New to quads but know snow machines. How does a quads suspension work far as handling and what not.
Just trying to get things set up on our new toys to fit us the best . With the swing arm style quad...being similar as a 3 pt adjustment like the sleds are set up in wt transfer and balance for handling ?
What are the principles on what changes what on a quad ?

 

What kind of atv do you have? Some stock shocks have more adjustments than others.

 

we just bought 2...2012 Kawasaki Brute 300's
They have adjustability ...5 clicks on each shock.
Rear is for wf transfer and absorbsion on a sled,figure that's the same being a swing arm set up on these
What are the effects of adjusting the fronts on a A-arm suspension on a quad ?
Some have said its the oposite then a sled being its a wheeled vehicle ??,any truth to that ?
I know a lot of it depends on conditions of use but I'm looking a general quad suspension 101

 

Well i know little to nothing about sleds, so I cant really compare the two. I just did a search about the 2012 bf 300. Seems like a great machine. But I could not find much info about the shocks besides 5 clicks adjustable. If you want more of a plush ride with nothing on the racks just adjust the shock so it is softer. If the racks are loaded up adjust the shocks so they are firm. You just need to play with them until you find what feels right for you. My ex had basically the same shocks in the front. The softer the front shocks are set the more the front end will push through corners at higher speeds.
Just a little tid bit. If I remember correctly the bf 300 has the same carb as the lakota 300, keihin cvk 32. Good luck with the new toy!

 

I recently wrote an article on this and other suspension topics. First things first is setting the sag. Here is how to do it. Like others have said, not all shocks and machines have a lot of adjustments, but almost all have a preload adjustment.

Setting the sag, suspension setup - The Junk man

 

Thanks guys , it sounds like the same basics as a sled and most other suspensions...set-in/sag ,wt transfer and style of riding . Being new to quads I just thought I would ask.
Wish I could find some specs on the shocks and springs . In the manual it says see dealer for adjustment?? . I see why ..no tool to adjust with in the tool kit . I just used the one from our sleds .
On our sleds they give you a baseline for wt and tell you what to do for what it's doing or you want it to do .

 

[quote=Need2ride;3103676].... In the manual it says see dealer for adjustment?? . I see why ..no tool to adjust with in the tool kit . [quote]


You know this is not uncommon. I guess they (manufactures) think that the majority of ATV riders are too stupid to adjust things. One other thing is manufacturers also must think that utility riders are overweight and or load these things down with supplies as I find those machines to almost always oversprung requiring a lighter spring change for recreational riding.

 

I can see that in my case..only about 2" set in and on the lightest setting . On the other hand the mrs is on the highest and sets in half the travel. Im afraid she might need more when we load up with overnight gear and cruising the rollers in the trails.
Most of the time the manufactures put low end hydro shocks on entry level units ,then you upgrade when their shot or don't work for you .
Wonder if a good shock guy could spec these and set me up with some that would be valved for us ?

 

Iam sure its possible. But they re valve for a certain weight, rider & gear. Sounds like the weight of your gear will be changing for different trips. You might want to look into aftermarket shocks. Ones that have more adjustments. Rather than rebuild the stock shocks. Or at least compare the 2 prices and options.

 

I agree, if you want total adjust-ability for the varying situations you use your ATV in aftermarket shocks are well worth the money. You just have to remember to adjust them every time you change the parameters you plan to use the ATV in. Or just live with the stock mediocre performing shocks.