SIDEWINDER XTX

JPS

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Aug 23, 2014
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Location
Clarks Summit, Pa
Country
USA
Snowmobile
2018 sidewinder XTX, 2017 Viper XTX, 07 apex attack, 95 Vmax4
Has anyone used the HYGEAR Pro Linkage on there XTX? what was the improvements? how about any other suspension tuning? I am looking at a XTX, the only sidewinder I rode was a LTX Le and the ride was very good but the transfer was terrible. I am coming off a 12 Apex XTX with Star suspension and I had that tuned to ride very well. reading posts on here sounds like the XTX rides as good as an old EXCITER compared to the LTX. I like the idea that the uncoupled suspension really transfers hard, makes it fun to ride but could the package be tuned to ride well on the trail?? Anyone have theirs dialed in??
 
Tons of reading on the Viper subforum about the Hygear linkage, I don't think I've seen anyone say anything bad about the linkage setup. Also a lot of tips/tricks on changing the front skid spring to a 145 or 160# (viper comes with 110#, not sure about the Winder) and proper air adjustment settings for the rear shock. I personally only have one quick ride on my Viper XTX without any setup, and honestly, it wasn't the best but it definitely wasn't Exciter bad!
 
All I can say, is that I have an XTX 141 without the high gear right now and it may be the worst riding sled I've ever rode. It's fine off trail, but I I wouldn't wish a bumpy trail ride on that thing on anyone. I'm going to pick up the hygear link, but in case that doesn't work I picked up a new Freeride too!
 
What is everyone running for air in their rear suspension? I dropped mine and it rides great!!
 
All I can say, is that I have an XTX 141 without the high gear right now and it may be the worst riding sled I've ever rode. It's fine off trail, but I I wouldn't wish a bumpy trail ride on that thing on anyone. I'm going to pick up the hygear link, but in case that doesn't work I picked up a new Freeride too!
It's those stupid float shocks. They ride like #*$&@.
 
Both of my XTX's (Viper and Winder) ride great. 72 lbs. in front floats, center shocks about 5/8 way up on threads (about 1 1/2" of thread showing) and 115-120 in the rear float.
 
Both of my XTX's (Viper and Winder) ride great. 72 lbs. in front floats, center shocks about 5/8 way up on threads (about 1 1/2" of thread showing) and 115-120 in the rear float.
To each their own I guess. My buddy had them on his viper XTX and it rode like crap and they always leaked air. Complete pain. I prefer a good coil over any day.
 
Floats do not work well on this chassis IMO. Once you ride the LE(QS3R) you look back at all others and no comparison.
 
Both of my XTX's (Viper and Winder) ride great. 72 lbs. in front floats, center shocks about 5/8 way up on threads (about 1 1/2" of thread showing) and 115-120 in the rear float.
I agree NosPro. I thought yours rode great. But I did not get to ride your sled on rough trail. 1ft+ bumps and whoops. Many are running extremely high rear shock pressures I am assuming to avoid bottoming in rough trail or maybe they are putting so much air in rear that they are actually thinking it bottoms but its just not moving. Just yesterday I had a guy in here that runs 240lb in rear! He bought the Hygear setup and Evol chamber add on. Using Nitrogen in shock instead of air. Anyone with issue wants to work with me on XTX rear shocks valving I would love it. 1/2 price but need to be willing to adjust and 2-3 tries in valving.
 
I have the XTX LE 137 with QRS shocks and coupled rear and absolutely love the way it rides and handles in any conditions. I got rid of the handle bar loop and replaced the 1.75 track with an Ice Attack track so the only thing left on my sled that makes it an XTX is the decal on the hood. I have ridden sleds with Fox float shocks and they ride terrible. They may be good for off trail and deep snow but they have no business being on trail sleds.
 
Agree Joe....

I think the floats came around for weight savings initially, and do well in MT applications. But for mogulled up gnarly trails they just cant provide the same ride while taking a pounding...God i hated getting back on my cat when my buds would swap with me. haha
 
Agree Joe....

I think the floats came around for weight savings initially, and do well in MT applications. But for mogulled up gnarly trails they just cant provide the same ride while taking a pounding...God i hated getting back on my cat when my buds would swap with me. haha
Both can be made to work and work well. Both can be very bad. Just takes tuning and will never equal spring shock unless Evol for the small stuff. Some things about air is better including the air gets warmer when used hard making shock stiffer without adjusting and way less moisture contamination of the oil. Another one of those things that are personal preference.
 


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