comparing the 129-137-146

[fatchance]

Rich our group rode last year in thin cover and it seemed to be better conditions than the previous year which was really hard on idler wheels. I thought the stock 146 cobra on the XTX must have been laying over exposing the Stud Boy Super lites to damage because in 7 seasons I never broke a backer until last year. There was actually 6 cracked in total and that may have been user error because i had rushed to install them before last seasons big trip. Come to find out it wasn't just the Cobra track because the LTX LE lost 6 backers in it's second season. This was up north where we run at speed on rail beds and open fields. Very few rail crossings or through wooded areas. I haven't seen any signs of failure at all with the Stock Cobra in #*$&@ conditions and have full confidence it will hold up as well as the Rip II.

 

[maim]

I just checked prices on those tracks
Apex/Vector XTX track @$2000
Sidewinder S-TX @$930

How does this make sense???? Are these the same 1.25 Rip2?

they should be. yamaha pricing on stuff is out to lunch sometimes.

 

[fatchance]

Price of tracks has doubled in the past 3 years. $1000 is the norm these days. Ridiculous!

 

[number1kyster]

I am not familiar with an "R" rating on tracks, what does that mean?

They are more durable than a standard track. Different compounds.

 

[maim]

Price of tracks has doubled in the past 3 years. $1000 is the norm these days. Ridiculous!

try in canada. i was paying what you guys are paying now 5 years ago for tracks.

 

[STAIN]

OK, after 600 miles I have a question--How are you guys getting these 146 sleds to turn???
I have tried 3 different sets of skegs and multiple spring setting and my sled has a huge push.
Absolutely NO front ski pressure.
It is not like I have ski pressure and the longer track is bulldozing the front end forward; I have NO front ski pressure. I can't even turn in my ice-covered driveway, it pushes straight.
I noticed it the first time I rode it in a field back-to-back to back with two other 137's, how much easier the 146 steering effort was compared to the other 2 EPS equipped sleds.
I followed my own sled after swapping rides with my friends 9000RR and watching him ride my sled was almost comical. (That RR package is sweeeeet by the way)
I again crudely scaled my sled vs a 137 and the 137 has @15lbs more of front ski weight.
I had yet to pull the limiter straps past just tight at ride height as I don't like what it does to spring preload and shock travel, BUT today I am going to yank them down 2 holes and try it. On my crude scales it gains me 15lbs of weight on the front skis.
I may have to try some different FTS spring/shock combos. I also have a set of Simmons skis upstairs that I may try after I get the correct bushing.
I really like the sled. It is comfortable and fun to ride. But I need to turn.

 

[DTJ]

I put aggressive snow trackers on mine and am very pleased with turning ability now.

 

[KnappAttack]

OK, after 600 miles I have a question--How are you guys getting these 146 sleds to turn???
I have tried 3 different sets of skegs and multiple spring setting and my sled has a huge push.
Absolutely NO front ski pressure.
It is not like I have ski pressure and the longer track is bulldozing the front end forward; I have NO front ski pressure. I can't even turn in my ice-covered driveway, it pushes straight.
I noticed it the first time I rode it in a field back-to-back to back with two other 137's, how much easier the 146 steering effort was compared to the other 2 EPS equipped sleds.
I followed my own sled after swapping rides with my friends 9000RR and watching him ride my sled was almost comical. (That RR package is sweeeeet by the way)
I again crudely scaled my sled vs a 137 and the 137 has @15lbs more of front ski weight.
I had yet to pull the limiter straps past just tight at ride height as I don't like what it does to spring preload and shock travel, BUT today I am going to yank them down 2 holes and try it. On my crude scales it gains me 15lbs of weight on the front skis.
I may have to try some different FTS spring/shock combos. I also have a set of Simmons skis upstairs that I may try after I get the correct bushing.
I really like the sled. It is comfortable and fun to ride. But I need to turn.

We just spent a week in the UP. Have a friend that bought a RIOT coming off a 137" machine. He doesn't like the RIOT in such that its suspension is more prone to bottoming the front arm on the rear and he's struggling with the turning and pushing as well. I suggested to him if he can't get it dialed out, that he ought to try the Aggressive SnoTrackers on it helping the steering. He's not really liking the 146 length on the trail as well as his 137 he got rid of. I'm afraid he's having some pretty good buyers remorse here and wishing he'd have gone 137" again.

 

[74Nitro]

Stain, I'd agree with your take that the limiters will have to pulled up a little.
Also, it stands to reason that a longer track isn't going to turn as good as there is just extra traction wanting to go straight.
I just had a 146 come through the shop for some service work.
I rode it for a few miles to see what it was like and it reminded me too much of the 141 I used to own that I didn't like.
Front end in the air every time I squeeze it. I don't want that.

 

[putz21]

OK, after 600 miles I have a question--How are you guys getting these 146 sleds to turn???
I have tried 3 different sets of skegs and multiple spring setting and my sled has a huge push.
Absolutely NO front ski pressure.
It is not like I have ski pressure and the longer track is bulldozing the front end forward; I have NO front ski pressure. I can't even turn in my ice-covered driveway, it pushes straight.
I noticed it the first time I rode it in a field back-to-back to back with two other 137's, how much easier the 146 steering effort was compared to the other 2 EPS equipped sleds.
I followed my own sled after swapping rides with my friends 9000RR and watching him ride my sled was almost comical. (That RR package is sweeeeet by the way)
I again crudely scaled my sled vs a 137 and the 137 has @15lbs more of front ski weight.
I had yet to pull the limiter straps past just tight at ride height as I don't like what it does to spring preload and shock travel, BUT today I am going to yank them down 2 holes and try it. On my crude scales it gains me 15lbs of weight on the front skis.
I may have to try some different FTS spring/shock combos. I also have a set of Simmons skis upstairs that I may try after I get the correct bushing.
I really like the sled. It is comfortable and fun to ride. But I need to turn.

Sharing my settings on my '25 XTX LE to see if it helps as I absolutely love my XTX and the handling. I enjoy the fun factor and the comfort of the rear end suspension compared to my '23 LTX LE. I don't ride my LTX LE any more as I just love the XTX. We have a ton tight twisties here in Northern WI and the sled just feels dialed in.

Rear:
- Adjuster block at 2
- Fox iQS set at Medium

Center Shock:
- Fox Kashima QS3 set at 2
- Dual Rate Springs 140#/250#
- Spring Preload - 1 turn from loose
- Limiter Strap at stock

Front Shocks:
- Fox Kashima QS3R's with iQS set at Medium
- Elka Dual Rate Springs 527#/150# (9.4x45 / F2.7x254)
- Spring Preload - 1 turn from loose

Skis:
- C&A Pro XPT
- Carbide: SnowStuds Triple Downs

Track:
Ice Arrowhead 130

 

[STAIN]

Sharing my settings on my '25 XTX LE to see if it helps as I absolutely love my XTX and the handling. I enjoy the fun factor and the comfort of the rear end suspension compared to my '23 LTX LE. I don't ride my LTX LE any more as I just love the XTX. We have a ton tight twisties here in Northern WI and the sled just feels dialed in.

Rear:
- Adjuster block at 2
- Fox iQS set at Medium

Center Shock:
- Fox Kashima QS3 set at 2
- Dual Rate Springs 140#/250#
- Spring Preload - 1 turn from loose
- Limiter Strap at stock

Front Shocks:
- Fox Kashima QS3R's with iQS set at Medium
- Elka Dual Rate Springs 527#/150# (9.4x45 / F2.7x254)
- Spring Preload - 1 turn from loose

Skis:
- C&A Pro XPT
- Carbide: SnowStuds Triple Downs

Track:
Ice Arrowhead 130

I would like to see the angle your front a-arms at rest. Level? Upward? Downward?

 

[putz21]

I would like to see the angle your front a-arms at rest. Level? Upward? Downward?

My sled is up at the cabin, but let me see if I have any pictures from this year that show the front a-arms. Stay tuned as I look.

 

[STAIN]

Rode 80 miles yesterday on our local trails. VERY twisty trail network, 146 not the weapon of choice for this trail system. I don't ride here very often anymore.
That said, with the front limiter pulled, it turns similar to a 137. It also, unsurprisingly, compromised the ride quite bit from where it was. Ski lift was greatly reduced. I continued to back the limiter off throughout the day to find the point to where it won't turn but didn't get to that point yet.
I don't want to make the sled something it is not. I like the "plushness" of the chassis and the ability to pull the front end a bit. I knew going in that it would not be a 137" flat to the ground" type of ride.
I have to wonder if my Elka FTS springs are bit too stiff. They are long and I run out of adjustment quickly.
I have a QS-3 FT shock and a few spring combos I can try. The QS3 i have has a Venom spring on it, which I don't like as they seem too stiff for me. I would like to try the Stock RR front spring set up or a Hygear dual rate set up on that FTS.
I do run the Trac-Link adjustable front limiter, so if worse comes to worse, I will just adjust for the conditions.

 

[STAIN]

Carbide: SnowStuds Triple Downs

How do you like these? I tried to order my carbide of choice, Qualipieces 8-inch staggered carbide, but they are not shipping to the US right now.

 

[putz21]

Stain, here a a few different pictures I have from different angles, so hopefully you can get an idea. I think when I sit on my sled the a-arms are parallel to the ground.