Rear suspension questions

sxr70001

sxr70001

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Joined
Feb 2, 2006
Messages
527
Location
Michigan
Ok so I did an search and read all the posts about improving the rear suspension in our sleds and I see that most of you end up just putting another skid from another brand or aftermarket like an M10.

Does that mean that it is impossible to make the SXR stock skid ride nice? I would like to keep my sled all Yamaha and don't really want to put another skid in. Is there anything to be gained from better shocks or springs. I have read all the tuning articles and followed them. My sled handles pretty good on the lake and groomed trail, but it is just so hard on the old back when it gets rough toward the end of the day.

One thing I was thinking is that the only time my rear suspension seems to move very well is when the FRS is on the first setting, but I never leave it there because I'm too heavy (about 250 with all my gear) so I always end up putting it in the middle position. If I got a stronger spring would I be able to leave it in the first position and get more movement? Or how about a better quality air shock in the rear?

Ok, let me have it. Any and all ideas welcome. I can't afford a new sled yet so I'm going to try and make this one a little better if I can.
 
if you want to keep the stock skid then your best bet is probably sending your shocks to pioneer to have them rebuilt and revalved for your weight and riding style, they can also hook u up with the proper springs
 
Thanks guys, good direction. Super, I have read that thread and I've done some of those things. This fall I'm going to take the skid completely out and do all the bushings and rebuild everything that needs it.

I came across a bushing kit on MPI's website for $95. Is this a good deal or can I source them somewhere else cheaper? http://mountainperformance.com/yamaha_rear_suspension.htm

Does anyone know of anyone in MI that does shock tuning?
 
Just to do the 2 arms and transfer rods is about $65 OEM so if they give you all 30 bushings wahsers etc as they have pictured. That's probably a good deal. I ended up replacing the w-arm shaft too because there was a grove worn into it from the bushings wearing out. That's the main reason I did the shim fix to all the bushings.
 
He has a revalve package for all 4 viper shocks that $179. It's supposed to help with the Vipers shortcomings on dampening. Not sure what he wold charge for different springs. If you lookup pioneer performance he has the prices of his different services. Gil
 
I cannot quite remember, but $275 w/ the fat boy spring comes to mind. I'm 6'3" 295 and definately need that spring. Anywho.....it was worth every penny. My already goofed up back thanked me.
 
A couple of bucks said:
I cannot quite remember, but $275 w/ the fat boy spring comes to mind. I'm 6'3" 295 and definately need that spring. Anywho.....it was worth every penny. My already goofed up back thanked me.
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I'm not really fat, I just weigh a lot. lol

So with the heavier spring in what FRS setting do you use and how do you set your preload?
 
sxr70001 said:
I'm not really fat, I just weigh a lot. lol

So with the heavier spring in what FRS setting do you use and how do you set your preload?
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You'll just have to play with it and see which one suits your needs. Cannot look on mine as I sent it to the Great Yamaha Resting Grounds in the sky. Will need to get another sled and.........O yea.....and new left arm before I go riding anything again.
 
SXRider7Hundo said:
Another good alternative is the mono shock. That's yammie still. Its a verrrry easy swap.
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I might be open to a bolt in swap where you didn't have to drill new holes and try to make sure everything lined up ok. I mean I'm a pretty good mechanic and have rebuilt quite a few engines, but not sure I would know how to sort out a suspension. Especially with riding time at such a premium I don't want to spend all winter trying to figure out what I did wrong.

What sleds do the mono shock skid come out of. The newer 4 strokes?

Of course I keep thinking do I put all this money into my old sled or just make a down payment on something newer? Decisions decision!
 
theres nothin like working on a older sled..love it..keeps me occupied.With a new sled you can't really tinker to much..make sure your suspension is up to snuff as in Bethevipers write up.My skid is sound,all new bearings..bushings sound..with the shimmimg of all bushings with metal strip to make it really snug,roller bearings in the front shock instead of rubber bushings,etc..no need for another skid..work with what you have.
 
That's what I'm trying to do. However, I'm one of those people that has a hard time figuring out where to stop. I start tearing into something and the next thing you know I have the whole thing apart and want to replace every little thing. It's a sickness.
 
it is called preventative maintenance...change what needs to be changed.Or you can spend a pile of $$ on another brand skid..try to get her lined up properly and eventually it will need parts replaced also

If you follow Bethevipers writeup on suspension setup...your skid probably won't break or wear down as much.Since I have done the shim the bushings trick with pieces of tin..I find my bushings are actually holding up and thus parts aren't wearing or breaking on me.If you eliminate the slop in the skid..she will work as it should...

http://www.totallyamaha.net/forums/showthread.php?t=34503
 
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Thanks Blue, I think that's the direction I'm leaning in.

I've been around awhile and have read all the posts and done what I can without taking the skid out, but I have almost 3000 miles on the sled now so it's probably due for a good going over. I started on a Polaris so believe me I know all about preventative maintenance and unplanned maintenance too. lol
 
Hey Blue hope you dont stick a rail thru your new track or wear it out from the inside out from a shock mount breaking!remember lol
Just saying good luck.The sxr should work work better than the srx skid.


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