spice it up part 1

Step 2: Control Rods

Now we were faced with another problem; way too much ski pressure. We readjustedthe limiter straps, took all the preload off the front shocks, and stillhad to have the upper body strength of Arnold Schwarzenegger to drive themachine for any distance or length of time. Our only option was to adjustthe rear suspension to lessen ski pressure. This is no small task on the700 SX. We'd have to remove the control rods from the back of the rear suspension,replace the stock spacers on the control rods with a different length andhope they worked.

This procedure takes from 90 minutes to two hours to accomplish. Correctstock assembly replacement requires dropping the suspension, pounding onsome suspension members and getting generally irritated.

So, we decided to cheat a little here and procured a pair of Quick Rodsfrom Maxximum Performance. The Quick Rods replace the original control rods,and after the initial installation time of 90 minutes, require only aboutfive minutes to adjust to any riding style or ski pressure desired.

Do they work? Wonderfully well. We had our SX handling like a slot carracer about 15 minutes after the installation of the Quick Rods. Not onlyare the Quick Rods an ingenious invention, but mandatory if you want yourSX to be the best that it can be.

Unlike the factory control rods, which have to be taken apart completelyeach time an adjustment is required, (plus 90 minutes of foul language andskinned knuckles for full effect) and a different length spacer installed,the Maxximum Quick Rods can be adjusted in just a few minutes. They area must in our book and should be stock components.

To achieve near SRX-quality handling, you'll need to spend about twohours and about $478 for upgrade skis and suspension control rods. You mightalso think about adding a few studs to the track to make the back end stickto the trail better now that the front end sticks.

While we used, and were quite satisfied with USI skis, there are otherski makers who offer varying widths and lengths that may complement yourspecific style of riding. Check out our web site (www.amsnow.com) performancedirectory to see what other performance gear may be available for your Yamaha