Shock replacement on 450i

[airshot]

  Noticed I have a shock leaking on my 450i, has anyone replaced theirs, and what did you use?  Found some oem shocks on e-bay
But wondered if there was something better out there. Thanks

[TBR125]

Have you looked at rebuild kits? I am not familiar with that unit but often a rebuild is cheaper than a new shock.

[randyo]

following,

my shocks are toast between my cargo, and tongue weight of my little backhoe, I have a lot of mile at probable double the rated capacity, + pulling logs tree length, some good slack snacthes to get em moving,....    I don't dare drive over 35 anymore, on a smooth road.

as soon as it's in my budget, I will probaby start local, https://www.factoryconnection.com/, owner is a neighbor, I got my V-strom suspension thru them.  Or they will steer me in the right direction, I know they are dirt bikes primarily, but they helped me with my street bike that now has a top of the line WP Suspension bits, front and back, those big KTMs got nothing on me.

I'm also looking to upgrade my K-Pipe

[superrman77]

The Prime models come with Stage 1 Elka shocks.  They are going to blow the oem shocks away.  If you are doing a lot of trail riding they might be the way to go.  I would call your dealer and see how much a set is going to cost you. 

[airshot]

Those Ella shocks are around 2 grand for a set of 4...way out of my price range. For a utility machine I can't imagine those shocks doing that much good !!!

[CROSSBOLT]

Those Ella shocks are around 2 grand for a set of 4...way out of my price range. For a utility machine I can't imagine those shocks doing that much good !!!

Way outta my range, too! Don't care how good they are!

[TBR125]

Where I was from 2 grand would buy three dirt-bikes. I believe in elimination upgrades. Your shock leaks? Drain the oil and stiffen the springs. Like new.

[randyo]

source for springs with a better rate ?

[airshot]

I didn't replace my springs, just moved the shocks out then backed off the spring setting, better clearance and smoother ride.  Springs all the way up made for a rough bouncy ride on whooped up trails.

[pa-outdoorsman]

I didn't replace my springs, just moved the shocks out then backed off the spring setting, better clearance and smoother ride.  Springs all the way up made for a rough bouncy ride on whooped up trails.

Can you post photos of your modified setup?

[airshot]

Pics aren't needed, if you look at the shocks you will see two upper mounting points, if you move the shock outward it stands it up straighter.  I had the springs adjusted all the way up to give max clearance but the ride was quite stiff especially over whoops. I moved all 4 shocks out (had to remove rear sway bar) and gained about 1.5" of extra clearance. Decided to adjust springs softer ,  still gained over an inch extra ground clearance and ride is better, much better!  I don't race and it is not a performance machine so the straighter up shocks have no noticeable difference in handling and helps smooth out the bumps somewhat.  Removal of sway bar made no difference either and allows the independent suspension to work better in my opinion