Xm setup questions for the experienced xm riders?

[ApeSh*tBananas]

Ok second ride on the XM, finally got some good snow in Washington, rode about 2 feet of fresh yesterday at Mt Baker. I've rode a 2005 rev, 2007 rev, 2012 pro 5 times before totaling and on to a 2014 146 xm this year. I'm a good rider and have a few question about the XM Setup:

1. Limiter strap I moved 1 hole tighter and the thing will still wheelie up steeps the front shock is at stock location and I believe I'm on 3 on the back. I would like the ski's to stay a little closer to the ground if possible. I'm 215 sled ready.


2. I've got the front shock spring at 5 as tight as you can get it and still feel like the front end would rather submarine then stay on top of the snow, I was able to come to a complete stop on steep downhill slopes, while that's usually a good thing it's bad coming submarining down into drainages and creek beds. Is there stiffer front springs or would different ski's help this?


3. Sidehilling? So I could hold a line for a very long time not without a lot of energy. The sled would dip down, turn up, dip down, it took alot of effort to stay locked into a sidehill. When riding the pro it would just lock into a sidehill a stay put. My handlebar location is inline with the post and I don't notice the difference in steering geometry. I did have the sled turn up hill and throw me off and go ghost riding into the trees, it took a pretty good hit to the front left a-arm with no damage.

If I could get these few things ironed out I think I'm really gonna like this sled, the power is amazing, the powder coated tunnel is awesome I didn't have to spend the whole day kicking my running boards, the clutching seemed pretty good, with track speed around 40-41 which is pretty good for heavy WA snow.

 

[winter brew]

How I set up mine....although its a 163, Im about the same weight.
Ski springs soft, like 1-2 with swaybar.
Rear on 3-4, front skid spring soft-med, basically adjust for ski pressure....will vary with skis used. Limiter out 1 hole from stock to 2nd hole (try it). It seems tightening the strap places more load on the rear springs....then the rear collapses easier, or you have to run them stiff or get HD springs or move the scissor back. If you can leave the limiter longer you retain more travel, better ride, easier handling and dont have to run the rear as firm to keep the nose down (unless you want to).
Moving the scissor back 3/4" will keep the nose down but you lose travel and have more ski pressure....it works good in the deep but not so fun in the spring snow.
I think this type of setup will help the sidehilling issue too. With your short limiter and stiff on the skis it is "planting" the fromt while the rear will want to fall.
The best setup (non stock) Ive ridden is a 15 wide track and Toms Emotion skid...this will remind you of your Pro days, much different sled with those changes.

 

[caldbeckchris]

My experience was much the same. First ride out wheelie machine, couldn't side hill, constantly trying to climb strait up. I did one hole up from stock on the limiter, and 3 on the rear spring. Front shocks set spring in the middle range. What helped a lot with the dipping and diving, was centering the skis. Full wide with the shim was to much for me. Full narrow was like ridding a 55 gallon barrel. I cut my spacers in half with a thin band saw. But ride what feels right for you.

 

[Sulley]

Neither set up would have helped you those 2x you lost it bro. Everything still straight? Let's go monday!

 

[Deep Powder Guy]

My suggestion would be to bring along the wrench that came with your XM. It's real simple and more productive to make suspension adjustments in the snow.

DPG

 

[ApeSh*tBananas]

New set up

So here's what I'm trying next time out and will take tools with me this time I put the ski's to the widest setting, suppose to help with sidehilling, center shock set with 1" of threads up top, rear spring on 3, limiter straps at 3rd hole, and keeping the front shocks at 4 with sway bar. Also need to take the extra fuel off once to the riding area. Makes sense not to have 15 pounds sitting on the tail all day.

 

[Maxwe]

The skidoo rear suspension is trenching special. The 08-09 was better than the 10 and up. I dont have any great word of wisdom. I am lucky and only weight about 145. My brother is at 210 and his trenches are unreal. I changed my rear suspension out to raer edge and it works so much better

 

[Matte Murder]

Apesh*t you should like that set up much better. One thing to try is running the front track shock looser. Like to the point where it's just tight enough to keep the spring in. Also, the stock springs will fail and go soft pretty quick so keep an eye out for that. You will know the ski springs are gone when you keep tightening them and nothing happens, the rear will start to sag excessively. Took us about 4-6 rides before they give up. I like the moving the scissor back like Winterbrew said too. That will allow you to run the spring softer and stiffen it up as it goes away, gives some more life and seems to eliminate the huge sag the XM/XP gets pretty quick.