When I first got my 400EX, the front shocks were set way too stiff so I put it at the lightest setting, and I did nothing with the rear shock. I am jumping a lot higher now and the front end is softer than the rear end, so the nose dives. To a certain degree, I can correct this by leaning back and revving the engine in the air, but I still land with my nose pointed slightly down. I would like to know a good rear shock setting for a an aggressive 155-pound rider. I like the plushness of the front end(softest setting) and I don't want to change them. I would like to keep the same proportions of the stock rebound/compression in the back, if that makes any difference. Let me know what would be a good setting for me. Thanks.

 

Mike,
I have to say that I'm a little confused here. If you are looking for a solution to the front end dropping, I see no correlation with the suspension adjustments, as they would only affect the performance after landing. I would think that your problem is that you are shutting off just as you begin the jump, which would cause the front end to drop. It's ok to shut off a little before the jump..that will load the suspension somewhat, but you should be on the gas when your rear wheels leave the lip of the jump and by standing on the pegs you'll unload the suspension to give you more lift.
Like making love to the lady of your life, it's all a matter of timing .

------------------
THE AZ HARD PACKER, calmiller@kachina.net

save the public land FOR you, not FROM you..join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online @ www.sharetrails.org



[This message has been edited by hot_shoe_cv (edited 11-09-1999).]

 

You don't think a front end that is softer than the back end will effect jumping? I am convinced that it does. The front suspension absorbs more while the back just skips off the jump, won't it? I am pretty sure this is the case, as I am keeping a steady throttle when taking off the face of the jump.

 

is there a special tool used to adjust the 400ex front suspension? i would like it a little softer than the preset 4th position. in the manual that dude has a special tool. do you need it or is there a technique. want some opinions before i smash a finger or something.

Jera '00 400ex

 

I thought the smae thing when I first went to adjust the front shocks on my 99 400ex but ended up useing a pair of vise grips and it worked. No need for pricey tools. For the rear a punch and hammer works well also.

 

Jeaner,
On one dirt bike I bought, it had an adjustment tool as part of the tool kit but it was so wimpy that it would bend or slip off the ring due to the tension of the spring. I tossed it and have used a pair of 12" Channel Locks ever since..no pain or strain. Besides, they are a valuable addition to your tool box for many other things.

------------------
THE AZ HARD PACKER, calmiller@kachina.net

save the public land FOR you, not FROM you..join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online @ www.sharetrails.org

 

Thanks guys, the channel locks worked great! it sure makes a difference when you adjust them. i am still testing each setting to find what best fits me.

Jera '00 400ex

 

Mike, suspension set-up does make a difference in jumping manners. Front suspension should have maybe an 1-2 inches of sag when fully extended and then when you get on it. The rear should have the same, maybe a little more. Also, both the front and rear end should of the quad should move the same distance when you push down on the pegs while standing on them. If either the front or rear moves more than the other, than that side should have less preload(Spring) or the side that moves less should have more preload. As far as set-up, it just takes trying different settings until you find the best for you.

Hope this helps,

Sickman

 

I'm curuios as to how much of a turn on the rebound screw makes a difference in adjustment to keep the rear on the ground. I have trouble in tight woop sections that give you a kick in the pants and result in a Superman (not by choice). Just how many full or half turns are needed to make a noticable difference?

------------------
Steve Small, 00' 400ex, 00' 325 Trail Boss for the Mrs.

 

I decided to try and adjust my suspension to a softer state to try ansd smooth the ride. The front I dropped to setting 3 and then I loosened the two thin nuts that go around the shock body and loosened them about 1/2". This in effect did the same thing as spinning the front shock because it takes pressure off the spring and makes it longer and gives a softer ride. I also messed with the rebound screw. This made the rear tires stick to the ground better and also took away some of the "spring" of the rear end. Hope it helps. Mike Mazza 2000 400ex