I have just bought myself an 04' Raptor, everything is great and a few mods in the power area have made it even better. I do all kinds of riding in and around the Delaware and Maryland area to include some awesome trails me and my fellow riding buddies made in a large area of woodland. The problem I am having I guess is a lack of knowledge in the suspension area, I am 5'11", 230lbs and no novice to the track but the tight back and forth turns in the woods have earned me the name "treekilla". I am looking for any advice on how to keep this new toy planted in the turns, new riding techniques, suspension setups or whatever you guys know that I don't. This is my first big four stroke ( had a warrior before) and I can't keep being beaten in the tight stuff by a Blaster!

 

LEAN baby LEAN!

If you get a set of tires that let you slide around better the raptor will be easier to throw around. A lower suspension setup will help as well.

 

You've got to get the back end to break loose, new tires help a lot. Wheel spacers or a new rear axle will help keep you from tipping. You can spend $3G on a Raptor suspension, I'd start with new tires.

 

Hey Treekilla .... I had the same problem until I changed my tires..... I went with the ITP Holeshots on an offset front wheel.They are a softer compound and really hook when ya need em. I still have a few suspension problems but am 5'11" and also weigh in at about 225. I have more of a rear shock dilema. I can't keep the rear end on the ground when I'm in the woops so I don't know wether to soften up or firm up the rear. Bob[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

So y'all think a change in tires would help, ITP holeshot XC's all the way round sound good? how about set up for the front suspension? Do I want to stiffen it up to try and help it turn in better or will that cause more harm than good?... I am off riding again this weekend and will try some changes in setup verses lap time and cornering speed.. keep up the good advice guy's as I won't be beaten by the Blaster!

 

I have got a pair of ITP T-9 rims with an extra 1" of offset for the front and tires are soon on the way for them ( presently kinda broke ). An axle swap is outa the question for the rear at the moment, should I get a pair of rims for the rear with 2" of offset to do the same job as a +2" axle? I have heard a few nightmares about spacers on the rear...any thoughts? I have just changed the gearing to12/41 and that is an amazing improvement for $85. powerslides are alot easier if you are not bogging down so much, also third and fourth gear wheelies are a blast too [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Soften up the compression on the rear shock to smooth out the bumps, mine used to launch me (top screw out).
If you only jump small you can flip over your rear shocks lower mounting arm. Lowers the rear alot and the thing slides out great, but I put mine back because I think it decreases the travel, but i'm not sure... anyone know? Front is not adjustable. Look into shocks off of a Yamaha YFZ450, could be a cheap solution. I'm getting a stiffer spring for my rear shock, I hope it does the job.

 

DONT GET SPACERS! my friend Redneckmxrider2 had spacers he over shot a jump and the axle snapped (he thought it was funny)

 

I would stiffen up your suspension due to your weight (heavy) and the fact that your having trouble in the corners

or you could go on a diet and lean more[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

If you are looking for new front suspension, I would recommend YFZ shocks. They are a fairly cheap and very effective solution to bad front suspension. Believe me I've been there.