Longer links or swaybar?

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yamadave

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Hello, longtime lurker firstime poster. Anyway I've got an 03 RX-1 Shorty and I'm wondering what the group thinks the best way is to reduce the Ski-lift. I've heard varying opinions, from longer links to thicker swaybar, and cranking down the limiter strap, or all three. Looking for your opinions. I am a fairly agressive rider, I'll give up some ride quality for better cornering.
 
The consensus (which is supported by Yamaha's updates to '04) is to go with BOTH links and swaybar.

As far as the limiter straps go, its a matter of personal preference. It was initially the "best available", since there was no source for thicker swaybar or longer links. The advantage of tightening the limiter straps a bit is that the front of the sliders will last longer (due to reduced pressure/friction). It may cause excessive pressure on the skis though, which will make the machine feel heavier.

You can obtain both swaybar and links from Yamaha through your dealer as they are standard with 04 model sleds.

In addition to those fixes you mentioned, another is to use inverted dual runner skis, like simmons, which effectively increase the ski base by six inches and improve flotation.
 
There was someone on here that installed Maxxium Performance straight rate springs that greatly reduced the inside ski lift. I have the longer links and it helped. I have heard others get the larger diameter sway bar along with the links or just separately and it helped. The person who installed the new springs stated it helped the most. Possibly could do this alone w/o any other adj and get good results. Here is their website:
http://www.maxxperf.com/
 
All of the previous info listed will help reduce ski lift. For 2004 the rx-1 front end got a thicker 11mm swaybar and longer 75mm links along with straight rate front springs. The 2003s had a 10mm swaybar and 50mm links and variable rate springs. Due to each riders preference on how their sled handles each of these items should be considered to help cure ski lift. The trade off for the handling is a stiffer ride.

I would recommend trying the alternate longer links on a 03 as the first step. If you still want more the springs or the swaybar would be the next step. However if you want to use the 04 Yamaha swaybar you must also use the 04 links and swaybar bushings due to the thicker diameter. At first I thought the swaybar would just bolt-in but I now have some in hand and the ends are also thicker in diameter. Their is a new part number for the 04 links and I am also noting that the dogbone part of the swaybar to a-arm also has a new number for 04. Not sure of the change their.

Will try to update this post with any new info. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
 
YamaDave, I have an 03 RX-1 and rode 1'200 miles last season with the stock links and swaybar. The inside ski lift was too much for me, so in early March I had my dealer install the upgrade kit that went into the 04 RX-1's (11mm sway bar and longer links). I then rode 500 miles that weekend and noticed a difference, but the ski lift was still too much. To confirm I wasn't being too picky, I took my Viper out for spin on the same trails and the Viper's skis stead on the ground.

After all the discussion and advice on this board over the summer, I plan on doing two additional upgrades this fall. One is to install the Simmons dual precision skis. Danno and Dashke both had really good results with these skis last season. From my perspective the very deep keel on the stock RX-1 ski is probably the cause for some of the ski lift, so the Simmons will be a big improvement.

The other upgrade I plan to do is the Maxximum Performance RX-1 suspension kit, which includes the straight rate springs and revalved shocks for the rear end.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks guys, I think I will start with the 04 links, bushing and bar, if thats not enough I'll switch the springs also. I am running the Woody's dooly's, which improved cornering and reduced darting, I wonder if that has a similar effective as a different ski keel?
 
Woodys Doolys are only wear bars. Therefore, if you use them with the stock ski, you will still have the deep keel. I did put the Doolys on my stock skis and they helped immensely but I still think I am going to upgrade to either the Ski Doo precision skis or the C&A pro ski.
 
I ran dooly's and found them to be the most "cost effective" way to make this sled a pleasure to ride. I purchased the longer links from Yamaha before the rush so I did log about 2500 miles after the addition and can say that it did make a big difference. I to am thinking about the Maxx. performance susp. upgrade but it will be cheaper for me as I have the viper shocks already (from my wifes sled) I think the strait rate springs will improve the hanling as well as look good (they are blue).
Cant wait for snow. :D :D :D
 
RobX-1 said:
There was someone on here that installed Maxxium Performance straight rate springs that greatly reduced the inside ski lift. I have the longer links and it helped. I have heard others get the larger diameter sway bar along with the links or just separately and it helped. The person who installed the new springs stated it helped the most. Possibly could do this alone w/o any other adj and get good results. Here is their website:
http://www.maxxperf.com/
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the RX1 "custom" springs for $60 each featured on their main page?
 
LB, yes those are the ones...I think it was either Buckeye or MXZ900 that installed them and had great results. I will be getting a set as well but don't know if they will be bought separate or with the suspension kit Max Perf. is offering. I have some other things I want to buy for the sled and just need to prioritize them. Right now, my two most expensive items have been narrowed down to either the suspension kit or a whiteknuckle exhaust.
 
My biggest concern is with the front end. Swaybar, links, simmons, and I think I'm going to order a pair of those springs.

Also have a stage2 kit coming from bby2k along with the simmons skis.

As far as the rear suspension goes, I'm actually pretty happy with it. I'm going to put the FRA on max and loosen off the spring - that should get the sucker to ride how I want it. Loose spring to take the small bumps, high FRA to suck up the big ones.
 
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