How to Tune Your UTV Shocks
Your side by side is an off-road powerhouse designed to master the wilderness, with a sturdy suspension system that specializes in taking on rough terrain. You can tear up the trails all day without ever giving much thought to your suspension, but adjusting your shocks to match the environment can enhance your vehicle’s performance. Read on to learn how!
This guide comes to you from Peak Powersports, your trusted UTV dealer in Sheridan, WY. We offer great deals on new and used powersports vehicles, and our expert technicians can help you with any servicing needs. We welcome all our neighbors from Buffalo, WY, and the surrounding areas.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The following guidelines for tuning your UTV shocks can be applied to most standard models. Keep in mind that your model may have unique tuning options that require a different approach. For more specific instructions, consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Tuning for Mountain Trails
Your side by side is perfectly suited for tackling rugged mountain landscapes. What could be a better test of your suspension than powering up those rocky slopes?
When trail riding in the mountains, you need plenty of ground clearance to avoid scrapes. But high clearance can reduce your traction, causing your tires to spin out instead of rolling forward. You want a soft compression and neutral rebound to maintain your grip. In most cases, you won’t be reaching top speeds when mountain riding, so you can safely tune your shocks for softer suspension to keep you moving.
Tuning for Sand Dunes
Sand dunes are the ultimate test of your UTV tires. With a tough set of tires, you can float right over those razorback dunes. Your shocks play an important role here too, of course. Your best strategy is to switch between two modes.
First of all, you want a soft suspension for handling cross chatter. Cross chatter is where UTV tracks criss cross each other, leaving ruts in the sand. When you encounter large dunes, however, it’s time to stiffen up your suspension. Keep your rebound settings low to ensure your UTV stays stable after a transition.
Tuning for the Desert
Deserts are exciting environments for UTV riding. They often contain many different types of terrain, such as silt beds, shale hill climbs, and even sand washes. You might also come across boulders, whoop sections, and rain ruts in the desert. Both you and your UTV need to be prepared for the unique challenges of navigating this varied landscape.
Tune your compression for the softest possible setting, but not so soft that you bottom out when going over bumps. Watch out for changes in the terrain, and be ready to make adjustments on the fly. Keep in mind that the faster your speed, the harder your compression has to work in order to absorb high-speed impact. Adjust the front rebound to be quicker than the rear so that your UTV doesn’t buck after an impact.
Remember that adjusting your shocks will take some time and practice. Take a few test rides to figure out the right combination of settings for the terrain, and your UTV will reward you with a smooth and enjoyable adventure!
Looking for UTVs for sale in Wyoming? Head to Peak Powersports. We have a great selection of models in stock at our dealership in Sheridan, WY. Our qualified staff can help you find a UTV with all the features you need to conquer the backcountry.