03 RX-1 Rear suspension

[KEITHFD]

I need some advice (go easy). I purchased an 03 RX-1 when they came out and it was my first sled. Its treated me well, but the rear suspension needs help. I know they aren't good to start with, but I think my shocks are shot too. I had planned on getting an Attack, but I bought a house and need to keep the RX-1. Even when I do get a new sled I'd like to keep the old one. My question is this...do I replace just the shocks or go for a completley new skid? If I had the $ I'd just get an M-10 with the ohilins shocks and be done with it. Money is tight so I was wondering if just some decent shocks would make it rideable? All I know is they got some early snow up north so I started getting the itch. I fired up the sled and jumped on it. It reminded me of the beating I took last season. I can't afford a new sled or another #*$&@ kicking season so what do I do??

 

[DaveyBoy]

Keith i am in the same frame of mind the 03 skid sux plain and simple did u do front springs ,longer links and sway bar these are a must i am going with the expertX i called ADboivin yesterday and talked to a tech guy and asked alot of ?`s and got the answers i needed m-10 in my opinion has way to much of a angle on the front arms Its cushy on th eway down but on the way up it kicks i know m-10 guys lovem but rode 1 and it was nice but it has speed loss,Call matt at the speedsopor go to his site speedshop1.com or any other dealer on ty good luck u are not to far away either keith if u need help on install pm me

 

[KEITHFD]

I did the front end plus flexi skis. I did the skis last and they made the most differance by far. I'll look into the expert X. Where are you located? Thanks for the info!

 

[DaveyBoy]

Fitchburg Mass

 

[danq]

For another option, look at Bender's Reaction suspension kit. It looks to be a near clone of the yamaha monoshock suspension on the new sleds but with a penske shock. No remote adjust, however.

http://www.benderracing.com/default.cfm ... ctTypeID=4

I ordered it for my viper...

 

[Boston RX1]

I read this site everyday and seldom can I give advice because I do not wrench. This is one area where I do have experience and can help my fellow riders out. Keith, do not waste another dollar or minute thinking about your skid. I have literally done everything I could in stages to make my sled ride perfectly. I did the springs, new shocks, make the skid longer and finally put on an X. I regretably have over $18,000 into my sled with labor and materials. I will be keeping it forever. I prefer the X, but I am sure the M-10 will provide similiar results as well. I have my doubts about the new Bender fix, it is not much cheaper than the other two skids which are proven. It will be the best money spent, just do it. You won't regret it. Been there, done that. Having said that, the only thing you can do to make that sled give you a smile after a 250 mile day in the NE is an aftermarket skid. After riding all day and wishing you had more time to put another 100 miles on, Priceless.

 

[4Fighter]

I feel your pain, literally.

First thing: Verify that the skid is setup correctly, for your weight, and the way you ride. You'd be surprised what a few, mal-adjusted components, can do to spoil the ride.

If you still can't straighten it out, spend the least amount of money as possible on upgrades/modifications. Any money you spend on it is lost when you inevitably come to the conclusion that you need something better, or more durable.

I spent $500 on 1 shock, and $80 on bushings and bearings, $90 on rail extensions, $200 on a used 136" track, and $200 on a tunnel ext. made multiple trips to the dealer, and put countless hours repairing, machining and modifying it's components to hold-up. When I finally got it to ride good, I was rewarded with another busted W-arm In the end, I ended up spending a grand on a used Expert-X.

:ORC Do what I should've done and just say: "Screw it!" then get an Expert-X. BTW: Stuff that seat too.

 

[Fullback]

If you're somewhat mechanically inclined consider a cat skid. $400.00 dollars later and I have a new sled. I'm not a mechanic but I've done all my mods myself including installing the new skid which was fairly easy. I just don't care for the looks or the riding position of the new sleds. Just my opinion.

 

[KEITHFD]

I decided to go with the Epert X as soon as I can get the bucks. I can't find much info on them, such as a factory website. I have a bunch of questions:

I want to go with a longer skid. Do they come 136?

Whats the best track to run? 1 1/4 rip Saw?

What to run for picks?

What type of shock to get?

What am I forgetting?

I can't bring myself to run the old suspension again and want to do it up right.

 

[Boston RX1]

You are making the 2nd best decision regarding sledding. They do make a 136, I love the Ripsaw. Studding is a personal preference. I ran 135+ and was very happy. I am trying the Ice Claw this year. As far as shock, no options. You get what they have. I highly recommend having the rebound revalved. Here is the MFG's website, www.adboivin.com . I think I answered all of your questions. Excell Motorsports is a great company state side who knows what they are doing.

 

[KEITHFD]

Whats the first best?

 

[Boston RX1]

I was waiting for that question. It is purchasing your Yamaha RX1!

 

[KEITHFD]

I think I'll love it better than when I got it with the new suspension. I'll keep it even if I get a new machine.

 

[Boston RX1]

I will have to keep mine for the next 10 years inorder to get my money out of it. I don't mind because aside from FI, it is everything it should be. Any more questions, please fire away.

 

[KEITHFD]

I'm sure I'll have more questions later. For now thankyou very much. I've turned to this site for all my questions as long as I've had the sled and always get great answers. Great resource!