Have a 2005 400ex and want to improve on the stock suspension.

What do After market A-arms improve over the stockers?

And is it true that new Works or Elka front shocks will increase the front wheel travel over 2" with stock A-arms?

For the rear shock should I buy new one or have the stock shock rebuilt?

 

Aftermarket a-arms will only increase your width which in turn allows you to take most turns faster)lower center of gravity). Like you stated you can get a lot out of stock a-arms with after market shocks. The best is aftermarket a-arms and aftermarket shocks. If you arn't going big it is not worth wasting your money, do a-arms and shocks or nothing at all.

 

What A-arms would recommend? Or maybe the better question with so many choice is which ones should I avoid?

I don't want to spend over a grand, my ride is just for fun. I ride when I can in the desert around my house.

 

Go to ridenow.com and type in "400ex in search" then look for HD USA i3500 COMPLETE AARM KITS. They are clearance these out for 499.95, orig. 849.95. These are a great set. You can always add new shocks later when yours go out.

 

If you ride trails, wider A-Arms may not be the best upgrade...Honda 450R Front Shocks have become an easy, cost effective upgrade to the 400EX and do not require A-Arm replacement. You can get 450R "takeoff's" at Ebay for a variety of prices, I paid $260 for a pair off of a 2006, to buy these new would be around $1200, equivalent Elka or Works Performance shocks for the front are pushing $800. You can have Works Performance (www.worksperformance.com) set your rear shock up for your riding type and body size for $200. So you can get a good upgrade to your 400EX for under $500 if you like.

 

I always get updates from ridenow when 400ex parts go onsale. They jsut clearanced the full suspension i4500 kits for 699.99 that is almost half price and a great full suspension setup if you still are looking.