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650 vs 400 suspension

1089 Views 4 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Corvetteowner
I'm thinking of selling my 2006 650 and buying a 2011 400. Does anyone have any experience with both machines and can comment on the suspension differences?
Thanks, Bill
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The suspensions are very different.

On the front the 650 has a double clamp triple tree set up like you see on most conventional motorcycles. The 400 has a single clamp set up like you see on most smaller scooters. That difference means the 650 front end is stiffer and has less flex than the 400.

At the rear the 400 has a single shock setup while the 650 has a dual shock setup. Normally the single shock setup would be an advantage because it reduces unsprung weight. However on the 400 the engine and CVT are on the rear swingarm and move up and down with the rear wheel. So they are unsprung weight that more than offset the gain from the single shock setup and negatively affect handling. On the 650 the engine and CVT are mounted in the frame and do not move up and down with the rear wheel.

In practical terms the main place you will notice the difference is when you hit pavement irregularities in corners. Those irregularities upset the 650 a lot less than they do the 400.
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