Topic: What Shock Length to get for 400F?

[Speedy]

About to order new YSS shocks for my 400F so I had to do some measuring.  My stock shocks are 12-1/2" (317mm) eye to bolt (center), I thought they were supposed to be 12-3/4" (323mm)?  Anyway I was going to get 330mm long shocks which now will be 13mm (1/2")  longer than the stock shocks.  I also have a complete 550 front end w/ 18" wheel so I'm thinking this will be good.  I'm getting the eco shocks that are not length adjustable.  Thanks for all the help.

[Powderman]

Is the 550 front end longer than the stock 400? If so raising the rear to compensate might balance the bike statically but I'm not sure it would be an improvement over stock in handling. I might try lowering the front trees to accommodate stock length in the rear unless you need an elevated ride height for some other reason.

[Speedy]

The 550 forks are a bit longer but I lowered them so they are about the same.  I can always raise them if needed.  But the fork offset of the 550 is less (50mm vs 60mm) than the 400 so it has more trail, which should have slower steering.  I'm thinking longer shocks might quicken it back to a stock 400.  Will 1/2" (supposed to be 1/4"?) really make that much of a difference in the rear?

[Tim2005]

You should be ok.  Stock were about 320mm, Hagons are around 310mm, Marzocchis were 330mm, I've another no-make pair that are slightly longer too.