Content Source: 2021 Timbersled SX 120 / ARO / RIOT Owner’s Manual (9931501 R01) > The Perfect Fit Chapter

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

Suspension Quick Setup Guide

Overview

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  • Front Track Shock
  • Rear Track Shock

  • Spring Preload Adjuster
  • Shock Clicker (if equipped)
IMPORTANT
Prior to adjusting spring preload, always lay the snow bike on it’s side or elevate it off the ground. The shocks must be fully extended for proper preload adjustment.
The best suspension setting depends on many variables including the riding terrain and the rider’s weight, riding style, and individual preferences.

Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models)

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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  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 vehicle balance using rear shock preload adjuster. Adjusting the rear shock’s spring preload affects the smoothness of your ride by controlling the amount of weight transferred by the suspension. Increasing the preload will decrease the amount of weight transferred. Heavier riders will typically require more preload than lighter riders.
    TIP

    A spanner wrench is needed to adjust the preload on IFP and Walker Evans shocks. (Polaris P/N: 2871095-329)
    • For LESS weight transfer, increase the rear shock spring preload by turning the preload adjuster clockwise.
    • For MORE weight transfer, decrease the rear shock spring preload by turning the preload adjuster counterclockwise.
  4. Tune ski pressure. Manipulating the front shock spring preload in addition to the rear, will also adjust the snow bike’s ski-to-ground pressure. If the ski-to-ground pressure is too heavy or light, the bike may experience difficulties in steering and stability on certain terrain.
    • If ski-to-ground pressure is TOO HEAVY, increase the front shock spring preload and decrease the rear shock preload.
    • If ski-to-ground pressure is TOO LIGHT, decrease the front shock spring preload and increase the rear shock preload.

Timbersled ARO Models

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Standard Models

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Standard Timbersled ARO snow bikes are equipped with Timbersled IFP shocks that utilize spring load adjusters to customize weight transfer and ski-to-ground pressure.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance using rear shock preload adjuster . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.
FRONT SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Front Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
ARO 129 Timbersled IFP 150 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in
ARO 129 S Timbersled IFP 250 6 1/2 in 6 in
ARO 137 Timbersled IFP 150 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in
REAR SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Rear Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length

ARO 129

 Timbersled IFP 175 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in

ARO 129 S

 Timbersled IFP 250 6 1/2 in 6 in

ARO 137

 Timbersled IFP 175 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in

LE Models

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Timbersled ARO LE snow bikes are equipped with FOX® QS3® shocks that utilize spring preload adjusters and shock clickers to customize weight transfer and shock compression.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance using rear shock preload adjuster . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.
  3. Adjust shock compression using shock clickers . Tune the firmness of your ride by adjusting the shock clickers on the FOX® QS3® shocks. These clickers have a three-position adjuster for soft, medium, and firm compression settings.
    Clicker Position Compression Setting
    1 Soft
    2 Medium
    3 Firm
FRONT SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Front Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length

ARO 129 LE

 FOX® QS3® 150 7 7/8 in 7 7/16 in

ARO 129 3 LE

 FOX® QS3® 150 7 7/8 in 7 7/16 in

ARO 137 LE

 FOX® QS3® 150 7 7/8 in 7 7/16 in
REAR SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Rear Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length

ARO 129 LE

 FOX® QS3® 175 7 3/4 in 7 7/16 in

ARO 129 3 LE

 FOX® QS3® 175 7 3/4 in 7 7/16 in

ARO 137 LE

 FOX® QS3® 175 7 3/4 in 7 7/16 in

VELOCITY Models

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Timbersled ARO VELOCITY snow bikes are equipped with Walker Evans Velocity shocks that utilize spring preload adjusters and clickers to customize weight transfer and shock compression.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance and ski-to-ground pressure using shock spring preload adjusters . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.

  1. Adjust shock compression using shock clickers .
    The Walker Evans Velocity shocks come equipped with an inside clicker (black) and an outside clicker (red). These clickers adjust shock compression for high- and low-speed trail events.

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NOTICE
Speed refers to the rate of shock compression, not speed of vehicle.
  • The outside clicker adjusts shock compression during high speed compression events (trail whoops, trail chatter, etc.). Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
  • The inside clicker adjusts shock compression during low speed compression events (takeoff, G-outs, etc.). Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Shock Location Shock Type Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Front Track Walker Evans Velocity 150 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in
Rear Track Walker Evans Velocity 175 8 13/16 in 8 7/16 in

Timbersled RIOT Models

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Standard Models

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Standard Timbersled RIOT snow bikes are equipped with Timbersled IFP shocks that utilize spring load adjusters to customize weight transfer and ski-to-ground pressure.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance using rear shock preload adjuster . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.
FRONT SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Front Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Timbersled RIOT 120 Timbersled IFP 250 8 1/2 in 8 1/4 in
Timbersled RIOT 120 S Timbersled IFP 450 6 3/4 in 6 7/16 in
REAR SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Rear Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Timbersled RIOT 120 Timbersled IFP 80 8 1/2 in 7 in
Timbersled RIOT 120 S Timbersled IFP 135 6 3/4 in 6 in

LE Models

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Timbersled RIOT LE snow bikes are equipped with FOX® QS3® shocks that utilize spring preload adjusters and shock clickers to customize weight transfer and shock compression.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance using rear shock preload adjuster . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.
  3. Adjust shock compression using shock clickers . Tune the firmness of your ride by adjusting the shock clickers on the FOX® QS3® shocks. These clickers have a three-position adjuster for soft, medium, and firm compression settings.
    Clicker Position Compression Setting
    1 Soft
    2 Medium
    3 Firm
FRONT SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Front Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Timbersled RIOT 120 LE FOX® QS3® 250 8 1/2 in 8 1/4 in
Timbersled RIOT 120 S LE FOX® QS3® 450 6 3/4 in 6 7/16 in
REAR SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Model Rear Shock Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Timbersled RIOT 120 LE FOX® QS3® 80 8 1/2 in 7 in
Timbersled RIOT 120 S LE FOX® QS3® 135 6 3/4 in 6 in

VELOCITY Models

Image
Timbersled RIOT VELOCITY snow bikes are equipped with Walker Evans Velocity shocks that utilize spring preload adjusters and clickers to customize weight transfer and shock compression.
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 SUSPENSION
For those that wish to customize the ride quality of their snow bike, complete the following procedure:
  1. Ride your snow bike. Test ride your snow bike on preferred terrain to feel out the factory suspension settings prior to making any adjustments. Optimal suspension settings can change depending on terrain and skill level.
  2. Tune vehicle balance and ski-to-ground pressure using shock spring preload adjusters . See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for preload instruction.

  1. Adjust shock compression using shock clickers .
    The Walker Evans Velocity shocks come equipped with an inside clicker (black) and an outside clicker (red). These clickers adjust shock compression for high- and low-speed trail events.

Image
NOTICE
Speed refers to the rate of shock compression, not speed of vehicle.
  • The outside clicker adjusts shock compression during high speed compression events (trail whoops, trail chatter, etc.). Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
  • The inside clicker adjusts shock compression during low speed compression events (takeoff, G-outs, etc.). Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Shock Location Shock Type Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Front Track Walker Evans Velocity 250 8 1/2 in 8 1/4 in
Rear Track Walker Evans Velocity 80 8 1/2 in 7 in

Timbersled SX Models

Timbersled 120 SX models are equipped with FOX® 1.5 Zero LSC-R shocks on both the front and rear of the track. Each shock uses a set of clickers to adjust compression and rebound damping. Increasing or decreasing the shock dampers changes the stiffness or softness of your ride.
NOTICE
Set your snow bike’s spring preload adjustments BEFORE adjusting the shock clickers.
IMPORTANT
Never adjust the shocks beyond their minimum or maximum preload values.
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  • Spring Preload Adjuster
  • Compression Damping Clicker
  • Rebound Damping Clicker

Spring Preload Adjuster

Adjusting the rear track spring preload helps tune vehicle balance between the ski and rear track during rider weight transfer. See Spring Preload Adjustment (All Models) for spring preload adjustment instruction.

Compression Damping Clicker

Adjusting the compression damping clicker helps create a stiffer or softer ride by customizing the rate of shock compression over rough terrain.
  • For a stiffer ride, turn the clicker clockwise to increase damping.
  • For a softer ride, turn the clicker counterclockwise to decrease damping.

Rebound Damping Clicker

The rebound damping clicker is located on the shaft side of each shock. The rebound clicker controls how the shock returns to the proper position after a bump or irregularity in terrain. Adjust the rebound damping clicker to create smoother ride.
  • For a stiffer ride, increase rebound damping by turning the clicker clockwise.
  • For a softer ride, decrease rebound damping by turning the clicker counterclockwise.

Shock Spring Settings

Shock Location Shock Type Spring Rate Factory Installed Length Minimum Allowable Length
Front Track FOX® 1.5 Zero LSC-R 200 7 7/8 in 7 25/32 in
Rear Track FOX® 1.5 Zero LSC-R 200 7 7/8 in 7 25/32 in

Timbersled Suspension Strut SX Shocks (if equipped)

The Timbersled Strut SX Shock Body suspension system (TSS) is designed to increase your snow bike’s performance and enhance responsive steering and handling. For maximum suspension performance, follow the tuning instructions below.
NOTICE
Installation instructions are provided with the TSS accessory kit. For replacement instructions, see your local Timbersled dealer or visit the Timbersled website.

Shock Travel

The TSS shock O-ring, found on the outer shock body, is designed to gauge the amount of shock travel. To measure the amount of shock travel using the O-ring, follow these steps:
  1. Slide the TSS O-ring down to the lowest position.
  2. Ride the snow bike for approximately 10 minutes. Then shut down the engine and dismount the bike.
  3. Elevate snow bike so the weight of the vehicle is removed from the shock and the TSS shock is at full-extension.
  4. Measure how much the O-ring has moved by calculating the distance between the O-ring’s starting position and post-ride position.
    NOTICE

    O-ring movement equals the amount of TSS shock travel. The TSS shock has a max travel distance of 1.5 in until it will bottom out. The recommended amount of shock travel is approximately 1-1/8 in of stroke.

  5. Tune the TSS shock in increments of 25 psi to reach the targeted amount of shock travel (1.13 in) and accomplish perfect calibration.

Adjusting Air Pressure

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NOTICE
The TSS Shock is factory preset at 260 psi. Use a FOX® Float air pump to adjust the spring rate and preload of the TSS Shock.
caution
DO NOT EXCEED the minimum or maximum pressure values specified below. Pressurizing above or below these settings could result in damage to the suspension. Failure to comply may result in injury or damage to equipment.
Suggested TSS Pressures
Setting PSI
Minimum Setting 200
Factory Setting 260
Maximum Setting 400
  1. Turn bike on side or elevate so the weight of the vehicle is removed from the shock.
  2. Remove the valve cap .
  3. Thread the pump onto the valve-stem until the pump pressurizes and supplied pressure is readable on the gauge.
    NOTICE
    During pressurization of the air pump, the shock will depress 20 psi to fill the pump hose. When checking the air pressure, compensate for this loss by adding 20 psi to the reading.
  4. When finished, detach the air pump.
    NOTICE
    When tuning your TSS shock, add or subtract air pressure in increments of 25 psi at a time. Do not get snow or water inside the valve stem as this could cause an air leak in the shock. After each 25 psi increment of adjusted air pressure, slide the O-ring back to the lowest position and ride your snow bike for approximately 10 minutes before rechecking shock travel distance.

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