Rail profile change in 15-16?

[Eric4440]

I have read reports that in 2015 or 2016 the rail profiles changed on the mtx models and I believe also the xtx models, for a different approach angle/curve in the front, and also a higher front arm mount on the rails, matched with a longer shock up front. Wondering if anyone can confirm this for the 141s and if anyone has swapped them or have gone from a 14 to a newer sled with the change and what they noticed

 

[cannondale27]

I have read reports that in 2015 or 2016 the rail profiles changed on the mtx models and I believe also the xtx models, for a different approach angle/curve in the front, and also a higher front arm mount on the rails, matched with a longer shock up front. Wondering if anyone can confirm this for the 141s and if anyone has swapped them or have gone from a 14 to a newer sled with the change and what they noticed

Just look up the parts. If number changed the rail changed.

 

[Eric4440]

I checked the part numbers, and theres roughly 5 different numbers between 15-16, but just the last digits, the base numbers are the same, which IDK if those are because of different colors or if it is indeed a design change. dont have enough experience with yamaha part numbers unfortunately. may have to bite the bullet and just order one and compare.

 

[cannondale27]

I checked the part numbers, and theres roughly 5 different numbers between 15-16, but just the last digits, the base numbers are the same, which IDK if those are because of different colors or if it is indeed a design change. dont have enough experience with yamaha part numbers unfortunately. may have to bite the bullet and just order one and compare.

You said the shock changed lengthwise. I can check that. I assume if shock length changed the rail did also.

 

[Eric4440]

There’s a lot of reading on snowest for the cats, nobody seems to have made the change on the vipers. Everyone said the profile on a 15 Viper mtx matches the updated proclimb 153s, but cannot find any information if the 141s received the same changes. But I am assuming they have because essentially it’s the same suspension just longer rails. Gonna keep digging. Supposedly the update gets you 2-3 inches more of front travel in the rear suspension, better handling and ride, and much better performance in the deep as far as trenching. When I can find out what I need to order and from what year for a 141 I’m going to do the upgrade to my 14 xtx

 

[cannondale27]

This is the only Yamaha year that lists the shock specs. Rest are Arctic Cat. Remember they had the rolled chaincase in some MTX's before Yamaha but as far as I know the rest of line is the same. So 141 should be accurate.
15

15 Cat

 

[cannondale27]

16 Cat

 

[cannondale27]

17 Cat

 

[cannondale27]

12.5 Center shock length all years for XF. Sorry.

 

[cannondale27]

Not sure why Both Cat and Yamaha dont list the MTX shock lengths. This info is getting harder to come by. I think your best bet is to just grab a tape measure and head to local dealer to measure them. We know for sure in 18 the 129's got different front arm and the shock off 137" and none of that is shown in the specs. I guess the specs are not reliable.

 

[Eric4440]

If you grab a part number for the shock and punch it in countrycat it lists the length, I looked it up and a 2014 XF lists it 11.75” and a 2016 lists it as 12.50 along with different rails, rear shock link, and limiter straps. And after further research it looks like in 15 the viper mtx has the new profile, not the 141, and in 2016 the 141s also came with the updated rails, putting more track on the ground at the front with more travel. More than likely I will be ordering these, after I confirm exactly which parts are different. Some have a minor change and aren’t needed, some are.

 

[cannondale27]

If you grab a part number for the shock and punch it in countrycat it lists the length, I looked it up and a 2014 XF lists it 11.75” and a 2016 lists it as 12.50 along with different rails, rear shock link, and limiter straps. And after further research it looks like in 15 the viper mtx has the new profile, not the 141, and in 2016 the 141s also came with the updated rails, putting more track on the ground at the front with more travel. More than likely I will be ordering these, after I confirm exactly which parts are different. Some have a minor change and aren’t needed, some are.

Must be why in 16 so many 141's ended up with rubbing issues on tunnel. Had to move skid to middle hole in back. Good work!

 

[cannondale27]

I will get the 14 specs tomorrow. Just to be sure.

 

[swampcat]

Nice to have a " suspension detective "

 

[Eric4440]

Thanks, It looks like it could be a pretty cost effective upgrade, less than 400 bucks for a big improvement in the rear suspension of the 14-15 XTX models. I believe i read the with the longer rear shock link rod it changes the angle of the rear shock and the compression rate, for better weight transfer and ride. but I would need to confirm this.