2005 suspension upgrade

[srvfan]

I have the dreaded 05 with the torsion spring set up. I added an ohlins shock rear which helped but it still beats me up in chop. A mono shock it's not.....
Who has done a swap and what did you swap to??? SC5, Cat, Polaris M-10 style or true M-10? Are some easier to mount than others? pros,cons?

Thinking of a summer project, I have no durability issues, just ride groomed trails so I don't break things like the ditch bangers. just looking for a smoother ride. Yes I have mine set up properly, it's not going to get any better other than maybe replacing the center shock.

 

[Handy]

I changed my 05 to a ZX2 when they first came out and were really reasonabley priced. $1250.00 for a colored one. It was easy to mount and really improved the ride. I have put 8000 + miles on since the install and have had no issues. I had the shocks serviced last year and everything is still working fine.

 

[Geezer 2]

05

I changed mine out for a 136" Airwave with the compressor. I also put the Assault air fronts on. Night and day difference. I was lucky and got a great deal on a used one. Came with good directions.

Geezer

 

[srvfan]

The assaults wherent too stiff on the front? Still handles ok? I had my front springs backed all the way off till they just floated to get it flatter and help with the darting. Since adding the tuner skis I've been able to crank them up a bit which did help the ride of the front and it still goes straighter, the tuners rock.

Snyone swap in a mono 136???? While the m-20 must be just unbelievable I'm probably never going to score a good used one the Mono should be easier to come by.

ZX2 looks interesting but I've always thought of that as more of a ditch banger set up?

 

[Handy]

The Mono is good with great groomed trail ride quality and a huge ride improvement over the Proactive but the early units up to about 08 were fragile. I have replaced the Mono in my 06 Apex to a ZX2 because the Mono broke into too many pieces and the second ZX2 I was able to procure at a bargain price. I mostly trail ride with some lake crossing. When you get baddly drifted lakes or end of weekend pounded out trails that is when the ZX2 really shines. There is no bottoming and you don't have to slow down.

 

[jsjk-4-stroke]

i put a mono susp in the wifes 05 vector 121" you would need the 2 front mounting brackets they will line up with the rivet holes that are there I can,t think if I changed the rear , much better ride for her , I did have it beefed up it has been in there maybe 5 years , it was a easy swap.

 

[bsevigny]

M-10

I bought a used M-10 off craigslist. I then bought the Yamaha mount kit from Fast (it had been in a Polaris). I then added the rear airshock from Fast.

One advantage of installing a Fast M-10 is that most parts you need to mount (shafts and spacers) are available used or from Fast. And Fast has good technical support to help answer tuning questions about after the installation.

I prefer the airshock over the Fox ZeroPro for the rear shock. The M-10 is a falling rate suspension, meaning the shock has an advantage on managing the rebound (over the compression). The airshock's non-linear response to compression makes it very adjustable for compression behavior and weight.

I did not add the compressor, controller and lines due to I was worried that the air lines would be at risk to debris tearing at them. I add/remove air from the shock's shraeder valve using a Fox handheld air pump. I did not put the airshock in the front arm of the rear suspension and have been happy with the stock Fox ZeroPro there.

Sled rides great. It never bucks (kick in the butt) like the old mono. It is also proving to be more durable than my 1st generation monoshock.

It is likely not as fast in a drag race due to the old mono was a great rear suspension for weight transfer. But it rides much better with the M-10, it can be adjusted on the trail if I want, and it has held up better for me. I ride 80% trails and 20% ditches with this sled.

I also stretched my sled from 121" to 136", which has its own challenges. I did not address them here due to you did not mention doing that.

If you go down the path of an M-10, I would be happy to answer questions. Good luck with whatever path you take.

Bgs

 

[srvfan]

Thanx guys! Anyone else? The more info the better, anybody with a competitors suspension, doo,Poo,Cat.

 

[srvfan]

Has anyone done a Cat 128" ??

 

[RSVECTORFREAK]

Has anyone done a Cat 128" ??

I haven't tried a cat suspension but what I did do was put a '06 nytro skid in it which basically is the same as the skid you have but with way better rear shock and stiffer springs. I sent the shocks out for a re-valve for weight and riding style and I reinforced the w-arms with gussets. Made a big difference over that junk rear shock and bad valved front shock. No complaints anymore.

 

[srvfan]

I have an Ohlins on there and i don't have a problem with it bottoming out. Much better than stock. I have not done the center shock. I suppose I could do that on the front shock and change the springs easy enough. But would the stiffer springs gain anything ride wise ?

my biggest complaint is you feel every 2"-6" bump that disappears with the mono shock I would think the ride would be worse with the Nytro set up not better?

Servicing it last night I noticed a rail bolt came loose on the front shock/wheel set and has ovaled out the rail pretty bad.

 

[Handy]

That rail hole can be welded if you want to save that skid. The ZX2 that I have in mine is very close to a Mono for ride quality. I am going to take my Mono that came out of my 06 Apex and beef it up and install it into a 1991 Phazer II to improve the ride on the old sled. I believe the lighter weight of a fan cooled 2 stroke would allow the Mono skid to live a long and productive life.