Replacing Yamaha Raptor Stock Shocks for Dune Jumping – Industry Mag industrymag.org

For dune jumping, the difference between stock and premium shocks is night and day. With the stock setup, a moderate jump often results in a jarring bottom-out that sends a shockwave through your spine and the bike’s frame. Over time, this can crack welds, bend axles, and even cause the rider to lose footpeg grip upon landing. Elka and Fox shocks eliminate this problem by offering massive bottom-out resistance. Their high-speed compression damping circuits are designed to absorb the energy of a hard landing progressively, allowing the shock to use its full travel without slamming into the bump stops. Furthermore, the rebound damping control ensures that after compression, the shock returns to its extended position at a controlled rate. If rebound is too fast, the bike will pogo-stick and kick you off balance on the next whoop; if too slow, the shock will pack down and become harsh. With quality shocks, you can dial this in precisely, giving you the confidence to launch off the lip of a dune at full throttle, knowing the landing will be smooth and controlled.