Can you put a damper on a 2015 Viper?

[swampcat]

As someone who rode with these dampers on a sled, I can attest to the difference, it was night and day. Granted it was on a Vector a couple of years ago. The Yammi scientist was at Pats Yamaha in da UP, they had 2 identical sleds , 1 with, 1 without. Sent us out on test rides in pairs, then swapped sleds and came back, then asked if we could tell a difference in 1. As far as dropping the coin on a older sled to do it.... I dont know. But getting them for free on a 16, its a no brainer.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

As someone who rode with these dampers on a sled, I can attest to the difference, it was night and day. Granted it was on a Vector a couple of years ago. The Yammi scientist was at Pats Yamaha in da UP, they had 2 identical sleds , 1 with, 1 without. Sent us out on test rides in pairs, then swapped sleds and came back, then asked if we could tell a difference in 1. As far as dropping the coin on a older sled to do it.... I dont know. But getting them for free on a 16, its a no brainer.

What did you notice between the two?

 

[vibeline]

10 pounds of black magic.
5lbs front,
5lbs rear
are these things not heavy enuff already?

 

[swampcat]

The FEEL of the sled was more solid. The chassis retained its composure better going through bumpy curves. I only rode the thing about 14 miles, some of the trail was smooth already. Luckily I got the machine without the damper first, so when we switched the difference was noticeable in the first 300 feet. We shall see what becomes of this when the onslaught of consumer mayhem is unleashed on the 2016s. Only time will tell.

 

[Dreamsover2]

The FEEL of the sled was more solid. The chassis retained its composure better going through bumpy curves. I only rode the thing about 14 miles, some of the trail was smooth already. Luckily I got the machine without the damper first, so when we switched the difference was noticeable in the first 300 feet. We shall see what becomes of this when the onslaught of consumer mayhem is unleashed on the 2016s. Only time will tell.

I still think its an appe to orange comparison

you are comparing a vector chassis to a viper chassis... in a sense, which we all know how that works

 

[cannondale27]

I have pulled back the boot on these and you can see the shaft moved in almost 1/4 in. so they have to be doing something. I have also tried compressing one off the sled and could not budge it. Whether it helps any handling I dont know. Some things need to have flex to have good handling.

 

[swampcat]

I am NOT comparing anything to anything. This was on a Vector, 2 years ago.... Now, since for 2016, Yamaha has them available for just about every model, they must be a work in progress. Enter Viper. Cannondale thats quite the flex if you think about it. Can only imagine what a super slo-mo would show as far as chassis flex ?

 

[Dreamsover2]

My understanding is that the dampers sell for around $600-700. Not worth it IMO. Go with a set of new skis.

That's the best idea in this thread. Waiting for my Curves to come in...

 

[yamadoo]

I am sure yamaha engineers have super slow motion vids and micrometer measures of flex etc. it will be like all up grades not thought worth it than how did we live without it. BUT as sleds get more refined the gains are less, still gains but small.

I remember people arguing weather ski shocks were worth it or just added cost and weight!(when I bought a 74 Eltigre) Now they must be tuned to weight, terrain, riding style or they are less than optimal. But have not heard of anyone saying they are not needed.

 

[RTX]

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Lateral-Thinking

Heres a write up from a lexus engineer on chassis dampening
Yes i am aware its an automotive application and not a snowmobile.

 

[Dreamsover2]

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Lateral-Thinking

Heres a write up from a lexus engineer on chassis dampening
Yes i am aware its an automotive application and not a snowmobile.

Well on that note. When I was out of high school I had a 76 Chevy Monte Carlo. It had a steering dampener. Car rode very good and handled excellent for what it was. My dad had a 76 cutlass. Same car but no dampener. The handling characteristicsof these 2 cars weren't even in the same zip code.

 

[drumz11]

I guess it's good for Yamaha that some are drinking the kool-aid and believe it's worth the inflated cost to add dampers even when some experienced riders claim no noticeable difference. That post mentioning the racer that crashed and used a damper as an excuse for the wreck was hilarious. I'm sure these can be useful in some applications, but on this chassis and the cost to add them, if not already equipped, is simply ridiculous in my opinion. As mentioned already, there is so much more you could do to this chassis and get a big improvement for the money.

 

[yamadoo]

I guess it's good for Yamaha that some are drinking the kool-aid and believe it's worth the inflated cost to add dampers even when some experienced riders claim no noticeable difference. That post mentioning the racer that crashed and used a damper as an excuse for the wreck was hilarious. I'm sure these can be useful in some applications, but on this chassis and the cost to add them, if not already equipped, is simply ridiculous in my opinion. As mentioned already, there is so much more you could do to this chassis and get a big improvement for the money.

I am not drinking the kool aide or Buying the product.

Just commented on prior changes and how they were perceived on introduction.

By the way I have curve skis and tuners, their are conditions were they are easily distinguishable, one superior over the other and others were not. Some conditions , tracked groom trail, were tuners are better. Now in loose snow Curves turn way better.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

I am not an expert on these dampers , but I don't think skis are a replacement for the damper.

 

[Dreamsover2]

I am not an expert on these dampers , but I don't think skis are a replacement for the damper.

No. Not do I believe this damper will help my LTX turn better. I believe the skis at the answer for that.