I'd like to soften up the front end on my new DS-650. There seem to be only spring adjustments in the front. Is there a way to soften up the front end without replacing shocks? If not, what kind of shocks will smooth out the ride?? I don't need to land 20 foot jumps, just hold on in this very rocky terrain we have here.
I can't keep up with my Sportsman 'cause I am being beat up!! The Sportsman's smooth ride lets it go faster 'cause it can soak up the bumps.
The back end of the DS is not the problem, and is adjustable. The jarring through the handlebars is fatiguing, and hardly conducive to riding 50+ miles in an afternoon.
The front end of the DS is awesome, especially with the Timmy Boy upper A-arms, but these shocks are kicking my a$$. And for all the
hype on the Sportsman's independent Rear suspension, it is the front that has the notably smoother ride. How can you go fast if you are having the **** beat out of you??
I love the power and handling. I miss reverse, ground clearance and a smooth ride. I don't mind shifting, the power is worth more. I miss floorboards. Nerf bars will do, they are virtually the same thing.

 

Cruisin' thru Dirt Wheels I find "Works Performance Front ATV Steelers" "Guaranteed to soak up the hits and give your ATV the ultimate
SMOOTH ride without bottoming!" From $299/pair.
Anybody have any experience with these shocks on a DS?

 

The $299 is misleading the shocks they used cost about $890.00 a pair. The new fronts improved the front end to the point that the back end needed improvement and that one coast about $800 or more. They are very good shocks and PEP has a hard time in making them fast enough to meet demand. Before you order make sure they have all the parts to make the shocks. I have a set of TSC shocks on order for 45 days and counting. The springs for my for me are on back order; I am a big guy (250 lbs). The TSC did win the Baja 2000. The shocks are one of the best areas to make improvement on any ATV. Places that you had to slow down to get though before you will be able to power though with the new shocks. They are expensive but they are made to fit you, and your riding stile. They have more adjustments and can be rebuilt if you blow them out.

 

You will probably never be totaly satisfied with the front shocks. I've tried adjusting them and they end up either too stiff or too soft with no damping. I weigh around 170lbs. When they get too soft, the steering and handling gets even worse than as delivered. At some point, custom axis is coming out with triple rate fronts. If you need something quick, you might want to go with Works, however, I would not recommend the cheap shocks, I would go with the Pro Piggyback triple rate fronts. Many people swear by TCS and AXIS, other say Works is garbage. In the mean time, try loosening the preload just a little bit.

 

Well I just bought the cheap Works shocks, from Shock Connection $339, then came here to post, and saw Scooby's post. Scooby does things big though,,,
I am going for trail riding and the shocks will be set for "plush". Not for 20 foot landings. They can be returned for free
re-adjustment in the first 30 days if they are too stiff or too soft. They will take about 2 weeks to "build". Then maybe I can keep up with my Sportsman...

 

Just got back from a short test ride with the XCT's. BIG improvement in ride and handling, plus ground clearance. I think the Kendas were part of the problem. I couldn't stand this thing stock, now it's coming together. I can live with it till I get the new Works Steeler shocks, that should top it off nicely.

 

I've got to agree with 3TV here I had to turn up the preload on the front, diveing on hard braking even lifting the inside rear under hard brake and turning and they do seem to soak up anything I've managed to throw at them, running 4psi in the Kendas. Glad to heat the XCT's are good I'm putting them on next week, Let us know how you like those Steelers