i just bought this 99 model and wish i had looked around more i think the lakota wold have been better for me,i like frills llike trailer hitch and racks but also want to play some.How can i get more suspension travel,any suggestions on perf. shocks?also i bought a set of aluminum rims off the rear of a 300ex with brand new realtor tires on the size 22/12/9 i hopped that for playing in the sand and mud these may be better.it should give more power on hill climbs and the rear shouldn't be as bouncy with the stiffer and lower profile of the realtor as opposed to the 25/12/9 ballons stocks.was this a good move?buying another atv is out of the qustion so i have to make the best of what i have.which i like greatly,juast wish it had better suspension and ride for playing.

 

I'm kind of in the same boat as you are, I've got a '99 4wd I want just a little more out of. As far as suspension, you only have two choices, Works (with +1 or maybe +2"), and Progressive. I plan to try the Works as soon as I can afford it, but will try fronts only. The rear seems to handle quite a bit of abuse, but my fronts bottom harshly on anything more than a 2' jump.

Changing your rear tires will likely help sliding ability tremendously, but you will lose a LOT of top speed, since you're losing like 1.5" tire diameter and there's no easy way to change the gearing. (I'm looking into a couple sources for custom-made gears to up the diff gearing, don't know yet if it will work). Since I'm looking for a little more top speed, sooner or later I will get some taller tires for mine.

Keep in mind your 300 2wd is essentially the same thing as a 300ex, with a couple inches less suspension travel, lower gearing, and about 110 Lbs. more weight. I have heard a 300 2wd will keep up with a 300ex, and I don't doubt it. I have an '88 300 2wd that rips. Also remember all the things that make the 300 2wd so popular, like Honda reliability, killer torque, minimal maintenence, and ease of use. This means you will be riding alot more than wrenching, which to me means more than a 90mph top speed.

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