I'm looking into a-arms for my quad but only +1 on each side. Offset tires will give me the same result..pretty much. So, for the considerabley less expense of the wheels, why get the A-Arms?? Are they worth the extra bucks even for an inch??

 

Wow. There's a lot love in this forum! It's been 2 days...thanks for your help.

Sorry it wasn't a better question or statement like "how to use a manual clutch?", "what quad is faster?" or "What's a carburetor?"

I'm sure I'd have tons GREAT answers!

 

According to the time you posted it had only been one day.

IMHO, I think if your only looking for an inch gain I would just go with the offset rims. Any further than that and you are putting an excessive amount of pressure on your bearings and spindle.

 

Meanie,
If you have a 400ex I've got a deal for you. Judging from your name thou you probably have a Kawasaki. If you have the $$ go with the +1 arms. You can always go with the off-sets on top of the arms for an even wider stance if desired.

 

Thanks TRX, but you're right, I do have a kawi....a tecate 4. I have a 250R w/ offset wheels (actually the stock rims are just turned inside out...it works!) and for the KXF, I have a prices for 3 different A-Arms ranging from $587 to almost 700. But I wonder if it's really necessary for just an inch on each side. Do you know if it handles differently?

 

if you wanted to add two inches on each side i would go with new arms but since you're just looking for an inch go with the offset rims. having more offset in your rims will move the force of impact farther from the folcrom. (ie. bumps will jar your handlebars more) you can nearly eliminate that with a steering dampener.(denton: $135) even after the dampener you're still saving money over getting a-arms. another draw back to widening your front end is that the shocks will have less leverage against impact. basically your suspension will be a little easier to bottom out but it will also ride a little softer. suspension is a tricky subject and there is never a "right" answer. it always depends on what you like. if you ride mostly trails like i do then you will most likely prefer having a steering dampener and the offsets. that would leave you some money to put other places also. good luck.

 

Thanks for the tip, Maxxpwr. What about a bump steer kit?? Is that basically the same as the steering dampener you're talking about? If not, do you need new A-arms that are built to allow a bump steer kit to be installed? I really like what I've read about bump steer kits so that's something I'm also exploring.

As for my suspension, KXF front shocks are VERY strong...almost too strong. That can be a bit bumpy at low speeds but from medium speeds on up and coming off jumps, they're great and tough to bottom out unless you're getting some serious air. They'd probably be fine.