Long travel and standard travel are often confused with A-arm width. They are related suspension choices, but they are not the same thing.
Standard-travel A-arms
A standard-travel setup is designed around a shock length and mounting geometry close to the original machine. The A-arms may still be wider than stock, but that does not automatically make them long travel.
Long-travel A-arms
A true long-travel system changes the shock mounting geometry so the suspension can use a longer shock and potentially gain usable wheel travel. The A-arms and shocks are designed as a matched system.
Wider does not automatically mean long travel
A +2 or +3 A-arm can still be standard travel. Width describes how far the wheel is moved outward. Travel describes the suspension's movement and shock geometry.
Which should you buy?
Standard travel is usually the better choice when you want a straightforward upgrade, plan to retain a stock-style shock length, or do not need the cost and complexity of a full long-travel package.
Long travel makes sense when suspension performance is the primary goal and you are buying the A-arms and shocks together as a complete system but is a much more expensive option.
The important rule
Do not buy shocks based on A-arm width alone. Confirm the exact A-arm design, shock mounting location, model, year, and intended shock length before ordering.
Leave a comment