I have a 2011 800XT with 600miles on it. I finally got a chance to take it on a "big" ride this weekend. Due to work and family issues after I bought mine, I was unable to ride much. Up til now, most of my riding has been slow paced and technical, but yesterdays ride was more my style, fast paced with hard corners and small whoopty whoops(small jumps).

I found I don’t like the stock suspension at all, it dips with hard braking and sharp turns and bottoms out bad with the smallest jump. I’ve read about Elka and Fox podium but am confused about the different stages. I am a big fan of spending my money once (I’ve done the "buy cheap and regret it" thing) but do I really have to spend 2k+ to get a decent shock? Is it worth trying to trade mine in on a new XTP?

Also, I would like to add an exhaust but don’t want something obnoxiously loud(is this possible?:th_smiliepullhair:). If I understand what I’ve read, I would need to do a programmer with any exhaust? What hp gain will I realistically see? Any recommendations?

Last thing, I like the factory tires on mine but the sidewalls are way to thin. I ruined two tires in my yard. I am thinking about getting the Maxxis Bighorns. Any reason not to? I read the all CanAm ATVs and UTVs have the same lug pattern but is the backspacing the same? Reason I ask is I thought about trying to find some factory takeoff beadlocks with Bighorns.

Thanks
daniel