How To Customize Your Snowmobile Suspension For the Way You Ride…
No matter what brand or year your sled is, fine-tuning your suspension will make it right for you!
Related: What’s New from Arctic Cat / Lynx / Polaris / Ski-Doo / Yamaha
Introducing Micky’s Snowmobile Suspension Workshop
Recently, I posted a series of well-received “What’s New” articles (see “Related” above). They highlighted changes & improvements from the sled manufacturers for this model year. Each was meticulously researched and written by my friend Michel “Micky” Garneau, Editor-in-Chief of Motoneige Quebec Magazine. Micky translated them from their original French, so English-speaking snowmobilers could also share in the new sled performance news.
Now, my tech expert colleague returns with what I’m calling “Micky’s Snowmobile Suspension Workshop”. This 2-part report from Micky’s archives is still as as valid and valuable today as ever. It’s an in-depth look at the ins & outs / ups & downs of that most overlooked, misunderstood, under-rated, and yet most important part of any sled. This workshop reveals the universal principles that have driven the evolution of sled suspension over the years. We’re not handing out any diplomas to those who complete both parts of Micky’s workshop. But you can give yourself a pat on the back from us!
What Happens Before
Like most riders, I don’t know enough about snowmobile suspension. Except that when it’s not set properly, the ride and handling of my sled can really suck. That’s why I always take my sled to a suspension expert, John Sharrard at Accelerated Technologies. John works his magic to customizes it for my personal preferences, what I carry, and how I ride.
But it’s not really magic, is it? Just the expert application of deep-seated snowmobile suspension knowledge that too many of us don’t have. I’m always amazed at how so many snowmobilers just hop on and ride all season without making any adjustments. No wonder so many owners complain about how badly their sleds handle, when they could have fine-tuned their suspension for the ultimate ride. By what logic would anyone invest so much money in buying a snowmobile, but not try to get the most out of it? As Micky says, “The time invested in setting up your suspension will give you the best possible payback/return from hours upon hours of enjoyable riding.”
Click on photo to view Micky’s Snowmobile Suspension Workshop Part 1: Suspension Fundamentals – How Everything Works
Click on photo to view Micky’s Snowmobile Suspension Workshop Part 2: Hands-on Set Up & Troubleshooting
What Happens After
Anyone who follows my posts knows I’m no snowmobile technophobe. But Micky’s Snowmobile Suspension Workshop really opened my eyes to the wide range of possibilities I’ve been missing. Now, I’ll admit that some of Micky’s expert analysis went right over my tech-impoverished head. But overall, it gave me a whole new appreciation of snowmobile suspension and what it can do for me, you and everyone else who rides a sled, new or old.
My Last Word
Yes, I highly recommend these these non-model specific articles to every snowmobiler in search of the best possible ride this winter. And you know what? I bet even the performance-oriented among us will learn a thing or two. So, give yourself the gift of a few minutes to delve into this universal overview of snowmobile suspension with Micky. It will pay you back with countless hours on the best riding sled you’ve ever experienced!
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The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.