I've been away from atv riding for several years but I was looking at prices for aftermarket suspension components and the guys are crazy! $300 for a steering stem?? $1,500 for control arms?? $3,000 for a hybrid frame??

I could buy a brand new dirt late model chassis for the same price it would cost to build a race quad and the late model requires much more fabrication and design. I just don't understand why they charge so much? They aren't making this sport user friendly. The fabricators like Walsh, leager, roll design and whatever company that wants $1,500 for control arms and $300 for tie rods... Tie rods....$300 for tie rods!!! it makes me mad, these fabricators think their products are equivalent to rocket science technology. That's all for this rant, please chime in if you think I am wrong.

 

I would try eBay. In the past I hit some pretty good bargains. Craigslist sometimes has what you need. It just takes more patience to wait for what you're looking for.

 

Its the cost of doing business... R&D, manufacturing, payroll tax, workmans comp, general overhead, profit, etc. It all adds up. You also have to take into account that there are different specs for different models. Its not like they build and market universal tie rod ends.
Most people buying the brands you mention are hard core riders or racers. Not just weekend warriors. Off road sports are a rich mans game. Its not hard to dump 20K into a quad / toy. Pleasant or not, it is what it is.

 

The best way to get the prices to come in line, ... don't buy it.

 

I understand what you are all saying but the cost to make all these things don't add up. It should cost no more than $400-500 for a set of a arms and yes they do make universal tie rod ends they're called ball joints and they come in nearly every imaginable size. The companies charge these prices because idiots pay for them and as long as people are paying for them they can charge these prices and enjoy lavish lifestyles feeding from the lower classes. Its a vicious cycle that will likely never end. It would be much cheaper to copy their designs, jig it up weld it and buy some ball joints. I bet that I could make an identical copy of a arms for $150 in material on a saturday afternoon.

 

Some company's mass produce cheap parts for short $.
Others build limited production high end parts for big $. If you dont want to pay for high end parts, then dont buy them.
If you can build a better product faster and for less. Cool, do it.
Maybe you could make a few and sell them? Make sure you keep your profit margins low. Dont want to get upset with yourself.