Thanks for the tips guys. I'm gonna shop around for a while and see what kind of prices I can stir up on suspension. Thanks again.

 

If your setting up for MX, only go longer in the rear swing-arm +1, get +3 A-Arms but not forward. Too long a wheel base tends to push the front in corners. This is the order I would spend your money. Axle, +3 A-Arms, ZPS Front shocks, +1 Swing Arm. The rear shock is ok but get it ZPS rekitted if the money permits.

 

MrMonk,
You've got some great info. I'm in my first year of mx racing and love it. Just dont' fall into the trap that many new comers do. The biggest thing that holds you back is you and your ability. Emptying the wallet on these modifications helps you cheat your inabilities. I have an Elka in the rear and it worked wonders for lowering the machine. But at the same time,
I've been watching guys with bone stock machines waste guys that are all modified. The hardest thing to do is be humble. My abilities are what keep me back, not really my machine. I keep think about dropping four figures on my front end to help handle the beating it takes when I race the huge whoops at MX338 our home track in Southwick. But then I see guys ahead of me that riding stock like me and I'm behind them.
Not trying to be a dad cause i'm far from it, but before you unload the wallet, and you will once you start racing, make sure your skills are honed. Then you'll be that much faster when you get the mods. As with anything, this is just what I've learned this year. And have fun because its a blast.

 

First off, to Raptornz, Yah, everyone has said that a 1+ swingarm is the way to go. Just one question, many have said that 3+1+ a-arms are the way to go. Why don't you agree with the 1+ forward? Anyway, thanks for your advice and I will look into it.

Next, Raptorguy. You don't sound like a dad at all. The advice that you gave is awesome, the best I have gotten. In actuality, it is the advice that I give to people all the time. I just don't give it to myself lol. Anyway, its good to hear that people mx stock raptors where you are. I may try it. I have nothing to loose and who know, maybe I'll kick some A$$. Maybe not, but I'll see [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I'm not buying any more parts for the atv yet, but I do have a fund set aside for it that is growing for when I'm ready. Right now i'm just researching what works and what doesn't. thanks for the help.

 

Mrmonk,
i agree with all regarding doing suspension modifications first....money will always be a factor in how you setup your raptor....do your homework...do the research...talk to as many racers / mechanics / people in the racing industry as you can and form a plan on how your are going to setup your machine....at 34 years old and riding a fully highly modified raptor i do quite well in the NEATV-mx series....(#352)....however...it's me holding my raptor back and not the bike....i wanted to approach my racing experience this way....i have the atv now i need the time in the saddle to get faster....and i am fast,...but i ride conservatively...and i am currently 5th in the point race in the open b class....i dont want to get hurt or break my machine and i dont have to, to be fast on the track.....ride smarter not harder.......do the suspension first, including tires and rims if ya go the money......then do a pipe / jet kit / air box modification.....think about a steering damper...remember if you do shocks now and in the future go to a longer swingarm...you will have to have the shocks resprung and revalved....long swingarm will increase the forces a shock will see......and lastly...good luck and dont go over your budget.....heheheheehe....like i did....hehehehehee

herbdon out............

ps.///

go to this link and look at the pictures....i put $16k into my raptor, just to give you one end of the spectum on modifications to a racing atv....

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291669339