Quad Racer R450
In 2006, Suzuki introduced the closest thing to a true motocross race quad ever produced. All of its predecessors were universal quads aimed for general trail riding purposes. The Suzuki, however, was released at nearly 50 inches wide-too wide for cross-country racing and for most East Coast trail riding but the perfect width for unleashing on a motocross track. While not being a full-blown MX race quad right off the showroom . oor, it's the closest a mass-produced quad has come. If you're at all familiar with dirt bike racing, you'll know that you can purchase a bike and race it in completely stock trim at a relatively high level of competition. ATVs, though for sure heading in that direction, have fallen slightly short over the years. The Suzuki is only lacking a handful of items that prevent it from being a competitive local moto-cross quad. So what we wanted to do is show you just how inexpensively and easily you could turn your LT-R into a racer capable of winning at the local level and, possibly, even nationally.
Suspension
The suspension on the 2006-'07 LT-R is just too painfully stiff! The rear shock is so rigid that it doesn't transfer the proper amount of weight to the rear tires so you don't get good hookup off of the corners. Aside from that, it's not very comfortable for long motos as it beats the crud out of the pilot. In 2008, the engineers addressed this issue by softening up the shocks' travel, and we admit that it's noticeably improved and a good enough performer for many recreational riders. The problem is that it still isn't good enough for competitive track use and can be a lot better even as a recreational quad. The travel is limited and the quality of travel is just not there. On a positive note, the LT-R's shocks are made with excellent hardware. Suzuki used a very long shock in the front, along with compression- and rebound-adjustable knobs and a very large-diameter shaft. Hardwarewise, this shock is better than 90 percent of the components offered in the aftermarket world. In order to inprove upon what we already had, we sent our stock shocks to TCS for some reworking and to maximize performance. TCS has the ability and knowledge to set them up for each and every rider's specific needs. We have worked and tested with TCS since the 2006 LT-R was released and have really been happy with the outcome. Here is what's needed on the LT-R: more travel and a multispring setup to give a plush, controlled ride, along with the proper valving to make it all work as it should. The TCS shocks do this and a lot more. TCS takes apart the stock shocks, then hard-anodizes the bodies to seal them. The aluminum bodies of the stock shocks can contaminate the oil when the piston rubs on the body wall wearing off some of the aluminum and throwing junk into the oil, which is a recipe for disaster. TCS then extends the shock travel to the same amount as you would run with an aftermarket shock, which puts you close to 12 inches of travel at each end. The shock is then valved and sprung according to each rider's weight, class of racing and type of riding/racing. Springs are also changed out and selected for rider application.
Race Tech worked a miracle as it transformed our stock shocks into full-blown race-ready performers.
In the middle of this story and our testing, TCS was purchased by Race Tech. Race tech is known for its high-quality motorcycle suspension components. This will most likely prove to be a great program for the ATV industry. Race Tech offers do-it-yourself kits for suspension and valving kits for motorcycles and will most likely release packages for ATVs. Race Tech has hundreds of service centers so you'll be able to find a local shop to service ATV shocks. It also intends to offer the complete line of what was TCS shocks and expand that product line.