If you've spent any time out on the trails or dunes lately, you probably already understand that your raptor 700r suspension is the real MVP of your own ride. Everyone likes to talk about the massive torque of the 686cc engine or how it sounds having a clean pipe, but all that power doesn't mean much if your tires aren't keeping glued to the ground. If your own shocks are set up like pogo sticks, you're likely to have a rough time trying to handle everything big-bore energy.
The particular Raptor 700R is definitely a bit associated with a legend in the ATV entire world because it's therefore versatile. It may lug through restricted woods, fly over sand dunes, plus even hold the own on the cross-country track. But because it's meant to do almost everything, the factory configurations are usually a "middle-of-the-road" compromise. Depending on just how much you weigh and where you ride, individuals stock settings may be holding you back again more than you realize.
Understanding What You're Working With
Prior to going throwing thousands associated with dollars at aftermarket replacement parts, it's worth looking at exactly what Yamaha actually offered you. If you've got the 700R (the "R" model or the Unique Edition), you're actually sitting on several pretty decent hardware. These models come with high-quality, count on reservoir shocks that offer a great deal of adjustability. You've got preload, high and low-speed compression, and rebound modifications right there ahead.
Most people just leave these types of alone and question why the front side end feels "darty" or why the back end kicks them in the particular pants every period they hit a set of whoops. It's usually not a hardware issue; it's a tuning problem. If you're riding basics design 700 (without the "R"), you've got the non-adjustable shocks, which is the different story altogether. Those are built for comfort at a lower cost point, and when you're thinking about bouncing or riding hard, you'll likely would like to swap all those out sooner instead than later.
Getting Your Sag Right
The very first issue you need to do with your raptor 700r suspension is check your sag. It's a dull job, and it's easier if a person have a buddy to assist, but it changes everything. Sag is basically just how much the bike compresses under its own weight and your own weight combined.
When the pre-load is too limited, the bike will sit high, sense stiff, and won't "track" well in the corners. If it's too soft, you'll be bottoming out on every pebble. You would like that lovely spot where the particular suspension can "droop" into holes as well as dip up bumps. Regarding most trail motorcyclists, you're looking regarding about 3. five to 4 ins of sag within the rear. Once you get that will set, the Raptor starts to feel much more planted plus way less "tippy" in the turns.
The Magic of Data compresion and Rebound
Once your springtime preload is dialed, you can start playing with the clickers. This particular is where the raptor 700r suspension really shows its worth.
Compression Tuning
Think of compression as exactly how much resistance the shock has when it's being pressed down. If you're landing big jumps and the quad is smacking the particular frame on the ground, you need more compression. In case you feel each and every little root and rock in your own kidneys, you most likely have an excessive amount of compression. The Raptor 700R lets you modify high-speed and low-speed compression separately. "High-speed" refers to exactly how fast the shock shaft moves (like hitting a razor-sharp rock at 40mph), not how fast the quad is definitely traveling.
Rebound Tuning
Rebound is all about how fast the shock kicks back again up after being compressed. This is usually the one that will get people into difficulty. If your come back is too quick, the trunk end will certainly feel just like a bucking bronco. If it's too slow, the particular shocks won't possess time to reset prior to the next push, which is called "packing. " You would like it simply fast enough in order to recover, but slow enough to stay managed.
When Will be It Time in order to Upgrade?
In some point, you will probably find that the share raptor 700r suspension just can't maintain your using style. This generally happens when you begin pushing your speed on rougher terrain or if you're a heavier rider. The stock suspension systems are generally graded for someone within the 160-190 lb range. If you're 230 lbs with all your gear on, those stock suspension springs are going in order to struggle no issue how much a person crank the preload.
This is definitely where the aftermarket world comes in. Brand names like Elka, Fox, and Motowoz are the big gamers here. Swapping out your stock shocks for a set of Elka Stage 3s or even Stage 5s will be like turning your own Raptor into a totally different machine. It's not just regarding the "cushion"; it's about the handle. High-end aftermarket shocks use better valving and more essential oil volume, meaning they will don't fade or even get soft whenever they get sizzling after thirty minutes of hard riding.
Don't Forget the A-Arms and Linkage
While the shocks are the superstars of the show, your own raptor 700r suspension system also includes the a-arms as well as the rear addition. In case you really desire to transform the handling, a set of +2 broader a-arms is a game-changer. Making the front end wider the actual Raptor much more steady in corners plus reduces that "top-heavy" feeling that Raptors are sometimes recognized for.
In the back, plenty of guys swear by "lowering links" or "GT Thunder" style linkages. These change the leverage proportion of the rear shock. They usually lower the rear ride height slightly and make the first part of the travel much plusher, which helps the particular rear tires hook up and find traction in the dirt. It's one of those mods that will doesn't look such as much, but you'll feel it typically the second you hit the gas away from a corner.
Maintenance Is Crucial
We've just about all been guilty of it—washing the quad, lubing the chain, plus calling it the day. But your raptor 700r suspension has moving parts that need love too. Generally there are grease zerks on the a-arms and the rear linkage for the reason. In case those bearings get dry and gritty, your suspension isn't likely to move openly, and it'll experience "notched" and harsh.
Also, keep an eye on your shock closes. In case you see essential oil weeping down the shaft, it's period for an improve. Running a surprise with low oil or air inside of is really a quick way to ruin the internal valving. Many local shops or suspension tuners can refresh your stock "R" shocks for a couple hundred bucks, plus they'll come back feeling brand brand-new.
Finding Your own Personal Setup
At the end of the time, there is simply no "perfect" setting that works for everyone. The guy racing hair scrambles in the particular muddy woods associated with the East Coastline is going in order to want a much smoother, more compliant setup than someone wide-open in the Glamis dunes.
My best suggestions? Bring a flathead screwdriver and the notebook with a person on your next ride. Make one change at the time, ride a loop, and find out just how it feels. Don't be afraid in order to go to the particular extremes just in order to see what goes on. Convert your compression most the way gentle, then all the way hard. You'll quickly learn exactly what your raptor 700r suspension does under you.
The Raptor 700R is an animal of a machine, plus when you lastly get the suspension dialed in to match your fat and style, this becomes a lot less work in order to ride. You'll find you can trip longer, go faster, and—most importantly—have far more fun without experience like you've long gone twelve rounds in a boxing ring. Therefore, get out right now there, tweak those clickers, and find out what that Raptor can actually do.