Does anyone know how to tune the stock shocks on the 450's for a heavier rider? I weight 250 lbs and realize that the shocks are set up for people much lighter than me. Any advice on the rebound, compression and spring tension would be appreciated. Would sending them out for re-valving be appropriate?

Thanks!

 

did you check the max weight on a 450?? its 220lbs. u may wanna drop a few before u break it...

 

Ignorant posts like that dont belong on this forum...


As for the question at hand; most yamaha quads are setup with a 170-190 pound rider in mind. Many people complain of the stiff stock suspension on the 04 yfz, and for trail riding and duning it is. The shocks are valved for mx, and handle like it. If you are an mx kind of guy, then you do need to have the stockers revalved. However, if you are more of a xc, trail, or dune rider then you may be able to get away with the stock valving.

In general you would want to increase the preload, compression and rebound on the stock shocks to accomodate a heavier rider. But terrain has a lot to do with it so you may find that while you increase your preload your compression and rebound settings could stay pretty much stationary if you frequent flat riding surfaces. Most of it is trial and error.