Hi ya fellow sledheads

5 years ago when I purchased my 01 formula and 01 classic, I opted to not stud the tracks due to the new traction technology available.
Previosly I studded all my sleds for better control.

With the Polaris I am very pleased with the traction, suspension adjustments and response for my set up, it is a blast to ride.

On the other hand the Skidoo has not performed to my level of expectation, after numerous suspension set ups and zeroing in the suspension for my style of riding.

Last season the conditions in the beginning of the season were hard pack, mostly ice in the corners with little snow coverage until late Feb early March when we finally received "descent" snow.

The Skidoo was very fatiguing to ride no matter how I adjusted the suspension settings and took allot of the pleasure out of riding that sled(01 Formula 700 Deluxe) in those types of conditions; which led me to thinking;
should I stud the track?
Should I try a different kind of track?
Is anyone experiencing the same frustration with that Skidoo chassis and suspension (same as the MXZ)?
Note:
the suspension unit I am referencing has the "patent pending" decal near the tracking or trailing adjustment.

Please let me know your thoughts-------------ccp

nice polite jab at ski-doo

Ok, first off....what exactly do you mean by "fatiguing"? Explain to us what you were having to do with the sled while riding that was fatiguing you. What was the sled doing/not doing? And second....how familiar are you with the Skidoo suspension? I'm not saying you don't know how to make suspension adjustments, I'm just wondering if something were overlooked or possibly didn't completely understand how the Skidoo suspension works. It sounds like you have the SC-10 II rear suspension in it.

I rode my 01' 800 MXZ with the SC-10II suspension and a 1.25 track and was totally pleased trail riding with no studs. The sled had very light steering and I was able to ride for long distances very comfortably.

Originally posted by SkidooMatt@Jul 18 2005, 07:19 AM
Ok, first off....what exactly do you mean by "fatiguing"?* Explain to us what you were having to do with the sled while riding that was fatiguing you.* What was the sled doing/not doing?* And second....how familiar are you with the Skidoo suspension?* I'm not saying you don't know how to make suspension adjustments, I'm just wondering if something were overlooked or possibly didn't completely understand how the Skidoo suspension works. It sounds like you have the SC-10 II rear suspension in it.
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Matt
Thank you for getting back to me.
First: the fatigue was in the base of my neck and deltoid muscles.
I believe it was from the excessive leaning in and out of the turns and compensating the steering, I'm not sure.
The exact settings I will have to look at my notes as I logged all the set ups and incremental steps and the changes for each adjustment.
One thing I am certain of is I did not adjust the limiter straps in any of my set ups.
Another item was controlling slide and the response from body movement.
also coming out of divits or gradual mogals I felt like I was going to be thrown off or ejected.
Please note that I am 5-10 and 205 with my winter fat.
The kicker is that the deeper the snow is on the trails the better it hooked up and by March of last year with great conditons the sled was perfect and would respond to the slightest body movement.

As I said to get you the exact set up I am currently using, I will need to look at my notes. However, I am only home on weekends and unfortunately I can't provide you with the info until then.

My track has 1" lugs

Absolutely no pun on skidoo, I like the product line and always wind up satisfied.

Thank you
Charlie

I would hope the 01 classic rode better than the 01 Formula Deluxe. the classic has the M-10 susp in it if I am not mistaken. Way better comfort factor than the Sc10-II for a TOURING SLED

Originally posted by charlies custom polaris@Jul 18 2005, 06:55 PM

also coming out of divits or gradual mogals I felt like I was going to be thrown off or ejected.
Please note that I am 5-10 and 205 with my winter fat.

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Having owned an 01 700 DLX I know what you're talking about, as far as the feeling like you're going to be ejected part of it. Seems the shocks are set-up for cruising only, soon as you push the sled, the shocks fade and fade fast. The bottoming out wasn't very bad, but topping out the suspension was just down right scary, knees hitting the throttle lever scary. w00t I put 1 step firmer rear springs on and a 9000 series RydeFX rear shock for an MXZ, and got a major improvement leveling the big bumps. Of course then you could feel the other shocks not keeping up anymore.
:bash:
So, I would recommend up-grading shocks, probably some HPG's from an MXZ or MXZ X.

Ok, sounds like a couple of people beat me to some of your questions..but, here's my suggestion.

- I agree with the above post, get some HPG shocks from an MXZ or MXZ-X...and MAKE SURE they are rebuildable! Then have them rebuilt and revalved to YOUR weight and riding style. This will make an unbelieveable difference. I suggest this for ALL 4 shocks. They can be valved so that they still ride soft and slower speeds and stiffer when it get rough, so you have the best of both worlds. Any GOOD shock builder can do this for you.

- I'd also go to a stiffer rear torsion spring for your weight. I'm gonna suggest a spring for you, but I'm not gonna GUARANTEE that you wil be happy with it, because everyone has a different opinion on what is soft or stiff. Here are the part #'s (they should work on your SC-2 skid) 503-189-522 & 503-189-524. These springs are rated for 180lbs-230lbs and have a 11.11mm wire diameter with a 90 degree opening angle. They are a stiffer spring that has less preload to them. If you don't feel confident with taking my advice, talk to your dealer and have them order the next stiffer torsion springs for your model. You make the call.

- As far as having to lean to help turning in low snow conditions....maybe try adding more preload to your front shocks to add some more ski pressure. Don't add to much though, 'cause then you rear end with come around on you if your track is not studded. Or instead of that, maybe try shortening your limiter strap one hole.

- As far as studding or a different track goes....I've never studded any of my tracks, but I'm going to stud mine this fall. Mainly for saftey though..stopping, traction on icy hills, etc. So adding some studs may help. Also, I've heard alot of guys that love the Camoplast Ripsaw track. A couple of my buddies ran it last year with no studs and said the track stayed glued to the trail in almost all conditions. One had a 1.25"x15"x121" and the other was a 1.25"x15"x136" and they both liked the track and both of them had studded tracks previously.

So, take all of this with a grain of salt....but this is where I would start. Make small changes, one at a time so that you know what each one did. Although, I'd say the shocks and rear torsion's are a given to do and then play with the setup again after that and let us know what find out.

One more question......what IS your riding style? That may help us in telling you what to adjust.

I hope this helps! :D

Ok, sounds like a couple of people beat me to some of your questions..but, here's my suggestion.

- I agree with the above post, get some HPG shocks from an MXZ or MXZ-X...and MAKE SURE they are rebuildable! Then have them rebuilt and revalved to YOUR weight and riding style. This will make an unbelieveable difference. I suggest this for ALL 4 shocks. They can be valved so that they still ride soft and slower speeds and stiffer when it get rough, so you have the best of both worlds. Any GOOD shock builder can do this for you.

- I'd also go to a stiffer rear torsion spring for your weight. I'm gonna suggest a spring for you, but I'm not gonna GUARANTEE that you wil be happy with it, because everyone has a different opinion on what is soft or stiff. Here are the part #'s (they should work on your SC-2 skid) 503-189-522 & 503-189-524. These springs are rated for 180lbs-230lbs and have a 11.11mm wire diameter with a 90 degree opening angle. They are a stiffer spring that has less preload to them. If you don't feel confident with taking my advice, talk to your dealer and have them order the next stiffer torsion springs for your model. You make the call.

One more question......what IS your riding style? That may help us in telling you what to adjust.

I hope this helps! :D
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Thanks guys for the info :D

Riding style: trail touring 60%
Aggressive trail 40%(when safety and conditions warrant)
I have become reserved in my aggressiveness due to the fact the older I get the longer it takes to heal :crazy:

I thought about upgrading the springs but was concerned that the ejection thing would be more pronounced or increased.
It sounds like a combination of springs and shocks may be the ticket.

I will be riding the ripsaw track this season on my new FST Classic with M-10 suspension. I will let you know how it handles.

Also the 01 classic does have the extra 12 suspension and an electric adjustable rear shock.

Be back soon-------------Chas