2020 SRX/t-cat vs. Sidewinder handeling or 2020 front end conversion

[STAIN]

Has anyone ridden both the 2020 SRX or T-Cat and a stock 2020 Sidewinder? I am wondering how much difference the 1 inch in ride height makes on trail. I have ridden the 2020 T-Cat and it SO MUCH flatter than my 2017 RTX. I am trying to figure out if it is the new front end, the 1 inch lower ride height or a combo of both.
Also anyone you has done the 2020 front end conversion to an older model feel free to comment.

 

[putz21]

I cannot comment for the handling of the SRX or T-Cat, but I did do the 2020 conversion to the new ARCS front-end, including the new rear rails on my 2019 LTX SE. I absolutely love the handling and very happy with how flat it stays in the corners. The front-end is awesome! Again, don't know how it compares to the SRX setup though.

Now, I do have dual-rate springs on the front Elka Stage 5's, so that may act similar to the SRX setup as the front-end's ride height is lower.

I jumped on my bro's TD tuned 2020 900t a few different times this winter and couldn't wait to get off of it. The front-end on that ski-doo was nowhere near the stability, point and go, and confidence in the corners that the sidewinder has. He even commented on how nice the front-end performed.

So thing to note, for those looking to do the conversion to the new ARCS front-end, the geometry in the rear changed as well. The 2020's have new rails that change the geometry of the front arm which gives it a bit more travel and must complement the new front-end changes. New limited straps are needed along with the new rubber bumpers on the rails up front.

 

[number1kyster]

Has anyone ridden both the 2020 SRX or T-Cat and a stock 2020 Sidewinder? I am wondering how much difference the 1 inch in ride height makes on trail. I have ridden the 2020 T-Cat and it SO MUCH flatter than my 2017 RTX. I am trying to figure out if it is the new front end, the 1 inch lower ride height or a combo of both.
Also anyone you has done the 2020 front end conversion to an older model feel free to comment.

I personally think it's the 137 skid. I have an RTX like you. My Dad has a 2017 LTX. Both are SE models. With identical suspension settings, his machine handles much flatter than mine. In fact, his machine is one of the most stable machines I've ever been on. It's stuck to the trail like glue.

 

[J & J Racing]

It’s the lower ride height
The 19 and 20 tcat or srx handle better imo because of this
I have a 19 tcat that I put the 20 front end on
Seems to have a better bite in front.

before it was changed if you jumped off a 17 or 18 the 19 tcat flat out handles better

 

[STAIN]

I don't think the 19 had the lower ride height of the 2020.?.? 2020 , I believe was the first year of the new front end AND lower ride height in the SRX and T-Cat, but not the Sidewinder.

 

[J & J Racing]

19 also
20 front end change
I also like the hacksaw over the ripsaw
The sleds handle better than previous or standard models
20 srx or tcat best so far in handling imo

 

[STAIN]

I stand corrected then. I do agree that they are super flat. I may consider one or the other.

 

[DIwarrior]

Got both a 17 Sidewinder and a 20 Sidewinder, significant difference in handling, the 20 rarely lifts a ski compared to the 17.

 

[hellflyer]

There is a substantial difference in rear geometry to! Rails, rear upper guide wheels are much bigger and center shock does not bottom near as much as previous rears imo. Way better than my 16 viper le with qs3s and I ordered a qs3 for a 16 viper le for my 20 se and it’s still better even though it’s heavier in the rear end

 

[BillyboyLTX-GT]

Installed HyGear "SLYCAST" upper arms and 1-1/4" track. My 2019 SRX rides exactly like the 2020 SRX . Flat/no Tuner ski lift at the #3 setting on adjustable "A" arms. Easy to steer Love it.
FYI 2019 is 1-3/4" lower then 2020 sitting side by side.

 

[putz21]

There is a substantial difference in rear geometry to! Rails, rear upper guide wheels are much bigger and center shock does not bottom near as much as previous rears imo. Way better than my 16 viper le with qs3s and I ordered a qs3 for a 16 viper le for my 20 se and it’s still better even though it’s heavier in the rear end

Good catch hellflyer on the upper guide wheels. I did not notice that before. Thanks for sharing.

 

[J & J Racing]

Here is side by side
Old vs new

 

[J & J Racing]

Here

 

[hellflyer]

2020 actually is 1” taller than previously. I backed my front springs off to drop the front of my se before I even rode it because they’re to hi from the get go. Level a-arms when sitting on it has been my rule of thumb since my 03 viper

 

[J & J Racing]

Yep
Picture shows shock center to center is same
Height diff below shock to ski