comparing the 129-137-146

[twyztid]

After doing some research on the springs on this Riot, I am beginning to see why it so soft.
Front springs are 95lbs. Even the T-Cat has a 90/145 dual rate front spring.
FTS spring is the same 90/250 dual rate they have put on everything forever.
Rear springs are the 16 lb springs they put on the ZR's. I think LTX'S have 18lb springs in the rear but cannot confirm.
With the rear being uncoupled, therefore unable to share spring rate between the 2 track shocks, makes for a pretty soft ride with the same springs they put on coupled skids.
Not complaining, just learning.
My re-worked Elka's showed up yesterday. I will go on one trail ride stock and then switch over to see the difference.

The standard LTX front shock springs are 120-lb and the rear torsion springs are 94-degree, 16.5-lb. The SRX & Thundercat used 100-degree 18.5-lb springs (more sit-in due to less preload but higher rate). The 2015 SR Viper that I had came with 94-degree, 18 5-springs and I switched them out for the Sidewinder 94-degree 16.5-lb springs right away (46 miles on the sled). I still have that set of set of 15 Viper torsion springs, if you are interested in them.

 

[STAIN]

Thanks, I will keep it in mind. Those old Vipers were STIFF! I had to completely redo my 2014 LTX, although I bent my rear springs instead of getting new ones.
I had the Elka's recalibrated from the 137 I had to the 146 chassis by Hygear. They added a stiffer tender spring to the FTS, so I will see how that effects everything first. They completely re-valved the front shocks also.

 

[twyztid]

Thanks, I will keep it in mind. Those old Vipers were STIFF! I had to completely redo my 2014 LTX, although I bent my rear springs instead of getting new ones.
I had the Elka's recalibrated from the 137 I had to the 146 chassis by Hygear. They added a stiffer tender spring to the FTS, so I will see how that effects everything first. They completely re-valved the front shocks also.

Wow! I had a total brain fart. Your Riot (or XTX) doesn't have torsion springs. LOL!

 

[STAIN]

Yes, it does. Some of the older 141's were Fox Floats, but not these.

 

[twyztid]

Yes, it does. Some of the older 141's were Fox Floats, but not these.

Oh... OK. I was not aware of that.

 

[srvfan]

I just saw a left over Riot 9000 146 in black/red man that thing looks nice and I like the taller softer seat compared to my Viper. My concern is the 146 1.6 lug track. I ride Maine and NH trails. Studding for all the ice is a must . With that 146 studded will these things turn at all like a 137 or does it handle like the Titanic ? Honestly for the trail I think it would be sweet with something like a1.25 ice ripper or ice attack style track.

 

[Fords4life]

I just saw a left over Riot 9000 146 in black/red man that thing looks nice and I like the taller softer seat compared to my Viper. My concern is the 146 1.6 lug track. I ride Maine and NH trails. Studding for all the ice is a must . With that 146 studded will these things turn at all like a 137 or does it handle like the Titanic ? Honestly for the trail I think it would be sweet with something like a1.25 ice ripper or ice attack style track.

I run the 146" cobra with 3 studs per bar in the center of track with no problems with handling or traction on ice or hard pack, running INS brand Hornets 164 which are 1.950" overall length which gives 3/8" penetration....would not hesitate on a riot or xtx for trail riding.

 

[74Nitro]

To add some perspective on my criticism of the stock shocks, I have been critical of every stock shock/spring set up I have had since my First RX-1. I have revalved or changed almost every stock shock and spring and or skid/arms in the last 20 years.
I am always looking for perfection in my suspension set-ups, most of the time to the detriment to my wallet.
I will get this Riot to my liking no doubt. I am looking forward to it.

I take it you've always found the damping and spring package to be on the firm side in stock form?

 

[STAIN]

I take it you've always found the damping and spring package to be on the firm side in stock form?

Depends on the year/model.
2014 Viper LTX was sprung like a dump truck. Every spring and shock was modified to get that thing to ride nicely. Was a nice sled when I got done.
2017 Sidewinder RTX was pretty decent; I just wanted more adjustability out of the shocks. FTS spring was changed to a dual rate Hygear
2020 ZR 800 was sprung decent but the QS3's always left me wanting more settings, no matter what position on the clicker I was in, I always thought it could be better. Sled handled great. I may have made a FTS spring change had I kept it.
2019 R-XC too stiff because I am now too old to ride this type of sled. It was fun but not where I am at in my riding life.
2022 Sidewinder LTX EPS--see 2020 ZR 800. Installed a set of Elka's and once dialed, rode really nice
2025 9000 Riot---whole sled completely too soft, iAct seems cumbersome and frustrating to use to my feeble mind. Reworked Elka's on the bench. Working with Hygear on some new mods to these shocks for the 146 skid.

 

[fatchance]

I would still get an XTX or Riot. My view may change after a full year on the trails BUT I haven't come across anyone who dislikes the 146.
An XTX LE or a Riot RR would be cool though....

Rich, I have yet to ride my 24' LTX LE since I purchased my XTX LE EPS. Both sleds are equally modded with every goody imaginable, but the ride is head and shoulders better than that of the LTX LE. I have made the necessary changes including sucking up the front strap on the XTX to minimize ski lift and with that I have no problem running hard or handling beat up trails. It's by far the most cushy ride I have experienced.

 

[fatchance]

I just saw a left over Riot 9000 146 in black/red man that thing looks nice and I like the taller softer seat compared to my Viper. My concern is the 146 1.6 lug track. I ride Maine and NH trails. Studding for all the ice is a must . With that 146 studded will these things turn at all like a 137 or does it handle like the Titanic ? Honestly for the trail I think it would be sweet with something like a1.25 ice ripper or ice attack style track.

Not a problem at all. I used Two Stud Boy Super Lite Double backers with Woody's 1.74" Mega Bites every other bar. If memory serves me that's 51 bars/2 gives you 26 bars for a total of 104 studs up the middle. Sled turns fine

 

[STAIN]

Thanks, I will keep it in mind. Those old Vipers were STIFF! I had to completely redo my 2014 LTX, although I bent my rear springs instead of getting new ones.
I had the Elka's recalibrated from the 137 I had to the 146 chassis by Hygear. They added a stiffer tender spring to the FTS, so I will see how that effects everything first. They completely re-valved the front shocks also.

My bad here, they left the front shock valving and completely revalved the rear shocks.....