Hello- My 96' Sport rides incredibly rough in the front suspension compared to my 2000 Scrambler. It also sounds like something is not tight with the whole steering and suspension system. When I hit shallow bumps or rocks, something in the front end bangs and clunks and it feels like it is just not tight.

It does fine on straight smooth jumps, but terrible over rough terrain. When I'm stopped and look for anything loose, I can't find where the play is. I had new tie rods put in it and the steering is tight. So, this leads me to two questions:

1. What is the first thing I should look at for play and where?
2. Can I replace the Sport shocks with newer Scrambler shocks or is there a cheaper way to give it a softer ride with more clearance?

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

We have a '94 Sport 400L. So I am not sure if your bike is set up like ours. But, we have struts on the front and they clunk too[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] So without looking at your bike, I would venture to say your struts are also shot. And they are not cheap to replace. I would look at see if after market shocks are available for your bike.

 

Go on ebay and get you a new set of gas strut cartrages.Cant remember the name brand but they are about $140 a set.

 

could be a ball joint. Mine made some noises and poped. I could feel it bind a little. My 97L has 2000 front struts and springs on it. Tires sit out a little on the top sides. You have to take the brake line support off the strut. They are a longer travel and the stock brake line holder limits the shock. It will break it if you leave it attached to the strut. Also. The inner bushings on the a-arms could be worn out. That caused play in my steering as well. Their are numerous bushings that go bad in the steering. The bottom pivot bushing, The ends on the tie rods, even the ball ends that attach to the strut loosen up. You even have a plastic bushing under the nose plastic that supports the handle bars. I have replaced all but the tie rod ends. I have eliminated 80% of the slack I had in my steering. Now I make sure to keep them greased very well.

 

They are called Kimpex shocksAnd are a good deal for the price.You also need to jack the frontend up and check the balljoints and steering post bushings.