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Dura Blue Axle

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DuraBlue.com

We have managed to bend two Kawasaki factory axles on two different machines (Prairie and Brute Force SRA).
We have decided to install and review the Dura Blue axles.
Dura Blue has provided us with their X-33 Race axle and billet hubs for both of our bent Kawasaki axle replacements.

Warranty Info

When you purchase a Dura Blue axle, you receive the added value of a warranty. The added value is for the future; beyond the moment you purchase the product. It entitles you to certain privileges and support. This warranty does not mean that you will never bend or break an axle. You will. It does not mean that you get unlimited free product forever. Below is a “nuts & bolts” look at the warranty.

What is covered?
The axle shaft only is covered for bending or breaking. Flanges, spline wear, hardware and/or surface finish are not covered. Heavy Duty Series axles are covered for six months. Eliminator Series axles are covered for as long as the original purchaser owns the axle.

What if the axle is bent?
If the axle shaft is bent less the .187" tir (total indicated run out), it will probably be straightened. This will not result in a weaker axle. If the shaft run out is more the .187 tir, it will probably be replaced.

How long is my warranty period?
Your warranty period is as long as the original purchaser owns the axle. If the axle is sold used, the warranty stays with the original purchaser. In other words, if you buy a used axle, it has no warranty.

Lets see if this axle can meet or exceed the OEM axle on this model.

Product Review

First Impressions:
	It appears that Kawasaki has failed to provide a sufficient axle design for their (SRA) Sold Rear Axle quads for those people that like to push themselves and their machines to the limit. Both quads had over-sized tires and both riders of those quads jump their machines regularly. Both riders tow heavy loads as well as ride aggressive on the trails at high speeds. The hope is that the Dura Blue axle and hubs will handle the high speed corners, jumps, towing, rock crawling, and general abuse that we put our quads through. The fit and finished look as well as the design of this axle is quite impressive. It has been made with a high strength proprietary heat treating process and has been polished and chromed. The X-33 axle uses the same superior material and heat treating as the Eliminator. The unique difference is in the design of the wheel hub mounting area. Standard design ATV axles neck down to about 1" in diameter. A splined wheel hub slides onto the axle shaft and is retained with a hex nut. With the average spline design, hubs tend to loosen frequently. The X-33 changes all that. The wheel hub is clamped solid and driven by a pin on a 1-3/8" diameter shaft. This axle is rifled to reduce weight near the rotational axis of the ATV. This axle comes with a very unique option of 2+2 for adding width and stability for certain riding requirements. This is an awesome feature that we are excited about testing, with the riding abilities of our crew. In just a matter minutes you can easily customize the length of your axle for instant, big performance improvements. Technical Notes: The total weight of this axle with hubs matches the weight of the OEM with hubs, which is good to match power/weight aspect ratio. However, the Dura Blue billet hubs weigh half as much as OEM, and the remaining weight and strength is in the axle where it should be. The Dura Blue axle does have a larger diameter and added strength in key areas to increase axle torque load requirements.
Field Test:
	Between the two quads, we have put over 2,000 miles on these axles. The terrain consisting of dirt, gravel, mud, rocks, swamp and sand. We have absolutely tortured the X-33 on multiple jumps, rough trails, and serious rock crawling. All the while with over sized tires and wheels which are 30-40% heavier than OEM and we feel that we have put this axle through a very fair and yet grueling test. Both riders are happy to report after this much time and abuse, the axle is still straight and is showing no signs of wear anywhere. One of the riders frequents the sand dunes and he reports that the finish on the axle has dulled due to the sand blasting, but this is very normal and happens to any hard surface that is constantly in contact with the sand.
Bottom Line:
	Dura Blue is clearly a great after-market axle company that is an alternative to OEM. If you’re looking to match or exceed OEM quality and get some performance gains besides, we recommend you take a look to Dura Blue Axle.

Note: Product for this review was provided by Dura Blue
durablue.com

Brute Force 650	Brute Force 650
OEM Top Dura Blue Bottom	Dura Blue Top OEM Bottom
Hub "in" position.	Hub "out" position.
Prairie 650 Offset in	Prairie 650 Offset Out (2+2)