Rubicon vs 450ES Suspension
#1
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I finally got to see the new Rubicon at Tousley Motorsports over the weekend and wish it would have been available for a test ride. (It was sold)
In looking the machine over, I compared the suspension to the 450ES which was also on the showroom floor and noticed the following. The shocks/springs are .8 inches longer on the Rubicon . In addition the springs of the 450ES are progressively wound with a tighter wind on the top of the spring vs the Rubicon which are wound straight from top to bottom.
Pushing down on the suspension of both machines was interesting. The 450ES compressed more easily than the Rubicon, yet riders have indicated that the Rubicon has a softer ride.
My question is this. Does the Rubicon ride more softly because the springs are wound straight or does the 450ES use up most of it's initial softness during set-in because of rider weight loading up the suspension?
It would appear that a demo ride is definitely called for before putting down $7,000 on this machine to find out.
In looking the machine over, I compared the suspension to the 450ES which was also on the showroom floor and noticed the following. The shocks/springs are .8 inches longer on the Rubicon . In addition the springs of the 450ES are progressively wound with a tighter wind on the top of the spring vs the Rubicon which are wound straight from top to bottom.
Pushing down on the suspension of both machines was interesting. The 450ES compressed more easily than the Rubicon, yet riders have indicated that the Rubicon has a softer ride.
My question is this. Does the Rubicon ride more softly because the springs are wound straight or does the 450ES use up most of it's initial softness during set-in because of rider weight loading up the suspension?
It would appear that a demo ride is definitely called for before putting down $7,000 on this machine to find out.
#2
#3
#6
#7
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I measured both (still have my 450ES). The width of the shock where it mounts to the rear axel and to the front swing arm is .750" for the 450ES and .925" on the Rubicon. It would be an easy mod to do however. For your info the lenght of the shock on the Rubicon as it sits on the floor is approx. 14.25" front, 15.5" rear. I could not compare this to the 450ES because I have Works shocks on the bike. However the length of the stock shocks UNINSTALLED is 14.125" front, 15.0" rear.
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