CFMoto-Forum
ZForce => ZForce 800 EX, 53 & Trail => Topic started by: NMKawierider on August 11, 2018, 04:18:20 PM
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With my rear springs working their way down I was looking at a new set of shocks pretty soon but wasn't ready to decide between Stage 1s or 3 Elkas. A friend that I ride with who bought a new WildCat Trail LE bought some Bandit springs for his stock shocks to gain a little ground clearance but decided instead to go with some new shocks. So he had these brand new un-installed 200lb/rear and 175lb/front springs he was going to sell. He let me try them before buying and so far I have the rears on and they will work great. No more spring binding and being a little longer they didn't need to be compressed as much to hold the same clearance. Very smooth and good fit being about 2"s longer then the OEs. The front...well I will need a compressor to do those safely..and may even be to long to work... but I'll give it a try and let you guys know. Here's some pics of the new rears.
(https://i.imgur.com/G7rm3JU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YJo63s7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UnmeDHB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MWotFRd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QwDmQXg.jpg)
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Nice to be able to play a little :) I'm a strong believer in a higher spring rate & reduced pre load. Is this the direction?
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Nice to be able to play a little :) I'm a strong believer in a higher spring rate & reduced pre load. Is this the direction?
Well, the direction my OE springs were taking would have put then collapsed and against themselves in probably another 400-500 miles. Loaded with a passenger..and we are talking about my 115lb wife, any bump was the end of the travel. These, although are just a single rate spring and a little longer, are in the same weight range, 200lbs, as the OE springs. I would suspect now it will bottom out on the bumper instead of the springs. Still want a set of Elkas.. but want to wait until these start leaking. These springs should buy some time. Here's what the OEs looked like.
(https://i.imgur.com/9Szf1ae.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dyhJgsi.jpg)
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Shoot..well, built a spring compressor, easily removed the stock front springs..but the new Bandits are just too long. Even if I was to force them on the preload would be much higher then the stocks with the preload adjusters backed completely off..so much so they probably wouldn't move. Fortunately my friend said he would sell me just the rears if the fronts didn't work so...that's cool. The rears are what I needed anyway.
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My stock setup appears to have been just like yours and my front shocks were assembled with almost no preload slack left, the collar was 1/4" from the top of the threads. My stock rear on the other hand had four full inches of thread with which to accommodate a longer spring. Your installed rears look like they should. :)
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My stock setup appears to have been just like yours and my front shocks were assembled with almost no preload slack left, the collar was 1/4" from the top of the threads. My stock rear on the other hand had four full inches of thread with which to accommodate a longer spring. Your installed rears look like they should. :)
Yeah I was getting down to within an inch or so from the end of the threads with the old ones..there was 120mms of threads showing with the old ones and 75mms showing with these here....although I did pick up the preload a hair more after these pics were taken to 80mms showing. It's amazing that just 5mms increase in preload picked it up another inch in back. Anyway-big difference...and still lots of adjustment either way so..I don't think I can go wrong with these.
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Can you give us the spec particulars on the springs themselves?
I would love to swap out the springs in the back of my trail as well and am looking for a starting point.
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Can you give us the spec particulars on the springs themselves?
I would love to swap out the springs in the back of my trail as well and am looking for a starting point.
I can get the measurements. This is the spring kit he got. Not sure if it was the medium or heavy but they are stamped 200lb for the rear and 175 for the front...which I can't use. The A/C trail stock waits less then the CFM trail at just over a 1000lbs. I'll get the other measurements in a bit.
https://www.banditutvsuspension.com/product-page/textron-arctic-cat-wildcat-trail-upgrade-spring-kit
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Here's the measurements on the springs:
(https://i.imgur.com/pCtVc8m.jpg)
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NMK - very informative measurements on the springs. The Stock springs look like duel or triple rate springs. In working on dirt bike suspension for years, duel rates sound nice in theory but rarely work as planned. I prefer to revalve and keep a straight spring rate.
From the sound of it, over time your rig got heavier or your springs seem to have worn out. Good steel springs rarely wear out (so much for the stock ones). When the preload ring is cranked down on the stock springs to give more ride height, it can create dead coils and limit travel and nullify the reason for duel rate springs. The ones you installed look great and I bet they feel much more compliant (unfortunately we don't know what the valving looks like inside - I will attempt to open mine up this winter to see if I can "Fix" the insides). If an internal fix is discovered it would cost far less to revalve and respring then to buy new from Elka or Fox, etc.
I found this formula online to determine the spring rate for your springs (if you want to do the math). It's longer then the one I use but I'm at the office right now (and should be working but...) and can't get to mine. Always good to have a spring rate calculator formula around. Never know when you may need one.
Coil Spring Rate Formula:
11,250,000 - Torsional Modules For Steel (Constant)
CSPWD - Coil Spring Wire Diameter (How thick is the wire?)
8 - Constant
NOAC - Number Of Active Coils (Coils that are free to move. Not coils seated. It may be that 1/2 of the top and bottom coil is seated causing a spring with 8 coils to have the distance of 7 free.)
CMD - Coil Mean Diameter (The diameter from center to center of the coil. Measure the diameter of the coil from wire center to wire center. If you know the coil is .5 inches thick and the outside diameter of the coil spring is 3 inches, then the Coil Mean Diameter would be 2.5 inches)
(11,250,000 x (CSWD x 4))
(8 x NOAC x (CMD x 3))
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I'm in talks with Bandit about building something for the Zs and the Us that makes better sense then Elkas. They also said the springs I got from my friend were Mediums. The Heavy's are 200 front and 225 rear.
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I'm in talks with Bandit about building something for the Zs and the Us that makes better sense then Elkas. They also said the springs I got from my friend were Mediums. The Heavy's are 200 front and 225 rear.
Good to know. If there is enough interest, I know a spring guy that can help us out (for those with only a spring budget).
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Just got an email back. They would be happy to build shocks and I'll bet just springs to fit any needs. Just get them a few measurements and let them know what it's going on and any extra weight needs. Here's part of the email conversation:
"Hello Clark, we can build the shocks for them. We started to consider it about a year ago but never had requests for them yet. Example we did and still build shocks for the odes but we don't have them on our new website. If anyone needed shocks they could email us exact length and mount widths and we can calculate everything else from the oe weight listings of the manufacturer.
Thanks
Bandit Utv Suspension"
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I'm with you on this.
I'm pretty happy with the front suspension. It's the rear suspension that is tougher to deal with.
$100 for a pair of springs that makes the rear ride more compliant and improve suspension performance is an easy spend, and then wait for the the shock to wear out before spending the big bucks. By then, Bandit might have the answer for all 4 corners.
Are the inside coil diameters where they meet the shock the same as the stock springs?
Thanks for doing all the leg work for us!
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Are the inside coil diameters where they meet the shock the same as the stock springs?
Probably a slight difference but they fit fine, have what looks to be the same distance between the shock body and spring and don't rub. I'll measure anyway and post back.
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Ok, as best as I can measure it, the stock springs have an inside diameter of 2 3/16" which is 58.82mm. That makes the new one a hair larger at 2 3/8" or 60.45mm. Not much difference.
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The changes you made to that rear sway bar has probably had some effect to rear spring rate. Have you had a chance for a good test ride?
That Bandit shock package looks comparable to Elka Stage 3 package. It would really be nice if a simple spring change would make a significant ride quality improvement.
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The changes you made to that rear sway bar has probably had some effect to rear spring rate. Have you had a chance for a good test ride?
That Bandit shock package looks comparable to Elka Stage 3 package. It would really be nice if a simple spring change would make a significant ride quality improvement.
Not yet other then around the yard here. Have a week-long camping trip planed for the 23rd-28th then another one next month though. In all honesty though, if I am going to spend over a grand on shocks, I'll spend the extra on Elka. I think even Elka Stage 1s are at or less then Bandit's low-end shocks. I just want these springs to get me by until I can justify.. either cost. :)
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In the first pic it looks like the shock is almost touching the bump stop is that how it was before or where u compressing it to show the travel?
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In the first pic it looks like the shock is almost touching the bump stop is that how it was before or where u compressing it to show the travel?
It was actually a bit farther then it looks.. also the pics was taken before the final preload adjustment . It only took another 5mm of preload to gain another inch of rear height. I'll take a few more today at better angles..and as it has no extra weight on it now.
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Some new pics with the final preload set. Man I need to get to that back side with the pressure washer better...lol
(https://i.imgur.com/UyHZER4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ntmiHlp.jpg)
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When I jump on my receiver (190lbs), the rear hardly moves (read: very stiff suspension).
I've always assumed that this was due to spring force was too high for the weight that is on it.
Have you noticed any difference in compression/rebound with the new springs when jumping on the back end?
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When I jump on my receiver (190lbs), the rear hardly moves (read: very stiff suspension).
I've always assumed that this was due to spring force was too high for the weight that is on it.
Have you noticed any difference in compression/rebound with the new springs when jumping on the back end?
For mine all that ended when I got rid of the soft yellow a-arm bushings. Even greased they never slid over the sleeve surface like a bearing..like the new hard delron's do. And dry they almost locked in place. It now moves fluidly up and down when on the hitch and always returns close to the same position..ie I don't have to pick it up to bring it back or it doesn't hold-down like it's sagging. With the new springs I actually have them set a little stiffer to start.. knowing they may settle-in some and..I wanted a bit more ride height then it had before with the old springs anyway but with the old springs I was afraid of running out of spring as fast as they were collapsing so I didn't give it any more then what was necessary to maintain the ride height it had. Really looking forward to some rough trail riding now just to see if it made the difference I think it will. Flicking it around the yard and street here it feels really good.
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Well, I am delighted to say they did improve the rear's ride noticeably. In fact even my wife..who never notices anything said she could feel a big difference. Said now if only the front felt as good I would have it made.
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Good news 8)
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Well, I am delighted to say they did improve the rear's ride noticeably.
Can you elaborate on the nature of the improvement?
Would you recommend the spring replacement to others as an interim step to replacing the shocks after they fail?
I have an itchy trigger finger on this subject ;-)
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Well, I am delighted to say they did improve the rear's ride noticeably.
Can you elaborate on the nature of the improvement?
Would you recommend the spring replacement to others as an interim step to replacing the shocks after they fail?
I have an itchy trigger finger on this subject ;-)
As I am working with Bandit now to get something for the front, I had a working theory that has even more evidence to support that theory. Because it was the lighter coils that were loosing distance between the coils and as time went on it took less and less suspension movement to feel that "bump" that most would think was the shock bottoming-out, I surmised that what was actually happening was the lighter coils were coil-binding and as they ended their travel and came to the heavier coil it was such a difference it felt like the travel had ended. This though was supported when I saw all the paint warn off between the softer coils on both front and back and no sign of coil contact on the heavier coils...and no dirt knocked off the end of the rubber stop. With the new single rate springs there is no coil binding, only progressive rate increase as it compresses. I tried like hell to get the rears to bottom out and could not. In a perfect world of dual-rate springs, I think as the softer coils reach say 80% of their compression, the heavier rated spring should already start to be in motion blending the two. Elka does this with their dual spring-dual rate setup. CFM's attempt using a single spring makes it feel like it hits a "wall" when it gets to the heavier spring. Probably why the new ones went back to a single-rate spring.
As for the improvement...it was like the back was floating over the roughest of rocks on a suspension that for once.. actually worked- where the front was still hitting that "wall" on every rock even with the compression set wide open. I think the key here is get rid of the CFM dual rate springs and just use a single rate spring. Having a little trouble getting one from Bandit that measures the same as the CFM spring...and it can not be any longer. The CFM spring is 11 1/16"s long which is an odd size ( go figure) as they commonly come in 8,10,12 & 14 with the 40mm end IDs. Can't do the 12s bit maybe the 10s as I have a lot of preload adjustment I can use.
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Do you think the medium spring rate is sufficient?
I'm just wondering if it would be reasonable to consider the heavier spring rate (given that the Z Trail is 240lbs heavier than the Wildcat Trail) or to stick with the mediums.
I'm more likely to pull the trigger now rather than wait for something Z specific to be developed.
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Do you think the medium spring rate is sufficient?
I'm just wondering if it would be reasonable to consider the heavier spring rate (given that the Z Trail is 240lbs heavier than the Wildcat Trail) or to stick with the mediums.
I'm more likely to pull the trigger now rather than wait for something Z specific to be developed.
Their medium set for the Wildcat Trail is 200lbs rears and 175lb fronts. Going by that the 200lb rears were perfect I am going to assume the 175lbs fronts are what we will want for the front...but..their 12s are too long and they are telling me they thing their 10s may be too short. I just told them that we have over 3"s or preload adjustment and aren't using much of that at all so an extra inch or so wouldn't be a problem. I also told them if they do work..get ready for some orders from the CFM world. Hold on and let me be the guinea pig. The Wildcat Trail's rears will work on our trails..that's confirmed.
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Re: the travel. I made a more careful measure of my shocks day before yesterday when mounting my new 27" Wanda tires. The stock CF Moto shocks, off the machine and fully extended, show in the front shocks exactly two (2) inches of ram travel until the bump stop. The rear stock shocks show 2 3/8" of ram travel from fully extended up to the bump stop.
Changes to preload/ride height must be accomplished within that narrow range and yet leave enough travel in both compression and extension to make the best of it.
The front Elka shock ram provides 3 1/2" travel to the bump stop and in rear, 3" from fully extended to the bump stop.
In my case with the rider and cargo weights I submitted, Elka fitted both my front and rear shocks with the same springs (!) F 04 - 254 (uncompressed length in millimeters)
I believe that's a 200 Lb spring. They accommodated the heavier back end of the ORV by preloading the springs on the rear shocks almost an inch more than the front ones.
(I find it amusing that as someone said, Elka doesn't recommend adjusting the collar down more than 3-4 turns and after that they suggest you buy a stronger spring, and yet they themselves will preload the same strength spring THAT much (nearly an inch) to make it work on the rear) :)
Anyway their magic works, and the machine handles the lumps and bumps much more nicely than it did. As set up my rear collars are at the bottom end of the threads supplied (it was a scant 3 turns to get there) and the fronts set so that with the 27" tires I have 9.5" G/C in the rear and 9.5" G/C to that oddly low spot at the rear of the front bash plate. And I hardly bashed it at all in 150 Km of 2 man riding yesterday. 8) Much better.
ps: In my case with stock shocks on and me jumping on the rear receiver the back end hardly moved at all, and yet with the Elkas jumped on I feel it responded as it should, compressing and releasing. When I get off and lift it by hand the machine settles back to the same spot it left and no squeaking or resistance is detected. A carpenters tape that I stood on the concrete with the end extended to touch the skid plate and some drag applied with the thumb brake so it will push in and hold the reading, showed it had compressed at least an inch and a half before returning. Delrin will be slippery-er for sure but I don't think I'm being limited by the stock bushings... yet. :)
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Hold on and let me be the guinea pig. The Wildcat Trail's rears will work on our trails..that's confirmed.
Bandit sent me a n invoice in response to my inquiry.
$105 for the set of rear springs.
$12 shipping.
Hard to resist.
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Well, they don't have anything that will work for the front. I have contacted 4 other places and all either are not interested or have nothing..or want me to custom order a full shock set.Those Elka Stage-1s are looking better and better. I haven't given up looking yet..
I paid my friend 110 for the two I got so..not bad. If your your trail has dual rate springs that are getting pretty rough, the Bandit "Medium" rear springs for the Wildcat Trail will work and is an improvement. The fronts are a problem...at the moment :)
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NMKawierider, I sent you a email back.
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Well, thanks to Ted at Bandit the fronts will soon no longer be a problem. He is going to special-order some 11" 175lb springs for our Zforce Trails. It will be 6-8 weeks before they come in so hang on guys..those Elkas can wait. He said as a package deal for all four the cost should be close to the same as the Wildcat trail's. This is a major cost saving for all of us. Spread the word people..:)
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Awesome!!!
<Tips hat!>
BTW: I pulled the trigger. Not soon enough for the the next ride, but perhaps the one after that.
Thanks for all your efforts!
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Thank Bandit Suspension for stepping-up. They were the only ones that would...and did. Ted also said they would be happy to custom build a complete shock set for our CFMs and that they use even heavier-duty sized parts then Elka and can usually beat Elka's pricing. I know my friend with the new Wild Cat put a set on his and loves them. And they do look like a competition-grade shock. On his rear shocks Bandit did something I hadn't seen before. Like our trails, his OEs didn't have piggie-backs (I don't think anyway) and there may have been a problem facing the tire or straight back. Bandit placed them at a 45 between the two points...and it works! Never saw that before.
Some pics:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=577647529298879&set=pcb.2161954537463336&type=3&theater&ifg=1
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Awesome!!!
<Tips hat!>
BTW: I pulled the trigger. Not soon enough for the the next ride, but perhaps the one after that.
Thanks for all your efforts!
BTW you are going to love those new rear springs. Changes the the ride completely back there..just gota get the fronts to match...lol
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I was surprised when USPS delivered the springs yesterday. Fast shipping and delivered on a holiday!
At any rate, they are installed. I set preload to 3 7/8 inches of thread resulting in 11" of height at the receiver hitch. The rear end has suspension now; moves freely and rebounds smoothly. I might even have to tighten up the compression settings now that there are springs that actually work!
The adjustment process will start anew for the next ride :-)
Some pics:
https://imgur.com/mHkJ5Yu (https://imgur.com/mHkJ5Yu) Spring compare
https://imgur.com/BTd15Hk (https://imgur.com/BTd15Hk) Spring on shock compare
https://imgur.com/FkvzYMq (https://imgur.com/FkvzYMq) Mounted
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Man..from what I can see your old springs were worse then mine were..just look at the wear rings between the coils on the light ends. Wow...you are going to like the hell out of the new bandits. I can't wait for Ted to call and let me know the new fronts are in.
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First ride with the new rear springs today and all I can say is "YEA!".
That back end used to pogo worse than the front, stiff and hard. That behavior is GONE. The front stiffness and rebound is much more noticable now that the rear is smooth and compliant.
I rode a rail trail with lots of whoopty-do's and other assorted bumps. I drove the Z hard into all the whoopsies. The front would dig in and pop up as it always has, but the rear just kind of floated behind without adding much of anything in the way of discomfort. I'm far more impressed than I thought I would be. Best C note I've spent in a long time.
I'm very much looking forward to the availability of replacement front springs!
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First ride with the new rear springs today and all I can say is "YEA!".
That back end used to pogo worse than the front, stiff and hard. That behavior is GONE. The front stiffness and rebound is much more noticable now that the rear is smooth and compliant.
I rode a rail trail with lots of whoopty-do's and other assorted bumps. I drove the Z hard into all the whoopsies. The front would dig in and pop up as it always has, but the rear just kind of floated behind without adding much of anything in the way of discomfort. I'm far more impressed than I thought I would be. Best C note I've spent in a long time.
I'm very much looking forward to the availability of replacement front springs!
Same results for me. Can't wait for the new fronts. It's going to almost like having Elkas..for only a couple of C-notes...lol
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Awesome!!!
<Tips hat!>
BTW: I pulled the trigger. Not soon enough for the the next ride, but perhaps the one after that.
Thanks for all your efforts!
I will do the same , waiting to see if you like them,,lol. From what im reading you are impressed.
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I am certainly pleased with such a relatively low cost solution when compared to buying new shocks. (I
pinch my pennies whenever possible). If you are handy enough to swap your springs then it's a no-brainer upgrade. I hope Bandit makes a killing selling these things as they deserve it.
I'm now perplexed at what the engineers at CF-Moto were trying to achieve with their spring choice and wonder if the EX would benefit from a swap.
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I am certainly pleased with such a relatively low cost solution when compared to buying new shocks. (I
pinch my pennies whenever possible). If you are handy enough to swap your springs then it's a no-brainer upgrade. I hope Bandit makes a killing selling these things as they deserve it.
I'm now perplexed at what the engineers at CF-Moto were trying to achieve with their spring choice and wonder if the EX would benefit from a swap.
Have you ever ridden in an EX? Mine is quite smooth, I don't have much complaint about the suspension. I'm sure it could be better for racing. One of the guys on here races his and after a ton of mud cakes on and a lot of woops it gets lazy I guess. For normal riding they are pretty damn good. I've never bottomed it out or pogo sticked or anything
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I never have ridden in an EX. That's why I was just wondering.
Glad to hear it's only the trail that has the issue.
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So are they putting a complete shock set together or just the springs and also you say they have a piggybacks for the trail?
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Is there any particular part number we should use when we contact Bandit? Or just say we want a set or Wildcat rear springs for our ZForce 800 trail?
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Is there any particular part number we should use when we contact Bandit? Or just say we want a set or Wildcat rear springs for our ZForce 800 trail?
Until the package gets together you will have to order just the rear set for the Wildcat Trail. There are two rates, the medium and heavy(I believe). The mediums are the 200lbs and what most of is will be using. But if you carry heavy loads, might consider the Heavy which is 250lbs. Know that they will be stiff...and not as smooth as the 200lb Mediums. Just got back from another week long camp-out and still love'n the new Bandits. When Ted get the new springs in for the fronts he'll let me know...and then I'll make an announcement.
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Is there any particular part number we should use when we contact Bandit? Or just say we want a set or Wildcat rear springs for our ZForce 800 trail?
Until the package gets together you will have to order just the rear set for the Wildcat Trail. There are two rates, the medium and heavy(I believe). The mediums are the 200lbs and what most of is will be using. But if you carry heavy loads, might consider the Heavy which is 250lbs. Know that they will be stiff...and not as smooth as the 200lb Mediums. Just got back from another week long camp-out and still love'n the new Bandits. When Ted get the new springs in for the fronts he'll let me know...and then I'll make an announcement.
where do I go to order the springs and is there a set price ?
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Is there any particular part number we should use when we contact Bandit? Or just say we want a set or Wildcat rear springs for our ZForce 800 trail?
Until the package gets together you will have to order just the rear set for the Wildcat Trail. There are two rates, the medium and heavy(I believe). The mediums are the 200lbs and what most of is will be using. But if you carry heavy loads, might consider the Heavy which is 250lbs. Know that they will be stiff...and not as smooth as the 200lb Mediums. Just got back from another week long camp-out and still love'n the new Bandits. When Ted get the new springs in for the fronts he'll let me know...and then I'll make an announcement.
where do I go to order the springs and is there a set price ?
Go to the site I have below. Send an email stating you want just the the rear springs for the wildcat Trail and you want the 200lb rated. You can also just call their sales team.
https://www.banditutvsuspension.com/
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anybody try the Eibach 1000.188.0175 springs? 10 inch, 1.88 diameter 175 lb spring rate. I have the ELKA stage 1 ordered fir the back, but for $60 each I’m seriously thinking about a pair of the Eibachs for the front until I save up enough coin for Elkas for the front.
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E mail sent, ordering the rears for now
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E mail sent, ordering the rears for now
what are you going with stage 1 or 3 and is a stage 3 worth it I don’t mind spending if I’m going to get a good return for it. So what you all think.
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ordered the rear springs from Bandit.
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I am certainly pleased with such a relatively low cost solution when compared to buying new shocks. (I
pinch my pennies whenever possible). If you are handy enough to swap your springs then it's a no-brainer upgrade. I hope Bandit makes a killing selling these things as they deserve it.
I'm now perplexed at what the engineers at CF-Moto were trying to achieve with their spring choice and wonder if the EX would benefit from a swap.
well i guess i will have one more project this winter. Glad the springs worked out
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I am certainly pleased with such a relatively low cost solution when compared to buying new shocks. (I
pinch my pennies whenever possible). If you are handy enough to swap your springs then it's a no-brainer upgrade. I hope Bandit makes a killing selling these things as they deserve it.
I'm now perplexed at what the engineers at CF-Moto were trying to achieve with their spring choice and wonder if the EX would benefit from a swap.
well i guess i will have one more project this winter. Glad the springs worked out
so will you have to adjust the preload when you change them out? Where do you start ?
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I am certainly pleased with such a relatively low cost solution when compared to buying new shocks. (I
pinch my pennies whenever possible). If you are handy enough to swap your springs then it's a no-brainer upgrade. I hope Bandit makes a killing selling these things as they deserve it.
I'm now perplexed at what the engineers at CF-Moto were trying to achieve with their spring choice and wonder if the EX would benefit from a swap.
well i guess i will have one more project this winter. Glad the springs worked out
so will you have to adjust the preload when you change them out? Where do you start ?
Just measure from the hitch to the ground with the old ones. Then set the new ones to be about 1/2- 3/4" higher. When they settle-in it should be about where the old ones were. If you want a little more..go for it :)
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installed my Bandit springs yesterday, super easy to do. Of course I was in such a hurry I forgot to measure the height at the hitch before I removed the old ones. I had 4 inches of thread on the shock with the old ones and set my new ones to 3.5 inches. Am I in the right ballpark for setting them up. Weekend of riding is coming up in 2 weeks and want it ready to try out
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Mine are set at 3 7/8" with 11" to the bottom of the hitch empty.
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Mine are set at 3 7/8" with 11" to the bottom of the hitch empty.
I had 9” 1/4 before height before I changed out the springs new springs have it sitting around 11” 3/16 high. I have it just under 4”. I have 21 clicks so I set that half way then 2 to fast so 14 out from slow and I have great movement stepping on back of hitch tried it out in the yard driven over some split wood and wow what a difference. Thanks to all the hard work some of you did to get this problem under control with minimum cost.
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Great. Really looking forward to the fronts now...these will take the "ride regrets" out of buying a 50" for me.
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Mine are set at 3 7/8" with 11" to the bottom of the hitch empty.
I had 9” 1/4 before height before I changed out the springs new springs have it sitting around 11” 3/16 high. I have it just under 4”. I have 21 clicks so I set that half way then 2 to fast so 14 out from slow and I have great movement stepping on back of hitch tried it out in the yard driven over some split wood and wow what a difference. Thanks to all the hard work some of you did to get this problem under control with minimum cost.
I was going to toss in that I have mine to the high-side of it's optimum ride height and with my 27" Reapers I have 9.5" from the bottom of the hitch to the floor...so...you might be a little "over preloaded" for a smooth ride. I would think with your 26s it would be around 9"...but maybe you like a "firmer" ride. :)
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I went by the spec at the CFMoto site that calls for a ground clearance of 11.2".
Perhaps I'm measuring from the wrong spot, but there is still significant extension left in the shock considering how short the range is.
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I went by the spec at the CFMoto site that calls for a ground clearance of 11.2".
Perhaps I'm measuring from the wrong spot, but there is still significant extension left in the shock considering how short the range is.
the new springs are a few inches taller. I marked the collor threads and with the new springs in I’m over a inch away from that mark and it gave me huge movement in travel by just stepping on the back hitch and I had me my wife and my daughter hop on the hitch to check if it’s too soft was good. Maybe I got lucky
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Cool..Just thinking out loud. :) Anyways I always wondered how they got that number for a trail. The suspension riding anywhere close to the middle of its travel or arc is going to be far less then 11.2 measured from the hitch or even the skid. Maybe they crank it up so the numbers look better. They show 11.8" for the EX. About 5/8" difference...which I might believe for the EX. Clearly somebody at CFM smoke'n something... :) . Ideally, for general wheel alignment and suspension operation the static setting should be close to the center of the total swing of the suspension. But for most trail riding it is widely used that 80% of the total travel is used for compression and 20% is used for extension. If I jack mine up to where I get 11.25" (11-1/4"), there is less then 5% left before the wheels come off the ground...heck at 13"s the tires are off the ground....so that's wrong...and I also posed the question of what the stock Trail height was on one of the FB groups. So far all have come back with between 9 - 9.75 without lifts and most even with larger tires.
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Was there ever any talk about a rear spring for the EX models? Mine have so much pre-load it's kind of ridiculous. And the ride on the EX is not that great, IMO.
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Was there ever any talk about a rear spring for the EX models? Mine have so much pre-load it's kind of ridiculous. And the ride on the EX is not that great, IMO.
Most of the..at least newer EX's.. have the CFM single rate springs but I'm sure they need improvement as well....and I'll bet they are loosing their tension over time as well. I need someone with an EX to remove one rear and one front spring, and measure the total length of the un-compressed springs. For the Trail's, the rears are the same as the Wildcat's which are a bit longer then the OE at 13.75" and the new fronts will be 11.25". If the EX is anywhere close to these, then there are options for the EX owner. If not...we can work on getting something going for them.
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Ok, thanks. I'm in the middle of fixing my front diff damage, so I might be able to get the springs off, and get some measurements.
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Ok, thanks. I'm in the middle of fixing my front diff damage, so I might be able to get the springs off, and get some measurements.
That would be cool. And if assembled the front and rear are the same length, then it's probably the only real difference with be in the rates...ie 200 rear and 175 front. Looking forward to your measurement.
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my rear springs are a dual spring. There is one spring on top, then a little spacer, and a separate spring on the bottom.
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my rear springs are a dual spring. There is one spring on top, then a little spacer, and a separate spring on the bottom.
Wow..didn't realize CFM did a setup like that. Well, just stack them together and get a total length.
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my rear springs are a dual spring. There is one spring on top, then a little spacer, and a separate spring on the bottom.
Interesting. Mine is a single, and it's pre-loaded way down. I wonder if they ran out of little springs/spacers by 2017? :D
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mine are all the way unloaded due to the lift I didn't want it too high. I won't be taking my springs off for any reason though so I can't help you with the measurement.
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my rear springs are a dual spring. There is one spring on top, then a little spacer, and a separate spring on the bottom.
Interesting. Mine is a single, and it's pre-loaded way down. I wonder if they ran out of little springs/spacers by 2017? :D
Come to think of it.. I do remember something about the separate dual rate springs having a problem... collapsing..or being too light and the cure was to remove the lighter-rate section.
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Took my 800 out for a nice 250 mile ride this past weekend and the Bandit springs made a huge improvement in the ride. Now if the fronts can get done , this thing might actually ride like a true off road vehicle
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Took my 800 out for a nice 250 mile ride this past weekend and the Bandit springs made a huge improvement in the ride. Now if the fronts can get done , this thing might actually ride like a true off road vehicle
Yeah took mine out the other day an still can't believe how much better the back feels. Bandit just told me they ordered several thousand springs and as soon as all of them were done they would ship them. So...getting closer!
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Looking forward to them getting the springs in
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I put those Bandit springs on my Wildcat Trail last year for my Xmas gift to myself :D I didn't read the entire thread, but note that they have a standard and HD spring, with the standard (175-Frt, 200-Rear) being the ones NMK purchased and the HD ones running 225-Frt, 200-Rear. The HD are recommended for owners that carry a second passenger or a lot of gear.
They made a HUGE difference on my Trail, as the stock springs are a weak point and tend to sag up to 2" after a few years of ownership. The Fox shocks are pretty good, but the springs really limit the suspension, so these Bandit springs are well worth the cost.
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Yeah..on the Z even with a second passenger and all the gear I carry plus the extra 94lbs of extras I've added over the years, the 200s were more then plenty. I wouldn't want any more. Can't wait for the fronts to get in...neither can the wife :)
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
EX springs aren't failing like the Trails are so the market may not be there for them but...they may already have something that will work. Someone with an EX needs to pull one off the front and one off the rear and measure the total length of the spring when off the shock and the inside diameter of the ends.
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
EX springs aren't failing like the Trails are so the market may not be there for them but...they may already have something that will work. Someone with an EX needs to pull one off the front and one off the rear and measure the total length of the spring when off the shock and the inside diameter of the ends.
I have my rear shocks off my Z800 EX so I measured them. They are 14 3/8 inches long ID on the bottom is 2" and 1 7/8" on the top.
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
EX springs aren't failing like the Trails are so the market may not be there for them but...they may already have something that will work. Someone with an EX needs to pull one off the front and one off the rear and measure the total length of the spring when off the shock and the inside diameter of the ends.
I have my rear shocks off my Z800 EX so I measured them. They are 14 3/8 inches long ID on the bottom is 2" and 1 7/8" on the top.
Wow..the 14 3/8" length I expected but the different end inside diameters I didn't. 2"=50.8mm and 1 7/8"=45.21mm. As I recall my trail has them the same at 48.15mm.
Just to confirm, take a measurement on the shoulder that slips inside the coil's end to center it on either end. One will be the retainer.. if still apart.
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
EX springs aren't failing like the Trails are so the market may not be there for them but...they may already have something that will work. Someone with an EX needs to pull one off the front and one off the rear and measure the total length of the spring when off the shock and the inside diameter of the ends.
I have my rear shocks off my Z800 EX so I measured them. They are 14 3/8 inches long ID on the bottom is 2" and 1 7/8" on the top.
Wow..the 14 3/8" length I expected but the different end inside diameters I didn't. 2"=50.8mm and 1 7/8"=45.21mm. As I recall my trail has them the same at 48.15mm.
Just to confirm, take a measurement on the shoulder that slips inside the coil's end to center it on either end. One will be the retainer.. if still apart.
Okay I measured them with a caliper this time. The shoulder on the nut for the top of the spring is 46 mm and the bottom retainer plate is 50 mm.
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Any idea if they plan on doing springs for the EX version? toying with new shocks for the 500EX but its an expensive upgrade, would much prefer to just upgrade the existing springs if they plan on doing them
EX springs aren't failing like the Trails are so the market may not be there for them but...they may already have something that will work. Someone with an EX needs to pull one off the front and one off the rear and measure the total length of the spring when off the shock and the inside diameter of the ends.
I have my rear shocks off my Z800 EX so I measured them. They are 14 3/8 inches long ID on the bottom is 2" and 1 7/8" on the top.
Wow..the 14 3/8" length I expected but the different end inside diameters I didn't. 2"=50.8mm and 1 7/8"=45.21mm. As I recall my trail has them the same at 48.15mm.
Just to confirm, take a measurement on the shoulder that slips inside the coil's end to center it on either end. One will be the retainer.. if still apart.
Okay I measured them with a caliper this time. The shoulder on the nut for the top of the spring is 46 mm and the bottom retainer plate is 50 mm.
Having the ends different diameters makes it tough..but I will ask.
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Ok, this is what I got back from Bandit.
"Hello Clark,
Glad to help you out. And yes we are still waiting for the springs to be finished and delivered. We have quite a lot of springs on this order. And the coil manufacturer we use makes springs for other companies and they are running behind this time of year. We are hoping to get confirmation from them soon that our order is finished.
As for the rear EX springs. We do have 225 lb 13 inch free length springs that have 46 mm inner diameter on one end. And 50 mm on the other end. Attached is a photo. It is a barrel shaped spring. I hope this helps.
Thanks
Kelly Cates
Bandit Utv Suspension"
The only things I see that could be a problem is first, the barrow shape. It may interfere with the reservoir..but may not. The end sizes are the same as the centering shoulders so they may need to be taken-down a bit. And the length is 1.3/8" shorter. That actually probably won't be a problem as they are a 225lb rated spring. Contact Kelly if you want to try a set. The email is: banditutv@yahoo.com
(https://i.imgur.com/vXjmzcc.jpg)
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Just wanted everyone with a Z Force Trail 800 that Bandit UTV Suspension has finally got the long-awaited front springs in as well as a fresh set of rears for our machines. These are only for the 800 Trail and I believe they will also fit the ZF500s. For only $205 you will have all four springs. Can't wait for mine to arrive.
Here's a link:
https://www.banditutvsuspension.com/cf-moto
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Hey NMK, I wonder if they have a spring to fit the EX, I noticed ours are starting to sag a little.
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Hey NMK, I wonder if they have a spring to fit the EX, I noticed ours are starting to sag a little.
They might. You just need to take off one front and one rear, remove the springs, then measure both's length and the end IDs then give them a call or send an email. The rears for the EX I'm thinking should be a 225-250lb rating and the fronts should be in the 200-225lb. These for the Trail's are 200 rear and 175 front.
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Well, they came and now they are installed. Perfect fit, easy to do especially with a shock tool. Not a minute too soon I might add. As you can see in these first photos, several of the lighter coils have completely collapsed and others are nearly there.
(https://i.imgur.com/TQ5iYiN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OgSrgCX.jpg)
The new springs are made to the same length and shape as the old ones except in a 175lb single rate.
(https://i.imgur.com/XtE9eha.jpg)
On a guess I set the adjuster ring (not the lock ring) 24mms from the head to start with and that turned out to give me the same ride height as I had with the other springs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Yc8yD4f.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5cPkK3S.jpg)
Now it moves smoothly all the way around. Can't wait to test it out.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rb4VV8l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vPQIeBh.jpg)
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...several of the lighter coils have completely collapsed and others are nearly there...
Your first two pics show how my stock shocks were/still are in a box. At rest, installed and with four on the ground, the end 5 turns of each end of the 15 coil springs were at virtual coil-bind. This means that only 1/3 of the spring was in use, the top five coils and bottom five coils may as well have been solid pipe.
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...several of the lighter coils have completely collapsed and others are nearly there...
Your first two pics show how my stock shocks were/still are in a box. At rest, installed and with four on the ground, the end 5 turns of each end of the 15 coil springs were at virtual coil-bind. This means that only 1/3 of the spring was in use, the top five coils and bottom five coils may as well have been solid pipe.
Yeah...and they didn't start out that way. My fronts weren't that bad when I did the rears but after just a couple of rides they went to sh*t. Can't wait until we get to go for a ride in the rocky trails north of us. Just kicking it around the yard it feels like ...well like someone else's machine...lol
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Front springs arrived today. I hope to find time this weekend to install them.
I guess I'll have to reset the shock settings back to neutral and start the adjustment process all over again.
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Front springs arrived today. I hope to find time this weekend to install them.
I guess I'll have to reset the shock settings back to neutral and start the adjustment process all over again.
I just left mine where they were. The rears were just fine and it looks like the fronts will be pretty close as is.
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My Stage 1 Elkas just arrived via FedEx. Hope I made the right choice over just new springs. Oh well Merry Christmas everyone.
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My Stage 1 Elkas just arrived via FedEx. Hope I made the right choice over just new springs. Oh well Merry Christmas everyone.
You will be more then happy. Heck of a Christmas pressent. :) When I start loosing shocks, its Elka..or I might have Bandit build me a set. They say they can build a stronger shock them Elka for less.
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Front springs are in! I set it up for an additional 1/2 inch of clearance when compared to before the changeover.
I didn't realize that the springs would have to be compressed in order to get them off the shock. I didn't have any spring compressors so I ended up using a couple of tie-down ratchet straps. A little clunky but it worked. Releasing the tension is "entertaining". The benefit of the straps was no scratching up the new springs :-)
It has much improved suspension response and a softer rebound just tooling around the yard.
I'm looking forward to a real ride up north in January!
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My Stage 1 Elkas just arrived via FedEx. Hope I made the right choice over just new springs. Oh well Merry Christmas everyone.
The springs are undoubtedly a good upgrade but you didn't do wrong getting Elkas. The Elka's provide an additional 3/4" front and 1 1/2" rear travel, if I remember right. That's a big boost on a machine that has pretty limited shock travel out of the crate. (something like 2" shock travel rear and 2 1/2" front)
That and the valving, though not adjustable on the base Elkas appears to be better than anything I could fiddle with to gain on the stock shocks' knurl knobs.
Everything we do to the stock shocks including replacing them, makes them better. That says something.
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Just got back from the first ride with the new springs. Yes..much improvement. Much smoother and much better overall feel. I could have rode for many more hours. Well worth the money.
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Just pulled the trigger on these new springs NMK is so big on. Over 400 Canadian, with taxes and shipping.
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Just pulled the trigger on these new springs NMK is so big on. Over 400 Canadian, with taxes and shipping.
Yikes!..man they sure get you guys. Well, way cheaper then a new set of shocks. I'll bet you can get Elkas cheaper then we can...lol
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Yeah. $121 for shipping. Just wanted to let the Canadian members know what the cost is.
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How are they shipping? USPS is the most economical, UPS is whom I refer to as the shipping Nazi's.
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Just ordered last night. Got a notification today saying they are shipped by USPS. Let you know when they show up.
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Ok, got the rear shocks measured on the 800 EX. 22 3/16" eye to eye.
I just installed the superatv rear high clearance a-arms, so made sure to measure it. The rear spring is really wound down on the rears, almost until it is out of threads. Would kill to have a nice soft spring on the rear that kept the ground clearance about where it is at (12" or so).
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Ok, got the rear shocks measured on the 800 EX. 22 3/16" eye to eye.
I just installed the superatv rear high clearance a-arms, so made sure to measure it. The rear spring is really wound down on the rears, almost until it is out of threads. Would kill to have a nice soft spring on the rear that kept the ground clearance about where it is at (12" or so).
Have you measured the height of the spring itself? I mean just the spring off the shock...or with the preload loosened completely off. If its about 13, 14 inches I'll bet you could use the rears for the trails...or even better, the set for the WildCat trail as they have different rates.
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Ok, got the rear shocks measured on the 800 EX. 22 3/16" eye to eye.
I just installed the superatv rear high clearance a-arms, so made sure to measure it. The rear spring is really wound down on the rears, almost until it is out of threads. Would kill to have a nice soft spring on the rear that kept the ground clearance about where it is at (12" or so).
Have you measured the height of the spring itself? I mean just the spring off the shock...or with the preload loosened completely off. If its about 13, 14 inches I'll bet you could use the rears for the trails...or even better, the set for the WildCat trail as they have different rates.
I didn't. Might be able to do that. Still need to adjust the camber on the rear so will be monkeying around with it. It's soooo stiff.
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How are they shipping? USPS is the most economical, UPS is whom I refer to as the shipping Nazi's.
Ordered on the 8th, got them today. (20th)
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Ok, got some spring dimensions for the rear shocks of the 800 EX, if you care to share them with your vendor.
Overall uncompressed spring length is 14 3/8". Inside diameter of the spring is 2". Outside diameter is 2 3/4". Looks like the total shock travel is about 5". Looks like the shock could handle a spring length max of 17". That's the measurement of the bottom of the spring mount area up to the top of the threaded area with allowance for the two threaded spring nuts. And again, the overall shock length (eye to eye) is around 22 1/4".
A replacement spring could easily be 2" longer than the stock one and still have plenty of threads.
Double edit: I see someone had already done all this. Also, didn't realize there was a ID size difference on the ends.
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Ok, this is what I got back from Bandit.
"Hello Clark,
Glad to help you out. And yes we are still waiting for the springs to be finished and delivered. We have quite a lot of springs on this order. And the coil manufacturer we use makes springs for other companies and they are running behind this time of year. We are hoping to get confirmation from them soon that our order is finished.
As for the rear EX springs. We do have 225 lb 13 inch free length springs that have 46 mm inner diameter on one end. And 50 mm on the other end. Attached is a photo. It is a barrel shaped spring. I hope this helps.
Thanks
Kelly Cates
Bandit Utv Suspension"
The only things I see that could be a problem is first, the barrow shape. It may interfere with the reservoir..but may not. The end sizes are the same as the centering shoulders so they may need to be taken-down a bit. And the length is 1.3/8" shorter. That actually probably won't be a problem as they are a 225lb rated spring. Contact Kelly if you want to try a set. The email is: banditutv@yahoo.com
(https://i.imgur.com/vXjmzcc.jpg)
Ok, I double checked my measurements today. Top ID is 50mm and bottom is 48mm. Agree overall length is 14 3/8". The shock could easily handle a spring that is 17" without having to compress it to get it on. It looks like it is really compressed, but the fact is it is only probably a down a couple inches from the time the tightener actually comes into contact with the spring. Believe these are really heavy springs.
Can you check with your source to see if my measurements result in any different options?
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Ok, this is what I got back from Bandit.
"Hello Clark,
Glad to help you out. And yes we are still waiting for the springs to be finished and delivered. We have quite a lot of springs on this order. And the coil manufacturer we use makes springs for other companies and they are running behind this time of year. We are hoping to get confirmation from them soon that our order is finished.
As for the rear EX springs. We do have 225 lb 13 inch free length springs that have 46 mm inner diameter on one end. And 50 mm on the other end. Attached is a photo. It is a barrel shaped spring. I hope this helps.
Thanks
Kelly Cates
Bandit Utv Suspension"
The only things I see that could be a problem is first, the barrow shape. It may interfere with the reservoir..but may not. The end sizes are the same as the centering shoulders so they may need to be taken-down a bit. And the length is 1.3/8" shorter. That actually probably won't be a problem as they are a 225lb rated spring. Contact Kelly if you want to try a set. The email is: banditutv@yahoo.com
(https://i.imgur.com/vXjmzcc.jpg)
Ok, I double checked my measurements today. Top ID is 50mm and bottom is 48mm. Agree overall length is 14 3/8". The shock could easily handle a spring that is 17" without having to compress it to get it on. It looks like it is really compressed, but the fact is it is only probably a down a couple inches from the time the tightener actually comes into contact with the spring. Believe these are really heavy springs.
Can you check with your source to see if my measurements result in any different options?
I can...and get back to you with the result. It's odd though that the ends would be different. Both should be 48mm. Assuming you measured the stock springs could it be the top was messed-up and fit the retainer loose?
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I could have gotten the ends mixed up, but one end is definitely 50mm and the other is 48m. I could not flip it upside down and make it work. The spring does not have an obvious, visual taper, though.
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I could have gotten the ends mixed up, but one end is definitely 50mm and the other is 48m. I could not flip it upside down and make it work. The spring does not have an obvious, visual taper, though.
Cool...I just sent them the info.Let's see what they come back with.
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PS. I assume both front and rear shocks on the EX are the same length...and would take the same length spring.
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I haven't taken the fronts off, so I don't know. The front suspension actually compresses and rebounds ok - although I would like a bit more clearance. My biggest concern is the rear, and I honestly think that's where you feel the lack of suspension the most. Like I said before, I jump up and down on the rear receiver and the rear suspension barely moves.
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OK, heard back from Ted. Looks like the EX springs are on the way so hang tight. Here's what he had to say:
"Hello Clark,
Good to hear from you. I actually have them on order. Same rates 200 front and 250 rear. Since they will be linear springs we will have them made slightly lower rate than the shocks we have built using 210 dual rate front springs and 300 dual rate rear springs. I hope to have the new springs available in maybe 5 weeks.
Thanks,
Ted
Bandit Utv Suspension"
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OK, heard back from Ted. Looks like the EX springs are on the way so hang tight. Here's what he had to say:
"Hello Clark,
Good to hear from you. I actually have them on order. Same rates 200 front and 250 rear. Since they will be linear springs we will have them made slightly lower rate than the shocks we have built using 210 dual rate front springs and 300 dual rate rear springs. I hope to have the new springs available in maybe 5 weeks.
Thanks,
Ted
Bandit Utv Suspension"
Awesome, thanks!
FYI - the bottom of the spring is 50mm, the top is a little tighter. I really don't see why a 50mm spring wouldn't work top and bottom, it'll just be a bit sloppy on the top until tightened down. My other thought was if they had a 2" dual rate spring (and the intermediate piece that goes between the springs) and see if that would help.
Edit: Found this neat calculator. May have to double check my measurements and put them in here.
http://www.maultechatv.com/techguides/spring%20rate%20calculator/index.php
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So I ran the spring rate calculator from that website, and I get roughly 165 coil spring rate. So I guess it makes sense that these are preloaded so much since they don't have the spring rate to handle the weight. Then, once they are so far loaded, you have very little travel. I guess in theory a heavier spring rate should correct the problem.
Also located this website which has springs to purchase.
https://www.hygearsuspension.com/pages/springs
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Has any one run the bandit springs that also has the 2" bracket lift installed from the 800 rzr?. I've got both the bracket lift and the spring spacers from highlifter installed on my trail. Machine sits about 12" to the skid plate in the rear with my rear springs set at about 4" down the coil. I'd like to soften up the rear while keeping lots of clearance
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Any kind of lift is murder on the trail's short suspension. Just no way to have a decent ride and great clearance with such short a-arms.
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Yep agreed. I removed the anti sway bar and that helped alot. Now I'm hoping these springs make a big difference. Based on everything I've read they do. I ordered a set this week. Should be in before a big ride I have in a few weeks
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Any kind of lift is murder on the trail's short suspension. Just no way to have a decent ride and great clearance with such short a-arms.
I'd have to think it should be possible to get as good a ride as an ATV, since the A-arms on those must be of similar length.
I do think that the CF Moto design in suspension has unusually short travel however even compared with a quad, as I remember measuring the stock shock rod travel on rear at 1.5". This would require CF Moto to supply a damned strong spring just to keep it from bottoming out.
I too found that even jumping on the rear receiver at 250 lbs, the quad hardly noticed nor responded. Was like jumping on a railroad track, moved about the same amount.
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Well I installed the springs today and I could tell the ride was going to be alot softer just by rocking the machine. I'll probably go for a tour tomorrow and put the nes springs through their paces
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OK, heard back from Ted. Looks like the EX springs are on the way so hang tight. Here's what he had to say:
"Hello Clark,
Good to hear from you. I actually have them on order. Same rates 200 front and 250 rear. Since they will be linear springs we will have them made slightly lower rate than the shocks we have built using 210 dual rate front springs and 300 dual rate rear springs. I hope to have the new springs available in maybe 5 weeks.
Thanks,
Ted
Bandit Utv Suspension"
Any word from your contact at Bandit? I've been checking their website and no dice, yet. In fact, it shows all of the CFMOTO stuff is out of stock. Thanks!
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OK, heard back from Ted. Looks like the EX springs are on the way so hang tight. Here's what he had to say:
"Hello Clark,
Good to hear from you. I actually have them on order. Same rates 200 front and 250 rear. Since they will be linear springs we will have them made slightly lower rate than the shocks we have built using 210 dual rate front springs and 300 dual rate rear springs. I hope to have the new springs available in maybe 5 weeks.
Thanks,
Ted
Bandit Utv Suspension"
Any word from your contact at Bandit? I've been checking their website and no dice, yet. In fact, it shows all of the CFMOTO stuff is out of stock. Thanks!
Go a head and send Ted an email. I don't think they ordered enough springs for the CFMs cause they ran out so fast.
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Bandit will not be offering springs for the EX models.
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I finally got the chance to put some real time on the new Bandit springs and I have to say I am very happy with them and at the current settings. Very smooth and compliant with great control. I let my friends take it for a test ride and even they had to say they were impressed. I also found another cheap but very useful addition. I was about to get some X3 pull-out seats from ebay to replace the CFM's but though a little more...something on the seat might just do the trick so I grabbed my egg-sitter cushion from my office chair and tossed it in the Moto. Nice! Smoothed-over those little impact jolts and helped keep my sciatica from being a problem. Ordered two off ebay just for the Z. They come with a cover with little silicone bumps on the bottom that help keep it in place. Not perfect because it does move a little bit after a while.. but made the ride like being on a cloud. The wife is going to love it. These are what I got: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Egg-Sitting-Gel-Flex-Cushion-Seat-Sitter-Flex-Pillow-Back-Support-Sit-On-An-Egg/293001861778?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
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Hi Thanks for the info on the seat cushion I ordered one, need that extra help for those long rides.
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Hi Thanks for the info on the seat cushion I ordered one, need that extra help for those long rides.
You are welcome. I bought two and on our last ride between the cushions and the new springs, my wife rode farther then she has ever before...and without Dramamine..(yeah she gets motion sick..but not this time). She said it was the most fun she ever had on the Moto. My backside was pretty happy too...lol