I read a lot of threads about the weight of the M1100, and make no mistake, they aren't light. But there is a lot of things one can do that aren't a lot of $$$ to make it ride lighter and handle better. I own a 2013 Sno Pro Ltd 162 that I purchased new, and yes, I've spent some $$$ on it, mostly because I can't leave anything stock...
- 1st, the front track shock spring uses the same rate as the lighter M800 / 600 sleds, only a 115 lb/inch rate. Way too light for the big girl. You can go the Z-broz route, but Cat also offers springs from the Snocross sled that are significantly stiffer and make a dramatic change in weight transfer with out trenching. I used a 190#/in spring with 1.5" preload, giving me sufficient travel without coil bind (this happens when you have to much spring preload).
- 2nd, the stock skis are garbage. I've run PP's, 8" Slydogs, MODS, Pilot DS, Pilot 6.9's, Mohawks, USI triple threats, 7" Slydogs, and Grippers). My choice is the Grippers, followed by Pilot 6.9's without the outer carbide. I'm willing to sacrifice a little push in the corners to have a light front end.
- 3rd, ski alignment is absolutely critical on this sled. I run 1/8" toe out.
If you install a Kmod rear skid (I did) with Raptors, the front track spring is too light again, especially if rider weight is over 200 lbs. I sourced a spring from Fox with a 225#/in rate, and then you have the best of both worlds - a coupled skid when you want it, an excellent ride, and a playful front end (Big thanks to Kevin at Kmod for helping me out with this, his suspension knowledge and customer service are second to none.) Yes, you can crank the front track shock spring preload, but you are effectively reducing travel.
I'm not going to elaborate on the belt blowing / misalignment / hot clutches that these sleds are all labeled with, even though the vast majority don't have this issue, or it can be resolved fairly easily at a cost if you have one that is affected. Basically, if the sled has no turbo / exhaust blankets and is not vented, you are starting with an uphill losing battle. Sled wraps are pretty, but useless unless all you do is look at it in the garage.
Adding power to these sleds is easy to do, but unless you beef up the drive line and clutches, you will eventually have issues. Although you can add a PG / RG turbo to a two stroke, you will NEVER have the torque numbers that a boosted 4S has. And that torque is tough on drive line components, period.
This is my 2 cents.
- 1st, the front track shock spring uses the same rate as the lighter M800 / 600 sleds, only a 115 lb/inch rate. Way too light for the big girl. You can go the Z-broz route, but Cat also offers springs from the Snocross sled that are significantly stiffer and make a dramatic change in weight transfer with out trenching. I used a 190#/in spring with 1.5" preload, giving me sufficient travel without coil bind (this happens when you have to much spring preload).
- 2nd, the stock skis are garbage. I've run PP's, 8" Slydogs, MODS, Pilot DS, Pilot 6.9's, Mohawks, USI triple threats, 7" Slydogs, and Grippers). My choice is the Grippers, followed by Pilot 6.9's without the outer carbide. I'm willing to sacrifice a little push in the corners to have a light front end.
- 3rd, ski alignment is absolutely critical on this sled. I run 1/8" toe out.
If you install a Kmod rear skid (I did) with Raptors, the front track spring is too light again, especially if rider weight is over 200 lbs. I sourced a spring from Fox with a 225#/in rate, and then you have the best of both worlds - a coupled skid when you want it, an excellent ride, and a playful front end (Big thanks to Kevin at Kmod for helping me out with this, his suspension knowledge and customer service are second to none.) Yes, you can crank the front track shock spring preload, but you are effectively reducing travel.
I'm not going to elaborate on the belt blowing / misalignment / hot clutches that these sleds are all labeled with, even though the vast majority don't have this issue, or it can be resolved fairly easily at a cost if you have one that is affected. Basically, if the sled has no turbo / exhaust blankets and is not vented, you are starting with an uphill losing battle. Sled wraps are pretty, but useless unless all you do is look at it in the garage.
Adding power to these sleds is easy to do, but unless you beef up the drive line and clutches, you will eventually have issues. Although you can add a PG / RG turbo to a two stroke, you will NEVER have the torque numbers that a boosted 4S has. And that torque is tough on drive line components, period.
This is my 2 cents.