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IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle. Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com.

Spring Preload Adjustment

All shocks installed on Timbersled snow bikes are equipped with spring preload adjusters. For factory spring settings, see the suspension setup section for your particular model.

CAUTION

DO NOT EXCEED the MIN / MAX preload values (defined by the tables in this section). Never adjust spring preload shorter than the minimum allowable length. Adjusting shorter than this length could result in damage to the suspension. Failure to comply may result in injury or damage to equipment.

ADJUSTING THE SPRING PRELOAD

To optimize the ride quality of your Timbersled, use the following procedure:

TIP

A spanner wrench is needed to adjust the preload on shocks. (Polaris P/N: 2871095-329)

  1. Set initial spring preload. Timbersleds come with the factory setting optimal for 180-200 lbs riders. If the rider is a different weight, adjust the spring preload to the suggested settings prior to riding.

  2. Turn bike on side or elevate so shocks are fully extended.

    NOTICE
    Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and the shock is at full extension. Make spring preload adjustments in small increments (approximately 1/16th of an inch) and test ride quality between adjustments.

  3. Tune the suspension for rider weight by adjusting the spring preload of the front shock. Spring settings are preset for a rider between 180-200 lbs. If the suspension is riding low, it will become harsher due to the Internal Bypass shocks not being in the optimal riding zone.

    • Increase front spring preload for riders over 200 lbs. (shorter installed length). Do not go shorter than the minimum spring length stated in the charts.

    • Decrease spring preload for lighter riders (longer installed spring length).

    • For riders over 250 lbs, it’s recommended to change the spring out for a higher spring rate. See your POLARIS dealer for springs with higher spring rates.

    • Always set spring preload (spring length) with or without the limiter strap install, dependent on how the Timbersled will be operated.

  4. Tune ski lift by adjusting the rear shock spring preload. After initial settings are made for rider weight, fine tune adjustments can greatly affect the amount of ski lift that will occur by controlling weight transfer.

    • Reduce spring preload (longer installed spring length) for more ski lift.

    • Increase spring preload (shorter install spring length) for reduced ski lift and more control in steep terrain. Do not go shorter than the minimum set length, see Shock Spring Settings chart above.

    • An increased rear spring preload will assist in keeping the suspension at an optimal ride height for riders over 200 lbs. A higher spring rate is recommended for riders over 250 lbs.

These tips will help the dynamic feel of the snowbike by adjusting the front spring preload:

TIP

Increasing spring preload (shorter install length): Gives the ski less pressure in an active state, resulting in a lighter steering effort.

TIP

Decreasing spring preload (longer installed length): Gives the ski more pressure and a more planted feel, resulting in less trenching in soft snow.

SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS

NOTICE

Shock spring settings below are with the limiter strap removed. With the limiter strap in place, the spring factory length will be slightly shorter. If removing the limiter strap, check spring preload to ensure the spring is not completely loose.

Model Shock Position Spring Rate (lb/inch) Suggested Spring Length by rider weight
     

150–180 lb (68–82 kg)

180–200 lb (82–91 kg) (Factory setting)

200–225 lb (91–102 kg)

225–250 lb (102–113 kg)

Over 250 lb (113 kg)(Minimum Allowable Length)

Timbersled RIOT 3 PRO Front 250

7.9 in

7.75 in

7.5 in

7.25 in

7 in
Rear 80

7.9 in

7.75 in

7.5 in

7.25 in

7.1 in
Timbersled RIOT 3 S PRO Front 350

7 in

7.15 in

7 in

6.75 in

6.5 in
Rear 135

6.9 in

6.75 in

6.5 in

6.25 in

5.4 in