I sold off my Yamaha Blaster shocks on the Yerf to someone who needed them more than me. This cleared my way to try a new version of the Buggy Depot rear shocks. According to Travis:



This is the fourth set of shocks on the Yerf since we have owned it and we are still looking for the best ride. The original 12" shocks were stiff with no dampening. The DLX Yerf-Dog front 12" shocks were softer, but didn't have sufficient dampening either. The front Yamaha Blaster 14" shocks dampened well, but the spring rate was too stiff. The new Buggy Depot rear 14" shocks are the next ones to get an audition.

As previously posted, the new BD shock is not only two inches longer than stock but also much fatter. When comparing the two, I had my doubts if I could remove my shackles and still keep proper carburetor angle...

Once I mounted the BDX shock in the stock mounts and lowered the frame off the jack, it compressed to 13.5". Adding 150 lbs to the driver's seat compressed the shocks to 13". This still allows 2" of shock compression before it hits the bump stop in the shock and no possibility of engine damage at full compression of 11". Since the shock is slightly compressed at rest, the ride is much smoother that stock setup that would hit full extension often. The dampening feels good, but will have be tested this weekend by a lighter driver and see if I get thumbs up or down...

So who needs 3" shackles?

hope they get the thumbs up, good shocks is one thing that all the buggys need

Thanks Pgh for the blasters I hope these work better for you. If so they may work on alot of buggies I would think

I tried the Blaster's on the rear, then went to the BD rears. Ended up with the BD rear springs on the Blaster shocks, better not sell the shakles yet.

I am really happy with the BD fronts.

What did you find on the BDX shocks that you did not like?

The Blaster shocks were good for two-up riding, but too stiff when my wife rides solo. On the second softest preload, I can bottom the BDX shock by bouncing 225 lbs on the rear rack - The Blasters required 300 lbs to bottom them on the softest preload...

The new BDX shocks are supposed to have heavier valving than the previous version - Since this is my first experience with any Buggy Depot shocks, I do not know how they compare to yours.

Rebound valving was too weak, made the shock feel too "springy". A heavier weight oil might be an improvment. Spring rate is just about right, hitting a pot hole is still a jolting experience though. Wished they soaked up the bumps as well as the front BD's.

An IRS is probably the ultimate, maybe after I complete the Scrambler build.

The pic below shows the BD rears I received.

Looks like the BD shocks with the Blaster dual-rate springs...?