Hey guys, I am looking for some advise on changing the rear suspension in my 2001 SRX700 to a long travel, as the stock suspension sucks. What brand do you recommend, does the track have to be changed, does the clutching need to be changed??
Also anybody know where I can find one used? Thanks.
Also anybody know where I can find one used? Thanks.
I have a 2002 Viper suspension complete for $150 plus shipping. It has a strenghtend W arm, needs some bearings on some wheel and you should go thru the bushings.
Stephfg
New member
I have an AD Boivin Expert X in my SRX and it's amazing.
X2 on the Expert X
dude this has been gone over a thousand times. It is basically a question of how much do you really want to spend? The cheapest I believe is the install a viper suspension. It will give you more travel but I tell you it will take away that amazing srx cornering. Other guys will say to just spend the money on M10 or something.
ottawaair
New member
track & clutching will remain the same, but you will need to also raise the front of sled, there are a few ways to do that also.
xrrider
Member
I have some shock lowering brackets to lift your front if you want. $25 + shipping.
sgauthier
Member
if you can afford the xpert or the M-10 or the airwave then that would be the way to go. the longer shocks from the vipers or SXR's will not make any noticable difference in the handling of the SRX. i have been using those for the last 5 years on my 98 SRX and when setup properly (at least a 2" sit in when your seated on it and i also flipped my front shock mounting brackets)you do not feel any difference except it handles the smaller stutter bumps much better. i placed more weight on my skis and i also added dual runner Arrow skis to handle the darting and i can run away from pretty well anything on the twisty trails. i have since taken those shocks off of the 98 and added them to my 2001 SRX and i set everything up the same and it is night and day difference in ride quality on the trails. i will also be looking at either the xpert or the airwave for next year thou. getting older and those blind holes at the bottom of the hills are starting to get to my spine. JMO
Search for Bethevipers post on dialing in your Pro-Action skid. Pioneer Performance also offers a long travel kit for the SRX.
Soup Dog
New member
I have a M-10 in my VIPER and I love it....Ride is great...I'd recomend getting one if you have the money well worth the price....I have a stock skid in my V-Max and their's no comparison...
ekmoor said:
What are the main differences with this suspension over the SRX? Does it make much of a difference in comfort and rear travel?
I too have a back that doesn't like the constant jarring of my current suspension, and if I changed it I want it to be worth it.
Would this Viper suspension bolt right into the SRX, or would I have to make some mods? I have been looking around for a M10 or the like but have not found anything for what I can afford right now.
If I went for this Viper suspension, what do you think it would cost to get it to Kenora, ON P9N 2W8? Do you have any pics?
Thanks alot for all the help guys!
staggs65
Moderator
another cheap option is either an edge from a poo or a sc10III from a doo. you can find installs for both of these here by doing a search
I am wondering what will fit with no mods neccessary (if any). I am not really into making new brackets or trying to determine where the skid will mount.
Are there any skids that will swap in with no mods? How about a skid from an RX1? Would this skid be any better?
Thanks again!
Are there any skids that will swap in with no mods? How about a skid from an RX1? Would this skid be any better?
Thanks again!
Definetely the Viper will bolt right in. Performs the same, just with more travel.
Hope no one gets upset with this but honestly, it drives me nuts everytime I hear some saying "My SRX suspension SUCKS, It's Terrible!".......Guys need to face it that this sled has only 8 inches of travel. It is not meant to be in the rough stuff. This small amount of travel also is compounded because of the fabulous engine which easily makes you hit the bumps that much harder.
The suspension isn't that bad for the travel it has. I also believe that 85% of snowmobilers never touch the adjusments on their suspension OTHER than trying to get it to wheely! You can achieve this but it throws out anything along the lines of handling which is why you bought an srx. Adjusters are there for a reason so guys play with it.
I DO have the viper rear end in my srx as it came with it but the difference between now and a month ago is night and day since I have set it up to my riding style and weight. Next step would be to have the shocks revalved as they need the oil changed anyway.
Sorry for the long post but I am just saying....play with what you have beofre just throwing it out the door. Pay attention to what it is doing and what it is NOT doing as you ride. ANything you put in there will still need to be setup.
Hope no one gets upset with this but honestly, it drives me nuts everytime I hear some saying "My SRX suspension SUCKS, It's Terrible!".......Guys need to face it that this sled has only 8 inches of travel. It is not meant to be in the rough stuff. This small amount of travel also is compounded because of the fabulous engine which easily makes you hit the bumps that much harder.
The suspension isn't that bad for the travel it has. I also believe that 85% of snowmobilers never touch the adjusments on their suspension OTHER than trying to get it to wheely! You can achieve this but it throws out anything along the lines of handling which is why you bought an srx. Adjusters are there for a reason so guys play with it.
I DO have the viper rear end in my srx as it came with it but the difference between now and a month ago is night and day since I have set it up to my riding style and weight. Next step would be to have the shocks revalved as they need the oil changed anyway.
Sorry for the long post but I am just saying....play with what you have beofre just throwing it out the door. Pay attention to what it is doing and what it is NOT doing as you ride. ANything you put in there will still need to be setup.
chris189 said:
X2. Who remembers riding 70's, 80's and even early 90's sleds?? Now those suspensions "sucked".
you mean them had suspensions.....didnt feel like itNetefrog said:
sgauthier said:if you can afford the xpert or the M-10 or the airwave then that would be the way to go. the longer shocks from the vipers or SXR's will not make any noticable difference in the handling of the SRX. i have been using those for the last 5 years on my 98 SRX and when setup properly (at least a 2" sit in when your seated on it and i also flipped my front shock mounting brackets)you do not feel any difference except it handles the smaller stutter bumps much better. i placed more weight on my skis and i also added dual runner Arrow skis to handle the darting and i can run away from pretty well anything on the twisty trails. i have since taken those shocks off of the 98 and added them to my 2001 SRX and i set everything up the same and it is night and day difference in ride quality on the trails. i will also be looking at either the xpert or the airwave for next year thou. getting older and those blind holes at the bottom of the hills are starting to get to my spine. JMO
X2 - I would only add that I went with Viper shocks, radius/tie rods up front. With more sag/sit in than spec there is no difference in cornering.
If the original skid has never been out of the SRX, I'd rebuild it first (bushings, W arm, etc...) then try adjusting it before swapping skids.
If it still isn't what you want, get some Viper shocks, transfer rods and front shock brackets, install and re-evaluate.
The fact of the matter is, I love the SRX's engine but the suspension leaves a bit to be desired. Obviously the suspension works great when ripping across a lake, but to keep up in the trails it is just not good enough, (at least with my back).
Now I wasn't trying to "drive anyone nuts" about complaining about the suspension, but I am looking for a solution so that I may not have to sell the SRX. Isn't that what this site is for?
I have heard some people say the viper skid would make a good upgrade, and others have said it is not worth the effort. I even had someone tell me yesterday that the M10 is not a good choice for the SRX.
If anyone can offer any further advise I would appreciate it, also maybe someone in Ontario has a skid to sell me so that the shipping won't make it too expensive.
Thanks!!
Now I wasn't trying to "drive anyone nuts" about complaining about the suspension, but I am looking for a solution so that I may not have to sell the SRX. Isn't that what this site is for?
I have heard some people say the viper skid would make a good upgrade, and others have said it is not worth the effort. I even had someone tell me yesterday that the M10 is not a good choice for the SRX.
If anyone can offer any further advise I would appreciate it, also maybe someone in Ontario has a skid to sell me so that the shipping won't make it too expensive.
Thanks!!
The Viper/RX-1 skid is a good upgrade simply because of the affordability and ease of installation, they bolt right in. The viper skid WILL absorb the bumps better, just don't expect a huge improvement, but it is better. I'll bolt a viper skid in an SRX anytime, simply because it's an upgrade, and you can sell your SRX skid and recoup almost all the cost, it's a no-brainer for me. Now if you're looking for a Cadillac ride that eliminates the bumps all together you'll be looking elsewhere. I have an Expert-X and I love it, although once you get into raising the back that much you really need to do some major mods to the front end to match the ride height. Once all these mods are done you really don't have an SRX anymore, all the character is gone, if that makes any sense to you. My advice is go with the viper rear and set your shocks/calibrations up to what you need and call it a day. If you want to go with a better skid in the future you can always sell the Viper skid for what you bought it for.
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