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

Replacing the stock shocks with Elka or Fox units is a straightforward bolt-on process, but proper setup is where the magic happens. You need to set the front and rear suspension sag based on your rider weight with full riding gear on. Typically, you want about 25% of total travel as static sag for dune riding. From there, adjust the compression clickers to control how the shock reacts to jump impacts, and the rebound clickers to manage how quickly it returns. A common mistake is setting everything too stiff; in sand, the suspension needs to absorb small chop while still holding up to big hits. It is also wise to upgrade the shock linkage bearings and swingarm pivot bushings at the same time, as these components wear out quickly under the heavy loads of dune jumping. Finally, consider raising the ride height slightly with longer shock bodies or adjustable preload rings, as this increases ground clearance for deep sand and helps keep the bike stable during high-speed runs. Once dialed in, an Elka or Fox Podium-equipped Raptor will not only jump farther and land softer but will also track straighter through the whoops and carve dunes with precision that the stock setup could never achieve.