Has anyone extended the wheelbase on their 300ex for better handling? If so what did you do, or what can be done, if anything?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

I would like to extend the wheelbase on my 300ex. I was referring to the axle and a-frame width. However, would extending the swingarm add to the overall performance also? Which do you think would be more important for the overall ride quality of the 300ex? Extending the wheelbase width or lenght? And lastly do you think any of this would really be neccesary, or would little if any performance/handling gain result from extending the wheelbase width or length?

Thanks

 

Jeff,
You're confusing wheel base with the width of your bike. Again, wheel base refers only to the distance between the front wheels & the rear wheels. An extended swing arm is what would give a longer wheel base.
You don't say what kind of quad you ride or type of riding you do. As I said previously, an extended swing arm is used primarily in dune riding or other hill climbing venues.It's use would pretty much limit use of the machine to those activities.
Extended a-arms are also used in dune shooting. but also are used in flat track or other areas. Both modifications are costly and limit the use of your quad, whatever it may be, somewhat, such as tight woods or trail riding, and stay away from spacers or reversed rims if you do any kind of jumping for the reasons already given.

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THE AZ HARD PACKER, calmiller@kachina.net

save the public land FOR you, not FROM you..join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online @ www.sharetrails.org



[This message has been edited by hot_shoe_cv (edited 10-30-1999).]

 

Jeff, on re-reading your first post I did see the mention of your 300ex...sorry.
Don;t fix what isn't broken.Your bike needs nothing more than good after market tires and maybe a suspension upgrade.

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THE AZ HARD PACKER, calmiller@kachina.net

save the public land FOR you, not FROM you..join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online @ www.sharetrails.org

 

Just get extendend a arms and an extended axle. Or you could try wheel spacers. I also heard turning you tires around gives you an inch or two but it puts more pressure on the spindles.

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300ex... The Big Red Machine

 

Jeff,
Are you referring to wheelbase, that is, the distance between the front & rear wheels,or the axle or a-frame width? I have no experience with either but am asking in order to clear it up for those who may have knowledge. You don't say what machine you ride, but +1 and +2" rear axles are made for certain quads as well as extended a-arms. There are extended swing arms also for those machines used in the dunes or hill climbs primarily.
In order to obtain a wider stance, I know that some riders have reversed their rims, however I've also heard some horror stories about broken axles & bad crashes resulting from the excess torque placed on the axles from this trick.
Anyway, possibly you could rephrase your question to a more explicit one and someone can no doubt give you a more definite answer.



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THE AZ HARD PACKER, calmiller@kachina.net

save the public land FOR you, not FROM you..join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online @ www.sharetrails.org

 

Thanks for the info. I was just curious if this would benefit overall performance, but like you said it is costly and probably would not benefit my riding style. I agree with you and think new shocks would be a much better investment. Thanks!

 

Jeff,

Better tires will make it handle much better. The stockers are a balloon type and will roll easily in the corners.

I know that Hot Shoe will agree with me, in recommending a set of Pure Sport Bandits all around.

They have a stiff sidewall and are a 'squared' tire. Put them on some Douglas .190's and you get another 4 inches of stability without widening your ride.

How? Well the balloon type tires on the stock machine have a balance closer to the center of the tire. The Bandits are a flat tire with stiff sidewalls. That means that the balance points will be farther out to the edges of the tires. Douglas rims are a little more offset than the stocks (I think), so you should get an inch or two on either side.

The Rear bandits are also a square tire, so they will give you more stability in the rear.

Try them, I am ordering a complete set for my 400EX in two weeks. (I will be in the States for a couple of weeks, and I can claim them when I return to Canada. Otherwise it is a couple hundred bucks for duties.)

Better tires and suspension upgrades should be all you need. It is already a great handling quad.

RM

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99 400EX 95 Scrambler 400 85 LT250R