ATV Florida Forum

Alright I have seen a few people with 450R shocks on their 400EX.  The shocks are about the same size but how much better are the 450R shocks?  I mean are gas shocks making it like floating over the whoops and jumps or is there barely a difference?  Anyone with or has ridden a 450R or 400EX with the 450R gas shocks please let me know your opinion on them.  Thanks

They are better because they have reservoirs, rebound and compression adjustments. You can also send them out and have them rebuilt to fit your weight and riding style.

It really has a lot to do with what type of riding you do? How agrresive are you? Do you do big air?

I'm using the model year 2007 to compare the two.

The 450r suspension has an extra .2 inches of travel in the rear and front. The key to suspension is the SET UP. (It amazes me how many riders don't adjust their suspension every time they change riding locations) Set up is going to be based on different elements such as terrain, rider weight, type of riding, etc.  Me personally, I prefer big air, so for me, the rear shock is key moreso than the front. The biggest difference you're going to make in the rear shock is adding aftermarket linkage.  

I have bottomed both the 400 and 450 out at different times over different jumps. (Every time do to OVERSHOOTING the landing) I've never bottomed out with the aftermarket linkage from Elka. If you go to Elka's website they have a tutorial on shocks that's a must see for anyone who needs to learn about set up and shocks. I highly reccomend it if you're a an aggressive rider.

As far as the full suspension package of 450r vs 400ex stock, I can skip across the top of the whoops on either model, but that has as more to do with body position and speed then suspension.


400 EX

- Independent double-wishbone front suspension offers 8.2 inches of travel from twin Showa shock absorbers with five-position adjustable spring preload for superb ride quality over harsh terrain.
- Pro-Link® rear suspension with a fully adjustable large-diameter aluminum-body piggyback Showa shock absorber provides 9.1 inches of travel.

450 R

- Independent double-wishbone, double A-arm front suspension with fully adjustable Showa shocks provide 8.4 inches of travel, and features rear-facing reservoirs for increased durability.
- Pro-Link® rear suspension with fully adjustable Showa piggyback shock provides 9.3 inches of travel


I hope this was helpful to you.

So that too is worth while getting.  My friend was selling some before for $200 which is a really good price.  Do they need maintenance or need to be refilled or something?

The only maintenance they need is general until they fail.

General meaning keeping them clean, lubed, and you typically want to keep your two front ones set at the same positions rather than staggered.

You can have them rebuilt when and if they ever fail.

How much do they cost to be rebuilt?

A standard rebuild includes new seals, new oil, and recharge. The cost of servicing of a single shock is $80.00. For an extra $35.00. You usually have to ship them off. If you do have them rebuilt, send them to a company who will dyno your shock and provide a shock characterization curve. I think there is a company called EZRYDE who does dyno tests.

seems expenisve $80 for a rebuild.  I'm not sure if its worth it then.

Well..All shocks wear out.. its just a matter of time and how you use them. Shocks with resivoirs hold more oil/nitrogen. When you go over a bunch of terrarin to make your suspension work, they get hot. As it gets hot, so does the oil. You will notice your bike sagging for 10minutes or so, or maybe it feels alot softer. That is called fading. The oil got hot and is almost watery.

With the resivoir, it circulates and takes longer for the oil/nitrogen to heat up giving you a longer ride time with optimal pressure and performance.

Shocks come from the factory being able to bear 140-160lbs for sports, I have no idea on utilitys. That is because the ideal weight is around that area. You might beable to up the compression a little, but you are adding more pressure on the seals when you land/bounce over somthing. Eventually it gives (probably not for about 6-12months later, depending on how often you ride) and you have to have them rebuilt.

$80 is nothing for a smooth ride.

80 bucks for a rebuild or 1000 for a cheap set for shocks!

Buy Shocks on E-bay Send Them Right To Have Rebuild and Set to Your Riding. Well Worth The $$$ Iam Really Happy With Mine

I wonder if anyone is selling some used 450R shocks.  I am very interested!

I'd say its worth it man. I have a 400ex and did the swap and you can definitely tell the difference. It was worth the money! i got them cheap from a guy on this site, but i wouldnt mind paying $200 for them from the gains i got....not like i will ever have to replace them, but you get the point. if your gonna hang on to the 400 for a while and plan on pulling more power out of it, i heard the 450r carb is a good upgrade too. Of course theres no sense taking in more fuel and air if you keep the bike bone stock, i would say.

True.  We think my bikes stock but I think it just beats other 400's with mods because I take really good care of it.  Change your oil and lube your parts often and it will always run like a top.  Performance wise I am happy with a HMF slip on, K&N airfilter, and rejetting the carb.  Man I wish someone would sell a used pair of 450R shocks cheap.

just keep your eyes pealed, something is bound to come up. Plenty of rich guys buy 450r's and replace everything as soon as they get the bike. Those are the guys you gotta find!

get 450r shocks and send them to GT Thunder and have them rebuilt by them.

They put new springs all the way around, revalve the shocks for your weight and riding style and you get a link for the rear shock. It wll lower the quad 1.5" and give you 1" more travel in the front and 2" more travel in the rear. all for around $750. You will be amazed.

I put yfz450 shocks on my old 416ex and the difference was that of night and day.it was an awesome upgrade , considering i only paid 80 bucks for em and they were used for like 4 rides till he upgraded to long travel lol.


now i have a 450r and theyre good , but i weigh 230 , i need me some elkas :)

$750 is a lot of money!  I mean if I raced MX or something I would get everything to withstand a MX course but I only ride at Croom.