[998sfe]

I got question. I've read that the suspension on the pioneer isn't great. But today was my first real ride with it. We rode about 80miles and I must of bottomed out at least 20-30 times. And most of it was happened on small dips or bumps nothing major. I couldn't even go faster cus I was so worried about bottoming out. I was pretty disappointed with the suspension. Is this really normal?

Now the question is what are my options? I see Walker Evans makes shocks now but those are overly priced. Is there anyway that maybe takeoffs from a rzr s or commander maybe fit? Just trying to figure a way.

 

[chiefkp]

I got question. I've read that the suspension on the pioneer isn't great. But today was my first real ride with it. We rode about 80miles and I must of bottomed out at least 20-30 times. And most of it was happened on small dips or bumps nothing major. I couldn't even go faster cus I was so worried about bottoming out. I was pretty disappointed with the suspension. Is this really normal?

Now the question is what are my options? I see Walker Evans makes shocks now but those are overly priced. Is there anyway that maybe takeoffs from a rzr s or commander maybe fit? Just trying to figure a way.

If you are looking for a sport vehicle then you would do better with a RZR or Wildcat. The pioneer is a UTV with some fun factor, but it is not meant to be a racing quad. I have found that taking some sharp potholes at speed will strike hard on the front suspension, but as for negotiating a rough or rocky trail at a reasonable speed the pioneer is great. You will likely not be satisfied with the power or transmision of the Pioneer either if you want a pure sport machine.
Maybe you have purchased the wrong machine.

I'm sure there are shock upgrades that will help out. Especially if you compare the MSRP of the Pioneer to a RZR or Wildcat, it leaves lots of $ for upgrades. If you are looking for a versitle do everything pretty good UTV with great fit and finish at a good price, then the Pioneer wil fit the bill.

Cheers.

 

[Dick]

Curious was it bottoming out on the front, back or both? How many people in it and cargo? What setting was the preload on?

I have found the suspension to be right for me so far but I seldom carry much weight. I like the smooth ride I get.

The shocks look pretty standard there is probably some out there now that would fit with a little research.

 

[toodeep]

I use highlifter springs on all my wheelers. If/when they come out with them for the pioneer (I haven't checked to see if they have them yet or not) that would be a cheaper alternative.

 

[Utard]

Sounds like you are a throttle jockey?

It two days of riding and 25 miles I don't think I bottomed out once.

Maybe wait for a honda sport model or go the way of the belt machines?

 

[998sfe]

I know this isn't a sport sxs and I bought it to go hunting and also so some recreational rides with the family.

If this machine can't go 30mph on open areas with a few dips or bumps without bottoming out it has a real problem. A lot of my friends have utility sxs like the commander and teryx. They have no issues of bottoming out.

The front was bottoming out and it was just me and wife on this trip. The preload is whatever set from the factory.

 

[skorp1702]

hmm iv bottomed mine out a few times on dips also but its not exactly how your describing. if you hit a dip and brakes at the same time youll bottom out if you grunt it at the dip you wont bottom out I just ran mine down a lease road Saturday at 40 through holes and wash boards and you name it and never took my foot off the floor.

 

[Moose]

Perhaps there is some quality control issues with the shocks. I run the factory preload. I had well over payload in the back (i mean tires about an inch from bottom of bed) and was on a very bumpy twisty trail and never bottomed out traveling between 8-16mph.

Or maybe just the front shocks are more the issue. I think we are all a little disappointed there is no preload up there.

 

[soapy]

From my riding experience the front shock are the problem being a little too soft for high speed runs. I still have the rears in the stock spring setting and have not bottomed them out like I have the front shocks. I would first start with some stiffer springs in the front if you can find them or look at the Walker Evans shocks.

 

[skorp1702]

iv only ran maybe 250 in the bed and never bottom out the rear. the front I have a couple times but only when I go over dips slowly or take it airborne. compared to the big red it is a sportier machine but its not made for Baja anyway.lol

 

[998sfe]

It's only the front that's the issue. I'm definitely going to be looking at Walker Evans shocks!!! I just feel the price is a little high for the mono tube and adjustable.

 

[skorp1702]

so i haven't looked but whats the difference in the front and rear shocks. if they are close wouldn't it be a quick fix to try the rears on the front?

 

[cziggs]

I was supprised to see that the front shocks don't have the adjustable spring load like the rear shocks have. Would be nice to stiffen the front end when the snow plow is installed. My King Quad had this and it made a big difference.

 

[Moose]

I was supprised to see that the front shocks don't have the adjustable spring load like the rear shocks have. Would be nice to stiffen the front end when the snow plow is installed. My King Quad had this and it made a big difference.

+1. The King Quad is great at plowing