Can you feel any Difference in the Suspension between an XT and a RedRock Canyon?

[Tango]

Has anyone ridden both bikes? Can you feel the difference in Suspension?

 

[CrazyCooter]

We sat on a base model yesterday (no luggage) and the first thing I noticed was how much it rocked side to side, then how soft/under damped it was in the rear. Much like our 23 RTL before we swapped on the Elkas. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if they use the same shocks.

The salesman was trying to sell us, but I strait up told him it would be a Red Rock or nothing.

 

[Mikey]

Well just sitting on the bike in the show room floor without running the motor and having it in gear will not engage the rear air bag if it has one. That will make a big difference in the impression of what you're going to have on the road. And in my eye's, what really is getting on a bike and rocking it side to side really getting you? You have to get on the thing and rip it down the road, hit the bumps, steer it, hit a curve or two! Just my 2 cents!

 

[CrazyCooter]

Well just sitting on the bike in the show room floor without running the motor and having it in gear will not engage the rear air bag if it has one. That will make a big difference in the impression of what you're going to have on the road. And in my eye's, what really is getting on a bike and rocking it side to side really getting you? You have to get on the thing and rip it down the road, hit the bumps, steer it, hit a curve or two! Just my 2 cents!

It was outside, engine running, and my wife rode it down to a flat area to check it out. Feels worse that a floppy POS RT out of the box... not something I would want to take off a smooth road. That is to be somewhat expected since it is a bit taller, so leverage due to the higher roll center is at play while mounting; but at the same time, so is cornering?

Add a sway bar and/or heavier springs for the cornering and then you get less independent wheel compliance to soak up the chop. Pick your poison or buy the right package out of the gate?

If the RedRock's Smart Shox are like most other live valve systems I have worked on, the valves default to closed when the system isn't powered up. I find this to be a benefit on my Jeep when the roof top tent is deployed and it's windy!

 

[Mikey]

Oh, I misunderstood you about the just jumping on part!!! Sorry! It's great that you did get to ride it, even if it was in the driveway! I totally agree with your thoughts on going with the better package up front to start with. It seems a shame that we spend a lot of money for a machine that we have to accessorize with a better suspension package. You watch their videos, and they say they are rider, designers! Do they not take them down a bumpy hilly road? The roads up there must be smoother and straighter in Canada. Good luck in your search for golden combo!!

 

[Snoking1127]

Oh, I misunderstood you about the just jumping on part!!! Sorry! It's great that you did get to ride it, even if it was in the driveway! I totally agree with your thoughts on going with the better package up front to start with. It seems a shame that we spend a lot of money for a machine that we have to accessorize with a better suspension package. You watch their videos, and they say they are rider, designers! Do they not take them down a bumpy hilly road? The roads up there must be smoother and straighter in Canada. Good luck in your search for golden combo!!

A good off road vehicle needs four wheel drive with lockers front and back. If you watch Matt's Off Road Recovery, Trailmater, or Fab Rats, you'll see them recovering all wheel drive cars and SUVs that get stuck on flat terrain.

It will be interesting to hear their comments when they pull out the first Canyon. "You ventured here in a one wheel drive vehicle?"

 

[kvilian223]

Yeah, you can feel a difference. The RedRock tends to have a slightly stiffer, more planted suspension, especially in corners or under load, it’s tuned more for performance feel and control.

The XT, on the other hand, is a bit more forgiving, with a softer ride that soaks up bumps better, making it more comfortable for longer, casual rides