Thoughts on RTX LE 129

[Bigbluemachine]

Went for my inaugural ride this week end. I like trail riding and the quick response of the 129 length. I also like to ride middle to back of sled as far as seating position, moving up either inside panel when riding aggressive. It's what works for me as I am tall and heavy.

Sled has 135 studs up the middle. C&A pros with 6" shapers. Most would think more studs but I am 280lbs. and have never had traction issue but for a 2007 Nitro that was set up wrong. After initial break in my thoughts coming from my 2011 Apex are these:

Once I began to push it a little I was pleasantly surprised by the power like most. The sled does come out of the corners soft but within a second the power comes on strong, linear and perpetual. So much so that the corners come up very fast. Even on the Quebec super highways. Awesome.

Took some time to adjust to my liking. At 1st I hated the set up from dealer. Reminded me of that 2007 Nitro for a second. Steering was light, back end stiff, and very twitchy and unpredictable in corners. Not fun. I then proceeded to make adjustments. I softened the front end substantially, getting the lower A arms just over flat. Set the dampers on the front shocks at 1, after experimenting with 2 for a while. Big difference. Now the sled cornered flat, very predicable but steered like a truck. I dropped the torsion spring rate out back to two from three as it was set there due to my weight. We found out that it should probably be between 2 and 3, so 4 step aluminum torsion spring adjusters coming. Ahh. Much better.

Now I can push the sled good. 85% there. I'm starting to really like it. I tighten the front suspension shock by 1/4 inch increments. Even better yet. I tend to judge how my suspensions work by how my sleds handle in Oh S--t! moments. If I can correct instantly and power out effectively, I know it's spot on. So when I had one this weekend, it worked as expected. I'm not there yet, but a few more adjustments to lighten steering and soften ride as much as possible and I should be able to ride as fast as my Apex. I do find Apex ride more plush, knowing the differences of course. Obviously none of this is new to most, but for those heavier riders, our weight and seating position has a huge effect on the handling of this sled, so take as much time as needed to set up to "your" riding style and I think you will love this machine. I'm almost there. A few more minor adjustments and I should be there.

As a comparison I can trail ride my Apex in any condition, point and shoot, and ride it as fast as I like knowing exactly how it will react to my inputs. It's set up perfect for me. Hope to do the same with this one because it is engineered well and the turbo engine is smooth and fast.

 

[Bigbluemachine]

Ok. now over 600 miles and I am really loving this sled now. Conditions were very warm this weekend but there was plenty of snow in Quebec. Made some more adjustments which worked well for me. For you big riders here is what I have done so far:

1) Relaxed front end substantially loosening spring tension while running C&A Razors
2)Front shock dampers on 2 (play between 1&2 depending on conditions). rebound 11 clicks from the top.
3) Limniter straps all the way out.
4) Front suspension shock compressed 1/4 inch, plus a liitle more which made tough steering becuase of the above changes much better. Now I can rail around cornners and push the sled hard.
5) Rear shocks set on 2 (Also play with these depending on conditions) CAn't see a need for 3 unless I plan on bashing some 3 foot moguls in which case I think the sled would out perform me for sure.
6) Rear torsion spring on 2
7) Running 135 stud boys down the middlewith an equal mix of doubles and singles, AND the super lite pro backers none of which has loosened or even look beat up at all ( side note: I have over 3,000 miles on APex and have had to replace just four). If your wondering how this sled hooks up with that combination, I would guess that my weight surely balances things out nicely at 28o+. I get good traction.
8) I have not touched rebound on suspension shocks yet.

I found the sled very powerful 60mph and up coming out of sweepers. However, a clutch kit is in the future as 40 to 60 seems just too smooth and lacking a nice hard pull. Have to configure clutches for my weight anyway but thats how it works today.
What I found really impressive were theQs3 Kashima shocks. Riding next to a buddy who weights 200lbs wet on an 2016 XRS Doo, I found he was working much harder to go through the rough stuff than I was. I could literally mash the throttle and go through the moguls at will. I do not have much experience with high end shocks as I always rode what my sleds come with and revalve for my wieght etc., but these are the real deal in my opinion. Very nice. Headed back up for super bowl weekend and can not wait to get out put on some more miles. Like the vidoe said, very nice sled....

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Ok. now over 600 miles and I am really loving this sled now. Conditions were very warm this weekend but there was plenty of snow in Quebec. Made some more adjustments which worked well for me. For you big riders here is what I have done so far:

1) Relaxed front end substantially loosening spring tension while running C&A Razors
2)Front shock dampers on 2 (play between 1&2 depending on conditions). rebound 11 clicks from the top.
3) Limniter straps all the way out.
4) Front suspension shock compressed 1/4 inch, plus a liitle more which made tough steering becuase of the above changes much better. Now I can rail around cornners and push the sled hard.
5) Rear shocks set on 2 (Also play with these depending on conditions) CAn't see a need for 3 unless I plan on bashing some 3 foot moguls in which case I think the sled would out perform me for sure.
6) Rear torsion spring on 2
7) Running 135 stud boys down the middlewith an equal mix of doubles and singles, AND the super lite pro backers none of which has loosened or even look beat up at all ( side note: I have over 3,000 miles on APex and have had to replace just four). If your wondering how this sled hooks up with that combination, I would guess that my weight surely balances things out nicely at 28o+. I get good traction.
8) I have not touched rebound on suspension shocks yet.

I found the sled very powerful 60mph and up coming out of sweepers. However, a clutch kit is in the future as 40 to 60 seems just too smooth and lacking a nice hard pull. Have to configure clutches for my weight anyway but thats how it works today.
What I found really impressive were theQs3 Kashima shocks. Riding next to a buddy who weights 200lbs wet on an 2016 XRS Doo, I found he was working much harder to go through the rough stuff than I was. I could literally mash the throttle and go through the moguls at will. I do not have much experience with high end shocks as I always rode what my sleds come with and revalve for my wieght etc., but these are the real deal in my opinion. Very nice. Headed back up for super bowl weekend and can not wait to get out put on some more miles. Like the vidoe said, very nice sled....

Nice review thanks...

Were you able to get the rtx 129 to transfer? Seems like the 137 has little to none.
thnx

 

[Bigbluemachine]

Nice review thanks...

Were you able to get the rtx 129 to transfer? Seems like the 137 has little to none.
thnx

Yes. Probably, mostly due to my fat A#$S, but still think it could use more. maybe do something with blocks down the road. I like the fast response of 129. It seems to react more to inputs than my buds LTX LE Viper

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Yes. Probably, mostly due to my fat A#$S, but still think it could use more. maybe do something with blocks down the road. I like the fast response of 129. It seems to react more to inputs than my buds LTX LE Viper

I want the 129 as well....never have nor want a 137.

The 137 here of buds, is a big guy too....I removed blocks, and even with us two up for a test, the sled would not transfer, just odd.

the straps are taught when sitting in shop flat surface.....

 

[Bigbluemachine]

I want the 129 as well....never have nor want a 137.

The 137 here of buds, is a big guy too....I removed blocks, and even with us two up for a test, the sled would not transfer, just odd.

the straps are taught when sitting in shop flat surface.....

If I sit back and nail it I get decent transfer. Skis come up half off the ground but settle quickly.

 

[roweboat70]

Went for my inaugural ride this week end. I like trail riding and the quick response of the 129 length. I also like to ride middle to back of sled as far as seating position, moving up either inside panel when riding aggressive. It's what works for me as I am tall and heavy.

Sled has 135 studs up the middle. C&A pros with 6" shapers. Most would think more studs but I am 280lbs. and have never had traction issue but for a 2007 Nitro that was set up wrong. After initial break in my thoughts coming from my 2011 Apex are these:

Once I began to push it a little I was pleasantly surprised by the power like most. The sled does come out of the corners soft but within a second the power comes on strong, linear and perpetual. So much so that the corners come up very fast. Even on the Quebec super highways. Awesome.

Took some time to adjust to my liking. At 1st I hated the set up from dealer. Reminded me of that 2007 Nitro for a second. Steering was light, back end stiff, and very twitchy and unpredictable in corners. Not fun. I then proceeded to make adjustments. I softened the front end substantially, getting the lower A arms just over flat. Set the dampers on the front shocks at 1, after experimenting with 2 for a while. Big difference. Now the sled cornered flat, very predicable but steered like a truck. I dropped the torsion spring rate out back to two from three as it was set there due to my weight. We found out that it should probably be between 2 and 3, so 4 step aluminum torsion spring adjusters coming. Ahh. Much better.

Now I can push the sled good. 85% there. I'm starting to really like it. I tighten the front suspension shock by 1/4 inch increments. Even better yet. I tend to judge how my suspensions work by how my sleds handle in Oh S--t! moments. If I can correct instantly and power out effectively, I know it's spot on. So when I had one this weekend, it worked as expected. I'm not there yet, but a few more adjustments to lighten steering and soften ride as much as possible and I should be able to ride as fast as my Apex. I do find Apex ride more plush, knowing the differences of course. Obviously none of this is new to most, but for those heavier riders, our weight and seating position has a huge effect on the handling of this sled, so take as much time as needed to set up to "your" riding style and I think you will love this machine. I'm almost there. A few more minor adjustments and I should be there.

As a comparison I can trail ride my Apex in any condition, point and shoot, and ride it as fast as I like knowing exactly how it will react to my inputs. It's set up perfect for me. Hope to do the same with this one because it is engineered well and the turbo engine is smooth and fast.

BigBlueMachine.... did you have to adjust your center shock?. I'm finding I need to add alot of preload on the center shock to ease the steering effort.

 

[silverram323]

BigBlueMachine.... did you have to adjust your center shock?. I'm finding I need to add alot of preload on the center shock to ease the steering effort.

Me also, I'm maxed,out.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[waldo1]

adjust front shock tight - move strap out - 137 is the new short track - no need for a 129 anymore.

 

[Bigbluemachine]

BigBlueMachine.... did you have to adjust your center shock?. I'm finding I need to add alot of preload on the center shock to ease the steering effort.

I tightened 1/4 inch in 1st trip. Then another 1/4 inch and that worked out well.

 

[Bigbluemachine]

I tightened 1/4 inch in 1st trip. Then another 1/4 inch and that worked out well.

Strap all the way out