Viper Ltx Dx - Pushing with snow trackers

[peclark]

I have a 2015 Viper Ltx Dx and been having problems with very little ski pressure and lots of pushing through corners. Just got back from around Duluth, MN and corners were dangerous. I have new kimpex rush skis and put new aggressive snow trackers on Viper and my wifes 2015 Vector 136" with stock single keel. In the picture you can see there is so little pressure the bottom of skis is not leaving a trace/impression on a groomed trail with fresh loose powder (other than snowtracker impression) , whereas my wife's Vector corners like a rail and leaves a nice ski trace in snow.
I am 190 lbs, have pulled straps 1 hole tighter from loosest, preload on front skid spring set to loosest, torsion springs set to hardest with barnofparts relocate kit which gives 2 1/2" sit in, and fronts ski springs set to loosest. So I guess all I have left is to tighten preload on ski springs and/or tighten straps more? Has been frustrating because I read how most people trying to lighten ski pressure. I would think with straps up 1 hole and just minimum preload on center spring and snowtrackers that skis should have lots of pressure to at least leave impression in snow and should really be grabbing in corners. Just feels so light and squirly. I also have barnofparts MPS but that effects steering feeling and not ski pressure. Thanks Phil

View attachment 146761

 

[cannondale27]

That looks like plenty of a trail from skis to me. No combo is perfect in every condition. Maybe that's all it is. Try putting coupler on 2. You could try some cheap single runners to see if that's the source of issue.

 

[WinderFab]

Peclark snowtrackers will considerably lighten up the steering feeling on any ski/sled combo, I also know that snowtracker recommends minimal ski pressure to get the full benefit of the snowtrackers.

Just a thought but by your post you made quite a bit of suspension adjustments maybe you should put the sled suspension settings back closer to stock and see how it rides/handles.

It’s definitely not the ski/trackers causing the problem.

 

[peclark]

Thanks. I did only make one adjustment at a time testing in last few trips starting with straps all out and and lot of preload on center spring, but so far nothing helps. Never have touched ski springs. For example, here is picture of wife's Vector with the same snow trackers of same day. You can see the trace from her skis are actually compacting the snow compared to mine. I had a buddy switch last time out and ride Viper and he agreed it majorly pushes bad in corners. In fact within a couple of miles he ended up going off trail and got stuck pretty bad. Not blaming snow trackers. I just trying to figure out why I am pushing so bad. Comparing Viper to Vector, I should be able to corner at least as good as Vector, but it is night and day difference. In last couple of trips in different conditions, I could corner going twice as fast in her Vector.

 

[cannondale27]

Ok that’s a big difference. How much sag in back? Can go up one notch on torsions to put more ski pressure on. Most important is to ride forward and hang off. The viper is not a vector. Way lighter in front.

 

[Mike P]

Thanks. I did only make one adjustment at a time testing in last few trips starting with straps all out and and lot of preload on center spring, but so far nothing helps. Never have touched ski springs. For example, here is picture of wife's Vector with the same snow trackers of same day. You can see the trace from her skis are actually compacting the snow compared to mine. I had a buddy switch last time out and ride Viper and he agreed it majorly pushes bad in corners. In fact within a couple of miles he ended up going off trail and got stuck pretty bad. Not blaming snow trackers. I just trying to figure out why I am pushing so bad. Comparing Viper to Vector, I should be able to corner at least as good as Vector, but it is night and day difference. In last couple of trips in different conditions, I could corner going twice as fast in her Vector. View attachment 146769

If you have your pre-load cranked on your center shock spring you have effectively transfer more weight to the center shock. Personally, for myself, I would let out the L-straps (back to stock location) and run the center shock lose. That will transfer your weight to the rear shock and front ski shocks. From that point set your Ride height and you will then be able to adjust ski pressure effectively and readjust your center shock position for best performance.

Like Cannondale27 said, no combo is perfect.

Try this link. I should help.
https://snowgoer.com/snowmobile-tec...nsion-for-sharper-handling-and-a-better-ride/

 

[Kkurz]

I added Stingray's spring and Snotrackers at the same time this year. I notice that as I tune it, I keep backing the center spring down and it keeps getting better. They are strong springs.

 

[peclark]

Thanks. I guess I didn't realize Viper so much lighter in front. Coming from an older Venture. I am 190 and wasn't getting any sag at all last year so put on barnofparts torsion relocate and have blocks set on hardest and now getting about 2 1/2" and when sitting the arm is about center between front and rear stop blocks so think that is set good. I saw some sidewinders at some bars and their tuners left more of a compacted snow trace like in 2nd pic but I realize they are heavier with turbo.
At first I did have straps all out and decent preload on center spring. On a previous trip was testing slowly letting out preload until as lose as I can go. On most recent trip I tightened straps to 2nd hole. Ski springs have always been set to most loose, I have read tightening will add a little bit of ski pressure. On trip in couple weeks I will try tightening straps to middle hole and tightening ski springs a bit. (testing one change at a time)
Interesting note, buddy and I got back from trip to Two Harbors on Lake Superior. On way back to Iowa, got stranded in Minneapolis. Freeway closed for almost 2 days due to record storm. Over 1000 vehicles were stuck/stranded on freeway. Local snowmobile clubs from Iowa/Minnesota were out rescuing people on freeway.

 

[peclark]

Yeah, I have been reading about the multi rate springs. Not sure, I think in my 2015 ltx dx the stock is 130lb. Since I already have it set to least preload and my 190lbs not sure of difference, but reading thread on 90/250 lb spring.

 

[peclark]

Old thread I started but thought I would update so might help someone else. So end of last season I had limiter strap to middle hole and front spring preload to minimum and I was still getting tons of push in corners. Beginning this season I added preload to front skis ( can't remember how many turns) and holy crap what a difference. I now am confident in corners and corners like it is on rails. Also no ski lift but never had that issue anyway. Absolutely love love sled handling now. Using aggressive snowtrackers on Kimpex Rush skis and Barnofparts MPS on middle hole.

 

[peclark]

Here is ski trace now with more ski pressure.

 

[peclark]

Here