do like to jump (not huge), ride in the dirt and sand, just have fun with it. With what I do it doesn't want to tip on me but I dont know if changing them will also help out to smooth the ride.

Jeff

 

Not everyone replaces the a-arms with new shocks some just buy offset front wheels to help keep the front end stable.

Ive had no problem with my stock a-arms but some people that I know have broken theirs and have gone with the Ricky stator replacements.

 

Did they break them from big jumps/hard riding? Also what kind of exhaust system do you have?

 

I would definately get A-arms at the same time. It makes the bike a whole lot more stable. You can go with an offset wheel as RSO660R stated. I am not sure how much of an offset you can get with the wheels. I would think that getting a 2" offset wheel would put a lot of strain on the spindle/bearings. I am not sure.

Like you said though, you don't want to get the shocks first and then realize you want A-arms later.

I hear the Ricky Stator A-arms are nice. Many of my friends and I are very please with the Alba ProComp A-arms. Alba has a package deal for shocks, a-arms and braided brake lines. Pretty good deal.

Good Luck!

 

Let me re-phrase that the only thing that was broken was the top arm [aluminum] he hit a huge razor and tweaked it. It probably would have been messed it up even if it wasnt aluminum.


As far as the exhaust I use Its F.M.F. ive used them since ive had my first bike and will put their pipes on any bike i will own in the future. Its whats right for me, I like them regardless of what anybody says.

High flow header, Power Core4 silencer

 

I think this is what seems to be the "norm" for new Raptor pilots. The quad seems great when you first get it but as you work your way through the learning curve and get faster you realize it has a very high center of gravity. Then you will want to make it wider. Some go with wheel spacers and others flip their tires around. Both ways work well, but it puts a lot of stress on your a-arms and axle. One of two things will probably happen. You will break something in which case you will have to replace the broken parts or you will find that everyone else has gone to wider a-arms and axles. If you have to replace an a-arm you will find that Yamaha charges over $200 for 1
a-arm and and you can buy a whole set of a-arms and tie rods for as little as $400 and they will have some sort of guarantee with them. The catch is, the guarentee is void if you use your stock shocks in a lot of cases. Shocks very in price depending on the type of riding you do and how much your wallet will allow you to keep up with the Jonse's.
So here is my .02 worth of advise. Keep your stock shocks and a-arms and start saving for new a-arms and shocks. There is a ton of info in here on all the parts. Also, look to see what other people are using.
Here's what I paid and I think I am on a pretty tight budget.
American Star A-arms (+2+1) about $430
Works tripple rate w/ remote resivore front shocks and Works rear shock for my weight and riding style (pre set-up) $1005
I'm still using spacers on the back, but a new axle will be comming soon. Around $400
Hope this helps.