I installed a set of triple rate Works shocks on my 400EX. I weigh 200#, the salesman recommended 210-240# set up. Granted, they don't bottom out, but they make the front end sit high. Also, when I take off from a jump, or do a wheelie, they really slam out (make a clunking noise) when they extend. Even just picking up the front by hand makes them clunk. I don't like it. I am going to call them tomorrow, but I wanted some other input too.
I was under the impression they would keep stock ride height.

thanks
phil.

 

Try adjusting the pre-load setting. If you crank it down a little it should lower the ride height slightly. If they dont bottom then you can lower it until the just bottom on the biggest jumps you will encounter. I have been told that you should bottom a little on big jumps that way you know you are using up the whole suspension and getting the max performance and cornering as well. Although hard bottoming isnt a great idea!!

 

First of all, the clunking that you hear is the shocks extending under the force of the springs. It is not hurting anything so don't worry about it. You are probably hearing the crossover rings moving as well, they will wear a little and the noise will go away. You should adjust the preload on your shocks by moving the snap ring up a few grooves on the body, this will make the front end sag a little more. You could also call Works and have them send you some softer top springs. I had to use 240's before I could get a good ride height. Talk to an engineer(preferably Pierre) and tell them exactly what you want to achieve with the preload of the shocks. Pierre did wonders for me.

 

Do you have extended A-arms on your bike? If not the shocks come set up for extended A-arms unless you specifically tell them not to. That could be the problem. Adjust them like the others said.

 

I Put the works shocks on the same time I did the A-arms....so I did not notice a huge difference in ride height...

The clunking is normal...If you look at the shock..you will see a thick washer looking thing...that is supposed to move freely on the shaft...that is the rattle/clunking sound that you hear...

All in all.....I like the shocks...They made a world of difference.

 

Thank you all SOOOO much for replying! I lowered the clip 6 notches. It is much, much better. Now, I bottom out the rear shock! It never ends... sigh...

These shocks are worth the money. I wish I would have gotten them right away. If you have a 400EX, and ride it hard, I think new shocks and handlebars should be the first mods! The only thing scaring me is, I can ride a lot faster. More speed equals more pain! We shall see....

I got them from Magic Racing. I ordered them friday, and got them UPS tuesday.

Thanks again everybody for replying!!!

 

I think I have them dialed in great now. I just tested the limit about 30 minutes ago.

If you wanna see me bottoming them out, go to http://www.uslink.net/~philzie/sixtysix.mpg
Warning: it is a 468k download...

Stills at http://www.uslink.net/~philzie/new.html