Can the assault handel like the pro?

[Mr. Redrock]

I found a good deal on 2016 assault 2.6. I currently ride a 2015 pro 155 with a turbo.
I didn't like how it handled until I put a mod 37" front end on it. My buddy has a 2016 2.6 rmk and I really like how it handles. What will I have to do to the assault to make it handle like the rmk?
Will I notice the wider front end even though it doesn't have a sway bar?
I'm not into trail riding just boondocking, sidhilling and climbing.
I plan on putting a turbo on it over the summer.
Am I making a mistake buying the assault?

 

[Toad face killah]

I know buddies that blow QD belts with turbos. If you're doing a turbo I think the chaincase is a good idea. The wider front end might hinder you a little but there's always narrower A arms like you did on your '15. And the upgraded shocks are nice

 

[Mr. Redrock]

I have my stock arms off my 15 that sound like would work but will I need to shorten the front shocks?
What about moving the rear suspension in the hole the rmk uses? Dose it trench more than the rmk?

 

[FatDogX]

If you do a search on the Assault and RMK in the Polaris section, there are some real good threads on this topic. Even though most of these are on the Pro chassis, the general concept is the same and information is good.

I use to run a Pro Assault and then went to a Pro RMK with a narrow front end and an X3.

I actually kept the stock A-arms on the Assault but looking back, I wish I would have narrowed it up a bit to at least the 39". Not having a sway bar does play into this combination and you can make it work. If you choose to narrow up the Assault, yes you will have to change or modify your existing shocks, which isn't a big deal.

I also raised the front mounting of the rear suspension to the RMK position, which changed the sled a ton!

Now comparing the Assault to the Pro RMK and considering my plan for the new Axys that is coming.......

I'm not sure If I'll go down to as narrow as before with the new Axys????? My Pro RMK had the narrow front end (36") and an Ice Age Pro-Motion suspension upgrade. For me, the narrow front end, and the Pro-Motion made it really quick to react to rider input, sometimes almost to quick! Keep in mind I'm just over 6 feet and 235 pounds, so I know that plays into the equation as well.

So, getting back to the Assault.....

I think you can definitely get it dialed into your liking but it may take a little bit to get there and some things to consider would be,

Narrow front end / with shock upgrade, don't worry about a sway bar as long as your shocks are the correct length and valved correctly for no sway bar.

Raise the rear suspension, front mounting (upwards to the RMK)

Ice Age Pro-Motion, which I have a black one that will probably be for sale

 

[skippy]

You can also go with the ZRP 1" off set spindle. Install and ride, no suspension change needed. Brings the front end to 39".

http://www.zollingerracingproducts.com/shop-our-store/polaris-1-inch-offset-spindle

 

[Mr. Redrock]

If I do the offset spindles and move the rear suspension I will be increasing the ski pressure some or a lot?
I think the stock axys front end pulls over better than my 37" front on my pro, so I don't think I will need to go narrower than the rmk stock arms. That's why I was thinking the narrowest setting on the assault my be ok because it doesn't have a sway bar.
But I'm afraid if I leave the rear suspension in the stock location and the longer front shock (taller ride height) once I add the turbo it will be a wheelie monster. I was going to snow check a 163 2.6 until I ran into this sled. I really like the 155 in the pro chassis but I think a 163 in the axys would handle the same as my 155 pro. Thoughts?

 

[Wood]

The Assault will most definitely be a wheelie monster with the front rear skid mounted in the stock lower hole. You will also have more ski pressure with the stock front susp staying stock and rear susp mounted in the upper hole. The 155 will not go as far or as high as the 163. I have the Assault and my buddy has a Pro 163....I can't get nearly as high in deep snow. Unless it's a smoking deal, I'd personally opt for the Pro. If a chain case is what you want then you need to go 3" Pro, SKS or dump a bunch into an Assault to make it a Pro. Decisions....lol.

 

[Mr. Redrock]

Can you tell much difference in handling between the too? I will sacrifice the high mark for a better handling sled. I will be putting a turbo on also. Thanks for the replies this is the info I was looking for. My 15 is a SKS, I like the chain case and better needle shocks.
Sounds like if I shorten the front shocks, do rmk a arms and move the suspension it will be the same as the rmk?

 

[FatDogX]

Remounting that rear suspension to the upper hole will definitely increase ski pressure but on an Assault, but honestly that's not a bad thing!!

I think it really comes down to what you expect out of the sled and what type of riding you like.

If your really into technical riding, a lot of off camber riding, high marks on powder slopes and deep powder and that sort of stuff, then possibly the RMK would be a little better???

If you into general boondocking, jumps, drops and climbing set up snow, or snow conditions that are not always deep powder, then maybe the Assault would be a little better???

Like I said before, I've run a Pro Assault and a Pro RMK and both sleds were great, but both shined in different ways. Honestly, the best would be to have both!!! The RMK is great for those powder days but when the snow isn't powder fresh, I liked my Assault a lot !! It's a very capable sled and in the right hands, it can go a lot of places!!

If you are stuck on the Assault due to the deal, then I would narrow it a bit, and try the off set spindles which I forgot to mention, adjust the rear suspension and run it!!!

You can always, keep tuning here and there a bit and ultimately, if it doesn't work to your liking then send her down the road!!!

 

[Mr. Redrock]

This is more my style with some cliff drops, nothing over 30'.
(If your really into technical riding, a lot of off camber riding, high marks on powder slopes and deep powder and that sort of stuff, then possibly the RMK would be a little better??? )

It would be easier to just put better shocks on a RMK. But for $9500 for a basically new 2016 assault (125 miles,its a demo) I didn't think I could pass it up.

 

[FatDogX]

This is more my style with some cliff drops, nothing over 30'.
(If your really into technical riding, a lot of off camber riding, high marks on powder slopes and deep powder and that sort of stuff, then possibly the RMK would be a little better??? )

It would be easier to just put better shocks on a RMK. But for $9500 for a basically new 2016 assault (125 miles,its a demo) I didn't think I could pass it up.

That's a tough call, with a price like that ???

Can you make the Assault better and fit your riding.......yes but it will cost you a bit and obviously some time to get it dialed in.

 

[Rain Man]

2013 Assault with 5.1 Powder track...
Swapping between Pro's and mine, no AXYS experience, sorry...
You'll notice the front end, I've got mine on narrow and the Pro's do seem to lay over a little easier, and seem a little smoother on engagement due to belt drive I assume. I wanted chain case for durability because I forget to let go of the throttle out of sheer terror if I hit a jump.

The Assault shocks are good, better than stock Pro's. I know you said you don't worry about trail but after dialing and clicking a little bit, I can deal with moguls much easier than I can on a Pro. May be reason why doesn't lay over as easy, but I'm glad I got them.

Change rear skid to RMK position, for any powder you will thank yourself. On hard pack the stock position with comp track is fun in a straight line.

No regrets here, just as with any sled, give and take.