HELP...My Suspension Sucks!

[ATC crazy]

I have a '02 Honda Foreman 450 and I just put new tires on it this April. The tires have absoutly no sidewall flex...even at 3psi, so my butt is killing me. All of my trails have been ridden on for years which have exposed the roots and rocks making for a very rough ride.

#1. I can't get another set of tires...I'm stuck with these (Don't get me wrong...love them. They'll get you anywhere)
#2. I can't afford new shocks.

Sooooo...I was wondering if anyone knows if another machines front shocks would fit on the rear? (Howdy...anyone) I want the ride to be soft...not stiff because I don't carry anything on the back rack. For those of you who don't know the setup on the Foreman--It has a solid axle/swingarm on the rear with dual shocks, one on each side of the swingarm making like 5.9" of travel ( )

I could go to the Salvage yard and swipe them off oh...say an old 250X or 300EX. But I would like to know if you know of any shocks that would work/fit before I go and waste my money. There is a picture attached but this is NOT MY MACHINE!!

[Yamaha_Rules69]

How about putting a thick foam pad on the seat to help make it a softer ride? Sure, it would look like crap, but hey, as long as it works.LOL lol

[Bill X_R]

I assume that there is no pre-load adjustment on the springs?

[REDMAN225]

what kinda tires you got? i put bear claws on mine and had the same problem...fortunately i have adjustable shocks to compensate.

[ATC crazy]

LOL...Foam is out of the ? Yamaha_Rules. There are absoutly no adjustments on the shocks. :x (Tipical Honda Utility)

I have Goodyear Rawhide Grip tires...the exact same thing that comes on the Polaris Sportsman 500-600-700's



Thanks for any help...I will take measurements if it will provide any help.

[ATC crazy]

The rear shocks on my Foreman measure about 15" long (Give or take 1/4" for sag) and they are 2.5" wide. If everyone would measure their front shocks (pref. a sport machine...ie: 300ex etc...). and if you have any that are anywhere from 15-17" tall and about the same width...PLEASE let me know what model ATV they are on. Or if anyone has some that they want to sell real cheap that are mabey blown BUT rebuildable, I might take them off your hands.

[ATC crazy]

Anyone?? (I think I dislocated my hip yesterday)

[Wickedfinger]

Try and call my buddy Mike over at HiFlite - 714-979-4810 - or email him: TDI2 C P@aol.com - he might be able to make you a nice thick and juicy "Desert" seat for it (like I have on my 250X).