2005 rear suspension

[srvfan]

Ok I tried a search and must not be doing it right as i Got 123 pages of stuff I know this has been talked about before but here goes.
2005 Vector just put in a Ohlins 36PCW shock Compression adjustable only. What is the best set up for this?? It rides harsh. Bottoming is NOT the problem. I can bottom it if trying to but typically this is ok. The problem is the smaller bumps feels like it doesn't move.

According to those ridding with me the front arm moves up and down it appears like the rear does not travel much

I tried changing the springs from Medium to hard this was surprisingly better

Right now the transfer rods are set to about full coupled this seems better than fully uncoupled as the sled stays flatter and more in controll but didn't make it softer.

Could somebody give me some tips on correct set up of the suspension with this shock?

I'm lookng for a smooth ride at medium speeds in medium trail chatter,maybe all i need to do is soften the compression damping?

 

[Groomerdriver]

I wish the had an "eating popcorn" emoticon on this site. This could be entertaining to read. Sorry dude...trying to get this skid to work has been hashed over soooo many times through the years.

I am in a rotten mood! 2 freaking weeks and my Vector isn't done yet! (bad stator)

 

[srvfan]

I know which is why I tried search only to come up with everything but what i wanted I put in 2005 vector suspension and it brought up every thread with suspension in it. Noticed you did an M-10 worth it? which shocks did u get wih it?.

I may do that if I can't get it better or just throw in the towel and buy a leftover 2010. Figure M-10 at least $1,500. My sled worth 4500 here + M-10 cost and I've got 6k

 

[srvfan]

I know which is why I tried search only to come up with everything but what i wanted I put in 2005 vector suspension and it brought up every thread with suspension in it. Noticed you did an M-10 worth it? which shocks did u get wih it?.

I may do that if I can't get it better or just throw in the towel and buy a leftover 2010. Figure M-10 at least $1,500. My sled worth 4500 here + M-10 cost and I've got 6k

 

[Groomerdriver]

I'm in a better mood but haven't had any coffee yet!! LOL!!!

If your used to riding Yamaha's (historically stiff skids) you can get this skid to ride OK. Did you buy the sled recently or have had it since 2005?

I'm a high miles touring guy (owning 14 Polaris') and the 4S motor is what got me to buy this sled. I almost sold it b4 the 2006 season because it rode so bad...even after Yamaha gave me a Ohlins clicker (off of a Nytro) for the back.

My M10 has dual Ohlins clicker shocks on it. Rides better than the Mono, but that's what an M10 is supposed to give you...luxury ride. I paid $450...yes $450 for it. I was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 05 but beat it.,,,but not the doctor bills. A friend had the M10 sitting in his garage and knew I didn't like the sled but didn't have the $$ for a different one so he gave me a GREAT deal on the M10 and I made payments to him. He defines the word" friend".

You can find M10's on C/List or eBay for $600 if you look hard enough.

On to your sled:

1. Your Ohlins shock is likely valved WAY TOO STIFF. My dealer (is was great with shocks and skids) revalved mine 50% softer and it made a big difference. You'll note an improvement inthe stutters.
2. THe front track shock is valved TOO SOFT. You might feel the front of the skid crashing thru the travel. Have it revalved 50% stiffer.
3. Find a dual rate spring off of a Viper for the front track shock. THis spring + the revalving really helped the skid go over the bump smoother.
4. The two adjusting nuts - back them all the way off...even beyond the marks (if memory serves you can get another 1/8" beyond the marks) to get maximum coupling.
5. The rear torsion springs are only for your sit in "sag" adjustment. They do next to nothing for the ride quality.

After I did all of this the sled rode 200% better, but a friend said it still rode no better than a late 80 Polaris Indy...and I agreed.

If I were you and if I had the $$, I'd get rid of the sled and cut my losses. Try to find a used 08 or 09 Vector...save the $$ vs. a new sled.

Hope this helps...

 

[twomorestrokes]

srvfan, it would be helpful to know how much you weigh. I am usually in the 220-230 range, and the suspension was too SOFT for me, even after adding the Ohlins so I added Nytro torsion springs to stiffen things up and for me it's just right now. Maybe you should eat more before winter LOL. Kinda like how my HD rides nice and soft with a cord of wood in the back...

They say the S/M/H cam settings increases preload, but it is basically just a height adjustment. Correct height adjustment and sit-in should be done first as far as adjustments. I'd also suggest placing the movable bottoming bumpers in the front (soft) hole or remove them for a softer ride on good bumps. You say that your transfer rods are set at almost full couple. That will definitely cause a stiff ride on small bumps. That would also explain why setting the cam on H softens things, as this gives a little more transfer gap due to increased height before the skid couples.

If you bought the Ohlins new you should have an owner's manual for the shock that gives basic setup adjustments that I found very helpful. Ohlins suggests setting height adjustment, then transfer gap should be around 17mm (2/3") with rider aboard. Sit-in should generally be about 2".

 

[Groomerdriver]

srvfan, it would be helpful to know how much you weigh. I am usually in the 220-230 range, and the suspension was too SOFT for me, even after adding the Ohlins so I added Nytro torsion springs to stiffen things up and for me it's just right now. Maybe you should eat more before winter LOL. Kinda like how my HD rides nice and soft with a cord of wood in the back...

They say the S/M/H cam settings increases preload, but it is basically just a height adjustment. Correct height adjustment and sit-in should be done first as far as adjustments. I'd also suggest placing the movable bottoming bumpers in the front (soft) hole or remove them for a softer ride on good bumps. You say that your transfer rods are set at almost full couple. That will definitely cause a stiff ride on small bumps. That would also explain why setting the cam on H softens things, as this gives a little more transfer gap due to increased height before the skid couples.

If you bought the Ohlins new you should have an owner's manual for the shock that gives basic setup adjustments that I found very helpful. Ohlins suggests setting height adjustment, then transfer gap should be around 17mm (2/3") with rider aboard. Sit-in should generally be about 2".

Mike,

I found the nuts being all the way out (full couple?) improved the stutter bump ride.(!) I removed the bumper stops all together.

You know how much I loved this skid!!! LOL!! But I did try to get it to work the way I wanted before I gave up on it.

GD (I weigh 205 lbs)

 

[twomorestrokes]

Yep. It is always interesting how each person perceives the same thing in a different way. I know I am one of the few that really loves this skid. It is lacking in some areas (like they all are) but all around I like it. Comfy enough on groomed trail and durable enough in rough conditions. I have beaten the snot out of it for quite a few years now and other than the shock and springs that I replaced to improve things, all I've had to replace due to wear or failure is the inner idlers up front which is very common.

 

[srvfan]

would you get an 07-09 or hold out for 2010 injected? the mono2 has gotten excellent reviews.

i don't need the injection but my back can't take this thing soooooooo is the m10 airwave better than the mono shock 2? if it is mabe i'll just keep this one and stick 2000.00 into it.

 

[Groomerdriver]

Tough decision...some gives and takes.....here's my .02

The Deltabox 2 chassis is a much better handling chassis than the Deltabox 1. I think the DB2 chassis was on 07 (?) and newer Vectors (help here guys!)

The M10 is a better riding skid over a wider range of conditions than the Mono 1 or 2. The Airwave can only be that much better.

Have you ever put on 50 miles on a Mono equipped sled?

FI vs carb - personally I don't see the need..especially when you look at cost vs. benefit.....the carb'd motors are awesome.

The other thing to think about in all of this is the 06 (or 07??) and newer Vectors have the rider forward seating position vs. our "sit down" type of seating position. How appealing is this to you?

How many miles on on your 05 Vector? If it's got higher miles it might be time to trade up in years (I wish I could).

WOW...I have a headache after all of this!!!! Need a

What are your thoughts now?

 

[twomorestrokes]

2008 was the first year for the Vector in the DBII chassis. Nice upgrade for the sled!

 

[srvfan]

I have under 3000 miles as the last 2 winters I couldn't ride at all (long story)

I have ridden an 06 mono vector about 10 miles and it is much better

I have not ridden a new chassis it bugs me very much that dealers will not let you demo a sled!!! out here imagine not test driving a car.

I have sat on the new sleds and like hw they feel but wonder how cold it will be.

I have ridden an m-10 equiped zr Cat back in the day and was amazed by it.

way back in the day I learned t ride on a 66 Alouette so I'm not looking to snow cross the thing those days are over.

$$$$ this year who knows? if everybody who owes me pays I can afford to get whatever I want but no way would i buy new for over 10k it would be a leftover or slightly used. even if I had 100k cash hanging around wouldn't waste it paying sticker.

 

[Groomerdriver]

Did you like the M10 better than the Mono?

Your sled is barely broke in with 3000 miles. Check your primary weights to see if there's any evidence of them getting dished out.

Can't demo a sled? that sucks!!! I demo'd a Polaris Rush today for about 15 miles. Could have gone much farther but there was no sense because that sled has ZERO wind protection and the skis need doolies. Next demo will be in a Doo 800 etech

Where do you live?

 

[srvfan]

Live in Mass ride all over N.E dealers I talk with are like,"let you ride the sled??? are you kidding?? how am I going to sell it with miles on it?"

liability is a huge deal here as well somebody breaks a nail on the thing and they will be sued into oblivian

 

[Groomerdriver]

Live in Mass ride all over N.E dealers I talk with are like,"let you ride the sled??? are you kidding?? how am I going to sell it with miles on it?"

liability is a huge deal here as well somebody breaks a nail on the thing and they will be sued into oblivian

Fly over here to where I live in WI. I'll take you to my dealer and have demo rides ready for you when you get here. Buy a sled and have it shipped back home. If you're not window shopping and are serious, he'll let you demo a sled.