Best ATV Suspension Locks

Looking to find the best ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) suspension locks? You’ve come to the right place. This post will list down the finest options in the market.

The key features and benefits highlighted here will help you make the right decision. Suspension locks such as the Kolpin 85200 Universal Independent Rear Suspension Lockout, Black Boar ATV Rear Suspension Lock, and Kolpin Lock-it-Rite ATV System stand out.

As you read along, you will find information on how the suspension system of ATV functions. Advice on what to look for when buying an ATV suspension lock is also included in this piece. Even if the options listed don’t meet your requirements, you’ll have a better idea about what’s available in the market.

The ATV suspension locks that this article will talk about are among the highest-selling models in North America and beyond. They have all been selected after in-depth research and careful assessment of every feature. Moreover, seasoned ATV riders have tested these products under varying circumstances, and their general opinion about them has been overwhelmingly positive. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it.

‍What’s the Purpose of an ATV Suspension System?

The suspension setup of an ATV enables it to navigate rough and extreme off-road terrain easily. Its purpose is similar to the suspension system of a regular vehicle designed to maximize performance, absorb any bumps on the road, and provide a safe and comfortable ride. The only difference is that an ATV’s suspension mechanism is created for off-road adventures.

During any off-road ride, you will come across ditches, ruts, logs, rocks, fallen tree branches, bumps, and other obstacles that are usually not found on a carpeted metallic road. The suspension system of your ATV will ensure that your four-wheeler can easily pass over these obstacles without getting damaged.

In other words, the job of your ATV’s suspension system is to smooth out your journey. And because it takes a lot to make an off-road ride (through extreme terrain) safe and comfortable, ATV suspensions are more complicated than their road vehicle counterparts.

Another purpose of an ATV suspension system is to ensure vehicle stability, especially when riding through a challenging off-road trail.

How Does an ATV Suspension System Work?

It comprises different parts, with shocks and springs being the most prominent ones. They all perform different functions to help the rider enjoy a smooth and comfortable off-road ATV ride. The shocks, or shock absorbers, are there to absorb any force that may have the ability to throw your vehicle off-balance and off-course.

For instance, when driving over a rock, the shock absorbers will absorb any force or “shocks” that your ATV may experience. If they are of high quality and in tip-top condition, then you’ll hardly feel anything. However, if the shocks on your ATV suspension aren’t in a reasonable condition, you’ll probably feel lots of bumps during your off-road ride. It might be time to get those shock absorbers replaced in this case.

ATV shocks tend to have oil inside them. It’s there to stop the entire suspension setup from compressing. The oil works against the compression induced by bumps and helps maintain vehicle stability.

There’s a fair bit of variety in the models and designs of ATV shocks. Some versions have the oil reservoir located within the shocks.

The springs also have a role to play in preventing compression. Their job is to get the ATV back to its original position rather than stay compressed after going over a bump, pit, or rut. Like the shocks, it’s crucial to have top-notch springs supporting your ATV suspension system. Strong and high-quality springs will not let a vehicle compress too much, and it will swiftly get back into its original position after a bump.

With the right set of springs, your ATV will not bounce back and forth too much. The springs will prevent that from happening. Also, you won’t feel too many jerks in your body during a ride. Furthermore, a reliable set of springs will give your ATV additional ground clearance capability.

On the flip side, old and weak springs won’t be very good at resisting compression. The result would be greater vehicle compression with every pit, bump, and rut. The ground clearance will be less and you’ll experience quite a few jerks in your body during the ride. Like ATV suspension shocks, there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to springs either.

Best ATV Suspension Locks

You need a top-of-the-line suspension lock to ensure the durability and reliability of your ATV suspension system. As an ATV riding enthusiast, few things are more frustrating than purchasing the wrong lock which doesn’t complement the suspension and proves to be a hindrance.

Following are some in-demand ATV suspension locks for you to consider.

Black Boar ATV Rear Suspension Lock

The Black Boar ATV Rear Suspension Lock comes with adapters and mounting hardware that enable it to work well with most ATV manufacturing brands. It is very good at preventing rear suspension sagging while carrying the rider’s weight.

At 9 lbs., the Black Boar ATV Rear Suspension Lock is lightweight and very simple to install. It is made of black powder-coated steel, so durability and sturdiness are assured. The product is available on Amazon for around $56.

Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout

The Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout comprises 3/8” powder-coated steel. It enhances the performance and control of receiver or hitch-mounted attachments. The mechanism works like a solid rear axle to lock the suspension out.

Flexibility is one of the standout features of the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout. Thanks to the universal hole pattern and independent rear suspension, it fits most ATVs. However, you’re advised to review the manufacturer’s fit list of model specifics before making a purchase.

Aside from ATV pulls, you can use the Kolpin Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout for pulling a trailer, boat, or even an ice house. It’s especially recommended for the independent rear suspensions of an ATV when pulling a heavy load or using a 3-point hitch system.

This ATV suspension lock comes with all mounting and installation hardware included. Below are the accessories.

• A-Arm Brackets (2)
• U-Bolts (4)
• A-Arm Braces (304.8x31.7x9.5mm, 84.5x25.4x9.5mm) (2)

Lock-it-Rite ATV System

The Lock-it-Rite ATV Suspension Lock System is designed to work on any quad (as well as pick-up truck) with a two-inch receiver. It efficiently prevents sideways, backward, and forward movement of the ATV. This ensures that the four-wheel off-roader doesn’t enter the cab in an accident.

The built-in two-inch class-1 hitch receiver is also very good at pulling a small trailer. Its tongue weight is 250 lb. and towing weight is 2,000 lb. Made from heavy-duty steel, the Lock-it-Rite ATV System is more robust and faster than straps. It is ideal for ATVs that can fit into a truck bed. With a simple and easy installation/removal mechanism, the locking system expertly secures the ATV into its truck bed to ensure safe transport.

ATV Suspension Vocabulary Explained

Last but not least, here are some standard ATV suspension terms that you should know about. Once you have an idea about them, figuring out the suspension mechanism will become easier.

Ride Height

This refers to the height of the ATV seat when a rider is sitting on it.

Free Sag

The term “free sag” indicates the amount of travel a suspension has. Only the weight of the ATV is considered while measuring it, leaving out the rider’s weight altogether. The weight of the vehicle usually results in some sag and compression. It’s also possible that the front wheels’ free sag is not the same as the back tires’ free sag.

Rider Sag

Contrary to free sag, the term “rider sag” is used to mention the amount of suspension travel utilized when the rider is sitting on the ATV. Because the suspension tends to sag under the rider’s weight, it means that lesser travel is available for use when driving over rocks, pits, and bumps.

Camber

Camber means “tire tilt.” If your ATV’s tires are tilted out at the bottom and titled in at the top, they have “negative camber.” On the other hand, if they’re tilted in at the bottom and tilted out at the top, the wheels have a “positive camber.”

Bucking

The rebound of an ATV suspension system is often adjustable. “Bucking” is when the rebound happens too quickly, and the suspension jumps up and down. To put it another way, bucking refers to the shocks going up and down very quickly, almost as if they’re out of control.

Bottoming Out

The words “bottoming out” indicate that the shocks have been fully compressed. The rider can feel the bumps significantly and even experience pain when this happens. In such a scenario, the compression should be adjusted to move slowly. This will keep the shocks from compressing fully and bottoming out as a result.