The 450R Shocks Set Up Thread

[inv3ctiv3]

So I have some brand new take off 450R shocks on my EX but never set them up, they seem good now but I wanna hear how you guys have them set up and for what kind of riding.

I am 200lbs and ride mostly trail and some MX stuff, how should I set up my shocks? What are your set ups?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4856696803_69abfd722a_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4857318696_551539bc2c_z.jpg

[tri5ron]

stock 450r springs, on stock 400EX a-arms are going to be pretty stiff, even at your 200 LBS.
try this...
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=187613

[honda400ex2003]

i have my preload set to none, and both screws 2 turns from lightly seated i believe. stock springs too. seems to work alright for me. i am 180-185 lbs and 6 ft. it is rough when there are alot of rocks and such though. great on the track though so it makes up for it. i think my back needs a service though lol. it is getting softer and softer. in the spring they will all have to get done. my sleds and the rear on this. steve

[Muzzgit]

450R shocks on standard 400EX A-Arms will be quite hard, plus it will lift the front about an inch. They go really well with +2 A-Arms.

Even standard 400EX shocks go quite well with +2 A-Arms. (makes them work harder - takes out some of the harshness)

[inv3ctiv3]

What are good arms for trail riding for the 400EX?

[tri5ron]

Stock or +1"

[honda400ex2003]

x2 for sure. steve

[honda400ex2003]

imo if you are only trail riding, the 400 shocks arent terribly bad. if the preload is lowered down instead of really high and stiff it makes the shocks a pretty pleasurable ride. much smoother than a stock 450 shock with stock arms. now when the going gets higher in the air the 450 shocks are far far superior to the 400 shocks. kind of a trade off since the 450 shocks are great at speed also. they keep the front planted down nicely when set up correctly. steve

[tri5ron]

If you were going to spend the money to buy a-arms, to use with the 450r springs,...

You'd be alot better off to get a set of Works triple rate springs, set to your riding weight, and keep the 400EX a-arms.

(You'd also be about $100 - $150 bucks ahead of the game).

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_0151.jpg

[f4iracer]

what is that thing down on your steering stem? is that a steering dampener?

Anyway, i just put the 450 shocks on my 400ex and it's noticeably better. I have a yfz 450 and it's not quite as nice as that quad but it does ride a lot better than the pogo sticks.

trails are much smoother than they were before, i'm on stock a arms too.