How do I make my M easier to steer?

[turbo4]

I have an M8 2011, it is too hard to steer. I love the performance in the snow, but it is way too hard to steer in the trail. Has anyone done anything to better the steering on the 2011 M? The M7 has never had an issue, it's twice as easy as mine, how do I get there?

 

[turboless terry]

Put the older spindles on it or order a 2012. The older m's didn't turn very sharp but steered easier.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

What mods are done to the sled, or is it all stock, skis, supsension???

 

[Flange]

What exactly do you mean by "hard to steer"? Is it hard to turn, or does it dart side to side on you? Something else maybe?

 

[miko]

Maybe you can take away some ski pressure?

 

[Griff]

I had the same observation when going from my 06M7 to my 09M8. You will have to tune your suspension to find the best set up for you. I came to the conclusion the biggest factor in the handling change from the M7 is due to the rear suspension after much testing and tuning plus info from others on Snowest. Some have relocated their skid frames to decrease ski pressure.

 

[jakey-boy]

Yep rear skid setup. Don't bother with a older spindle swap. I changed mine and there is no difference in the ease of steering except maybe in your head. The sharper steering is noticeable tho on the new spindles so not worth the swap. I haven't messed with it but there is a hole you can drill out and move the front skid mount which takes some ski pressure off and makes it steer lighter.

 

[Hardass]

Make sure you have a little bit of toe out on your skis or your in for a work out.

 

[cowkiller]

I put slydog trail skis on my wifes M6 and that helped a lot.
I was afraid with the easier steering it would tend to push in the corners but that is not the case. They have made a huge difference in her riding. she is able to lift a ski during carving now. Faster in the bumps. The sled just rides better.
I have simmons on my M8 (had them on hers as well)and am thinking of switching to slydog powder hounds.

 

[tchriste]

I put a set of 07 spindles on my 09 HCR and it made a big difference....about a 20% increase in leverage. We have been experimenting with modifying existing spindles and have increased leverage up to approx. 30%. Difference is night and day.

 

[Mjunkie]

An old trick that helps somewhat is cutting the skags off behind the spindle. I've done that to many sleds and it does help some and I haven't seen any downside to it.

 

[vdo1948]

Man I absolutely agree. Finally got my completely stock '11 M8 LTD on the snow. Rode for two days and it was killing me. Then got on my '05 M7 and like night and day. M7 is 162 with a stock '09 float skid. Has Powder Pros with Carl's cut and GSR revalves on all 4 shocks. Limiter straps are fully out on both sleds. I'm going to go to '07 spindles, PPs and a revalve over the summer. Don't know where else to go.

I have an M8 2011, it is too hard to steer. I love the performance in the snow, but it is way too hard to steer in the trail. Has anyone done anything to better the steering on the 2011 M? The M7 has never had an issue, it's twice as easy as mine, how do I get there?

 

[WyoBoy1000]

You guys that are converting to m7 sindles are nuts, my 09 m1000 turn so easy its not even a question. Its just lubed up and the suspension adjusted right.

 

[Blk88GT]

I tried a rental 2011 M8 Sno Pro this weekend and observed the same thing.

The steering effort required on the M8 was totally outrageous. Riding the M8 took way more out of me than the M7.

I much prefer the M7 to the M8!

 

[WyoBoy1000]

These sled don't come setup for everyones liking you have to do a little adjusting and greasing if you want it right

 

[offroadmatt]

I agree that the newer sled is harder to turn. My 07 M8 turns much easier on hard pack or at slower speeds then my 11 HCR. However I prefer the tighter turning radius on the new sled instead of the easier turning on the old. So I guess I'll deal with it.

 

[Blk88GT]

These sled don't come setup for everyones liking you have to do a little adjusting and greasing if you want it right

I get that, but drilling new skid mounting is not "a little adjusting".

 

[WyoBoy1000]

I never drilled anything, I did get a revavle done though and anyone that has a 08-2010 M-series should, its a huge improvement. AC needs kicked in the head for the valve job in those years.

 

[SnoShark]

I never drilled anything, I did get a revavle done though and anyone that has a 08-2010 M-series should, its a huge improvement. AC needs kicked in the head for the valve job in those years.

I know this has been discussed, but which/who revalve did you go with?

 

[tchriste]

I agree that the newer sled is harder to turn. My 07 M8 turns much easier on hard pack or at slower speeds then my 11 HCR. However I prefer the tighter turning radius on the new sled instead of the easier turning on the old. So I guess I'll deal with it.

You don't have to "deal with it" After one installs the 07 spindles just file the stops until one has the same turning radius....it's very easy. Anyone who thinks these newer M's turn easy should try the change in spindles just to see. HCR skis and Podwer pros have deep keels and in heavy snow or moving slowly they can be very difficult to operate, not so with the older spindles or modifying existing spindles.