18’ front end setup help

[MikeMetzger]

Hey all,
I picked up an 18’ MC 153” and got my first ride in on it. Loved the engine, sidehilling, and climbing capabilities, but the front just seemed wayyyy to hard to move around. Anyone else feel this and have some advice on front shock setup and????? Thanks!

 

[knh208]

What's the ski stance on that rig? Perhaps an illusion, but looks wide...

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

[ziggity]

Riding my fathers mountain cat I had the fronts at 65 psi and on clicker 2, I found it pretty easy to throw around .

 

[summ8rmk]

The front track shock will make a significant difference in maneuverability.
Add some air till it feels as playful as u like.

Sent it

 

[MikeMetzger]

The skis are set on the middle position, I’ll try them out in the narrowest position.
Interesting comment about the front rear shock, I can actually see how that might help ? Thanks, I’ll try it.

 

[Badv2]

I would leave the spindle in the middle ski stance is not the issue. If there's too much pressure in ski shocks they can be pigs. I run 60 psi and steer with toe pressure.

 

[MikeMetzger]

Another issue is I wish I could get the post about 1-3" further forward. Reason being is I'm 6ft5" 225, and the backward slope just cramps me up too much in the cockpit, also I need to raise my bars, and hate having the risers not in line with the post, makes for an "ugly" steering feel......

 

[summ8rmk]

Another issue is I wish I could get the post about 1-3" further forward. Reason being is I'm 6ft5" 225, and the backward slope just cramps me up too much in the cockpit, also I need to raise my bars, and hate having the risers not in line with the post, makes for an "ugly" steering feel......

Mike,
Steering will always feel heavier than a Doo but maneuverability will be lighter with 65-80psi in the front track shock.
Ur weight, u probably want 150-160psi in the rear track shock.
Skis, 60psi is a good start.

With the sled on a level surface (concrete shop floor) adjust the steering riser to 90° or use a level. That will give u at least 2in, that makes a huge difference. I did not notice any negative effects in steering.

Welcome to the great world of Cat....

Sent it

 

[sno*jet]

you wont want to believe it but the stock 16-18 skis are garbage for anything but late spring riding imo. the keel is just so dang deep (heavy, catchy steering) and the rest of the botom is flat so they slip off of things on edge in the techy stuff. even skidoo skis are better. grippers or SLP skis will solve a lot of the mishandling. was gonna suggest inch taller riser too but thats preferance. youre a big dude on a 153, if you climb a lot you might wanna stay lowwer/more over front? especially if you pump that FTS up to remedy those grabby-ass skis lol.

 

[boondocker97]

you wont want to believe it but the stock 16-18 skis are garbage for anything but late spring riding imo. the keel is just so dang deep (heavy, catchy steering) and the rest of the botom is flat so they slip off of things on edge in the techy stuff. even skidoo skis are better. grippers or SLP skis will solve a lot of the mishandling. was gonna suggest inch taller riser too but thats preferance. youre a big dude on a 153, if you climb a lot you might wanna stay lowwer/more over front? especially if you pump that FTS up to remedy those grabby-ass skis lol.

The Cat 2019+ Proclimb 7 G2 ski bottoms are a great improvement for about $80 each + the mounting hardware.

 

[Badv2]

Mike builds a fine custom ski.
Can't wait for more videos.

 

[Rixster]

Another issue is I wish I could get the post about 1-3" further forward. Reason being is I'm 6ft5" 225, and the backward slope just cramps me up too much in the cockpit, also I need to raise my bars, and hate having the risers not in line with the post, makes for an "ugly" steering feel......

I am 6'4 and my son is 6'5 we both run the cat 7.5 inch riser and love it.

 

[MikeMetzger]

Thanks for all the feedback guys/gals!! I got a shock pump ordered up, so excited to try the sled again with your recommended shock settings! I appreciate y’all!

 

[kidwoo]

Guy coming from skidoo doesn't like the backward angle of the cat steering post?

I'm confusedededed.

The bar bend on the cats is a little much IMO. You can move the stem a little more angled forward without putting your hands in front of the T-post because of that bend.

 

[MountainCat1]

I had not really thought about it 'till now reading these posts, but at only 5' 7" tall, I had always felt cramped trying to stay forward on my '17 Mountain Cat & had considered changing the riser height/angle or a post forward kit. Now with the IceAge Elevate kit installed, I am more comfortable staying back a bit on the boards (with the factory riser) like my older M8, & on the Ascender chassis feel more in control with just foot pressure to steer in the neutral position!

 

[ltmfb]

I'm also tall, 6'7" and about 250 w/out gear. I had my shocks revalved by a guy in Idaho (Gas Shock Repair) and it made a good difference.

PSI I run:
Front shock - 65
FTS - 60
Rear - currently 180 - I'm still playing around with this one. It always feels like it bottoms out on whooped out trails even when I had it at 145-160 but rides well in powder at either setting, and still has that bottom out feel on trails into the powder.

As for the steering height. I ordered the adjustable PowerMadd riser and really like it.