DuneGuide.com is in the process of building
a KFX450R up for dune use (more details). Our
KFX 450R will
appear in Product Reviews, Magazine
articles and be part of many events at dunes throughout the United States. Stay
tuned as we research and select the products that will be used.
The KFX450R front chassis design is a single box-tube lower
frame that contains the front A-arm attachment points. This design is very
similar to the popular 250R Roll Design narrow front end. Although
the stock width is only 46", the narrow frame enables the use of longer
lower A-arms. This is a great starting point for aftermarket arms and shocks.
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What is included in a "Long" Travel Kit?
Before you go running off to buy one of these long travel
kits, it is best to understand what is included so that you can make side by
side comparisons.
A-Arms or Control Arms - Most arms are made from
chromoly and come powder coated. Some choices in color are available.
Some manufacturers have different types of arms for
recreational use, MX racing, desert racing and also long travel racing.
Recreational arms typically don't have as much gusseting and most do not have
caster adjustment and are therefore cheaper. Match your riding style, terrain
and budget with the type of arms that make most sense for you.
A-Arm Hardware - Inner and outer a-arm hardware is
sometimes reused and sometimes replaced. Reusing parts saves money, but
usually isn't as strong.
There are pluses and minuses to each type of setup and quality
can vary, so ask questions.
Tie Rods - Most kits come with new tie rods.
Shocks - Some kits use stock length shocks and others
use longer shocks. Longer shocks will give you more travel and a better ride,
but also cost more. Stock shocks can often be revalved and resprung for your
specific weight and riding style & terrain.
Spindles - Some top of the line kits come with new
spindles that increase strength and add clearance for more travel. These are
mostly for guys that are sponsored racers.
Spotlight on KFX450R Chassis & Suspension Products
Here are the Chassis & Suspension Products that we have chosen to use on
the DuneGuide.com KFX450R Project:
Our KFX450R sporting new a-arms from Laegers, shocks from Fox and axle
from DuraBlue
If you manufacture or sell suspension parts for KFX450R's, and are interested in having your product be part of the KFX450R Buildup, please
send
us an email.
If you manufacture chassis and/or suspension parts for KFX450R's and
are not on this list, please send
us an email, and we will get you added. A link back to www.DuneGuide.com
is always appreciated.
Look for Kawasaki KFX450R articles written by DuneGuide.com in
Sand Addiction
Magazine
Manufacturers of Bolt-On KFX450R Chassis & Suspension Products
What makes an ATV shock a "long travel" shock? Most
long travel a-arms are built with the lower shock mount moved out towards the
wheel and under the lower arm. By doing so, you can fit a shock with a longer
body and more shaft travel.
Wider a-arms with standard travel shocks
Many aftermarket a-arms are wider than than stock, but do not
move the shock mount location. By doing so, stock length shocks can be
used with some revalving and new springs. This can reduce cost while
still providing extra stability and a better ride.
