I took out the Orange Monster for a 150mile cruise yesturday. First impressions --- WOW! Great torque. I'll have Popeye arms by the end of the season. Did a good mixture of on and off trail; twisties and railroad grades. Over studders the sled was smooth compared to a Rev 500ss. (Rode over the same trail with the Rev.) Off trail with hills didn't even challenge the sled. (snow was only 18inches deep). After 100miles I put it to the bar and took it to 92-93mph a few times in slush snow. The DD starts to sings at 70-80mph. Normal??? The reverse was flawless.

One issue that needs to be adressed is pushing in the corner. It seems like I have a lot of ski pressure but still pushes. I do have the coupler blocks set at 1, the springs set at 2 and the center spring cranked up. 240lb rider. Any suggestions?

JAG

DD sings..yup, mine too, heard its normal.

pushing-Cinch up the limiter and/or get some new skis.

The whine doesnt go away but it gets a lot quieter.

cranking up the center spring might be some of the reason for pushing in the corners. Drop it back a turn, crank the ski preload up a turn and then try it and see if the pushing is reduced.

It may be pushing in the corners because the center spring is taking weight off the skis. (to some extent).



Make sure the toe in is right (none to 1/4" toed out) so it doesn't dart.

good luck, klr

JAG MEG I put the SLP powder pros on after experiencing similar problems in the corners. Now I can just about turn the sled over it bites so much better. And I only have the 6 inch carbides, and I have not adjusted my suspension at all. Did you ride a CF 7 at all if so how much power difference did you notice with the eight, I might just have to get me one of those next year.

Yep, Get some PP skis. Best add on IMO.

Thanks all for the info. I only XF 7 for a little bit while up at the Munising Dealer last March. I can't tell if the 800 is quicker from the little seat time I had on the XF 7.

Last year my F7 went down after a week long trip and rode my buddy's stock XF 7 the last 2 days...liked the feel so i bought an XF 8 this year. I only have 200 miles on it but it doesn't seem to be as fast as his XF 7. I'll have to wait to see when we can both go ride together. I hope it's just my imagination!

From what I've seen with CF's & F's...stock ski's need more pressure to be halfway decent. With some more agressive aftermarket ski's leave the limiter's alone or back them off a bit and you'll be fine. You won't regret going to aftermarket ski & there are several great options out there all of which are a night and day difference over stock.