OK, so here's a different question on 450r front shocks

[tri5ron]

now let me first set the stage, so this dosent go all cattywampus LOL!
I just recieved my new '08 450r shocks that I purchased from one of the forum members here.
(btw- THANKS Russ, they are exactally as you described, BRAND SPANKIN" NEW!, they have never even seen dirt).

I have taken the time, and read through all 22 pages of the "how to" sticky thread, for installing 450r shocks on our 400ex's.
ALOT of good info there, and from what I have read, there is no doubt it is a great upgrade for the budget minded rider.

The only REAL complaint seems to be, that the stock 450r shock, used with stock 400ex a-arms, are a little too stiff for trail or lower speed or woods type riding.

Naturally, the proper fix for this is to go to a dual or triple rate spring, and a good revalve job.
Alot of people even say that a set of dual/triple rate springs WITHOUT a revalve job is an amazing improvement.

so lets hold that thought for a moment, and consider another possible alternative...

Almost everyone hates the "Pogo Sticks" that come stock on our 400ex's. BUT,... The complaint with them is that they are POGO STICKS, Right?

So isn't it reasonable to assume that the real problem with the stock 400ex shocks lays solely in that they are non-adjustable, and have no decent valving?

And if that is so, then isnt it also reasonable to assume that for the most part, the complaint with the stock 400ex shocks is NOT with the springs??? but rather the valving and non-adjustablity ?

so let me bring this back around to my question.
and remember, that I already realize, there is no doubt, duals, or triples, are far superior to single stage springs...

BUT ! for a interim fix to the "too stiff" stock 450r springs,
while I'm waiting for the piggy-bank to allow the purchase of new springs/re-valve job,....

What would you think of using the stock springs from the 400ex shocks, ON the 450r shocks?
would they be less stiff than the 450r springs?
would they fit?

keep in mind that I am not going to be jumping 6 feet in the air, or ripping around a MX track.
99% of my riding will be open desert, average sized whoops, and a few medium sized jumps.

I weigh about 190 lbs in full gear, and am not trying to hold the "Leader of the pack" position.

so What say you?...
do you think this could be a temporary fix for putting 450r shocks on a 400ex, without re-valving, and cure the "Too stiff in the smaller/slower stuff???

[08400EX]

Originally posted by tri5ron
What would you think of using the stock springs from the 400ex shocks, ON the 450r shocks?
would they be less stiff than the 450r springs?
would they fit?

The 400EX springs are smaller diameter on one end and will not clear to install on the 450R shocks.

Been there, tried it.

[glamiskid395]

like 08400ex said, they are smaller diameter.
i just looked at that before i even read this thread because i had the same idea.

I had the same thoughts a while back but ike everyone told me the 1 side is smaller so it wont clear it.

[zr7cat]

Would a set of z400 piggybacks work on our 400's? honda 8.2 and suzuki 8.5 inches up front. Honda 450 has 8.4 inches of travel?

[STUNTIN400EX]

zr7cat the stock z400 shocks will fit but why in the world would you put sudookie parts on a honda!

[zr7cat]

Because they are a way better shock.

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by zr7cat
Because they are a way better shock.

x2.

The 03-04 zuke's had the same, or at least very similar shock as the 400ex, but the 05-08 have gas rezzy shocks that are supposed to be pretty good.

The reason the z400's dont handle as good, is because they're top heavy. With those shocks on the 400ex it would probably work great.
You can just powdercoat the springs red

[zr7cat]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
x2.

The 03-04 zuke's had the same, or at least very similar shock as the 400ex, but the 05-08 have gas rezzy shocks that are supposed to be pretty good.

The reason the z400's dont handle as good, is because they're top heavy. With those shocks on the 400ex it would probably work great.
You can just powdercoat the springs red

I forget what year, but the suzuki came with red springs, I think 06. It would be a nice add on .

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by zr7cat
I forget what year, but the suzuki came with red springs, I think 06. It would be a nice add on .

yeah, ive been trying to find a cheap set, but they're so hard to find. I guess they're good enough that most people that ride casually dont bother with them.