After over a year of testing all over the
world we are ready to release our replacement springs kits for the 09'+
RZR S using Fox Podium Shocks. This is a dual rate kit which gives a
substantial improvement in ride quality while improving handling as
well at G-out resistance. We've found the perfect combination of spring
length to rate ratio and are very happy with our results. This kit is
for all four corners of the machine. It provides a short spring, a long
spring and a delrin spacer for each shock. The delrin spacer has two
different guide shoulder lengths designed into it to provide
adjustability for the user to modify when the secondary spring kicks
out and the system goes to a linear rate. The secret is in our short
springs. We've found a perfect universal rate which allows us to custom
tailor our long springs, (which determines the final rate of the
suspension) to each individuals needs.
Why Dual Rates? - This is as good of a question as it is
common. Dual Rates are essentially the same as any progressive spring
in the sense that they do the same thing; they vary the final rate at
different compression heights. The biggest difference for the end user
is the adjustability gained by choosing the dual-rate. Our options are
limitless with this setup and more variations are made up and applied
every week to suit customer’s individual needs. With dual-rates we are
able to "fine-tune" your ride in a way that was previously not
possible. Another more technical reason why we at Racer Tech prefer
dual-rate springs is they are able to reduce excessive rebound issues
which are extremely inherent with the RZR's. The OEM believes in using
light spring rates with unusually large amounts of preloads to achieve
their desired ride height and ride. We believe in the more commonly
accepted method of using properly matched springs with less preload.
This allows the spring to work the way it's designed to better because
we aren't so far into the compression. This reduces the spring tension
which in-turn reduces the requirement for stronger rebound dampening,
which in-turn causes less work for the shock, which in-turn causes less
friction for the fluids, which in-turn extends the time it takes for
the fluid to overheat which of course is the catalyst in the equation
that makes shocks "fade". This is very good for the potential customer
who doesn't really ride aggressively enough, or often, to justify
spending the big money on a set of aftermarket shocks. By creating a
lower initial spring rate when both springs are active there is a much
lower resistance energy which is what ends up giving the RZR it's
"bucking" effect.
Some may say we have created an unorthodox dual rate spring system
here and they would be right. We believe there’s more than one way to
go about things as do most people. The truth is, we’ve developed a
theory after years of knowledge and experience combined which works
very well for this specific application. We’ve found a new combination
of spring rates and a new way of applying them to achieve a better ride
and better handling than anything else currently on the market. There
are people who have tried other alternative springs out there who are
coming to use for a better solution and now we are proud to say we have
it.
OPTIONS
We have narrowed it down to three options; Light, Medium and Heavy.
Originally there were two but we’ve moved the options around a little
to better suit our customers.
Light – This spring set will give you about the same initial
ride feel as stock with improved bottom-out resistance and handling
characteristics. This set will not necessarily “lift” the machine so
don’t get this option if you are looking for more height. We have also
found this set does not work very well in combination with our lift
kit. This is a great kit for major improvements over stock by fixing
what you don’t like but keeping all the things you do like.
Medium - The medium rate set is a perfect improvement over
stock for recreational drivers without very much extra weigh added to
the vehicle. The medium rate is perfect for the aggressive driver,
intermediate racer or for a vehicle with some extra weight in
accessories or passengers. Of all the options this seems to be the most
popular and seems to work the best with our Racer Tech Lift Kit.
Heavy - The Heavy option if for the drivers who are carrying
more than the usual amount of payload on or in their machines. Heavy
roll cages, bumpers, winches, tools and gear all weigh the machine down
and if you feel like your machine needs just a little more spring to
hold it up than the other guys then this option is for you. This kit
when combined with a Racer Tech lift kit will make for a very stiff
ride. We recommend the customer considers this before ordering this
combination.
Of course because we can make all the adjustments with one spring
per shock, we are able to sell individual long springs to people
looking to "tune" there springs sets in to their specific liking. We
will list the three standard packages which will cover about 90% of all
users. If you would like to discuss a custom combination feel free to
call and an engineer can help you find what you need. Please note; This
kit WILL NOT WORK ON A RZR 4. Racer Tech is currently developing a kit
for the RZR 4 which requires larger diameter hardware and springs. We
will be releasing these as soon as they are ready to ship.