AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Phase III: Dialed In To Blast OffSince the introduction of the XLT last spring, I have spent many hours in spring mush, up-to-your-butt powder, sand-like snow, mogully and fast, smooth trails, and steep, power climbs. The XLT SKS is an excellent mountain and trail sled, provided one takes the time to properly tune the suspension.
On a clear Sunday morning, my friend, Jim Noble, and I set out to finalize our efforts. With the suspension dialed in - limiter strap fully lengthened, front slide rail suspension shock laid to its lowest position and front torque arm assembly positioned in its lower mounting hole - the 2XLT was ready.
The best way to express our joint project sled is upbeat and positive. This gal transfers her weight flawlessly and effortlessly. The combination of chromoly and aluminum suspension parts combined with Fox shocks makes this a tight snowmobile. With the engine piped and suspension set for maximum ski-life, I assumed the 2XLT would be too light in the front to lead itself down the trail at high speeds. Not so. Even without the aid of carbide runners, the 2XLT ran clean and true.
In deep powder, regardless of terrain, lifting the 23-pound-lighter front end gave the track what seemed to be added traction, and this is the goal of weight reduction - ski-life, hook-up and long arms on short guys.
If you are thinking of ways to peel fat off of your Polaris (don't get twisted out of shape, we're not saying they're extremely overweight), investing in lightweight suspension components, like Starting Line Products' Ultra-Lite products, is a sure way to remove unwanted weight. Balance out cost to performance - your definition of performance, not some other guy's - and make the jump. The most bang for your buck is front end weight reduction.
Be aware that snowmobile manufacturers are watching this type of product development closely. I predict you will see more and more chromoly and aluminum being used for suspension composition. Just a guess.
Special thanks to the staff, management and all the wrenches of Starting Line Products who worked hard to make this project a reality. Also, additional thanks to Chris Wright of Action Motor Sports, Idaho Falls, Idaho who willed his XLT SKS to our whims.