That’s right, Yamaha has an all-new rear suspension for 2016! Called the SingleShot rear suspension, it is being offered in 2 lengths: 129” and 146” (shown). It is ONLY found on Yamaha’s Japan-built models, and is not being offered in any of the USA-built SR Viper models.
The engineering target was to further reduce vehicle and suspension weight without compromising ride quality. SnowTech test riders have already been riding this new suspension, and we can validate the design goal of no-compromise to the ride quality compared to the previous MonoShock rear suspension. In fact, our riders all agree it is an improvement in ride quality and performance, so when combined with a significant weight reduction and added simplicity and adjustability, it is a winner in every respect.
How much lighter, you ask? The 129” SingleShot is ten pounds lighter than the previous MonoShock suspension of the similar length, and the new 146” rail is nine pounds lighter than the 136” MonoShock suspension. These are significant weight savings, and continue to shave away the weight of the mighty 4-stroke sleds that undeniably deliver far greater durability and reliability, at the expense of added engine weight of the 4-strokes.
The SingleShot suspension features simplified front and rear arms, and goes back to familiar coupler blocks on both sides of the rear arm where it mounts to the rails for weight transfer control and rail angle management. There’s also a pull-through track tensioner, replacing the outboard track tensioners found on the MonoShock skid. The Fox Mega FLOAT has also been retired with the introduction of the SingleShot suspensions. What we now find is a new Fox 3XV shock absorber, designed specifically for this application and duty, with increased air volume and a compact design.
The SingleShot rear suspension is being offered on the 129” and 146” Apex and RS Vector models for 2016, giving them added comfort and performance while giving us a significant reduction in weight, specifically unsprung mass, which should be nothing but a plus for suspension reactive capability.
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