If you've spent any period on the paths lately, you possibly realize that your honda 400ex shocks would be the MVP of your suspension setup. They're the in between a smooth getting after a leap and a bone-jarring thud which makes you need to pack up and go home. The 400EX will be a legendary machine—it's reliable, air-cooled, and handles just like a dream—but let's be honest, the factory suspension wasn't exactly developed for aggressive contemporary riding or heavy duty landings.
Most of these quads have already been around the block a few occasions by now. If you're still running the original equipment through the early 2000s, there's a good chance your shocks are tired. They will might be leaking, they might have got lost their damping properties, or these people might just feel as if pogo sticks. Upgrading your suspension isn't just about ease and comfort; it's about handle, safety, and in fact enjoying the hours you spend within the saddle.
Precisely why Stock Shocks Ultimately Give Out
It's easy in order to overlook your suspension until it starts making weird sounds or you bottom out on the tiny bump. The particular factory honda 400ex shocks had been actually pretty decent for their time, especially the later models that highlighted piggyback reservoirs around the front. However, even the best factory parts have a space life. Over years of riding through mud, dust, and sand, the interior closes wear down as well as the nitrogen charge begins to seep out.
When that happens, you lose "damping. " Damping is exactly what controls the spring's movement. Without this, you're just driving on a large coil spring that will bounces uncontrollably. If you notice your front finish diving every period you hit the brakes or the rear end kicking up like a bucking bronco over whoops, your shocks are crying for assist. Sometimes an easy rebuild is sufficient, but for many motorcyclists, it's the perfect excuse to look into aftermarket options that can deal with a bit more abuse.
Getting the Right Aftermarket replacement Setup
As soon as you choose to proceed away from the particular stock units, the world of honda 400ex shocks gets quite deep. You don't necessarily need to spend three 1000 dollars on a pro-level race set up if you're simply hitting the regional trails on the weekends. But you do want something that's tuned for your weight plus riding style.
One of the most well-known "budget" upgrades for any 400EX is really a group of shocks through a TRX450R. It's a classic exchange because the 450R shocks are generally higher quality and provide more adjustment. However, it isn't a perfect "bolt-on and forget it" deal. The 450R units really are a bit longer, which could change your ride height and front end geometry. If you go this path, you usually have to run different a-arms or at least be prepared in order to spend some time dialing within the settings therefore your quad doesn't feel tippy in the corners.
Lengthy Travel vs. Standard Travel
In the event that you're looking in brand-new aftermarket shocks, you'll hear these terms a lot. Standard travel shocks are designed to use your stock a-arms. They're the direct replacement and are much simpler to install. With regard to 90% of riders, a good group of standard travel honda 400ex shocks from a brand like Elka or even Works (now Heartbeat) will be more than good enough.
Long vacation, however, requires a-arms specifically built regarding a longer surprise body. This setup allows for even more wheel travel and a much plusher trip over rough surfaces, but it's a significant investment. Unless you're planning on striking massive doubles with the MX monitor or racing cross-country, you might find that high-quality regular travel shocks give you the best bang for your buck.
The Remote Reservoir Issue
You've probably seen those extravagant little canisters attached to the side or even top of high end shocks. Those are usually reservoirs, and they will aren't just for display. They hold extra oil and nitrogen, which helps maintain the shock cool.
While you trip, the piston shifting inside the shock generates heat. When the oil gets too hot, it thins out and manages to lose its ability to dampen properly—this is usually called "shock change. " In case you mostly do slow-speed technical riding, you might not require them. When a person like to shot through desert areas or high-speed paths to have an hour at a time, getting honda 400ex shocks with reservoirs will keep your ride consistent from the start associated with the day to the end.
Phone dialing in Your Configurations
Buying the particular shocks is only half the battle. In order to get the many out of your honda 400ex shocks , you have got to actually track them. A great deal of guys simply bolt them upon and leave the settings wherever these people were out of the box. That's a mistake.
Start with your "sag. " This is the way much the particular suspension compresses whenever you're sitting on the quad in your full riding gear. If the particular sag isn't right, the whole geometry associated with the quad is off. From there, a person can play along with compression and come back.
Data compresion controls how fast the shock squishes down when a person hit a bundle. Rebound controls how fast it snaps back up. In case your rebound is too fast, the quad will feel jumpy. If it's too sluggish, the shock won't have time for you to recover before the next bump, which is definitely called "packing. " It takes just a little trial and error, but once you find that "sweet spot, " your 400EX will certainly feel like the brand-new machine.
New vs. Used: Is it Worth the particular Risk?
Considering that the 400EX is an older platform, there's a huge market for used parts. You are able to often discover a set of high-end automotive aftermarket honda 400ex shocks for half the price of new types on marketplace organizations or forums. It's tempting, but you have to end up being careful.
Shocks are wear products. If you buy an used set, you ought to almost always element in the cost of a professional repair. You don't know if the earlier owner ever transformed the oil or even when the internal valving is even fixed up for someone your weight. A "great deal" can quickly turn into a headache if you need to ship them off in order to a suspension shop the week after you buy them. In the event that you're on the budget, look for used sets that will were recently serviced by a reliable shop and keep the receipts.
Keeping Your Suspension Healthy
As soon as you have a great set of honda 400ex shocks on the quad, a little maintenance goes a long method. The largest enemy of your suspension will be dirt. Grit plus grime could possibly get under the dust seals and start scoring the shock shafts. Once those shafts are scratched, they'll chew up the particular internal seals, plus you'll be looking at the leak.
The quick wash after every ride is essential, but don't boost the shock seals directly with the high-pressure power washer—that can actually force dirt straight into the particular seal. Some riders love shock covers (those neoprene sleeves), while some hate all of them because they can snare moisture and fine sand inside. If a person use them, ensure that you take them off and clean beneath them regularly.
It's also a good idea to check on your mounting mounting bolts every few trips. The 400EX vibrates quite a bit, and the last thing you want is a shock bolt backing out while you're mid-air. A little bit of blue Loctite and a quick torque check can conserve you from a really expensive (and painful) disaster.
All in all, the 400EX is among the most fun quads ever built. It's not the fastest thing on the planet, nevertheless balance and flickability are hard to defeat. By spending some time and money on the honda 400ex shocks , you're making sure that the quad can keep plan your riding goals. Whether you're just replacing worn-out stockers or going intended for a full-blown competition setup, the back plus your lap instances will definitely say thanks to you.