2017 Sidewinder RTX-SE Suspension Set up questions

[kkokko]

Hi Guys, I am new to a Yamaha, have been a doo fan for the last 10 years. Here is my question, over the past 10 years, I could get my skidoos to turn in the corners while riding aggressive on the hard packed trails. I have had a 2012 121 inch MXZ XRS 800 Etec, a 2013 Renegade 800X Etec, and a 2015 Renegade 800 XRS Etec that I just sold to buy this Sidewinder. I knew how to set up my doos to do what I want, and figured I would ask the question to this group of experts before I do too much wrenching on it. I am 6'5" tall and about 280 all geared up.


I love the power of this sidewinder sled, I just want to get it to turn much better in the corners. Here is the current setup:


Rear Skid spring settings on 3. Center shock is close to the bottom of the threads, maybe an inch left, the limiter strap is pulled up one hole from stock, per my request to the dealer to do so. Rear coupling blocks have the thickest section to the front. Front suspension springs are about 1 inch of thread from being maxed out. Front skis are factory skis with dual snow snow trackers on them (Dealer recommended them, I have never used them before).


The sled does not dart around at all on the trail, but when I get on it, it still lifts the skis and seems a little light in the corners when on or off the gas. My doos, stuck to the ground like glue no matter how much I was on the throttle or off it. I would like to get closer to this.


My thoughts are to lessen the center shock spring tension a little and pull another hole in the limiter strap putting more ski pressure. But again, my first Yamaha so not sure if the same logic applies to this sled like it did to my skidoos.


I have been reading many threads on this site this morning and lots of talk about skis being the problem and many people want less ski pressure, but not much about my problem. Sorry for the long thread, but I appreciate your help.

 

[Pstn head]

Try limeter strap in the third hole, fattest side of the coupler block towards the front of the sled (so that it couples sooner), if your front end dips when you let of the gas ? Tighten front ski springs more to reduce the front end diving when you let off the throttle. The centre skid spring... set the spring tension so that its not bottoming out constantly, not too stiff but just enough to not lighten the skis. Try second second on rear springs, #3 might be a little much ?? Tuners well there a touchy subject, some like them some don't, if you don't want to spring the cash for a set of curves skis at least try the Artic skis (IMO I'm NOT convinced on the pilots they pushed on the doo's so I beilieve they'll push on the Sidewinder ) I beilieve you have rebound adjustment on the ski shocks, set those at 6-clicks in from fully open.

We all ride differently but that's my assumption regarding what to try on the SE 129" hope that helps. Keep in mind this is a heavier sled than the previous ones you rode with more torque so keep it smooth exiting corners and try carrying a little more speed into the turns.

 

[Doowithblue]

Pilots are only as good as the guy preparing them. See RockerDan's thread.

 

[kkokko]

Try limeter strap in the third hole, fattest side of the coupler block towards the front of the sled (so that it couples sooner), if your front end dips when you let of the gas ? Tighten front ski springs more to reduce the front end diving when you let off the throttle. The centre skid spring... set the spring tension so that its not bottoming out constantly, not too stiff but just enough to not lighten the skis. Try second second on rear springs, #3 might be a little much ?? Tuners well there a touchy subject, some like them some don't, if you don't want to spring the cash for a set of curves skis at least try the Artic skis (IMO I'm NOT convinced on the pilots they pushed on the doo's so I beilieve they'll push on the Sidewinder ) I beilieve you have rebound adjustment on the ski shocks, set those at 6-clicks in from fully open.

We all ride differently but that's my assumption regarding what to try on the SE 129" hope that helps. Keep in mind this is a heavier sled than the previous ones you rode with more torque so keep it smooth exiting corners and try carrying a little more speed into the turns.[/QU

Thanks for the advice and input!!

 

[Pstn head]

Pilots are only as good as the guy preparing them. See RockerDan's thread.

IV got 5900km so far this year, I think my sled is set up pretty darn good.
Regarding pilots.. Yes they might work for some, I agree, but I've ridden these sleds with every ski combination and I'm just suggesting to "kookoo" what I think works best. I don't know him or how he rides so it's completely up to him how to set up his sled.
Skis alone don't make a sled, suspension set up and day day conditions do.