Front end / Arctic Cat Blue / RSI Grips

[Viper!33]

Still playing with the 2016 mtx 162 that was really purchased for a trail sled, so far there have been a bunch of mods done to get it close, I am currently working on the front end to widen it to 42". I'm wondering if I should go with the new 2020 front end or the previous version. I have changed the track to a 141 1.75 backcountry, 21/41 gearing, mbrp trail can, c@a skis and thunder products clutching (still working in it but gotta give these guys a very positive thumbs up). Looking for opinions on going with the 2020 front end or previous. I have purchased elka stage 2 shocks in the right length. I am also looking for color matching, if the new arctic cat blue matches the yamaha because the parts interchange and I would like blue spindles if I go with the 2020 front end. Also curious on rsi grips, if anyone has tried them and do they make the handlebars feel less bulky or thinner. I understand that the arctic cat grips work well interested in the rsi for the pattern.

 

[Viper!33]

Yamacat

 

[Pairodice]

I have rsi bars and grips, both blue. They might be a tiny bit thinner but very close. Much better grip (so much grip I’ve torn 2 sets of gloves in 400 miles

 

[Viper!33]

Did you buy the bars loaded with the grips installed?

 

[cannondale27]

Still too early for me to call it but I believe the new front end works better. Based on riding it and riding behind one. My buddy is faster on the new front end than old. It is more Planted. Much less rider input needed to negate inside ski lift. Negative is front is more planted. I have never ridden with a conversion though and this is 137" Length so coupled skid. Might really work well on 141" which has so much transfer.

 

[Pairodice]

Did you buy the bars loaded with the grips installed?

No I got bars, grips, heaters & isolators and installed myself. I don’t think they come preassembled, but it wasn’t too hard. There’s a good how to video on you tube by rsi

 

[Viper!33]

By planted you mean more ski pressure? Did the steering get heavier? And did you adjust your suspension any to the new front? Any added parts to the rear skid, I've heard limiter straps and maybe rails, would like to just put the front on and not change the rear.

 

[Viper!33]

Cannondale you changed to the arctic cat grips, do you like the material, I saw a set on a new 2020 sidewinder and am assuming they are the same, they were much thinner but seemed really plasticy? and stiff, that's the reason I was asking about the rsi, they look softer and advertise they are thinner.