Read in one of the ATV magazines that the 2005 Recons had different shock absorbers which improved the ride so I ordered a set of the 2005 shocks to put on my older Recon. So far I only have the rear installed but it has made a noticeable difference in ride (for the better). The new shocks are still made by ARVIN but the dampening rates have been revised to give a softer ride. It is a direct bolt on conversion. Maybe the old shocks would be ok if the racks were loaded and I weighed 250 pounds but were far to stiff. Can hardly wait for the fronts to come after feeling the improvement by changing the rear shock. The new shocks are less expensive also.

 

Don't take this the wrong way but it would have been cheaper to buy used 250 ex shocks. Or even better you could buy new ones. They bolt up perfect. Much softer!

 

Have you ever priced an OEM shock? They want a fortune! Just go aftermarket like WorksPerformance.

 

lol yeh they are high as h3ll

 

I did price the OEM shocks and found the 2005 shocks cost far less than those for the previous years models. I think all three OEM shocks for the Recon cost about $110 online. After getting all 3 of the 2005 OEM shocks installed on the 2004 Recon I have found the ride to be noticeable smoother, especially the front end. What helps even more is to put about 30 lbs of weight on the front rack. I suspect that Honda builds the things assuming that people load the racks to the max but most people don't.

 

Do the rear shocks made by progressive suspension give any greater clearance for the recon ?
and are they any better than stock ?