Long Track vs. Short Track

[brad81987]

Here's my dilemma. We used to have 2 2001 Ventures and a 2002 Vmax and one thing we noticed is the Vmax fishtailed excessively at higher speeds due to the shorter track than the Ventures do with the 136ers. So we got rid of the Vmax and got a 04 Warrior and couldn’t be happier with it. Last week, after some bumpy trails in the UP (Watersmeet/Gogebic area, anyone up there last Wednesday & Thursday know what im talking about) we finally came to agreement with the magazines that the ProactionPlus suspension on the Ventures really is pretty shotty. The Warrior handled the bumps much better, especially as you went faster. My dad, with his bad hip, and shoulder, is just fine as he was riding the warrior and mines still sore from getting thrown around like a doll by the Venture. Alright, enough story. So we decided the Ventures have to go. Right now, all four RX/RS trail sleds are a possibility. We originally were considering just the Rage or another Warrior due to the long track but I am particularly interested in the RX-1 or Vector because of the new suspensions. My main question is, do the RX-1 and Vector have the fish tailing problems older 121 inchers had? I have been told no by someone, but that’s only one person. Also, does anyone think Yamaha might put a new suspension on the Warrior and/or Rage for 2006 in place of the ProAction?

Thanks everyone

 

[Thumper1000]

Ripsaw track keeps ya pretty straight. If ya like 2ups what about the new Venture?

 

[brad81987]

I am impressed by the new Venture. We have 5 people in our family and for a year crammed all 5 on the 2 ventures but now, its only 3 of us, the 2 others havent gone in more than a year. so its gotta go down to 3 1ups now, but the RS Venture really is a beautiful machine.

 

[LazyBastard]

01 venture and warrior has the same suspension except for a different shock. Venture is calibrated for cooshy cruising, not mogul crunching. You might want to try setting the FRA to max on the venture, maybe add a little spring tension, or having the shock revalved to be more like a warrior. I think also the center SPRING on the venture will be extremely soft compared to warrior. Get a harder center spring.

 

[Thumper1000]

Then I would go for the 05 rx1 love mine so far as long as you put on new skis didn't like the stockers.

 

[Focker]

Yes the Ripsaw keeps you pretty straight but alot of the time, the fish tailing is from having too much ski pressure and not enough weight transfer. Properly set up, the 121 should go just as straight as a 136"...but look below and you know my vote!!

 

[impalapower]

Focker, my wife's Viper doesn't have much for ski pressure but still fishtailes. Whats the fix?

 

[RedRX1]

I would first reduce the amount of couple. If that is not enough, increase center shock spring pressure, Lastly I'd lengthen the limiter strap.

 

[Snowman269]

Duplicate deleted

 

[Snowman269]

RedRX1 has the right tweaks, but:

121’s fishtail more than 136, PERIOD. Yes ski pressure is part of it, yes style of track can help. But last Thursday was warm here in the Soo & my Warrior was fishtailing some. The whole time I’m thinking about what adjustments I should be tweaking, that is until I started paying attention to the Vector in front of me. It was way worse & so was the 05 RX1. Now we had a F7 144 and he was fishtailing even less than me. (But he blew at the end of the ride-couldn’t run 90 for very long-but we won’t talk about that, I felt sorry for him). Length of skid & deep lugs help fishtailing.

As far as ride, Springs set ride height & shock absorbers control the ride. Cranking up Spring Tension is the wrong way to resist bottoming. It can help when you are in a pinch, on the trail & miserable. Proper shock valving is everything. Until you have a suspension custom built (and tuned) for your weight and riding style (ie custom valved shocks). You will kick yourself the moment you get one because of all the years you suffered without.

In 99’ I installed a Maximum Performance Long Travel Kit in my 98’ SRX & that rode as well as any M10 I have ever tested. When Yamaha came out with new shocks for Viper owners, many Viper owners bragged about the ProAction Suspension. It is impossible for any manufacturer to make a machine that rides fantastic for all weights and riding styles. Ok, I’m off my soapbox now.

 

[brad81987]

Anyone think Yamaha will change the suspension on the 06 Warrior and/or Rage?

 

[Focker]

Impala, if shes a little person, she may not have enough #*$&@ in her pants to create weight transfer....and if she is tiny, you dont exactly want to fix that do ya?....

 

[Buckeye]

I think they will. Personally I liked the 121" over the 136". Each to their own. For me it's about speed and handling.

 

[impalapower]

Focker, even if I ride the sled it still fishes.

 

[Snowman269]

An 1.25 Ripsaw or Predator would help over the stock track.