There are very substantial differences in the shocks. A TCS equipped machine will handle substantially differently than a Works equipped machine. Landing jumps may be relatively close (both would be far better than stock), but that's only 25% of the story. It's not until you look at the overall picture that you notice the substantial differences in handling.

I can consistantly out corner, out climb, and out accelerate people with similar bikes with Works shocks. Why? Because my front tires stay on the ground and my bike's center of gravity is much lower. Much of it has to do with the "zero preload" setup.

At every race I attend I have people ask about my shocks, many of those are currently riding Works. I have had many Works riders tell me that next time they are getting TCS because, although the Works are good, they like what they have seen (and in most cases, have ridden).

TCS is not just a brand name, they have very little brand identity in the real world compared to companies like Works. They only sell shocks because they work better, they couldn't compete if they didn't deliver. Same goes for other companies that use Works bodies such as PEP.

 

I would have to finally disagree with Gabe on one. My Works shocks kick a$$. However, I spent alot of time on the phone with Works. By the way, for like $22, you can get springs for the Works triples that make them zero preload and they are not the 68#rs. Well, maybe I can with how mine were set up. I am going to go with the TCS rebuild on the rear for zero preload and then replace the front middle springs.

 

I initially bought a set of works triple rates, with adjustable cans, when I first got my 400EX. I thought that it was a decent upgrade at the time. A few months later however, my cousin got a 400EX with Ohlins shocks on it and when I took it for a spin it made me sick to my stomach. His handled so drastically better than mine (turns, bumps, rough terrain, etc.) that I knew he was going to have an advantage over me when we raced - we race hare scrambles and GNCC's. I had to do something!

I initially considered getting a set of Ohlins but they did not make a adjustable shock for the 400EX - which I wanted. A few days later (this is about a year and a half ago now), I just happened to be browsing CT's web site and saw that they had this new TCS shock out and that they did conversions for Works. I immediately called them up and they spent a considerable amount of time with me explaining how the TCS were an all-around better shock than the Works (shim style dampening, etc.).

So I took a gamble, never having heard of anyone using TCS, but knowing that I had to do something to make my Works perform better. Two weeks later I had my shocks back and the rest is, as they say, history. The difference was simply amazing - my machine sat much lower and handled like a dream. And yes, I did go on to beat my cousin last year taking 4th in 4-stroke A and finishing in the top 25 overall. Well worth the money!

Dennis

 

If I purchased Works Triple Rates now, then converted them to TCS in the future, would they be just like TCS? Or would there be differences between the two? Should I buy reservoirs with the Works, or buy the conversion from TCS with their reservoirs? Can TCS convert the Works reservoirs into compression-adjustable reservoirs? Also, what are ya'lls thoughts on PEP standard fronts, TCS standard fronts, and Works Triple Rates? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Anyone with a pair of front stock shocks? I need a pair. Blew mine. Thanks!

 

Thanks a lot 86atc250r. You helped me quite a bit.

 

If I purchased Works Triple Rates now, then converted them to TCS in the future, would they be just like TCS?

Yes

Should I buy reservoirs with the Works, or buy the conversion from TCS with their reservoirs?

Depends on what you want right now, if you convert to TCS, they will put their own reservoirs on. The end result will be the same when you convert to TCS.

Can TCS convert the Works reservoirs into compression-adjustable reservoirs?

I believe they cannot, they will be replaced by the units that TCS uses on all their shocks, which, by the way are OEM reservoirs from some model of Honda.

Also, what are ya'lls thoughts on PEP standard fronts, TCS standard fronts, and Works Triple Rates?

1.) Custom Axis
2.) TCS
3.) PEP standard (keep in mind they have other options)
4.) Works Triplerates

In ATV shocks, you generally get what you pay for.