'08 versus '09 FX Nytro ride results - Handling and Feel

[theCATman]

Brief rundown on my sled.

'08 FX Nytro RTX flipped ski rubbers, 10" dually carbides, and 144 studs. Otherwise stock. Floats at 60PSI, front skid shock zero preload, clickers at mid-point compression & rebound, torsions at medium setting.

I personally love the way my '08 handles. It does NOT dart, hunt, twitch, or whatever you want to call it. It tracks straight as an arrow on smooth groomed hardpack as well as chopped out junk. In my opinion it handles on a razors edge. Fast & responsive, and I like it.

Now, I got a chance to swap with another guy who has an '09. We swapped twice, for about 5 miles each time. When you hear or read about the '09s being tamed down..... tamed down isn't the word.... NUMB is the word. It pushed, wallowed, turned hard, and was just overall VERY sluggish in turning response. Everthing else, as into motor and suspension was great, but the handling was FLAT OUT numb.

I guess if this is what the majority of the FX Nytro owners wanted out of a wicked, race-bred machine, they sure as heck got for '09 & they don't know what crisp handing is (08's) Maybe I'm in the minority on here among the Nytro bashers, but I'd rather have sled that goes where I point it, even if it's too edgy for the majority.

I'm not trying to stir up a hornets nest, although I'm sure it will anyhow.

I do find it interesting though how any '08 FX Nytro owners I talk to in person or thru PM's say how they love it, yet this forum is full of grumblers & whiners about how piss-poor the Nytro is. Hmmmm??

 

[Snowman07]

I've talked to my dealer and he said the samething about the 08"s and 09's. He felt more comfortable on the 08 and stated the same as you did on the ride comparison. Maybe the 09's need alittle tweeking like we did for our 08's

 

[Doogs]

Maybe they should make a special order package with more '08-like handling. Since the majority seems to like the tame version, it should be standard. But guys like me that wanted an agressive ditch banging/snowcross sled should have that option.

 

[jds1000]

I must agree to a point. I put Pilot skis on My Wifes Nytro last year with 6 inch shapers in the center and the stock carbides on the outside. I also pulled up the front limiter strap one hole and set all her shocks and springs on max soft settings since she only weighs 125 lbs. She absolutely loved the way it rode and handled. She felt like it was the best steering sled she ever owned and she has had ZL's, ZR's and Rev's before. Many times she said that this is the first sled that turns when she wants it to. She also feels that its the easiest sled to steer. I have a new 1200 Doo and while I really like it so far I think the 08 Nytro handles just as good.

 

[Arnold08]

Catman Where is your front limiter strap, to me it seems almost unavoidable to pull that strap down a notch or two because i can get oon the gas out of the corners with out wheeling.

 

[skyboz]

Catman Where is your front limiter strap, to me it seems almost unavoidable to pull that strap down a notch or two because i can get oon the gas out of the corners with out wheeling.

You know if you pull the rear strap down you can eliminate some of that weight transfer!!

 

[MaineiacZ06]

I was very happy with the way my 08 RTX handled. Haven't had a chance to ride my XTX yet....I'm anxious to compare them.

 

[SISCAKIDD]

regarding the 08,SET UP IS EVERYTHING,if you did not take the time to set it up for your style of riding,you were not happy,rode mine 90 miles stock as a baseline then took the time to set it up for me ,BEST SLED I HAVE EVER OWNED .

 

[sd5500]

regarding the 08,SET UP IS EVERYTHING,if you did not take the time to set it up for your style of riding,you were not happy,rode mine 90 miles stock as a baseline then took the time to set it up for me ,BEST SLED I HAVE EVER OWNED .

Is it safe to say the '09 will be the same way?

 

[LJ 452]

regarding the 08,SET UP IS EVERYTHING,if you did not take the time to set it up for your style of riding,you were not happy,rode mine 90 miles stock as a baseline then took the time to set it up for me ,BEST SLED I HAVE EVER OWNED .

Is it safe to say the '09 will be the same way?

I would say yes. You can get any sled to handle better than it does out of the crate. I think that comparing a box setup to one that you have dialed in is a little missleading. Although I understand what you are saying, I'm just not sure it's time to make that statement just yet. This time last year people were pulling there hair out on here about their Nytro's and settup. After the year it seems many have found the answer, then there are some that are still looking.

 

[skyboz]

I think some of us will always being looking for that "little bit extra"!! I'm still a little wishy-washy about my '08, only because it feels a touch unpredictable at times. Don't get me wrong it's very ridable, but theCATman doesn't exactly have four grand wrapped up his suspension, aftermarket skis, etc. His sled is basically stock with duallies and some tuning - that's it!! I would think with some time in the saddle '09 owners will be able to tune theirs into a very nice set up. What's diconcerting is that, he went from an '08 to an '09 twice and noticed the difference in the front end geometry. Which isn't a trailside adjustment!

 

[theCATman]

Catman Where is your front limiter strap, to me it seems almost unavoidable to pull that strap down a notch or two because i can get oon the gas out of the corners with out wheeling.

I have left the limiter straps just where they were. Yes, there is alot of weight transfer, but that's part of what makes these things to stinkin' fast outa corners & off the line, being able to put the power down. Having owned an '06 Nytro previous, I quickly learned how to take corners on a 4 stroke. ALOT of throttle control. A guy can't mash the throttle like a 2 stroke, and steer with the track. Do this, and your just gonna go straight forward, and damn fast too.

I'm not calling you a bad rider by no means, I don't know your style, but maybe you're a little too punchy so to speak. Try rolling on and off the gas and not stabbing it, I think you'll be surprised at the difference. If you are already doing this and still can't seem to control it, get some adjustable transfer blocks from Ulmer Racing.

 

[theCATman]

I think some of us will always being looking for that "little bit extra"!! I'm still a little wishy-washy about my '08, only because it feels a touch unpredictable at times. Don't get me wrong it's very ridable, but theCATman doesn't exactly have four grand wrapped up his suspension, aftermarket skis, etc. His sled is basically stock with duallies and some tuning - that's it!! I would think with some time in the saddle '09 owners will be able to tune theirs into a very nice set up. What's diconcerting is that, he went from an '08 to an '09 twice and noticed the difference in the front end geometry. Which isn't a trailside adjustment!

Right, the handling difference isn't a trailside adjustment. I'm not at all calling the '09s junk like so many have branded the '08s, I'm just saying that if a person likes the '08 handling, they will not like the '09. The 09 is just plain numb. I don't know how else to say it. For the masses I guess this is what they wanted, but for myself and others that shoulda known prior to purchase, this is an edgy rocket sled, not a trail cruiser. It's not supposed to have handling characteristics of a land yacht. It's supposed to carve like a knife.

Too fast,twitchy,jittery, whatever you wanna call it. Call me dumb, but I call it extremely sharp handling, and it suits the sled and it's intended use. The '08s I'm saying.

 

[BLUEBALLER]

Personally I was surprised they gave the RTX SE the updated front end. I would assume those guys would have wanted the 08 geometry to match that sleds intended purpose.

catman - what model of 09 nytro did you get to ride? I could see the push from the XTX, but if it was a shorty, than the setup woes start all over again. too bad.

Does anyone have anything positive yet to say about their 09????????
motor comments don't count.

 

[justinator]

The 09's cant be that numb, this front geometry comes from the race sled!!