Upgrade your rear suspension to 2016 specs

[sk-rx1]

For what its worth unfortunately I have more confidence in the Arctic Cat suspension experts than Yamaha based on past experience. When I got my 2014 RTX most were saying to pull up the limiter strap a hole or 2 and back off on the spring preload. This is somewhat similar. This is for general trail riding. I'd like to find Yamaha specs on the spring in the 2016 but not sure where that would be. On old Yamaha's that was easy to find, on these Yamacats not so much. I am heading to the dealer today, will see what I can find. It is a pretty cheap change if it will work. I do agree that shock valving has been the biggest issue, had my 2014 revalved, hoping the new shocks are much better from the factory.

 

[TD Max]

Curious if they changed the RR spring? It looks to me like we were already there with a 100/250 spring, but the low rate portion seems very short like the one on the left in the article.

 

[stingray719]

They are putting a softer spring in Stingray.

If I read that right they are putting in a 90/250. And if that is right the initial spring rate would be softer (90) but after compression it would go to 250 pounds which is way stiffer. I run the progressive springs on my Harley just so I can get that initial soft ride but not have a soft spring for bumps.

"For 4-stroke models, a change to the 90/250-lb. spring (left, above) for 2016 replaces the previous straight 135-lb. spring on both 129- and 137-in. models."

Now think of us poor XTX and MTX guys with a straight 110 spring

 

[drumz11]

I agree with most of what you said here but have to disagree on 1 point.
I realise your comment is not directed at me but as you are referencing many people i also believe i speak for many people.
When i bought the rtx version i expected the sled to ride very firm. But with that said, i also expected the shocks to work.
I weigh 240 fully dressed.
When i sat on my sled the suspension did not budge.
No shock compression or sit in at all. Zero movement. Thats wrong and
Cat/yam really screwed up the shock/spring/valving on the 14 rtx i can assure you of that

I don't think we disagree on that. As I said, there is no excuse for bad shock/spring setups from the factory. I was just saying separately that it doesn't matter what brand, there are always lots of people that buy big bump sleds and hate the ride, even when it is setup for what its designed for. Not directed at you or anyone else specifically nor was I meaning that any of these suspensions were spot on. My 14' was shock valving was horrible.

Curious if they changed the RR spring? It looks to me like we were already there with a 100/250 spring, but the low rate portion seems very short like the one on the left in the article.

True. Most of the dual rate Cat springs move a very small amount before you hit the high rate. The article says up to 2.5" on the new spring. The old Cat 90/250 100/250 springs would only move a little over an inch I believe before you hit the high rate... so it was important to not crank up the preload and have the skid setup correct unless you wanted to be in the high rate right off the bat.

 

[cannondale27]

2.5 in of shock travel on center shock is huge. Close to 75% I bet. Man I hope they got valving right this year or will be doing a lot of Valving AND springs. Guys save your $ and get the shocks on your 14 and 15's revalved. They all are due for refresh anyway. Have been seeing a lot of rusted valving from water. Especially the 14's. Way overdue already.

 

[RTX]

I don't think we disagree on that. As I said, there is no excuse for bad shock/spring setups from the factory. I was just saying separately that it doesn't matter what brand, there are always lots of people that buy big bump sleds and hate the ride, even when it is setup for what its designed for. Not directed at you or anyone else specifically nor was I meaning that any of these suspensions were spot on. My 14' was shock valving was horrible.

Got ya.
I knew it was a general statement not directed at me.
I think i just misunderstood where you were going with the last part of it. thanks

 

[cannondale27]

I always get a kick out of the Big Bump setups. Anyone think a XC racer rides 2-500mi at race pace on a stiff unforgiving sled? Only the losers do! Yes they dont want bottoming but they have to be comfortable. Perfect example is my front Evols. They are directly off a Cat XC Racing sled and anyone who has ridden my sled will tell you how plush it is. Carver rear also. No reason you cant have both. SX different story. They dont care as long as it doesnt throw them on anything even 100ft jump and hooks up.

 

[drumz11]

I see what you are trying to say but X-country racing setups are too stiff for trail riding. The racers even say that. Even with the X-country valving, I'll bet you aren't running near the air pressure some of the pros run while racing. I have Evol-X cross country valving on another sled and you are correct, they can be very plush. Like anything, it's setup for the application. Racing setups don't equate to smooth trail riding. Supple smooth caddilac setups don't work well slamming off moguls. I've yet to see a shock package that does both great. It's always a little compromise one way or the other. One thing for sure is that factory shock setups can always be improved a ton. I'm sure everyone has heard the story that the guys at Fox just shake their heads and laugh at the valving Cat has used in the cheaper cat version Fox shocks.

 

[cannondale27]

I see what you are trying to say but X-country racing setups are too stiff for trail riding. The racers even say that. Even with the X-country valving, I'll bet you aren't running near the air pressure some of the pros run while racing. Who says they have to ride like crap. Like anything, it's setup for the application. Racing setups don't equate to smooth trail riding. Supple smooth caddilac setups don't work well slamming off moguls. I've yet to see a shock package that does both great. It's always a little compromise one way or the other. One thing for sure is that factory shock setups can always be improved a ton. I'm sure everyone has heard the story that the guys at Fox just shake their heads and laugh at the valving Cat has used in the cheaper cat version Fox shocks.

Well then you haven't ridden my sled or the guys sleds that race that I did. have you ever ridden a race sled recently? I have. A lot has changed.