I've checked the archives and some of the info was dated. So, here's my question. I think my Raptor is a little wheelie happy when it comes to climbing hills (or anytime for that matter). Is it better to go +1 in the front with new a-arms or extend the swingarm +2, +4? Anyone using the +4.5 swingarm extension instead of an aftermarket swingarm?

Thanks.

 

Where did you find a hill in Tampa?

The swingarm will produce more results for you.

The reason is that you are putting more of the overall weight of the quad forward of the rear axle - this has a much higher multiplication factor. When you move the front wheels forward, you are really only increasing the factor of the weight of the wheels (understanding that both of these scenarios factor in that your frame is acting as a lever). Think of it as adding 50 pounds of weight to your quad. It will have a lot more impace if you added it to the front bumper versus putting the weight down low behind the engine.

In either case, your turning radius will increase.

/NotuRaptor

 

A front end lowering kit with the rear lowered also will just about eliminate the problem. Inexpensive to boot.

 

There are no hills in Tampa. You gotta go north a bit!

Makes sense about extending the swingarm. But how far? +2, +4? Alba had a good description on their site about how far to go, but I wanted some different opinoins.

If I lowered it, I couldn't take it out on the trails. I still need some ground clearance for obstacles.

 

I wouldnt sugest the lowering kit. It works really great for helping turning and keeping it from wheeling, but its not good for the bike. I jumped mine and ripped the front left shock from the frame. Im now throwning down the money i should have in the first place for +2 A arms, and better shocks because one is bent. I will probably get a +4 swing arm too.

 

YEah you gotta go up here in ocala to find hills in florida

 

For general trail riding, XC or MX, the most you would want to extend the swingarm is 2 inches. Anything more than that and you will hurt your turning radius too much. For Drag racing or the dunes, a 3-4 inch longer swingarm is the most popular range.

As stated above, stay away from the +1 forward a-arms. They will only move a small percentage of the weight to the front, and they will make your steering less predictable. The quad will tend to push in turns when you give it some gas. JMO! Good Luck!

RR1

 

Sounds like the swingarm is the way to go. If only they didn't cost so dang much!!

 

Any ever had their stock swingarm extended by a custom fabrication shop? I found this link on the web.

http://www.geocities.com/jiggle_racing/BULLET.html

It looks pretty good to me.

 

You can go up 1 tooth in front too help with the wheelie problem until you get the extended swingarm.