Suspension settings, RTX ONLY

[cannondale27]

I have the front end set up pretty much to my liking. I have noticed lately that the front end squeaks quite loudly. Seems to come from both sides. Sounds like it could be rubber type noise. No grease fittings on any of the front end components. about 8 mm on the pre-load springs. Any suggestions is appreciated.

2017 RTX-SE

Bet its the swaybar links. Spray with Maxima Chain Lube. The Waxy type. Works good on upper A-arm joints also.

 

[cannondale27]

Could also be the boots that tierods go through. Lubem up.

 

[TILAM1]

W

Could also be the boots that tierods go through. Lubem up.

Will try those thanks. I have a motorcycle so I have chain lube available.

 

[TILAM1]

Bet its the swaybar links. Spray with Maxima Chain Lube. The Waxy type. Works good on upper A-arm joints also.

Thanks guys. The squeaks are gone. Used a heat gun to just take the chill out and make the lube flow a bit better.

 

[srvfan]

If shocks look the same they are EXACTLY the same whether cat or Yamaha. Have had both apart many times. Same.Possibly something is wrong with your shock or shock. Would not surprise me at all. Send the center shock over. $30 and at least will get a refresh.

ive got 2 trips planned next couple weeks so cant afford the down time. At end of season though I'm very interested in sending them out to you for some valving and maybe the DCS adjusters on the QS3's

 

[srvfan]

what is the proper amount of rear sit in on these Vipers?. For instance I've always been told 4" of sit in on most sleds BUT if I set mine bout there the rear arm is then pretty much on the coupler blocks. Which on our pure Yamaha sleds using the CK (torsion spring) suspension that was big no no in terms of ride quality. there is nothing in the owners manual or shop manual about sit in.

 

[cannondale27]

what is the proper amount of rear sit in on these Vipers?. For instance I've always been told 4" of sit in on most sleds BUT if I set mine bout there the rear arm is then pretty much on the coupler blocks. Which on our pure Yamaha sleds using the CK (torsion spring) suspension that was big no no in terms of ride quality. there is nothing in the owners manual or shop manual about sit in.

Shoot for mid of the blocks

 

[CooperT]

Ok, I’m not sure exactly what the purpose of the rear center shock is. Can someone please explain what it’s purpose is and the benefits of it? Trying to get this sled setup for the girlfriend. It’s a 2016 Rtx se with the fox qs3s. Right now all shocks are on the softest setting. Limiter strap is on middle hole. Torsion springs on softest setting and rear couplers on the thin side. Sled handles great, but wondering if I could maybe get it better. I would like a better understanding on that rear center shock though if anyone feels like explaining in simplest of terms! Thanks guys!

 

[cannondale27]

Ok, I’m not sure exactly what the purpose of the rear center shock is. Can someone please explain what it’s purpose is and the benefits of it? Trying to get this sled setup for the girlfriend. It’s a 2016 Rtx se with the fox qs3s. Right now all shocks are on the softest setting. Limiter strap is on middle hole. Torsion springs on softest setting and rear couplers on the thin side. Sled handles great, but wondering if I could maybe get it better. I would like a better understanding on that rear center shock though if anyone feels like explaining in simplest of terms! Thanks guys!

It's less of a benefit on Rtx than ltx but either it helps the front end get light. More transfer and easier to pop front over holes or whoops. Some people don't like a sled that transfers since in a corner you either lift ,brake or hang off and forward or a combination and throttle.

 

[CooperT]

Thanks cannon dale, so if I were to make adjustments on it. Would I increase or decrease preload on it and how much? And by increasing preload, will that create less transfer or more? Light or heavy front end?

I’m really trying to understand it all so I can fine tune it. But it’s so confusing sometimes when one adjustment affects this and that, and another does this and takes away from that! Or am I looking too far into this? Lol

 

[srvfan]

Thanks cannon dale, so if I were to make adjustments on it. Would I increase or decrease preload on it and how much? And by increasing preload, will that create less transfer or more? Light or heavy front end?

I’m really trying to understand it all so I can fine tune it. But it’s so confusing sometimes when one adjustment affects this and that, and another does this and takes away from that! Or am I looking too far into this? Lol

I have that exact sled. I found mine way WAY too stiff. I could pretty much never bottom it out. couldn't believe how stiff the rear QS3 was. I sent it to Cannondale who softened it up. I also added the BOP torsion block re-locater to soften up the rear springs. these 2 things made a huge difference. Best things you can do for her sled in terms of ride quality. Im 185 lb and the BOP kit might have made it a touch too soft for me, but if she's say 125-165 lb then the BOP kit for the spring is a no brainer

 

[CooperT]

Trust me, she’s not 165lbs! Lol

 

[srvfan]

Trust me, she’s not 165lbs! Lol

then I highly suggest having Cannondale revalve the rear shock and getting the Barn of Parts relocate kit for the rear springs. You've got a nice adjustable shock and springs but you'll never take them off of setting 1. By lightening them up she will have a much better ride and better control. With it stock its going to be so stiff that it will bounce off everything making it skittish.

 

[Nitroya]

I have the 2016 rtx for my wife she s on the lighter side 130Ibs. From what I ve read in this entire thread everything must be set to soft, limiter strap all the way out, rear springs to soft. Rear shock spring loosened up.......

I m thinking that the Fox shocks Qs3 are still too beefy on soft. What I m trying to accomplish is more transfer, currently it stays planted ... need more transfer. Should I take the transfer blocks out??

 

[cannondale27]

I have the 2016 rtx for my wife she s on the lighter side 130Ibs. From what I ve read in this entire thread everything must be set to soft, limiter strap all the way out, rear springs to soft. Rear shock spring loosened up.......

I m thinking that the Fox shocks Qs3 are still too beefy on soft. What I m trying to accomplish is more transfer, currently it stays planted ... need more transfer. Should I take the transfer blocks out??

Rtx Qs3 shocks are valved stiffer than ltx. Needs a revalve for her if on 1 and still stiff.