Hi Mark –
I just read your review on the new Ski-Doo 600. Nice job!!! My next sled may see me going from the current 850, back to a 600.
I could not agree more on the weird steering of the G4 chassis. I love steering – razor sharp steering – even if it comes at the expense of darting and rider comfort, but the G4 is weird.
It does what I call the “Turn, Tuck and Push”, or “TTP” for short. The trails in our area tend to be notably tight and make the G4 steering issues even more pronounced. I have tried everything to make the sled steer; from suspension settings to crawling all over the sled like a monkey. Then I get off my sled and ride my 2014 600 GSX and WOW, it steers!
It is not set up to steer either. It’s just stock, yet it still steers. I believe my MXZX G4 needs just a touch more low speed compression damping on the front suspension (Yes, I know, no adjusters – big frown). Just enough to help with the tucking on an aggressive turn.
I also believe the front end needs a little more caster, which would help to reduce the hard initial turn in and also help it hold a line better through the middle and out of a corner; but that modification is beyond the work and tools I have in my shop. Then I read your article about the ski change and that really sparked my interest.
Do you think the skis noted in the article will make enough difference as to make the G4 chassis comparable to the older 2014 in the steering department?
Tom
Tom –
This is becoming a hot topic for us!
I have a G4 in the shop right now pointed at the door with a set of Split Rails on it and I can’t wait to try it. For sure the pilot 5.7’s work better than the TS skis many G4’s have on them.
Interesting you’ve coined a name for the steering response – we call it “segmenting”.
Thanks,
Mark
