If you’ve been longing for the top-shelf KYB Pro 40 shocks found on by the consumer XRS and race track purpose built 600RS sleds from Ski-Doo, but couldn’t afford the big ticket price for the entire sled…how about just the shocks? Ski-Doo recently announced a kit version of the same high-end dampers for your “older” or “lesser” equipped buggy. At $2,499.99 (US)/$2,899.99 (Can), the price tag is still plenty steep, but far below the $13K plus sticker for the entire sled. Here’s the official pitch from Ski-Doo:
Valcourt, QC, October 24, 2012 – BRP is making their top of line shock absorbers available for more models in the Ski-Doo snowmobile line-up with the new X-RS shock conversion kit. These are the same KYB Pro 40 shocks issued as standard equipment on both the MX Z x 600RS race sled and the X-RS trail sleds, and fit 120” rMotion equipped sleds with the Quick Adjust System.
There are many high quality shocks available in today’s market place, but few can match the track record and quality that these KYB shocks offer. KYB is a major supplier of suspension components to both snowmobile and motorcycle manufacturers; many will recognize their motocross heritage as several of the manufacturers and race teams use them in the toughest conditions, with their fastest products and riders.
XRS Shock Conversion Kit 860200922 $2499.99 USD/$2899.99 CAD
The kit is complete with all parts needed for a quick, easy installation. The front shocks are KYB Pro 40R models offering both compression and rebound adjustment, while the centre and rear are Pro 40’s offering easy single knob compression adjustment. Springs are included for the front and centre shocks. The pricing is very competitive with other quality brand shocks while offering snocross proven performance and durability plus the calibration is already set-up for your sled.
I’ve yet to find recommendations for an initial set-up on the compression and rebound. Any suggestions? I’ve checked owners manual and dealer.
The calibrations come on the stiff side. We tend to set things full soft for compression and a middle setting on rebound and go from there. Work on your compression settings first, then go back and start to tune your rebound. You may find once you reach the fine tuning stage you may alter your compression settings again. Of course this is taking into account your spring rates are correct for your weight and ride-in is set accurately.
Thanks for the feedback. I just checked back and saw your response. I’ve been making some adjustments, but it still doesn’t feel right. I’m 170 pounds, the preload on the shocks are all still stock settings and the tunnel spring blocks are set in the 3rd position. I’ve been progressively increasing the compression up front to full stiff. The front rebound is about 6 out from full clockwise. The rear comp is also about 6-8 from full clockwise.
I’ll try your approach and hope for better results. Any suggestion for determining preload on any of the springs/shocks?