How to set up soft ride on 2011 Z1 LXR?

D

dickmsp

New member
I rode my new 2011 Z1 LXR for the first time last week, steers good, but a little stiff. I'm 220 lbs, have rear pre-loads on softest setting, (even stiffer on mid setting). In stutter bumps or small moguls, it kinda rocks back and forth, makes my head bob up and down, and back hurts between shoulder blades.. Should I loosen up center shock? stiffen up ski shocks? Magazine and online reviews say this sled has a smooth cushy ride, but my '05 Ski doo GSX has a smoother, plusher ride..
This is my 8th year snowmobiling, and I haven't yet figured out how to set up suspensions!! I had an '08 Phazer RTX and had the shocks re-valved and that made a huge difference. hopefully you guys can help me set this thing up!!
 
W

whitedust

Well-known member
If you have rear center shock soft you are putting all kinds of pressure on front skis & soft rear shock you are getting rocking chair effect of all travel so harden both. If front is pitching you are too hard up front too. I would just make small tweaks until you have 500 miles then shocks are broken in.
 
G

groomerdriver

New member
IMO you gotta give the springs about 500 miles to break in. I test drove a 09 Z1 Turbo LXR and I felt kinda felt the same way as you (I weigh 220 w/gear on). I felt that I could get everything adjusted to my liking.

BUT....while it is considered a 1-up touring sled like your GSX was, the Z1 weighs what....125 lbs more than your GSX? It's going to take some getting used to...IMO.
 
B

booondocker

New member
dickmsp said:
I rode my new 2011 Z1 LXR for the first time last week, steers good, but a little stiff. I'm 220 lbs, have rear pre-loads on softest setting, (even stiffer on mid setting). In stutter bumps or small moguls, it kinda rocks back and forth, makes my head bob up and down, and back hurts between shoulder blades.. Should I loosen up center shock? stiffen up ski shocks? Magazine and online reviews say this sled has a smooth cushy ride, but my '05 Ski doo GSX has a smoother, plusher ride..
This is my 8th year snowmobiling, and I haven't yet figured out how to set up suspensions!! I had an '08 Phazer RTX and had the shocks re-valved and that made a huge difference. hopefully you guys can help me set this thing up!!
Click to expand...
If your dealer is worth a hoot....take it back to him and let HIM adjust the sled....because that suspension is one of the best available and it does have a great ride ONCE you set it up. It will be stiff for some but I don't think it will take 500 miles to get limber. If you don't know what you are doing....you can do more harm than good.
 
W

whitedust

Well-known member
I don't see any harm coming to the sled you can't break it making changes. Just make small tweaks 1 at a time then ride a little to feel it. You need to understand compression & rebound effects in your shocks with a 4s when you let off the gas. It will come together make changes & get to know your new sled.
 
G

groomerdriver

New member
whitedust said:
I don't see any harm coming to the sled you can't break it making changes. Just make small tweaks 1 at a time then ride a little to feel it. You need to understand compression & rebound effects in your shocks with a 4s when you let off the gas. It will come together make changes & get to know your new sled.
Click to expand...

If the springs aren't broke in, the changes he makes now may not accurately reflect what is actually happening in the skid/suspension.
 
T

Team Elkhorn

Guest
I'm hesitant to tell someone how to set up their sled. What works for me might not work for you. My wife and I both have '07 Cats, but they both have different shocks and springs. Wife has Ryde FX and I have the Act shocks. At leisurely trail speeds her sled is the smoothest, most plush riding sled I've ever ridden. My sled is better at a more brisk pace. I also would suggest he call his dealer to get some suggestions on setting it up. But it sounds to me, he is riding into the bumps, instead of over them. Maybe try kicking the speed up a tad. If he liked the GSX and didn't like the RTX, the Z1 might be set up a bit more aggressive than he likes. I can tell you I had my dealer set up everything on our sleds as soft as he would dare before we picked them up. It worked for us. This year I was bottoming out for the first time, but I've never serviced my shocks since I bought it. So their overdue. Good luck, hopefully you have time to play with it before the snow melts.
 
W

whitedust

Well-known member
Bring that bad boy here & I"ll have those shocks & springs broken in a few hours .lol Have fun with the new toy I know I would. :D
 
T

Team Elkhorn

Guest
whitedust said:
Bring that bad boy here & I"ll have those shocks & springs broken in a few hours .lol Have fun with the new toy I know I would. :D
Click to expand...
LOL :) I believe that.... But by the sound of his back pains, unfortunately, it sounds like he is off to a good start on the break in process himself.
 
D

dickmsp

New member
booondocker said:
If your dealer is worth a hoot....take it back to him and let HIM adjust the sled....because that suspension is one of the best available and it does have a great ride ONCE you set it up. It will be stiff for some but I don't think it will take 500 miles to get limber. If you don't know what you are doing....you can do more harm than good.
Click to expand...
boondocker..
I agree with you, I dont want to monkey around with settings from factory and really goof it up!! I'll give it a few more miles, have about 440 miles on it now. quite a few folks on here say its a great riding machine, so I'll be patient. So far, I've gotten some good tips on here. Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I'm 6'4" and like the way the new Cat adjusts to me.. Again, how did you guys ride the old body stuff for so long!!
 
D

dickmsp

New member
dickmsp said:
boondocker..
I agree with you, I dont want to monkey around with settings from factory and really goof it up!! I'll give it a few more miles, have about 440 miles on it now. quite a few folks on here say its a great riding machine, so I'll be patient. So far, I've gotten some good tips on here. Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I'm 6'4" and like the way the new Cat adjusts to me.. Again, how did you guys ride the old body stuff for so long!!
Click to expand...
Again, thanks to all, I'll keep you posted.. Snow coming mon tues and wed!!!
 
D

dakota

Member
again as others have said you can tweak things now and see what affects what, but until all is broken in you won't be able to completely dial it in.
the fact that you are asking is a step in the right direction, too many ride their new sled the way the dealer delivers it and never realize how good it could be. first, write down your base line on where things are set at the beginning. this way you can always go back to the beginning and start over.
find a open area of trail that is typical of the bumps like what you ride. this way you can test and tweak and just spend a few hours. it will be well worth it in the long run. You should be taking a lot of notes as you make these changes and you will learn quickly what works and what doesn't. How many turns on the springs, changes on the torsion spring blocks, etc. Also, Oh, and it is not just about the bumps, these changes can affect the way it corners so don't just test it on the straights.

the cats have a great ride, I'm sure you will find the right combination.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top