Its already been a year since purchasing my Yearben shocks and I am still under the impression that they are the best money I have spent on my 570. No leaks and the ride has improved so much since last December its really hard to believe I have read about some who have had some chrome chipping on their yearben shocks but haven't experienced any of that on mine. The rear yearbens wont work without removing or modifying the rear sway bar mounts but since disconnecting both front and rear sway bars I wont ever put them back on anyway so to me its a moot point. My machine is much more comfortable and stable with the yearbens. I said to all the naysayers last year that I would say whether they were a good purchase or not, and I must now tell you that they are the best bargain for the money out there, and I'm sure a number of people on here who have tried them will wholeheartedly agree. Don't be afraid to try these shocks no matter where they are made. They will put a smile on your face and take some pain out of your ass after a long day on the trail.
1 year review of Yearben shocks on my 570 RZR
1 - 20 of 45 Posts
Joined
·
1,744 Posts
Nice write up Vandal! Sounds like they're working out great for you. I was definately one of those people doubting this application. Did you take clearence measurements after install and now? would be curious to see if any difference. Also, how many miles did you put on during the year and type of road/trail?
From your write up, it sounds like it could definately be a viable option for someone who wants an upgrade from the slog Polaris put on at factory for less money than the other debatably premium (read name brand) options.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
From your write up, it sounds like it could definately be a viable option for someone who wants an upgrade from the slog Polaris put on at factory for less money than the other debatably premium (read name brand) options.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Joined
·
291 Posts
Thanks for the check in Vandal. The function of these cheaper shocks is clearly pretty good so the question of longevity will be next. I'm interested in the types of trails you ride as well. I installed Elka Stage 2's on my 800 this fall... very nice from the brief ride before winter hit. I've still got a 570 that needs shocks so I'm interested in these as a cheaper option.
I put approximately 500 miles since the install. The clearance has remained just about unchanged since the break in period. I have 12 inches clearance on the front and right 11.5 inches on the rear. I hit very little since the install where before I was hitting nearly everything. I also have the highlifter 2 inch lift on my machine As far as trails most of my riding is on rocks with some hard pack mixed in Tennessee is a very rocky state and anyone that has ever ridden Windrock will attest to that For someone that is wanting a better ride for little money these shocks are the way to go
Bug Boy One......definitely put a set of these on your 570. You wont be disappointed. There are numerous members on this site that are using these shocks and I've yet to see a seriously bad report. Last time I talked to the person I got mine from he had sold around 100 sets this year without a return. If you want a set PM me and I will give you the dealers name and phone numbers I don't know if they're still listed on e bay, which is where I found mine. I also have a 2 inch lift and if you don't that also is a great investment, and since the shocks are roughly 50% or less that the name brands, you can buy both for less than the cost of a set of the name brand shocks, and still have money left
Joined
·
875 Posts
1 of my uber expensive Elka stage 5 has a leaking seal head. [5 years old and about 8000kms] I called for a seal kit and the guy sold me a whole new seal head for like $60.00. I also bought a set of heavier rear springs as I am thinking the seal might have been damaged from constant bottoming and dirt getting in the seal. Anyways I hope its the last trouble I have with the Elkas.
Is this an attempt at a hijack or what?
Joined
·
1,744 Posts
I took his post as pretty much saying that at any price point, you can have issues. Not a hijack but reaffirming that one doesn't have to crush their wallet and buy super expensive shocks.
Hijacking would be me sharing that when Maxpolaris came to Idaho to ride with me, his passenger side reservoir ruprured on his brand new, first ride Bandits. He called Ted for Bandit shocks and he immediately replaced the ruptured shock. Not sure that's the case when you take a leap of faith on an eBay purchase.
... But I digress
Hijacking would be me sharing that when Maxpolaris came to Idaho to ride with me, his passenger side reservoir ruprured on his brand new, first ride Bandits. He called Ted for Bandit shocks and he immediately replaced the ruptured shock. Not sure that's the case when you take a leap of faith on an eBay purchase.
... But I digress
Vandal Thanks for the update! This past summer I replaced the springs on my stock shocks and found that my clearance improved a lot and my ride improved a little. I was interested in the Yearbens but there wasn't enough feedback on them yet. It helps to hear good reports from other owners. Maybe next summer!
Dan
Dan
Joined
·
530 Posts
Right. Then I keep talking about Bandit shocks and experiences I’ve heard about them. And we all forget the original post about some other brand of shock. That’s hi jacking a thread.
Kattnapper....I wouldn't have thought much about his post normally but I remember that he was one of the first people to chime in and tell everybody that he wouldn't put that Chinese junk on his machine a year ago when I first posted about the Yearben shocks.....and as Superduke said his post had nothing to do with the subject, and his comments were changing the subject of the thread. I understand that all shocks can have problems but after the way he acted toward me and the Yearben shocks a year ago and had no idea of what he was talking about, I wasn't going to let his comments about another brand of shocks, go overlooked. I personally don't care one bit what kind of shocks he has, and I wouldn't ever make statements about his shocks when I haven't the slightest knowledge of them, like he did about the yearbens a year ago. So as far as I'm concerned if he wants to talk about his shocks he can do it in his own thread. That way all the guys who have spent mega-money for the popular brands, can read about his uber expensive shocks that can and will also fail
Here is the first thing HondaRacer said about these shocks without knowing anything about them...Quote:HondaRacer:Buy once and cry once. Dirt cheap chinese shocks wont be going on my rig. I would have bought stiffer springs for the Sachs and be done with it. THats the biggest issue with the Sachs is the poor springs.
If you want to see more of his biased uninformed opinion do a forum search( Yearben Piggyback shocks on E bay) and you will see why I reacted the way I did
Joined
·
1,744 Posts
I hear you Vandal. I do remember a lot of people downplaying that option. I, myself, saw the post and dialog afterwords and wondered about long lasting durability issues. It's not really a matter if taking sides if there really is a side to take. There are so many ways to spend copious amounts of money on these things.
Not all of us can or want to spend $1k or more on a set of shocks and a lot of us have been burned by going a less expensive, less reviewed route on accessories. Case in point, EMP mirrors that broke on the first limb they struck, out $60. Turned around and bought $125 seizmik pursuit mirrors with lifetime warranty, aluminum vs abs plastic. 3 years, many a contact with a branch and a couple times on my side, and they're still holding up.
Point is, you took a chance on something most of us didn't know was out there and thus far, you still seem pleased with the purchase and resulting performance. Good on you for writing this up. No shock system is perfect, but if it functions as good as another option for a considerable savings, it's worth checking out.
The point of the forum is to ask and answer questions to build a knowledge library from experience of owners, review products that are out there objectively, but most importantly, help each other out in a way that positively grows the sport with the machine we have.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Not all of us can or want to spend $1k or more on a set of shocks and a lot of us have been burned by going a less expensive, less reviewed route on accessories. Case in point, EMP mirrors that broke on the first limb they struck, out $60. Turned around and bought $125 seizmik pursuit mirrors with lifetime warranty, aluminum vs abs plastic. 3 years, many a contact with a branch and a couple times on my side, and they're still holding up.
Point is, you took a chance on something most of us didn't know was out there and thus far, you still seem pleased with the purchase and resulting performance. Good on you for writing this up. No shock system is perfect, but if it functions as good as another option for a considerable savings, it's worth checking out.
The point of the forum is to ask and answer questions to build a knowledge library from experience of owners, review products that are out there objectively, but most importantly, help each other out in a way that positively grows the sport with the machine we have.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Quote Kattnapper: The point of the forum is to ask and answer questions to build a knowledge library from experience of owners, review products that are out there objectively, but most importantly, help each other out in a way that positively grows the sport with the machine we have.
I agree wholeheartedly with this statement, and that's what I've been trying to do for a year now about the yearben shocks. I have no trouble at all listening to someones opinion that has dealt with whatever product is being discussed. I do have a problem with keyboard ding-a-lings that have no idea what they're talking about on the product being discussed. You cant form knowledgeable opinions just by looking at a picture or by where something was made and doing that just keeps people with real opinions of the product, to possibly not post because of the ridicule of some members on this forum. If you know about whatever the subject is by all means talk about it and share information.....if you don't sit back and maybe learn something you didn't know
Quote:Kattnapper: Point is, you took a chance on something most of us didn't know was out there and thus far, you still seem pleased with the purchase and resulting performance. Good on you for writing this up. No shock system is perfect, but if it functions as good as another option for a considerable savings, it's worth checking out.
Not only am I pleased but everyone on this forum that has tried them seems pleased also, and if I hadn't taken all the crap from a few on here and retaliated to their biased posts, some of those members probably wouldn't have taken their own risk and tried a set of these. Yes it got a little personal for me but in the end the word got out and some on here are now having a good riding experience for half or more less then the higher priced shocks
Joined
·
875 Posts
Well I am disappointed with the Elkas. They couldnt even sell me Red color springs to match the originals. I dont think 9000kms is enough service life from a seal. The fact they sold me a whole new head makes me wonder too.
I'm sure there is an Elka thread on the forum somewhere. So go post there or start your own thread. This is a Yearben thread and no one reading this thread cares about your $2000.00 Elkas, that is if you even have them
Let me rephrase my no one comment. This is a thread about an inexpensive alternative to costly high end shocks. People reading this thread and its posts have come here to talk about the Yearben shocks which this thread is about. Its title isn't My 1 year review of yearben shocks , and any other shocks people want to talk about. I respect your wanting to hear about all shocks but this thread isn't about all shocks. People asked me to review the Yearben shocks when I had enough time to really evaluate them, and some people think they can just come and hijack a thread. Considering HondaRacers comments in the past about shocks different from his, I really expected him to do this. As for your needs I'd suggest you search different shock threads on the forum and I'm sure you will find what you need
1 - 20 of 45 Posts
