I am wanting to eventually start racing my raptor in MX style racing. I have never raced this style so naturally I have some questions. First off, is it wise to race a modified bike in MX, say a raptor with a 690 kit in it? I have been riding for 11 years so I know how to ride and handle power, I just don't know when too much power is too much for mx racing. Also, does anyone know the best way to set up a raptor for mx racing suspension wise, without breaking the bank? My list of current mods are in my signature. The bike is way faster than it was stock, but more speed wouldn't hurt I don't think [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

IMO start with suspension (+2 +1 a arms, +2 swing arm, +3 axle & shocks) & leave the motor work for later.

 

Mrmonk, I posted a topic about this myself a few days ago, glad to see that you're into MXing too. I have to agree with THEMOOSE. I think the Raptor will benefit more by extra width, and suspension work first. I haven't done much to mine yet other than reversing the front rims and adding an axle. I know reversing the front isn't as good as a-arms, but anything will help a little. I don't have aftermarket shocks on mine yet either, but from what I've been seeing it looks like TCS or Elka would be a wise choice balancing between performance and quality. The fact that they help lower the stance of the Raptor won't hurt either!

 

Yah, I have been following your thread. I think mx is a very fun and respectable sport, even though I have not really been involved in it directly yet, aside from a couple track outings (on a dirtbike). Anyway, yah, from your thread, the Elka seemed like a popular shock. I am wondering what A-arms would be good and what swingarm brand would be good.

 

Mrmonk, the brand of a-arms you want also depends on wallet width! There are several companies that offer arms for the Raptor. Lonestar, Timmy-boy, Alba, and Laegers just to name a few. There are several different factors to consider also, such as if you simply want the extra width(+2" or +3&quot and if you want to get the arms with a forward offset of +1". Once you decide that, you have to choose if you want castor and camber adjustability. Many of the companies offer a-arms that are considered "recreational" which means they have less adjustability, but are also less expensive. Of course, if you want chrome rather than powder coating, prepare to spend more.
As far as swingarms go, I hear that a +1" longer swingarm is the way to go on a MX Raptor. I know Lonestar makes them for sure, and the're probably others who do also. I would get the round housing style to make chain adjustment easier (my opinion), but it will also cost a bit more.
Hope this helps you!

 

Yes, you have helped me. I am just curious about shocks. Everyone was talking about the reasonably priced Elkas. I checked them out and they were expensive it seemed to me. They were selling for around $715 for the fronts and $675 for the rears. Is there something a matter with the Works shocks that make them not good for mx or what. The Works shock definitely are attractive at a sub $500 price tag. Also, what is the difference between a shock with a reservoir and one without.

 

A reservoir on a shock acts sort of like the external oil tank for the motor. It allows for more shock oil and allows the shock oil to cool quicker thus lessening shock fade which happens when the oil overheats. I would highly recommend getting shocks with reservoirs if you are an aggressive trail rider or racing.
As far as Works shocks are concerned, I have had several sets of them on my quadracers, and they are definatly an improvement over stock shocks. The difference between the Works and the Elka's is that the Elka's are like a zero-preload shock absorber which allows the wheels to stay in better contact with the ground over bumps and allows the quad to sit lower due to not having preloaded spring rate. Elka's are priced reasonable well when compared to Custom Axis, PEP zero-preload and the Works Stadium series and TCS shocks.
It really depends on how much performance you want and how much you are willing to spend to get it.

 

Thanks for explaining that stuff to me, now it makes sense [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] As far as price goes, the company that I have seen the shocks advertised for sells them for this.
Elka shocks Front-$715 Rear-$675=$1390
Custom Axis Front-$850 Rear $545=$1395

If this is the case and from what I understand the custom axis seem to be better, then why would anyone get the Elkas, or perhaps there is a better price to be had [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] If there is do you know of one?

 

Mrmonk, in my opinion, I think that the Custom Axis are the best shocks. I have a friend who has a set on his 250R......once you see them in person you can tell the quality! They have larger shafts than most others, etc. As you can see, they are pricey though. You may also want to take a look at TCS shocks. They are also fairly reasonable.
As far as the rear shock goes, you could probably just have TCS or Elka, or really any of the shock makers as far as that goes simply rebuild your rear shock to their specs. That's what I would do to mine. No reason to buy a new rear shock when the original rear shock on the Raptor is a pretty good one!

 

At my local dealer, when I raced MX. I went in to get parts I told them that I raced it, and they gave the parts to me at there prices.