2014 LTX-SE suspension

[Nytros rule]

I remember reading that thread. I'm still frustrated with this machine due to the fact that Yamacat let this sled leave the factory with suspension like this. Heck, they let it slide for another year. What in the heck where the test riders thinking? I wouldn't buy another LTX, maybe an RTX or XTX.

This isn't the first time Yamaha has over sprung and over valved a sled.
When I bought my wife's 02 Viper ER I was certain they had 600# Sumo wrestlers as test riders when they were doing suspension calibration.

 

[ishpeming fan]

Bought this as brand new leftover last season. Got 2000kms (1200 miles) on it now and still find the rear suspension super stiff. Any ideas/suggestions?


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I got the updated 2016 artic cat rear springs and front skid shock spring on my 2014 ltx with great results. Sled corners better and rear end is nice and supple on trail chatter

 

[trailtamer]

I got the updated 2016 artic cat rear springs and front skid shock spring on my 2014 ltx with great results. Sled corners better and rear end is nice and supple on trail chatter

I'm finding the same results. The more I ride it, the better it is getting. Both Shocks revalved, lighter torsion springs, and a dual rate F.T.S.. I can now feel the suspension working under the sled where before it just wasn't moving. On a groomed trail, the sled transfers weight better than before. I'm going to put another couple hundred miles on it (to break in springs) before I make any further adjustmens.

 

[Sevey]

Just so you guys know I disagree with the lighter center shock spring in both the 16's and now the even lighter true dual rate in the 17's. Many have found the heavier 160/260 dual rate #2704-229 to work better transfer wise and ride wise since with this spring you will use less preload to get the same light front end feel. A heavily preloaded spring has more "stored energy" than a lighter preloaded spring. This means the shock has to control the stored energy. My valving works with either and what spring works for one may not work for other rider though. To me the key is valving especially in 14 and 15's.

Cannondale,
I found myself trying to assist a friend with a AC Lxr 137 (2016) a week ago. This had to be the worst handing sled I have ever come across. Aside from his crappy ski, I just could not get enough weight to settle on the skis so there was any bit. You could go straight and wag the bars and there was no bite. The thing would drift across every corner. Dangerously. I adjusted the spring on the centre shock so it was virtually loose and would still not let the weight settle on the nose. I gotta assume the spring is just way to tight on this. We are both 5'10', 185lbs weight.

Your above comment is the opposite of what iam understanding in trying to help my buddy get his sled dialed in. I am telling him to invest in better skis and get the centre shock spring changed to a softer spring, and possible revalve the shock. Can you explain.
MS

 

[Kenzie]

how are guys finding the 137 skid for drag racing. i recently had my shocks revalved cranked up my centre shock close to max and still can't get this pig to transfer as much as Id like. sled is 15 ltx turbo 10lbs.

 

[Studroes144]

how are guys finding the 137 skid for drag racing. i recently had my shocks revalved cranked up my centre shock close to max and still can't get this pig to transfer as much as Id like. sled is 15 ltx turbo 10lbs.

U got the plastic blocks removed on the transfer shaft? That helps some. Mine launches awesome but I also have long triggers.

 

[Kenzie]

Blocks are coming out and then hoping this rain won't be so bad and will still have snow to test this weekend. Thanks for help and any other ltx tips I'm open to

 

[trailtamer]

Blocks are coming out and then hoping this rain won't be so bad and will still have snow to test this weekend. Thanks for help and any other ltx tips I'm open to

Lighter torsion springs help tremendously. IMHO, the 2014-15 model LTX's are "over sprung" causing poor ride quality and weight transfer. I have my blocks removed and it did help a little bit, but changing the springs is what I had to do.​

 

[DigitalFusion]

i re-valved both shocks, put the dual rate and lighter torsion springs from the 16+ (along with a new ice cobra track, clutch kit, gates c12 belt, skid plate, sport bumper, & japan throttle kit) and then broke my wrist snowboarding last week before i ever even got to ride it with the upgrades.

my season is over now. guess i have to wait until next year for a comparison

 

[trailtamer]

i re-valved both shocks, put the dual rate and lighter torsion springs from the 16+ (along with a new ice cobra track, clutch kit, gates c12 belt, skid plate, sport bumper, & japan throttle kit) and then broke my wrist snowboarding last week before i ever even got to ride it with the upgrades.

my season is over now. guess i have to wait until next year for a comparison

Ouch! Heal quick.

 

[cannondale27]

Cannondale,
I found myself trying to assist a friend with a AC Lxr 137 (2016) a week ago. This had to be the worst handing sled I have ever come across. Aside from his crappy ski, I just could not get enough weight to settle on the skis so there was any bit. You could go straight and wag the bars and there was no bite. The thing would drift across every corner. Dangerously. I adjusted the spring on the centre shock so it was virtually loose and would still not let the weight settle on the nose. I gotta assume the spring is just way to tight on this. We are both 5'10', 185lbs weight.

Your above comment is the opposite of what iam understanding in trying to help my buddy get his sled dialed in. I am telling him to invest in better skis and get the centre shock spring changed to a softer spring, and possible revalve the shock. Can you explain.
MS

Well I guess my thousands of miles on the setup I like doesn't work for everyone or maybe my valving,skis etc. makes it work. I think your issue is mainly the skis.

 

[cannondale27]

Well I've got 200+ miles on the 229 spring now and it can't come out soon enough. Have rode on a huge variety of trails and it hasn't felt good yet. Started out with a little preload, then went a little tighter a few times, at 5 turns of preload it keeps getting worse and worse so this definitely isn't the spring for me. 95 miles of Saturday afternoon tug hill trails today and I feel like I have broken ribs and it hurts to even sit. Can't wait to get the 135# spring back in..even in rough trails it's still very plush and handles great, I can't ride 60 mph on rough stuff and hardly feel a thing. If I go over 30 with this spring it is down right dangerous. Maybe shock valving isn't lining up with the 229 spring where as I know the 135# spring is setup for that, but either way it's coming out tonight and hopefully I can roll out of bed tomorrow and get suited up to enjoy all the snow we're getting.

Must be the valving Monster did for you Studroes. Sorry. Has to be since so many are happy with it. This is the post I originally got the idea from.
http://ty4stroke.com/threads/interesting-skid-shock-spring-info.131147/

 

[DigitalFusion]

Well I guess my thousands of miles on the setup I like doesn't work for everyone or maybe my valving,skis etc. makes it work. I think your issue is mainly the skis.

I'd Second the skis. Stock skis are garbage. I put 300 miles on mine with the stockers while waiting for the mounting kit for my curve skis. It was like you described. No bite at all, darting and pushing through corners.



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[Studroes144]

Must be the valving Monster did for you Studroes. Sorry. Has to be since so many are happy with it. This is the post I originally got the idea from.
http://ty4stroke.com/threads/interesting-skid-shock-spring-info.131147/

I'm sure it is the valving. At the same time I don't get overly carried away with riding really hard in the rough stuff, maybe it would loosen up with more miles..I just can't bring myself to suffer through any more of that rough ride.

 

[cannondale27]

I'm sure it is the valving. At the same time I don't get overly carried away with riding really hard in the rough stuff, maybe it would loosen up with more miles..I just can't bring myself to suffer through any more of that rough ride.

It could be that you are just getting old and slow