I was chatting with someone on the ATV Connection chat line, and we started talking about the effects of preload, compression, and rebound dampening while jumping an ATV. This has caused me to really start thinking about how suspension affects not only the immediate factor of shock suppression, but traction, handleing, ride height (center of gravity) and body weight transfering. What are everyones opinions on how/why shocks affect different things? Does anyone know of any good sources for shock theory? What is everyones ride preference (Do you find it easier to ride with a slightly soft or hard suspension setting?) After riding on improperly setup shocks a few times, I really realized how much of a difference they make in every aspect of riding!

 

when I finally was able to purchase a set of aftermarket shocks, I knew what I wanted! I had not read a lot of info, but rather talked to a lot of knowledgeable people. I settle with PEP Triple-Rate Limited Mass w/resivoir. It is my opinion that for all conditions (except MAJOR air)
the shocks should not be so stiff that they dont work. What I am saying is that the shock should be "soft" enough that it does A LOT of the work, more than most people let it...

 

I think a shock should have a few inches of sag to allow the wheels to sink down into whoops and ruts for better traction...Sag also creates a lower center of gravity for more control in corners and better handling. A good shock should also be 'progressive', meaning it gradually gets harder as it compresses...This allows for a much smoother landing on big jumps. Rebound should be adjusted to a person's liking. I'm not exactly sure of the benefits of more or less rebound damping when it comes to whoops, but I know when I set the rebound on my shocks so that my quad was less 'bouncy', it launched a lot better off big jumps. As for compression, I adjust it differently depending on where I'm riding. If I know I'm going to be hitting large doubles, I set the compression a little stiffer. But if I know I'm going to be just cruising through the dunes, I set it a little softer. Well, am I doing anything wrong? It seems to work for me.

 

My best source about shocks is my dad . He is very knowledgeable, to say the least, in suspensions...but I still have a lot to learn from him!!
My preference is the softest possible, even if I bottom out once in a while. Too stiff destroys your arm in a second.
It's obvious that shocks make the difference between stock and race machines, more than engine or whatever.
Reservoirs are a must, and progressive springs are great (but cost a lot). But it's what's inside the shock that makes it good or bad.

 

Zorro, you nailed it. It's does not matter if you have a foot of travel....it's all in the valving.

 

Custom Axis recommends that when setting up a shock for a specific track, it should lightly bottom out on the biggest jump. That way, you are using the travel in your shocks to the fullest amount.

Also, when running a lot of sag, your tires will stay on the ground longer when going over whoops or any other type situation that causes your quad to leave the ground. The longer you keep your tires on the ground, the more control in braking, accelerating and steering you have.

It takes a good mix though. Go too soft and things get mushy with less exact steering, more roll in the front and so forth.