Riot 9000 / XTX 146

[Richard Hodgins]

Now that these sleds have been out for a couple years, what are people's impressions for a trail sled vs the 137? Do they still corner decent with the extra length and how is the ride compare to the fully coupled skid of the 137?

 

[justinator]

I have over 10000 miles on sleds equipped with the 146(xtx le for 6500 miles and 4000 on 23 riot) not counting a 2 stroke riot 146 prior. Cornering is not as good but not a massive difference, factory riot and sidewinder xtx mtn skis both have some push in the softer stuff. I feel ride quality is overall better and I had equipped my 2022 winder 137 with qs3r shocks. Front shock spring is too light if you are over 200-210lbs. I go 220 and the 160/260 cat spring made it smooth as silk over all conditions.Transfer is night and day difference. Tunnel is a little longer so extra room for larger storage bag and the mtn seat feels a little softer and more comfortable. I do not ride super tight/twisty trails the majority of the time and if I did I would have a 137 or even possibly a 2 stroke. We ride larger more open trails, logging rds and old railroad beds with occassional areas of tighter twisty trails.It is an awesome trail cruiser that really hooks up and goes. I have seen alot more xtx le's and riots this winter and last on the trail and the guys we talk to love them. I have alot of fun with it exploring off trail as well. Wanted to spend a little more time fine tuning ski pressure this winter but we didnt have much of a winter to do that. If you ride tight twisty trails like someone is chasing you then I would not recommend these models but if your riding area has a larger variety of trails and you like occasionally doing some exploring then I think you would enjoy it.

 

[fatchance]

Hey Justin, I'm glad you chimed in as i was waiting for your response. I know for sure i would be all over the 146 if I lived in the County. I think the added benefit would be at the end of the day on a big snow fall year the 146 would be more comfortable riding over the whoops after lunch. I just have to go faster in those conditions on the 137 and back home most of the trails are 6ft wide and tight left right turns all day. I think it could be done easily with EPS but Arctic Cat only offers the 146 with EPS and unfortunately Yamaha does not.
I think another added benefit to the 146 is added traction without having to go overboard with studs. I've been on the fence with this decision in the past and it will be no different this year.

 

[Upstater57]

I think model year 25 will be the last year for 146 EPS. Not sure we will see the pro cross chassis after 25.

 

[number1kyster]

It is a shame the XTX doesn’t have EPS. The riot is the easy choice here.