Questions for the Cat guys here, is there anything that can be done to lighten up the steering effort on the Alpha? I really like the sled and this is really my only complaint. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Steering effort
- Thread starter EOREGON
- Start date
Increase front skid shock pressure.
There is a lay down steering post kit that is supposed to help. I am seriously thinking about getting one and installing this summer.
Yeah so I have my front shock pressure up to 75lbs, in the deep I’m assuming much higher and it’s going to want to trench.
Who makes the lay down steering post for them?
Who makes the lay down steering post for them?
too much air, 65 or so, more air will cause even more steering effort, what are your other pressures?
for laydown steering get a Doo
58psi in the front shocks
I've had the front track shock at 65 I can't tell much difference between that and 75.
Rear track shock is at 130psi
Drill holes in the trailing side of the ski rubber. Itll take some pressure off the ski and make it easier to turn.
I have they lay down steering post with a 2” post forward. Also running the wyo steering arm. Mohawk skis. Can’t exatly remember stock steering effort. But it certainly isn’t easy with my setup. Feel like it made it worse not easier. Running Fox std coil front shocks. Center skid shock at 75/140.
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I weigh about 175, when I swap to a Skidoo or a Polaris it’s like wow is this power steering? I really like the stock skis would the grippers make enough difference to notice? Would love to do the iceage elevate kit because I really like the clearance my axys has but wow they want a lot of coin for that kit!
A
ak
Well-known member
Well if you own a axys and it has stock skis try them on your cat see what it feels like. It’s not a huge difference I hear.
Ya $1100 for the Alfa elevate kit is expensive.
The ZR has the lay down post, take a look at a parts book or go to the dealer. You need the post and support or you have to cut your old post out of the support.
You need the lay down post (pn 1705-522) off of a zr, xf or a 4 stroke. Can cut your stock post out of your pyramid structure cap. Or you can buy a new cap to be able to sell your old steering post. (Pn 2707-850)
I bought used parts for my sled so it was about a wash after selling my stock steering post.
Then I highly recommend a 2 or 3” post forward (c3) sold from specialty sleds.
I have this on my proclimb and its prolly the best mod I did. Makes it so much nicer to ride while sidehilling or climbing. Keeps the bars out of your chest and allows you to get to the front of the running boards.
It does make flatland riding a little more uncomfortable tho.
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I bought used parts for my sled so it was about a wash after selling my stock steering post.
Then I highly recommend a 2 or 3” post forward (c3) sold from specialty sleds.
I have this on my proclimb and its prolly the best mod I did. Makes it so much nicer to ride while sidehilling or climbing. Keeps the bars out of your chest and allows you to get to the front of the running boards.
It does make flatland riding a little more uncomfortable tho.
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I don’t get the steering effort complaint. Maybe because of my suspension set up and slydog skis on both my cats. I slip back and forth between my cats and axys and don’t really notice any difference. Can’t imagine ruining the vertical bars on the cat for the lay down steering once found on the 12’ 1100 turbo. Worst steering ever on a mountain sled imo. If I wanted lay down steering I’d buy a skidoo.
I think it is mostly set up. You need to look at all of your shock pressures to get it dialed in. Too much in the rear track shock and you negatively effect steering too. When I sit and ride, I have very little ski pressure, almost to the point of having to shift your weight to make a turn on the trail. So when I am standing, I can alter ski pressure using foot placement on the boards. Using your weight and the throttle is how you really should be steering the sled. The bars shouldn't be much more than a balance point you work around while riding the sled.
It isn't just set up. Mine is set up just fine. I know more about heavy steering than anyone. My shoulders really suck some days. Some things that don't bother others, bothers me. That is why I rode doo for a few years. The alpha steering is heavy in less than stellar conditions. In powder or looser conditions it is fine. Whether different skis would make a difference, mayve.
