450r rear shock vs 400ex

[CJM]

Incase anyones wondering, since I know its been asked before:

Stock length of a 400ex shock is 15.5 inches, the 450r (least the 04 I grabbed) is 14.75. Might not seem like much, but just by looking at it I can tell its lower.

I only bought it cause mines blown, Im short on cash and got the R shock for a deal.

Otherwise there is no reason to run a 450r shock on a 400ex.

[finsteratv]

can you post up a pic. i was thinking about it just wondering how the hundy looks sitting a little lower.

[bkb88]

I have been contemplating this as well. They seem to be going a lot cheaper on Ebay than the stock 400ex rear shocks.

[CJM]

Id say overall its about an inch lower than it was before.

Also of note in doing some research:

YZF450 front shocks are 15.5in
400ex fronts are 16.25in
Honda 450r fronts are 16.5in

For every 1/2 you add/subtract from stock length you gain/lose an inch.

[bkb88]

Maybe the 450r rear shock might be a viable upgrade for those with YFZ fronts due to the shorter length?

[CJM]

Possible. Like I said it lowered it about an inch. Its not hugely noticeable but its there. It also has a larger reservoir on it too which probably helps cool it better.


I found it odd rear 400ex shocks on ebay were going for so much. I found some for over 100 bucks buy it now. Im scratching my head cause I GAVE away my stock fronts for 50 bucks just to get rid of them. Funny enough the 450r rears run abut 50 bucks, I dont get it.

[bkb88]

I have also noticed the same thing as well for stock 400ex swingarms. The last time I checked they were going for about $150-200 while 450r swingarms were going for $50-75 or so. I'm guessing since the 400ex is not Honda's premier race quad anymore, people are not taking their stock shocks off to replace with aftermarket as soon as they buy the bike like people do with the 450's. It just sucks for anyone owning a 400ex wanting to buy good used stock parts. :ermm:

[dustin_j]

The 06 450R shock is about 15.125" extended, and a little shorter than the 400ex compressed. You should check compressed length on your 05 450R shock, it might have too much up travel and drag your frame or you might break your air box on bottom out.

bkb88, I wouldn't use shorter shocks to lower the quad; you'll just lose wheel travel. The correct setup will give you the lower ride height while not sacrificing travel.

I do have 2 400ex rear shocks that I don't need anymore. They'll be rebuilt with new seals, and I can even valve them for a GT Thunder linkage if you'd like. Please pm if interested.