400EX questions

[Tagels]

i have a few questions about the 400EX. first, say i got some aftermarket shocks that worked with the stock a-arms, would they work with +2 aftermarket a-arms? and also are a-arm skids really that important? i plan on getting a frame skid and a swing arm skid but i dont know if i should get a-arm skids..

[dirtjunkie85]

As far as shocks go some will interchange from stock A-Arms to +2 A-Arms but your best bet is to check with the manufacture of the shock they would be able to tell you for sure. I would also defiantly recommend A-Arm guards I put a nice dent/bend in one of mine from a rock and had to replace it, if I would have had guards on it would have been a lot cheaper fix.

[Stoopidbot1]

To use the stock arms with +2 arms you have to buy standard travel. Example, Lonestar sells +2 Long Travel a arms and +2 standard travel a arms. The long travel requires longer shocks, standard utilizes stock shocks.

The only difference in the a arms is the lower shock mount location. What kind of riding will you be doing. If you ride in rocky stuff, yes get a arm skid plates

[Tagels]

alright thanks for you help. one more question, do you think 1/8" frame and a-arm skids are thick enough or should i go thicker?

[DirtDemon]

When you go from stock lenght to +2 a-arms, you will want to have the shocks re-sprung and vavled. They will fit, but the suspension will get very mushy, especially if you are a bigger guy. I run 400EX spindles and Burgard +2 +1 a-arms for a 400EX on my 250R. I tried to use the stock shocks at first, but the front end would sink and dive when going over bumps. I am a bigger guy at 220, so it wouldn't be as bad for someone who weighs a little less. I would still recommend getting the shocks taylored to your weight, riding style and a-arm lenght. Skid plates anywhere are s good idea IMO, they won't always save the day, but they do soak up most of the everyday abuse that would be normally taken by the parts that they cover. Many manufacturers of aftermarket a-arms will guarantee their parts. I bought some Burgard +2 +1 for mine, $350 shipped. They are notably more durable that the stocks, they are chromemoly, so they are lighter in-spite of being thicker, and the tie rods dwarf the stockers. The best part is, if I bend one, I send it back, and it gets replaced no questions asked. The thicker the skid plate the better IMO,