Are you a Honda ATV owner looking to upgrade your suspension but unsure of where to start? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine the best suspension upgrade for your specific needs. An ATV suspension is crucial for a comfortable and safe riding experience. The right suspension can provide better handling, increased stability, and improved shock absorption.
However, not all suspension systems are created equal, and finding the perfect fit for your Honda ATV can be a daunting task. When it comes to upgrading your Honda ATV's suspension, there are several factors to consider, such as riding style, terrain, and budget. In this article, we break down the different types of suspensions available for Honda ATVs and provide helpful tips to help you make an informed decision on which suspension upgrade is best for you.
What Is An ATV Suspension?
An ATV suspension is an indispensable part of any all-terrain vehicle owner’s equipment. Its heavy-duty components help reduce impacts from rough terrain, providing a much smoother ride overall. From seat height to shocks and dampers, it all works together to make your ride as comfortable as possible.
Shock absorbers are widely used and are designed with solid steel components that absorb the impact from uneven surfaces while also providing a smoother ride in general. Compression damping helps reduce low-speed impacts from rocks and bumps, giving superior handling of rough trails. Additionally, compression damping reduces body roll for more stable cornering at higher speeds, making it perfect for those who want to tackle diverse and challenging terrain.
Suspension Types For Honda ATVs
When it comes to finding the best suspension for your Honda ATV, understanding what type of suspension is available is key. Let's take a look at some popular options and features that may help you determine which one is right for you.
Independent Rear Suspensions
Independent rear suspensions are becoming increasingly common in modern ATVs, such as the FourTrax. This setup utilizes two separate shocks, one on each side of the rear wheel, along with adjustable springs for optimal ride comfort and handling performance. Additionally, independent suspensions usually offer up to 11 inches of suspension travel, making them suitable for even the toughest off-road trails.
Rear Shocks
Rear shocks play an important role in providing smooth rides over harsh terrain. They typically feature adjustable damping settings, allowing riders to dial in their desired level of cushioning and responsiveness. For those looking to tackle more extreme conditions, there are models with beefier construction and bigger shock absorbers that provide greater stability when navigating rough ground or larger obstacles. Many rear shocks come with increased ground clearance up to 12 inches, giving your ATV extra protection from impacts while maintaining its agility and maneuverability.
The Benefits Of A Quality Suspension
Having the right suspension on your Honda ATV can make all the difference when it comes to navigating rough terrain. The best suspension system provides you with an independent rear suspension, dual-clutch transmission, and adjustable ride height. This results in a smooth and comfortable ride. Here are some of the key benefits of opting for a suspension upgrade:
Independent Rear Suspension
This allows each wheel to move independently from one another over uneven surfaces. That means less power is wasted as you go over bumps or dips in the road, allowing for greater energy efficiency with every turn of the engine.
Smoother Ride
The main benefit of upgrading your suspension kit is the fact that you will notice that your ride is far smoother. Off-road vehicles go through a lot of difficult terrains, with lots of bumps and uneven surfaces, but a quality suspension system will mitigate the effects of these intense roads with increased inches of ground clearance, which will leave you with an enjoyable riding experience.
Dual Clutch Transmission
The DCT system provides a seamless transition between gears so you don't have any jerky movements while making turns or accelerating. It also gives you better control over how quickly you accelerate so no matter what kind of riding conditions you're dealing with, you'll always have maximum traction at all times.
Safer
The importance of proper shock absorbers for ATVs cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to rider safety. Equipping an ATV with a good set of shocks will not only result in improved damping qualities and a smoother ride, it can also increase wheel travel, allowing the rider to better counteract uneven terrain and potential hazards like bumps or loose gravel. Adjustable preload options can further customize the suspension by allowing riders to restrict travel if needed. All these components contribute to creating a safer ride, essential for even the most experienced riders.
Suspension systems for your ATV
Evaluating Your ATVs Suspension Needs
When shopping for a suspension system to upgrade your ATV, it's important to evaluate the specific needs of your vehicle. From four-wheel independent suspension systems to an independent double-wishbone front suspension, understanding these components is key when considering performance and ride quality.
One factor to consider is vehicle speed. All-terrain vehicles often require larger shocks capable of handling higher speeds while still providing stability and control over rough surfaces. Disc brakes are another important component that helps ensure safe stopping power at high speeds. For superior braking power, some ATVs feature triple-disc brakes.
The axle design used on each side of the wheels can also affect overall performance when trail riding. Full-time 4WD vehicles with low-speed compression damping provide smoother rides even in rough terrains like mud or sand dunes, making them perfect for Honda’s FourTrax Rancher model. In addition, this type of axle design helps prevent wear and tear on the drivetrain parts as well as improve traction and reduce skidding risks.
Choosing the right suspension setup for your ATV requires careful consideration of all aspects such as size, weight capacity, engine output, and terrain conditions you will be riding on most frequently. Taking into account all these factors along with any desired upgrades can help make sure you get the best possible experience out of your machine!
Factors To Consider When Choosing An ATV Suspension
Upgrading your ATV suspension is an important step in enjoying a more exhilarating ride. Before taking this step, there are a few factors that need to be considered to make sure you choose the best option for your vehicle and needs.
Below is a list of factors you should consider before choosing an ATV suspension:
- Center of gravity
- Rider weight
- Rider style
- Terrain
- Other aftermarket additions (E.g., skid plates, nerf bars, etc)
Cost Considerations Of Suspension Upgrades
When it comes to upgrading your Honda ATV suspension, there are many cost considerations that you need to take into account. Electric starting, automatic transmissions, automatic clutch, and automatic mode can all add up quickly in terms of costs.
It's essential to remember that not all upgrades are equal, some will ultimately be more expensive than others so research and careful consideration are key when deciding what works best for your individual needs. Taking the time now to review available options could save you money in the long run.
Customize Your ATV
Customizing your ATV is an essential element of the ATV riding experience. If you want to achieve a ride that is perfect for you, you will need to make some aftermarket adjustments to your vehicle. At Perfex Industries, we understand how essential ATV customization is, which is why we are dedicated to selling high-quality parts to improve and upgrade your vehicle.
We offer a range of products, from lift kits to skid plates for different ATV makes and models. For Honda ATVs, we offer parts for the following vehicles:
