Now that I added a number of aftermarket parts to my DS (exhaust, filter, shocks, carb, nerf bars, handle bar, you name it...) I have to say that the two things that really made a difference on my DS were the Steering Damper and the rear Holeshots. With these two little things it is a completely different quad.

The Steering Damper can improve dramatically the speed you pass through bumps and irregular terrain. Generally speaking the quad is now incomparable more stable. Not to mention that you don't get beaten so hard on long rides.

The rear Holeshots made the DS hook up much better, not loosing precious HP on excessive power slides, improving the overall handling and speed.

Of course it is also nice to have all the other things, but what I wanted to share with you is that, after spending a lot of $$$ on stuff these two things are the “must have” for the DS, in my opinion.

JNBOMB650

 

What size holeshots and what kind of pipe did you go with?

 

The pipe is a Graydon. It's been good so far, but I am worried with the leaks everyone is talking about.
The holeshots are 20". I didn't go with the 22 inches because I didn't want to change the center of gravity as it affects the handling on high-speed turns. It is true that it helps in the woods. Though I like to ride in woods I prefer fast tracks - baja type - so ground clearance is not a big issue for me.

 

I know what you mean by "beat up" this thing kicked my ***. No more. I agree with you on the Holeshots, but I went with the 22"/23" XCT's for more ground clearance, I got lots and lots of rocks. 14 tooth countershaft sprocket to offset the increase tire size, it is still plenty fast.
I think the TimmyBoy upper A-arms fix what your steering damper hides. By increasing the castor with the fully adjustable TimmyBoys, straight line stability is increased dramatically.
I think the turning radius suffers, but it is still easy to steer. A steering stabilizer would still be nice, but no longer a neccesity.
I just put on the "Works Steeler" front shocks. This was a primary cause of my beatings.
That front end was way too stiff, even for my 210lbs (all muscle of course). I just took it for a test ride, and I actually saw the front A-arms and wheels move for the very first time!! This is going to work. These shocks deserve a post of their own, triple rate for $339.
Nerf bars might keep me from breaking a foot on a rock or a log. And my Out'nBack rack keeps my cooler and a spare gallon of gas handy.
Oh crap, that's more than two things isn't it?

 

Glad to know I've already got both of those.

My First addition was the Steering Damper (PEP) I have loved these since I got one on my LT250R.

Next I went with a set of 22"/23" Holeshot XCTs. I liked the larger size better, the additional ground clearance, and the ability to get more power to the ground were my motivating factors. Now I am considering the 15 tooth countershaft sprocket to reduce my gearing slightly. (Tires add 10% to gearing, -1 tooth on the sprocket subtracts 7%.)

As soon as I get my DS back from the dealer (10 Hour service) I'm going to install my new Skid plate and K&N air filter. I'm curious to see if there is a notable difference with the K&N on this machine - anyone tried just changing the filter and doing some test runs?

 

i ran just the k&n before i put on my pipe. there was a slight increase in power. you can tell the difference.

 

I also ran the K&N alone but honestly couldn't feel much difference. Without the pipe and jetting, the filter alone can't do much.

JNBOMB650