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suspensions information needed
There are multiple reasons for ride differences. I'll appologize now if I go long, I used to work on off-road vehicle suspensions as an engineer.
First things first, a bigger ATV is typically heavier. Force equals mass x acceleration. So the heavier the machine, the less influence a bump will have on it (everything else being equal). A sport type ATV will have springs and shock valving designed for a more aggressive rider which happens to be a bit on the stiff side to handle jumps, etc. A non-sport ATV will typically have a softer ride due to the focus being more on ride quality than sport.
Another thing to consider is that ATV's have the springs and shocks set for a typically sized rider. It may vary and I don't know what it is. But it probably is around 160-180 lbs. So if you are 130, the ride would feel stiffer because you have less mass impacting the suspension. If you are a lighter rider, you can test this by attaching a weight close to where you sit and going over bumps you are familiar with and see the difference.
Now for suspension types. An ATV with independant front and rear suspensions will typically be a softer ride than one with a swing-arm rear suspension. That way each wheel is move according to it's terrain and not transfering it too much to the other wheel.
Ok, nice info, but what can you do about all this?
First, some machines have adjustable spring preload. If yours does, reduce the spring preload to soften the ride. But if you do, jack up the machine when you are done adjusting so the suspension fully hangs down. You want to make sure the spring does not come unseated from it's holders. That would be bad!! Meaning, you go over a jump, suspension fully lowers, spring moves, you come back to the ground and bad things happen that cost you lots of money to fix.
Well, if you buy a machine, look into what options are available for it from your dealer. Some manufacturers offer optional springs for the suspension that can be weaker or stronger than the stock springs. This is one way to soften up the ride if it's too harsh. These options were intended for female riders as they tend to be significantly lighter than the target male. But lighter weight males can also benefit from the lighter springs.
Another option is adjustable shocks. I'd focus on the rear as that will have a big impact on your ride. Some manufacturers use adjustable or rebuildable shocks on the rear suspension. If your machine does come with adustable, you can dial down the shock valving so the ride becomes softer. Just be aware if you do, you are also more likely to bottom out the suspension. But it sounds like you are not that likely to jump it off a 5 ft ramp. If the shock is rebuildable, you can take it to a shop that does shock rework and they can take it apart and put softer shock valving in it. If you get the shock valving adjusted, describe what your problems are to the tech. For exaple, if it passes on a lot of groud vibration to your butt and that causes problems, he can adjust for that. Or if it's the big bump that jars you up bad, he can adjust for that. But the tech would need to know what is ailing you.
If the shocks are not rebuildable or adjustable, you may need to buy aftermarket as they are typically adjustable and rebuildable. Not a cheap option, but it may get you what you want especially if you plan on logging significant miles on the machine.
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suspensions information needed
Brokenarrow - yes a solid rear axle swingarm style rear suspension may never be as plush as independant rear suspension, but you can make it better for you by messing with spring preload, spring rates and the shock. Look into what options are available for the machine you want. A new shock can be expensive, but if it means you aren't wiped out after riding for 2 hours and can walk the next day, it is probably worth it.
I'm not getting any younger and can better appreciate spending a bit to get better ride quality.
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