SR Viper LTX SE - suspension tricks?

[djgasser]

Hi Guys!
Over the weekend I bought my first Yamaha since my 2002 Viper. I remember the Totally Yamaha group and spent a lot of time on this site back then..... Even going on a TY Ride in Munising in 2001. I've been happy with the Ski Doo's I've been riding Since 2004, (Most recently a 2011 800 etec Renegade) but I've been wanting to try a 4 stroke. So, this weekend I pulled the trigger on a new, 2014 Yamaha SR Viper LTX SE. I rode it 140 miles this weekend. I'm happy with the motor but hoping I can dial in the ride a bit.
I realize this sled is 100 lbs. heavier,(maybe the root to my ride concerns) but I am hoping this crew can help me make it handle closer to the doo.
The sled seems to PUSH in the corners and doesn't seem to absorb the bumps as well. I feel on the Doo I can lock into the sled and it responds to my movement (Lean). The Doo soaks up the bumps rather than bouncing me around like I felt on the Viper. I felt much more IN CONTROL rather than Along for the ride on the Doo.

So.... I am hoping you guys can help me figure out what adjustments are possible and what I can do to dial the ride. My front shocks are set at 55lbs pressure. The rear suspension is already on its softest spring setting. Snow conditions were a bit soft as the temps were in the upper 20's.

Any feedback is VERY much appreciated!!!!

 

[tapex_07]

I'd be willing to bet that the ready to ride, full of gas and what ever else you add to each of your personal sleds, weight of your past Gade to the Viper is very close (within 20lbs) hanging from a certified scale.. Problem with the LTX is the valving on that rear shock. Once set for your weight and riding style it'll ride much better.

 

[ishpeming fan]

rear torsion springs and rear front shock spring from articcat. country cat should have them in stock and will ship to you. makes a huge differnce in stutter bumps and trail chatter. this will also help front end bite better. curve skis with 6 inch shapper bars and 4inch leading edge. rear transfer block from speedworks helps with transfer which helps dial in handling for changing snow conditions. it will ride like a totally different sled.

 

[Studroes144]

$150 for rear shock valving will be the best money you spend on that sled. Front shocks should be a bit more air, mine were best around 65-70 pounds but I opted for coil over front shocks after the first year as the floats didn't treat me good.

 

[djgasser]

Thanks a ton guys!!! So it sounds like re-valving the front shock on the rear skid is a popular recommendation. I have a trustworthy contact that rebuilt my shocks in the past. Are there only certain shops that can do this revalving properly? What need I do to ensure I get the right information to the technician that'll revalve the shock?
Should I be surprised that a brand new sled would require modifications ($) other than those available from the factory?
I'd like to make the least expensive adjustments first.... hoping to keep it as close to stock as possible.
I really do appreciate the feedback! Thanks guys!!!

 

[DK77TA]

This is my 3rd winter with my Viper and I'm starting to dial in the suspension this year. I have a different model (STX-DX), I have the front and rear dialed in now all stock. I did notice the rear Float shock is quite sensitive, 145psi was a little harsh and 140psi a little soft and 143psi is just the way I like it.
I think you need to start making small adjustments to get it dialed in for your weight and riding style to get the most out of the stock components.
In my opinion that would be normal for a performance machine.

 

[yamamarc]

I'm a huge fan of snow trackers carbides!!
These things rail the corners hard and 0 darting and easy steering!!

 

[djgasser]

This is my 3rd winter with my Viper and I'm starting to dial in the suspension this year. I have a different model (STX-DX), I have the front and rear dialed in now all stock. I did notice the rear Float shock is quite sensitive, 145psi was a little harsh and 140psi a little soft and 143psi is just the way I like it.
I think you need to start making small adjustments to get it dialed in for your weight and riding style to get the most out of the stock components.
In my opinion that would be normal for a performance machine.

Can you tell me your riding style and approximate weight. I'm 6'2" and weigh 210lbs. My riding style varies from aggressive trail to off trail boondocking to putting down the trail with the family. I figure if I can get the sled to handle in the aggressive riding mode, I can adjust my style for the other experiences.
Thx for the feedback!

 

[djgasser]

I'm a huge fan of snow trackers carbides!!
These things rail the corners hard and 0 darting and easy steering!!

Do they help with the sled pushing in the corners and feeling front end heavy??

 

[DK77TA]

Same here 6'2" 210lbs, groomed trails and some off trail riding. I like my suspension on the stiff side and riding high. I ride a motocross bike in the summer, so I kind of like the sled set up the same way.
The suspension is pretty easy to make adjustments to, I write down what I like so it's easy to reset or make small adjustments.

 

[djgasser]

Same here 6'2" 210lbs, groomed trails and some off trail riding. I like my suspension on the stiff side and riding high. I ride a motocross bike in the summer, so I kind of like the sled set up the same way.
The suspension is pretty easy to make adjustments to, I write down what I like so it's easy to reset or make small adjustments.

Would you be willing to share with me your settings? All four shocks? I'd like to get it more like my Doo which may mean going a fair amount softer than what you like but at least I'd have a baseline

 

[cannondale27]

Would you be willing to share with me your settings? All four shocks? I'd like to get it more like my Doo which may mean going a fair amount softer than what you like but at least I'd have a baseline

You need to send both rear shocks over to me if you want it like your Doo. Actually better! Plush AND big bump sled. $160 for best revalve around. You can work with the springs and front shocks you have already. This will be biggest improvement and greatly helps the push in corners also. You have the Cat skis on yours. They are not a bad ski at all.

 

[Studroes144]

You need to send both rear shocks over to me if you want it like your Doo. Actually better! Plush AND big bump sled. $160 for best revalve around. You can work with the springs and front shocks you have already. This will be biggest improvement and greatly helps the push in corners also. You have the Cat skis on yours. They are not a bad ski at all.

Djgasser, listen to this guy! Everything you're describing will be so greatly improved just by sending him both rear shocks. I've ridden a lot of sleds..many skidoos, and haven't ridden one as plush and as good of handling as these once those rear shocks are setup. IMO The rear suspension is on par with anything on the market and the front suspension is superior to the others, just get those shocks setup and it'll be your favorite sled yet.

 

[drumz11]

True on all of the above. I've used a couple of different valving setups that were a huge improvement over stock. Cannondale did the most recent on our 137. I haven't had a chance to thrash it in the rough stuff yet this year due to superb trails, but in the usual bumps, it's working excellent and rides very nice. I'd highly recommend it.

Throw a set of SLP SLT's skis on the front if setup and carbides don't please you much with the handling. I've used about 5 skis setups on this chassis. Curves, C&A, etc. The SLT's work great and are some of the most dart free, easy turning, great handling skis that I've used. Prices are decent also. The Mohawks are great also if you want flotation in the deeper snow.

 

[ishpeming fan]

True on all of the above. I've used a couple of different valving setups that were a huge improvement over stock. Cannondale did the most recent on our 137. I haven't had a chance to thrash it in the rough stuff yet this year due to superb trails, but in the usual bumps, it's working excellent and rides very nice. I'd highly recommend it.

Throw a set of SLP SLT's skis on the front if setup and carbides don't please you much with the handling. I've used about 5 skis setups on this chassis. Curves, C&A, etc. The SLT's work great and are some of the most dart free, easy turning, great handling skis that I've used. Prices are decent also. The Mohawks are great also if you want flotation in the deeper snow.

i have some black slts for sale with about 1200 miles on them with spoons and 2 or 3 sets of used 4 and 6 inch carbides for sale if your interested. i took them off for curves