P500 A Shocking Question

[Keebler]

Has anyone tried one of the low price shocks from amazon? There appears to be quite a few and the common comment appears to be not enough dampening (based on the comment that they bottom out to easy). I was thinking about trying a pair on the back of my P500 that is a couple inches longer than stock, then set the sag so that the ride height is that of the original ride height. If the damping is too light I will use a thinker suspension fluid. My basic premise on the original P500 shocks is not enough sag for the shock to dampen in both directions and too much low speed dampening, is that an accurate assessment?

 

[Admin]

 

[alloutdoors]

I suspect you will feel some difference, but the amount relative to cost will be small in my opinion without changing many suspension related components, i.e., springs, sway bar, tires, etc., but who knows....

 

[bobbybog]

I started a thread on this a while back but never got around to actually ordering any. I think the shocks would improve the ride. I am not sure how well they would hold up in the long run. Still on my to do list though. I think I was looking at gytr or something to that effect. They were Chinese but had remote reservoir with them.


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[Keebler]

Sway bar is already removed and as soon as the weather warms up a bit I am going to 27" 6 ply tires. This spring I might play with the shocks, however I didn't figure in reliability and strength of the shock. Thanks for the input.

 

[JCart]

@Keebler highly recommend radial tires. I installed Kenda Bear Claw HTRs in 27x11x12s on all corners, including 5-2 offset rims. Typically 6 psi air pressure and they ride noticeably nicer then bias ply tires, I’d say more traction too. In respect to shocks, they are costly for quality ones, I went with Elka Stage 3s and would do it over again. The ride and handling combo with Elkas and radials are expensive, the difference is remarkable, rides and handles like a different machine. Easily 2 gears quicker over any terrain compared to stock.

 

[Keebler]

Thanks for the info. Tires will be first, shocks a bit later.

 

[futzin]

Reasonably happy with the ride with my HTR 27s on 12s.
Will a shock upgrade improve it significantly from there?

 

[Smitty335]

Reasonably happy with the ride with my HTR 27s on 12s.
Will a shock upgrade improve it significantly from there?

Yep.

 

[JCart]

Reasonably happy with the ride with my HTR 27s on 12s.
Will a shock upgrade improve it significantly from there?

If I was to estimate percent improvement anecdotally, I’d say my HTRs (27x11x12 on 5-2 rims 6-8 psi all corners), improved ride by 40% and Stage 3 Elkas by 60% over stock. These are just gut feelings nothing to base it on. For the first while I’d be flinching or tensing coming to sharp bump(s) in the trails I ride, now it seems to glide over them.... hahahaha.

Here in Canada, Stage 3s and radials with rims are a significant financial commitment and not for everyone. Radials for sure when it come time for tire renewal, shocks... that’s a big bit, however worth it if you plan to keep it for the long run, really changes these little rigs for sure.

 

[trigger]

If I was to estimate percent improvement anecdotally, I’d say my HTRs (27x11x12 on 5-2 rims 6-8 psi all corners), improved ride by 40% and Stage 3 Elkas by 60% over stock. These are just gut feelings nothing to base it on. For the first while I’d be flinching or tensing coming to sharp bump(s) in the trails I ride, now it seems to glide over them.... hahahaha.

Here in Canada, Stage 3s and radials with rims are a significant financial commitment and not for everyone. Radials for sure when it come time for tire renewal, shocks... that’s a big bit, however worth it if you plan to keep it for the long run, really changes these little rigs for sure.

I'd have to agree with that assessment. The "oh sh**" moments aren't near as bad as they used to be. Also two yrs after adding the shocks, running down a corduroy trail at 35 I just looked over at the wife and didn't have to say a word. She knew it too and I just gave her a wink. Well worth the money.

 

[toddvdh]

Tires will help the ride a bunch. If you really want the smoothest, nicest ride possible, buy some good shocks. Elka and Works are the brands I have had in the past.

They are expensive, but well worth it. It’s hard to justify sticking $1,200+ into shocks, but it will be your favorite modification. I’ve never met anyone who had regretted buying good shocks.

 

[The Green Goat]

... Well worth the money.

The wife or the shocks?

 

[trigger]

Lol, both!