INTRO

After a year and a half of testing the industry's top new sportquads in stock form, I finally got the chance to start working with the aftermarket industry. I was stoked to learn that I would be working with some of the biggest names in the industry - Works Performance and their new Black Widow Shocks and Rated X Motorsports and their long travel a-arms and anti-vibe steering stems.

I took my time installing all the components in order to provide both a side-by-side comparison and a step-by-step assessment. Hopefully these photos will help you to see how your Honda TRX450R could look compared to its stock self.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The first parts to arrive were the Rated X Motorsports long-travel a-arms, complete with extended tie-rods and they looked sweet! In my order, I specified that the tops be chromed and the lowers powder-coated black. Needless to say both the chrome and paint jobs are flawless, not a single blemish.

On the more technical side, the a-arms are fitted with Teflon lined Heim joints and the pivot points contain self-lube Belrin bearings. Other quality points to note are the TIG welds and the 4130-chromoly materials used to comprise the front-end. The a-arms are designed to be 2.6 inches longer on each side for a wider and more stable stance. This puts the Honda's front end at an even 50 inches wide.

Along with the additional width the a-arms provide an impressive 12.2 inches of travel.

Following the a-arms was the anti-vibe steering stem with a CNC machined steering clamp with the Rated X logo etched in. With the anti-vibe hardware, the Rated X steering stem is 1 inch longer than stock. Having worked with some of the best code welders in the power and refinery industries, its relatively easy for me to spot quality welds and the Rated X products have them. Quality control is running full steam at this manufacturer.

Next to grace my door step were Works Performance's new Black Widow shocks. Works has always been known for providing some of the best entry level recreational and race after market shocks, as well as competitive top of the line shocks. However these new Black Widows are definitely not your daddy's Works shocks. These babies come with oversized reservoirs, rebound, preload and compression adjustability.

Oh, did I forget to mention that the compression adjustments could be made for low speed and high speed fine-tuning? Trick!

Because of the additional travel offered by the Rated X long travel a-arms, we had to order 20 inch front shocks to adequately provide for the awesome 12.2 inches of travel.

In addition the front Black Widows are zero-preload providing a lowered center of gravity for increased cornering ability. The rear Black Widow was ordered to fit the stock swing-arm and enable the rider to match the rear end with the front-end performance.

INSTALLATION

As the old saying goes, "there's more than one way to skin a cat," so if you find that another way works better for you then go ahead with it.

I started by removing the front number plate hood and then removed the stock brake lines. When removing the brake lines be sure to have a cup to catch the brake fluid.

Next, I started on the left side of the front end. I did it this way so I could have one side to refer to as I installed my new components. To get started with installation I needed a jack stand to raise the quad.

I began by removing the shock, disconnecting the tie-rods, followed by the spindle/hub assembly, and ending with removal of the stock upper and lower arms. Next I put on the Rated X a-arms, then the spindle/hub assembly, and finally the Works Black Widow shock.

As you may have noticed in the photo I didn't complete putting on the new extended tie-rod. I had to wait until I changed out the stock steering stem with the new Rated X anti-vibe steering stem and installed the right side of the front end. With both sides and the anti-vibe steering stem now installed I attached the new tie-rods to the steering stem and the spindle/hub assemblies.

Now it was time to install the new brake lines. Due to the extended width of the new a-arms, the stock brake lines won't work with the new set-up. I went with extended steel-braided lines. I started from the top by threading the lines down the new steering stem and then along the top a-arms. Then I connected the lines to each brake caliper.

I had to install a new set of Tag handlebars to fit the new Rated X clamps and remount all the brake and throttle controls to the new bars. After getting that done I was able to install the top end of the brake lines to the brake fluid reservoir. Rated X also sent some aluminum clamps to mount the brake lines firmly to the top a-arms.

Having finished with the clamps I put the number plate hood back on and completed the front-end.

Installing the rear shock was a much simpler task. Before raising the quad on the jack stand, I loosened the top and lower shock bolts. After removing the bolts and the stock shock I fitted the new Works Black Widow rear in the stocker's location and reinstalled the top and bottom bolts. Because the rear Black Widow comes with a remote reservoir you'll have to decide where to place it. I chose the left side, opposite the exhaust for cooling purposes.

OVERVIEW

From nearly my first test ride on the TRX, I have been able to work with Paloverde Suspension's Jon Lakovich, and we have tinkered with the stock shocks to their fullest extent. From rebound to compression and from preload to complete internal revalveing, Jon knows how to get the most out of shocks. In fact, It's Paloverde Suspension's expertise that allows for my complete confidence to compare the Honda's stock suspension to our showcased quad.

So was there any difference? Floating on a cloud, baby! As a professional racer I could pound though most of my practice areas at full blast on the stocker, but not the really gnarly ledged-faced or huge whoop sections. With the Black Widows and the Rated X parts, nothing got in my way.

The other important consideration is the endurance factor. The smoothened ride highly reduces rider fatigue, enabling you to go faster longer. This is great news for those long weekends and demanding race conditions.

This racer was impressed by the quality craftsmanship, aesthetic value, and flat-out performance that these manufacturers have put into their products.

Rated X Pricing:
A-arms $699 available in bare, black or silver chrome
Anti-vibe steering stem $189 black or silver, $219 for chrome
Two-Year Warranty

Works Performance Pricing:
$1,039 fronts, $839 rear w/ single line, $939 rear w/ dual line

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That's pretty much it from my soapbox; I'll let the photos say the rest. You know you dig'em, now go pimp your ride.

Look for follow up testing as we take our project TRX450R racing.

Race ya, Colby Turner #45

Rated X Motorsports 10809 Prospect Ave Santee, CA 92071 Phone: 866-4RATEDX Local Ph: (619) 448-3738 Fax: (619) 448-4128 sales@ratedxmotorsports.com

Works Performance  21045 Osborne Street Canoga Park CA. 91304 Phone (818) 701-1010  Fax (818) 701-9043