Avoid Fox?

[Darren Betker]

Iv been concidering updating my gytr clicker shocks on my 06 gt but have heard quite a few stories about people being broke down with fox shocks going flat. Seems everyone loves these fox floats but im thinking maybe i should just deal with the inferior ( or i assume inferior due to how long ago they were used) gytrs . at least they get me home every time. Thoughts?

 

[Macheater]

I purchased a set of the float Evol R's that are sold through Yamaha for the front of my 06 gt 4 yrs ago that replaced my GYT shocks. Have been very happy with them, better damping, control, and ride. No problems to report. Just had Hygear rebuild them for this season.
Most of the problems reported have been with the REAR Megafloat on the 2011 and later Apexs'.

 

[Darren Betker]

Aah i see. I for one love the electric ohlins in my 06 gt. Love the fact i can stiffen or loosen it up on the fly. So if the problems were in the rear with the floats , should i stay with the ohlins rear?

 

[Macheater]

IMO stay with the Ohlins in the rear. In fact, that's also what Hygear recommended when I asked them that very same question several years back. The reasons are: Ohlins shocks are known worldwide as one of the best shocks money can buy. They are a quality shock that are adjustable; (compression, rebound, sprimg preload) rebuildable, and revalveable. If you are happy with the shock action, there is no maintenance other than the occasional rebuild. If you would like a little more more firmness and ride quality you can go with one of Hygears twisted spring kits. I'm very happy with mine. The only downside to the Ohlins is the electronic solenoid wiring which has VERY questionable durability. The wires are very thin and break easily leaving the electronic adjustment useless. Replacement, while not overly expensive, is a PITA. The only solution to that is to shield the wiring harness and zip tie it very well. In fact I have a service bulletin that shows how to do it. Some see the added weight of the Ohlins compared to the MegaFloat as a downside also. However, the Ohlins will never go flat!

The MegaFloat also has a narrower range of operation. When setup for comfort, it hits hard on bigger bumps. And when set for bigger bumps is to firm (or harsh) for smoother trails. These are some of the reasons Yamaha moved away from that shock. The air adjustment is not very convenient on the trail either.

 

[biffdotorg]

Just from experience on my previous '07 GT, talk with HyGear about the twisted spring option up front and in the rear. Send all three shocks off and have them valved for your weight and setup for your riding style. IMHO, money better spent than swapping them all out for Fox and then re tuning anyway. The GYTR resy clickers work well once they set them up. And the Ohlins in the rear the same. Great advice on the bulletin above too. Ziptie the crap out of the remote cable and you will be good.

Good luck!

 

[RTX]

Send the shocks to hygear and get the gytr shocks revalved for your weight and riding style.
Have hygear install a set of dual rate springs and you will have a great set of shocks.

All the manufacturers swapped over to the fox floats because they are cheap(cost) and lighter weight.
Not because they are better.
I have had both and prefer the gytr shock you have over floats

 

[dmaxx]

I have had the front Fox Floats for years and love em. No problems what so ever.

 

[Surestick]

I have no experience with them on sleds but I do have experience with them on mountain bikes.
It's rare for the air spring seals to fail if proper maintenance is done.
The maintenance schedule, on mountain bikes at least, is fairly frequent.

 

[Darren Betker]

I just bought the sled and the previouse owner had put the big boy spring on the rear, and just had all 3 rebuilt. Iv been messing with all 3 adjustments on all 3 and i like the results.....im 240lbs and finally have a 121 rear susp that i dont bottom out at the first sign of bumps. I just have 0 experience with the air nshocks other then watching videos on sleds out in the middle of nowhere when a rear shock goes flat. And a hand powered hand pump? What are we still in the 80s? Come on theres got to be an easier way then a hand pump? Love the handlebar switch for compression......too bad rebound couldnt have been up on the bars too but......

 

[steiner]

And a hand powered hand pump? What are we still in the 80s? Come on theres got to be an easier way then a hand pump? ......

Good grief. Your sled is 11 years old what are you expecting??


You could spend some time and money and do this.
http://ty4stroke.com/threads/team-fast-m20-vector-ltx.141902/page-7

 

[Darren Betker]

Just assumed if 11 years ago they had the tech to electrically actuate the compression adjustment that they would some way of remotely adjusting air shocks.......11 years later......guess not. But they do supply a flimsy hand operated manual mini pump. Just figured by now the shocks would be a little closer to modern tech.

 

[steiner]

There is nothing wrong with the stock shocks that the GT comes with.
Get a good feel for your sled. ie... get some good miles on it. If you get a chance, ride other sleds that have different shock packages. Make your own real world conclusions which is the best option for you.
Or start throwing money at the sled until you are happy.

 

[Darren Betker]

Dont get me wrong. Im very impressed with the ride but the truth be told iv havnt been on a sled for 15 years with the exception of a 98 srx700 that i put and extra 10 in......thought that was an amazing improvement. Not that i have much to compare it to. I live in a small town and the chances of running into another apex let alone one with fox shocks is nill.

 

[steiner]

Well I know another Apex rider that lives in your small town. So you are not alone in the Apex dept.
Come up to the MB TY Ride next year. There are many Apes owners that come to the ride. You may get a chance to try a different setup.