School me on suspension!

[grpark20]

I'm too the point in my build where I am looking for suspension and really don't know jack. I do know that suspension is the most important part of the build. I already have +2+1 A-Arms, +4 swingarm, and the g-force adjustable axle. I will be putting in this set up a 4 mil long long rod with matching dune port. I will ride 100% dunes but will be doing 10% jumping 80% playing around and 10% dragging. I'm not asking anyone to build the shock for me on this site, I just need the education on what I need. I'm not going to ask a company what I need to rape me. What is dual rate, tripple rate, do I need all these adjustments to rebound, compression, remote resorvoir, piggyback, etc. I know the general theory, but how do you determine what you need. I'm not too worried about the price because I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for. At the same time I don't want to spend $1,000 more for something that is only going to perform 5% better than Brand X. Please school me and don't hold back.

[sinisterboo]

actually, ANY aftermarket shock performs better than the stock ones! I have some olt PEP triplerates on mine, and love em. I am gonna try a set of ELKA dune editions on wifes bike....

[desertdeweller]

wow thats a lot of info your wanting. single dual & tripple rate refers to the spring package on the shocks. typically rears will come in single or dual and fronts any combo of the three. Basically it is meant to be able to have different spring rates for different different parts of the shock travel. So you would have a softer ride in the initial parts of the shock. then you have the primary spring with the stiffest rate for the big hits jumps etc. Some companies also use a dual rate as a way to keep the ride height lower for better cornering. so they run a really soft second spring. as far as the adjustments go compression and rebound that really depends on you as a rider. I know some people spend money on all the goodies but they never touch the adjustment. they just want to say they have them. I myself am always changing mine when I go to different tracks and riding areas. But you do need to let them know what your doing and what mods you have so they can be valved and sprung properly. also take into consideration future mods you will be doing. Some of the higher prices for shocks maybe due to one company using larger shafts and other issues. everyone will have their own opinnion on what is good or bad. depending on their experiences and what they have heard about their 3rd cousins bike they have never met. the remote rezzy are mainly to provide extra oil for the shock and additional cooling. typically duners and rec riders really don`t need them. they are more for woods,desert and mx where they will see alot of whoops or just a constant pounding for hours that will overheat the fluid.

[grpark20]

wow thats a lot of info your wanting. single dual & tripple rate refers to the spring package on the shocks. typically rears will come in single or dual and fronts any combo of the three. Basically it is meant to be able to have different spring rates for different different parts of the shock travel. So you would have a softer ride in the initial parts of the shock. then you have the primary spring with the stiffest rate for the big hits jumps etc. Some companies also use a dual rate as a way to keep the ride height lower for better cornering. so they run a really soft second spring. as far as the adjustments go compression and rebound that really depends on you as a rider. I know some people spend money on all the goodies but they never touch the adjustment. they just want to say they have them. I myself am always changing mine when I go to different tracks and riding areas. But you do need to let them know what your doing and what mods you have so they can be valved and sprung properly. also take into consideration future mods you will be doing. Some of the higher prices for shocks maybe due to one company using larger shafts and other issues. everyone will have their own opinnion on what is good or bad. depending on their experiences and what they have heard about their 3rd cousins bike they have never met. the remote rezzy are mainly to provide extra oil for the shock and additional cooling. typically duners and rec riders really don`t need them. they are more for woods,desert and mx where they will see alot of whoops or just a constant pounding for hours that will overheat the fluid.

Thanks for the info! So far I've made up my mind to get a dual rate set up with the piggyback style ressies. Now I just have to choose the name. I've heard good things about TCS, but by the time I get the minimums that I want it will be within $100 of Elka. The only selling point that would make me spend the extra $$ for Elka is the shocks look bad ass and would match my bike a lot more. Hopefully more will chime in and suggest what I actually need vs want.

[peterlocal22]

i have axis dual rates w ressies and love them

dont get more than dual ratefor a banshee its useless because the banshee shock is so small.

[MarineNYC]

I have works BLack Widow and freaking love them. They look bad ass and perform just as good if not better than other shocks that cost way more.

[grpark20]

Elka just sent me info saying that everything is 15% off due to economic factors. If I can get the 15% off on top of my 10% military discount, then I'm gonna order all the shocks. The fronts will be dual rate piggyback with compression and preload adjustable and the rear the same with adding the rebound adjustability. Price will be $1300ish if they do it. If it's a no go Jeff @ F.A.S.T. is getting the cash for the engine. Does anyone see any negative factors to this shock set up?