TRI Z handling and suspension mods.

[TrikerR]

okay guys i just wanted some input on how to improve the Z's and weak suspension and also make it handle better.

[twgranger]

For the rear shock you can use a warrior shock or a 02 raptor shock. I have a new warrior shock on mine and i love it. Here is a thread talking about the front suspension and things you can do to it. http://www.3wheeler.org/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16689

[TimSr]

The biggest problem with TriZ handling is insufficient fork rake. You need to drop the front, and/or raise the rear. This can be done in a number of ways. You can slide the fork tubes up in the clamps. Youve got over 2 1/2" to work with without running into clearance issues. This is the most dramatic, and the cheapest. You can also go to a shorter front tire, or taller rear tires. With these adjustments you can easily achieve near the 250R. Before everybody tells you to spend hundreds of dollars relocating the gas tank, Ill quickly say its a costly waste of time in my opinion, and has almost nothing to do with handling.

As for "weak suspension", youll have to elaborate on what it is you are trying to gain, or what problem you are trying to solve. The TriZ stock suspension in good working order is excellent, and holds its own among the best of the trikes out there. As with any suspension, it needs to be setup for the weight of the rider, and the TriZ is setup is more for your 165-185 lb rider, while for some reason Honda's are more setup for heavier riders. If you never bottom out, your suspension is too stiff, and your ride suffers for it. If you frequently bottom out, it is too light, and the only proper correction is a heavier spring. The best bandaid is more preload, but again, if you are not frequently bottoming out, you NEVER want to make your suspension stiffer. You want it as light as possible without frequently bottoming out. Progressive rate fork springs are a great upgrade in that they are softer than stock, but as you compress them, they get stiffer, to where they are stiffer than stock when compressed. This gives you the best of both worlds, lighter springs for smaller duty, and heavier springs when compressed gives you a smoother ride, and more resisitance to bottoming out.

One more note, the Warrior shock you will hear commonly being touted as a great upgrade, is NOT an upgrade. It is a more readily available good replacement for a blown stock shock, but dont expect any improvement.

[TrikerR]

what about the raptor shock. and what i mean is i want to be able to tale bigger jumps on the Z without bottoming out.

[TimSr]

Are you bottoming now, and how much do you weigh? Be aware that the more you tune it for big jumps, the more miserable it will be for normal riding. Im at 175 lbs, and do huge jumps racing motocross, and while it does frequently bottom on the really big stuff, its to be expected. Im on a stock Warrior rear shock. The lock nuts below the spring adjust preload, and I have mine maxed. Any reputable shock builder can put a heavier spring on your current shock.
I dont know about the '02 Raptor shock, but considering its a stock shock that was replaced after a year, on a quad thats comparable to the Warrior in weight, Id say it is unlikely to offer any advantages.
If you are really serious, the best way to go is with an aftermarket shock, with a remote resevoir (not the piggyback) that is made for Warrior or Banshee (for correct length and bolt width). Works makes one, and it actually gives you longer travel by an inch or more on the shaft. You can order it sprung and valved specifically for your weight and style of riding, which I assuming is motocross, with your concentration on jumping. Ive only looked into Works, because they are most affordable, but Im sure other aftermarket companies have something to offer as well.

[TrikerR]

yea...some motorcross and also we have this great quarry that just closed and its pretty much just a jump park. i really dont want to put heaps into this but i just want bit more travel.

[mywifeknowseverything]

Ive never checked into a Works shock...What kind of money are they wanting for a Z shock???? Tim is right,,,The warrior is by no means an upgrade...More of a Stock Replacement... The 02 Raptor shock WILL NOT WORK!!!! It has a Piggyback Resi....The only Raptor Shock that WILL work is the 01 with the Remote Resi. The Raptor will Give you almost 2" more Travel...
Also,,,I went with a Marvin Shaw....They are Custom Built to the Rider and Style you want...I think I spent 240 Shipped for mine...NO RESI... ;) :beer

[CHAINSAW]

Unless you are 250 lbs, and jumping huge jumps, a stock good Z setup is just as nice as anything else out there. My 86 is completly stock, besides from new fork seals, and I have jumped that sucker high, and never bottomed out. I have bottomed out my 85 1/2, but the shocks on it are in bad shape and need to be replaced soon. Im 200 lbs and have sent my 86 sailing, never having any issues with the stock suspension.

[mywifeknowseverything]

I am 250LBS ;) :beer

[TimSr]

Here's sample, and this price is between the low side and about typical. That little price tag issue is the only thing keeping me away. If youre really serious you can go with an Elka or something that makes the Works price look CHEAP!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4514839734&category=43974&sspagename=WDVW

[TrikerR]

so in other words im looking at spending a pretty penny if i want to fully upgrade the rear shock.