A-arm Questions

[tywebb3]

I would like to upgrade the a arms on my '05 400ex. I already have 450r front shocks installed and the bike is used for trail/xc type riding. Should I go with +2"? I have also seen +2+1 advertised.....what does the extra +1 stand for and do I need it?

I have time so I was just going to keep my eye out for a used set on here, ebay, or craiglist. Are there certain brands that are better than others that I should look for?

Also, are 450r, 250r, and 400ex a arms interchangeable? I was just thinking if they are then that might open up more possibilities on the used market.

[katch26]

the 1 is forward......that seems like it would be pretty wide

[tywebb3]

Are you saying the +2 would be to wide or the +2+1? Would +1 be better for trail riding?

[NacsMXer]

+1 forward arms lengthen the wheelbase (how far apart the front and rear tires are, front to back). This adds high speed stability. Doesn't affect the width at all, but changes the quad's length.

I haven't heard of too many people using forward arms for XC riding. And if you go with +1 forward arms, you will eventually have to go with a +1.25 or +1.5 extended swingarm to get the weight bias correct again.

[ngates788]

to somewhat answer your other question 450r a arms are not compatible with the 400ex. im not sure about the 250r.

[tywebb3]

Ok, so I guess I will just be looking for standard +1 or +2 arms then. I have no plans of adding an extended swingarm so I don't need the arms moved forward.

So would +1 or +2 be better for a trail/xc type bike. Would +2's be too wide for trail riding?

How about brands? Are there some that are better than others or are they all pretty much the same?