ATV Suspension Tuning for Iowa Trails

By Dave Barrette, Owner of Bold Off-Road

Your ATV came from the factory ready to ride. But the suspension was set up for an average rider on average trails. Iowa trails are anything but average. Rocky sections need different settings than muddy paths.

At Bold Off-Road in Coggon, Iowa, we've worked on thousands of ATVs over 25 years. Most riders never change their shock settings. This guide will show you how to set up your suspension the right way for Iowa trails.

Why Suspension Tuning Matters

Your suspension does three important jobs. It keeps your tires touching the ground. It soaks up bumps to protect your machine. It keeps you comfortable so you can ride longer.

"We see riders spend a lot on engine mods but never adjust their free suspension settings," says Dave Barrette, owner of Bold Off-Road. "Just adjusting your shocks can make it feel like a completely different machine."

Understanding Your Shock Adjustments

Most modern sport ATVs let you adjust three things. Check your owner's manual to see what your shocks can do.

Preload - This changes how compressed your spring is before you even sit on the ATV. More preload makes your ride sit higher. Less preload makes it sit lower.

Compression Damping - This controls how fast your shock squishes down when you hit a bump. Stiffer settings stop you from bottoming out but feel harsh. Softer settings feel comfortable but might bottom out on big hits.

Rebound Damping - This controls how fast your shock pushes back out after hitting a bump. Too fast makes your ATV bounce. Too slow means it can't reset before the next bump hits.

Setting Up for Iowa Trails

Iowa trails have everything. You'll hit roots and rocks. You'll splash through mud holes. You'll ride over sand patches and climb steep hills. Your suspension setup changes how well you handle all of it.

Step 1: Set Static Sag

Static sag tells you how much your suspension squishes down when you sit on your ATV.

Here's how to measure it. Park your ATV on flat ground. Measure from the axle up to a spot on the fender. Write that number down. Now sit on your ATV like you normally ride. Have a friend measure the same two spots again. The difference between these two numbers is your static sag.

You want your static sag to equal about one-third of your total wheel travel. Let's say your ATV has 9 inches of travel. You want 3 inches of sag. This leaves you 6 inches to absorb bumps going up and 3 inches of droop going down.

Change your preload to get the right sag. Tightening preload reduces sag. Loosening preload increases sag.

Step 2: Adjust Compression Damping

Start with your compression set to the softest position. Ride a trail you know well. Pay attention to where you bottom out.

If you're bottoming out on small, slow bumps, add compression damping. Turn it one click at a time. Test it after each click.

"Iowa trails have hidden rocks in wooded sections," Barrette explains. "We make compression stiffer for rock ledges. For loose soil, we run softer compression so you get more traction. The terrain tells you what settings to use."

Your goal is simple. You want to use almost all your travel on the biggest hits. But you don't want to actually bottom out.

Step 3: Dial In Rebound

Start with rebound at the softest setting. Find a section with whoops or bumps close together. Ride through it.

Does your ATV bounce around or feel out of control? Slow down the rebound by turning the adjuster clockwise. Test it one click at a time. Does the rear end pack down and feel harsh on the third or fourth bump? Your rebound is too slow. Speed it up.

Good rebound lets your shock push back out quickly. But it should be smooth, not bouncy.

Common Iowa Trail Scenarios

Rocky Sections - Use stiffer compression so you don't slam into rocks. Use slightly slower rebound to handle multiple hits in a row.

Muddy Trails - Use softer compression so your tires stay in contact with the ground for better traction. Use faster rebound so the shock can extend in the soft terrain.

Whooped Trails - Use balanced compression and slightly faster rebound. This helps your suspension work through bumps that come one after another.

Mixed Terrain - Start with middle settings. Most Iowa rides have all different kinds of terrain.

When to Upgrade Your Shocks

Stock shocks work fine when you adjust them right. But worn out shocks or really aggressive riding might need upgrades.

Here are signs you need new shocks. Oil is leaking from the seals. The shocks feel mushy or don't respond. Changing settings doesn't make any difference. You've maxed out all the adjustments but still bottom out.

We stock aftermarket shocks from Fox, Elka, and Works. These cost between $400 and $800 per shock. We also rebuild stock shocks for $150 to $200 per shock.

Bold Off-Road Suspension Services

We do complete suspension tuning at our Coggon shop. This includes measuring your sag, adjusting your settings, and taking a test ride. We also do shock rebuilds, seal replacements, and complete upgrades.

Our mechanics work on all brands. We service Polaris, Honda, Yamaha, Can-Am, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I adjust my suspension?

Change your settings whenever your riding changes. This includes different trail conditions, adding cargo, or when different people ride. Check your settings at the start of each riding season.

Can I damage my shocks by adjusting them wrong?

No. The adjusters only change how oil flows inside your shocks. You can't break anything by turning the knobs. The worst thing that happens is poor performance. Just readjust them and you're fine.

Should front and rear suspension have the same settings?

Usually not. Most ATVs need stiffer rear compression. That's because the rear carries more weight. Adjust the front and rear separately based on how each one performs.

Need help tuning your ATV suspension? Visit Bold Off-Road in Coggon or call (563) 277-8830. We'll set up your suspension for Iowa trails in under an hour.