I bought a dvx a month ago to use for racing mx. The problem is that I weigh about 200 pounds and the front shocks are to soft. Does anybody have any suggestions on what brand to replace them with. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEND AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE ON THIS UPGRADE FOR NOW BECAUSE THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER UPGRADES THAT NEED TO BE DONE.

 

check if the shocks are adjustable. It requires a special tool but the adjustment is easy, it should stiffin up those shocks...

 

Other than finding a cheap set of used shocks and having them revalved and resprung to your weight and riding style, the only "cheap" solution is Works shocks. They are a definite step up from stock shocks, but they are not as good as Elka, Axis, TCS, etc.

You should be able to get a good set of Works triple rates with remote rezzies for $400-500. These should be adjustable for at least compression and preload. They will really help you ride alot.

One question, why skimp on shocks now only to have to replace them with a better set in the near future? You said you have a lot of mod planned, like what? I have $18,000 into my Raptor and have replace nearly everything except the frame and engine cases. This was my first quad and I wish I knew what I now know. If I had it all to do over again suspension would be the first priority!! You can have all the power in the world, but if you can't get it to the ground and keep you quad under control, the power will not help you.

The 400 is a quick machine stock. Sure it can be made alot faster, but try to think what is holding you back most now. What will give you faster lap times and a more comfortable ride? Suspension or power? Do you want the ability to take corners faster, the ability to hammer through the whoops while quads with stock suspension are bucking the riders off? The ability to take the big jumps without fear of a brutal landing? Or being able to go faster in a straight line while looking cool?

You can spend all the money you have and make you quad super fast and lots of billet aluminum and chrome, but if you can't handle the jumps and corners you are going to get passed.

My suggestion would be a set of Elka SSD triple rates up front, compression adjustable, and an Elka SSD double rate in the rear w/compression and rebound adjustablity. This will lower your quad about 2-4 inches, widen the front about 2", give you more wheel travel, let you take any jump you want without worrying about the landing, and overall make you a faster rider. BUT, it will set you back about $1500, give or take a couple hundred. Save your pennies now so you don't have to waste them in the future. Good luck with your decision.

RR1

 

I would go for some Honda 450R fronts....they bolt right on and are adjustable compression, rebound and preload.....my $.02

 

Your right about suspension being the most important piece but I'm just a little short of coinage at the moment and want to get the best bang for the buck right now. I have been seriously looking at the works shocks for the cost factor they seem good for the money. Thanks for the advise.