What kind of A-arms?

[SouperSport]

Just curious what type of a-arms would be best for heavy, aggressive trailing; moderate duning; and some minor MXing? Lt, Gullwing, 2+1, 3+1, etc?

What applications are suited for Long Travel A-arms?
Why Gullwing style (or is that simply "cosmetic")?
2+1 vs. 3+1 or othe combos?!?
OPINIONS PLEASE!!



The reason I ask, Is I (and a friend) am considering building some just for the Heck of it (I'd rather fab it myself than pay someone for theirs, if I can do it cheaper! And it's more fun that way.) And If NOT, then I want to know what kind of A-arms I should buy!!

I figure the price would be just about the same for whichever style I design... I have all the equipment taken care of, and I will be making the fixures (jig) in the process, so once they are done I can make 2 or 3 extra in just a couple hours. I will however have to pay for my friends time in order for him to use all the equipment at his Fab shop. So the first set would be the most expensive, but if they turn out, I would probably make 2 or 3 extra sets and sell them to recoup' my costs (but still cheap for you).

What do you think?

(Feeler: )
All I need are the measurements! If I can get those, we can get it done in a few hours (and pretty cheap) and I'll duplicate a couple, for a few people that want them. I'll probably R&D something similar to Roll Design or Gibsons, but probably with ball joints instead of Heim joints (seems that's what most prefer).

I may highly discount a set for anybody that can help provide info on measurements, angles, lengths, and that kind of stuff (partial info does me no good..I can do that myself). Or anyone that has a "loaner" set I can copy.....

Let me know!

[91LT250R]

The gullwing style A arms allow for the same, or more travel, than straight arms, but with a lower stance. The bend in the A arm is what allows for this lower stance so it's not just for cosmetics. Since you mostly ride in trails I wouldn't recommend +3 A arms. They would be too wide for most trails. Stock, +1 or +2 would be much better. I guess it depends on how wide the trails are that you ride on. As far as making your own, you have to know what you're doing or it won't be safe. Remember, companies that make A arms have engineers design A arms so that they're safe and can withstand the stresses they encounter. Making and selling sets is a bad idea if you don't have insurance because you could be sued if they fail.

[Banshee]

For an LT +3 just equates to a normal quad. I think the LT is really narrow in front stock. I just got a set of Burgards on Ebay for $325 shipped. They are chrome and all the parts come with it except for lower ball joints which I have to order today. Oh they are +3 so I will let you know how they work out. Not that I will be using them soon but I can tell you want the actual stance is. I am planning on racing this quad more than trail riding so the +3 in the front and the +4 axle in the real this LT is going to have a mean ass stance

[SouperSport]

Originally Posted by 91LT250R

... As far as making your own, you have to know what you're doing or it won't be safe. Remember, companies that make A arms have engineers design A arms so that they're safe and can withstand the stresses they encounter.

Thanks, but my friend works at a custom Fabrication shop, and he's a "professional" welder... I think he know's what he is doing...

And that's why I plan to R&D a set... Research and develop? No.... "Rip-off and Duplicate" *lol* Ok, Well not totally... just similar in design... a-arms are a-arms! The only issue is the correct lengths and angles. He assures me Strength WOULD NOT be a problem!

Originally Posted by 91LT250R

... Making and selling sets is a bad idea if you don't have insurance because you could be sued if they fail.

And who they gonna sue?!? ME?!? The welder?! The shop owner?!? They "Go-fer" shop assistant?! The Steel manufacturer?!?!?

As with any custom fabrication (or "homemades items), use of the product it AT YOUR OWN RISK!! IF I do sell any, they will be considered a used "second hand" set. Use at own risk, no warrranty, no liability, and no markings or proof of purchase to point to the manufacturer. Was it me or the shop owners fault?!? You'll never know!! but thanks for your 2 cents!!

All I can say is they would be quality made or I wouldn't consider using them myself!! And I'm not doing it to make money, I'm doing it to save money! IF I can make a set for me and then sell one or two to just break even then I'm cool!!

Oh, and I guess I should have mentioned... These are for a Banshee! (In case you didn't read my sig.)

[SouperSport]

Originally Posted by Banshee

For an LT +3 just equates to a normal quad. I think the LT is really narrow in front stock. I just got a set of Burgards on Ebay for $325 shipped. They are chrome and all the parts come with it except for lower ball joints which I have to order today. Oh they are +3 so I will let you know how they work out. Not that I will be using them soon but I can tell you want the actual stance is. I am planning on racing this quad more than trail riding so the +3 in the front and the +4 axle in the real this LT is going to have a mean ass stance

Sounds Cool!!! Whether I end up building a-arms or not, I'd like to see a pic when you get those on! Those ought to be sweet!!

I don't think width will be an issue for me! My "Trails" are mostly plowed out roads and wide open desert (with few exceptions)! Plenty of room for a motorcycle or two to pass me (not like I'd give 'em the chance though). But I want some more stability cause I want to get into some racing eventually, and I want to upgrade the suspension before I add to much HP and start hitting some big air!

[Banshee]

Yeah can't wait to get them. Couldn't beat them for the price. I think they look a little thin compared to my a-arms I have on my banshee but it probably will work good. Never heard anyone complain about Burgard so hopefully I will be happy. If the a-arms look good I am going back to this guy to get the swing-arm but need to focus on getting the motor paid for.