Rear suspension very stiff

[Barry58]

Has anyone tried different rear springs or a different rear shock to make the back end ride better on a 2013 and up Pro?
The sled rides fine when carrying a passenger but when riding solo it is just to stiff even with the springs in the lowest position. Stiff springs and a 40mm gas shock is a great combination when carrying a heavy load but just to rough riding solo. I have tried a new 2016 and it's just as rough in the back end.
Yamaha does make optional springs but there are heavier!

 

[Grimm]

I'm not familiar with the VK's suspension, but which springs are you referring to? The torsion springs?

I glanced at the Owner's manual and see that there is a spring adjustment for the center shock in the suspension. It is set to #1 setting?

I don't know how the "sliding frame extension" works on your sled. Does it affect the suspension's stiffness at all? Maybe you can try adjusting that as well.

 

[Barry58]

Yes the rear springs are Torsion springs, 2013 and up. The front end of the skid frame feels good in the second softest or softest position. The rear is where the problem is, just to stiff, even with the springs in the lowest position unless you have a passenger or heavy load on the rear.
I may try springs or a lighter shock from another machine. It's okay for someone who is carrying a passenger all the time but I ride alone 90% of the time. I have 4 sleds now and they all ride good compared to the Pro, it is just way to stiff in the rear. It even makes my old VK 540 feel good when I get back on it.

 

[Grimm]

Maybe get the rear shock rebuilt/revalved if possible...there's no settings on that shock is there?

 

[Barry58]

There are no settings on the rear shock and it's not rebuildable unfortunately . The shock is fine, its just that the combination of a 40mm HPG shock and heavy springs are to stiff for light loads. There is only 1500 kms on the sled and it's been like it since new.
I test drove other Pro's including a brand new 2016. They are all alike, very stiff.
These sleds were build to carry heavy loads so it will take some modifications to make it ride better when riding solo with no cargo.
I am going to try a lighter shock first and if that doesn't work I will experiment with different springs.
I will be very surprised if someone else hasn't try something already to improve the ride in the rear.
It's basically like a 1 ton pickup, great when loaded!!

 

[BACK COUNTRY YAMAHA]

I was told that the suspension is basically a widen R s venture TF one, that is the 2010 and newer. springs might fit! may have measure them!

 

[Barry58]

I was told that the suspension is basically a widen R s venture TF one, that is the 2010 and newer. springs might fit! may have measure them!

Okay thanks I will have a look at a Venture and measure the springs.