picked up my 03 rx1

[krunt]

Just picked up an rx1 from my buddy. 1600 miles well cared for. Great shape. Now the only problem is I don't haave the manual and this guy weigh in at 280 and I know he messed with the suspension. Now I'm 175 lbs. and I want to get it set up for me. I won't be hammering on it so I'd like to get the best trail ride out of it. If anyone is around my weight I'd appreciate some info where the right set-ups are at. I mean with the front shocks the rears and the straps. I think I remember him saying the strap was all the way up. what the heck does that do?
thanks for the time
Jim

 

[Grifter]

nice looking sled!
I like the silvers.

What all did he do to set it up for a 280# guy? I'd like to know so I can do the same.

 

[krunt]

no idea

I have know idea probably made stiffer for his weight

 

[maim]

as your buddy if he/dealer installed a big boy spring. that is one of the more common things to do for heavier riders.

an easy way to check if it is close enough for you is to sit on it and see if the transfer rods are equal on both sides at the rear. if they are you are gtg. if not there is a guide in the tecpages on how to set up your proaction skid if it has not been changed out.

 

[RedRX1]

I'd buy a monoshock suspension for it. there is now way to make that sled handle and ride well at the same time with that skid. I pou 5000 mi on my first 03 trying to accomplish that

I put a Bender monoshock kit under a silver 03 last year. It rides better than my 05 yamaha monoshock now. A very good investment.

 

[sd5500]

I have the same sled. Don't forget the front end upgrades.

 

[krunt]

Well I called my buddy up and he said he adjusted the suspension but doesn't remember up or down. It was serviced in March 07 so I will have to try to work with it just for this season. Any help from some of you guys who run stock sled suspension will help immensely just to comfort my mind.
Thanks for getting back!

 

[RedRX1]

Like sd5500 is indicating, the 03 isn't good for much more than straight and fast without some Mods... I mentioned the skid upgrades, now for the front. At a minimum, you need straight rate springs, 12mm or 13mm torsion bar, and the longer dog leg links for the torsion bar linkage. Without these, the sled is very tippy and unpredictable. I also put 45" wide a arms on both of mine. Pioneer performance is a great source for these parts.

I put 5000 miles on in 03 trying to adjust stock set ups. I became frustrated and traded for a REV. Then in 05 I went back to the Rx and did the mods above, the sled is great to ride now. The latest changes were an Apex seat and a 2" articulating riser to move the bars forward a bit. Now it handles as well as the Vector and Apex.

I'll bet your buddie made some of these changes. Good luck!!

 

[TonyVT]

If you put an olin shock on the rear it makes a HUGE diff. Much cheaper than the mono and better on the real rough stuff. Im the same weight as you and I love it... I set It.. I think 3 notches up from soft.. it never bottoms and rides sooooooo much better than a stock one.

I just put Olins up font too... yet to put any miles yet.

do lots of reading on here. YOu can get that machine set up real good.

Welcome!

 

[krunt]

parts

Ok, perhaps you guys can help with the mods. Where can I get the 12 or 13 torsion bar and dog legs, the skis (what size and runners), the olin shocks and the a arms and is it an easy install? Is there a one stop shop for these parts? I may be asking too much but part numbers will help.
thanks,
Jimbo

 

[Honk]

Read the tech pages, its all pretty easy stuff, and you can make this machine rail very nice! Have fun!

 

[RedRX1]

Pioneer Performance has a nice kit that includes the A-arms, bars, and springs. He would also have the longer links and Olins. The Olins are big bucks, I'd try the other stuff first except for the rear skid. Ask for Bruce

www.pioneerperformance.net

716-496-8800

 

[rx1ryda989]

The 13mm sway bar and link from pioneer r the best $$$ u can spend on the front end period!! Also dont bother with that 03 no-action garbage suspension, upgrade to aftermarket or 05 mono shock. And if u have any extra $$$, that track blows also, look into ur options, theres alot out there.

 

[RedRX1]

Easy to spend lots of $$$, I can understand your need to prioritize. The Track is a good one as well. The 03 I upgraded also had a ripsaw installed. I hear here there is a new track better than that.

If I were you, I'd look for a used monoshock or Polarass, doo, or something known to ride. I'd do the links, straight rate springs, and 12mm or 13mm bar. Then I'd spend some time dialing it in. If your not happy, then you can get into the wide a-arms.

I kept watching for deals, they do come up. Another good investment is an Apex seat and articulating 2" risers for the steering. Those are low $$ investments that make a bid difference.

The Rx is a great base chassis to start with, but it was the 1st gen. the engine is awesome. I did my 03 for about 1/2 of the cost of an Apex. On my 05 I was kind of screwed, I'd just bought it, couldn't ride it that year and had a sled with 200mi on it when the Apex came out. So i invested instead of taking the bath on trade. I am very happy with both, but I have too much $$ in the 05.