Maximize Your Ride: How To Adjust Clickers On Ski Doo 850

If you’re a Ski Doo 850 owner, you know that one of the keys to having an exhilarating ride is to have a well-tuned suspension system. One of the most important components of the suspension system is the clickers. Clickers help you fine-tune your suspension and give you a smoother, more controlled ride.

Adjusting clickers may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and a little bit of practice, it can be done easily. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to adjust clickers on your Ski Doo 850 and help you achieve a ride that’s tailored to your preferences.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting, knowing how to properly adjust your clickers can take your ride to the next level. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to a smoother, more controlled ride!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about adjusting clickers on your Ski Doo 850, including the importance of clicker adjustments, the science behind clicker settings, step-by-step instructions for adjusting clickers, expert tips for fine-tuning clicker settings, common mistakes to avoid, and clicker adjustments for different terrains. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to take your ride to the next level!

Understanding the Importance of Clicker Adjustment

If you’re a ski enthusiast, you understand the importance of having a smooth and comfortable ride. One of the most crucial components of your ski doo 850 is the suspension system, and a critical part of that is the clicker adjustment.

The clickers are small knobs on your suspension system that can be adjusted to achieve the perfect balance of comfort and control. Proper clicker adjustment can dramatically improve your riding experience, ensuring you have more precise steering, better handling, and increased stability.

However, if your clicker settings are off, it can lead to a less enjoyable ride, causing you to experience unwanted vibrations, harsh impacts, and unpredictable handling. It’s essential to understand that clicker adjustments are not a one-size-fits-all solution; each rider has their preferences, so it’s vital to learn how to adjust them to suit your needs.

Another critical factor to consider is that clicker adjustments are not a set-and-forget solution. They need to be regularly monitored and fine-tuned to ensure your suspension system is functioning at optimal levels. With proper clicker adjustment, you’ll be able to take on any terrain with confidence, whether it be bumpy trails or steep mountains.

Don’t underestimate the impact that a well-adjusted clicker can have on your riding experience. It can mean the difference between a smooth and enjoyable ride and a bumpy and frustrating one. So, read on to learn the science behind clicker settings, step-by-step instructions for adjusting them, and expert tips for fine-tuning your clicker settings to maximize your ride.

How Clicker Adjustments Affect Suspension Performance

When it comes to snowmobiling, suspension performance is key to a smooth and enjoyable ride. Clicker adjustments can greatly affect how your suspension performs, so it’s important to understand how these adjustments impact your ride.

By adjusting the clickers, you can control the flow of oil through your suspension’s damping system. This, in turn, affects how the suspension responds to bumps, jumps, and other terrain changes. If your clicker settings are too firm, you may feel like you’re riding on a board, whereas if they’re too soft, you may bottom out too easily.

It’s important to note that clicker adjustments don’t just affect your suspension’s performance in one specific area. Changing your clicker settings can affect your entire suspension system, from the initial compression all the way to the rebound.

To find the perfect clicker setting for your ride, you’ll need to experiment with different adjustments and find the right balance for your needs. Factors such as your riding style, the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, and your weight all come into play when finding the right clicker setting.

By understanding how clicker adjustments affect your suspension’s performance, you can fine-tune your ride to match your preferences and get the most out of your snowmobiling experience.

Impact of Clicker Settings on Rider Comfort and Control

Proper clicker adjustments can do more than just improve your snowmobile’s performance. They can also enhance your overall rider comfort and control on the trail. Here are some ways clicker settings can impact your ride:

• Stability: With the right clicker settings, you’ll enjoy a more stable ride. You’ll experience less bouncing and jolting, and you’ll be able to handle rough terrain with more confidence and control.
• Steering: Clicker adjustments can also affect your sled’s steering capabilities. If you’re having trouble with steering precision or responsiveness, adjusting your clickers can help.
• Balance: Proper clicker settings can improve your sled’s weight balance. You’ll feel more centered on your sled, which can help reduce fatigue and strain on your body during long rides.
• Shock Absorption: Clicker adjustments can also impact your sled’s shock absorption capabilities. You’ll be able to better absorb bumps and other obstacles on the trail, reducing the impact on your body and improving your overall comfort.
• Safety: Finally, proper clicker adjustments can also make your ride safer. With more control over your sled and improved handling capabilities, you’ll be less likely to lose control or get into an accident.

By making the right clicker adjustments, you can improve your ride in countless ways. Keep reading to learn more about the science behind clicker settings and how to adjust your clickers for maximum performance and comfort.

How to Determine Optimal Clicker Settings for Your Riding Style

There are several factors to consider when determining the optimal clicker settings for your riding style. The first is the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you’re primarily riding on groomed trails, you’ll want a different clicker setting than if you’re riding in deep powder or on rough terrain.

Another factor to consider is your riding style. Do you like to ride aggressively, taking on jumps and rough terrain? Or are you a more casual rider, taking it easy on groomed trails? Your riding style can impact the optimal clicker settings for your sled.

The weight of your sled is also an important consideration. If your sled is loaded down with gear, you may need to adjust your clicker settings to compensate for the added weight. Additionally, your weight as a rider can impact the optimal clicker settings. A heavier rider may need a different setting than a lighter rider.

It’s also important to consider the suspension setup of your sled. If you’ve made modifications or upgrades to your suspension, you may need to adjust your clicker settings accordingly. Finally, you’ll want to consider any personal preferences you have for your sled’s performance, such as how stiff or plush you want the suspension to feel.

By taking into account all of these factors, you can determine the optimal clicker settings for your riding style and sled. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect setting, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The Science Behind Clicker Settings

While clicker adjustments may seem like a small tweak, they can have a significant impact on your snowmobiling experience. Suspension systems are designed to absorb bumps and keep your skis on the snow. Clicker settings control the amount of oil flow through the shock absorbers, which affects the suspension’s ability to absorb bumps.

The key to understanding clicker settings lies in understanding the relationship between oil flow and damping. Damping is the resistance to motion that slows down the compression and rebound of the shock absorber. By controlling oil flow, clicker settings can alter damping and change how the suspension reacts to bumps.

Temperature can also have a significant impact on clicker settings. When oil heats up, its viscosity decreases, which can lead to changes in damping. As a result, the optimal clicker settings for a cold day may be different from those on a hot day.

Finally, it’s essential to understand the impact of preload on clicker settings. Preload is the amount of compression applied to the spring before the shock absorber is compressed. By adjusting preload, you can change the suspension’s response to bumps, and thus the optimal clicker settings.

How Clickers Control Damping Force

The clicker on a shock absorber works by controlling the amount of damping force that is applied to the suspension. When you turn the clicker, it changes the size of the orifice in the shock piston, which controls the flow of oil through the piston. This affects how much resistance the shock provides when the suspension compresses or rebounds.

When you turn the clicker clockwise, you are reducing the size of the orifice, which restricts the flow of oil and increases the damping force. Conversely, turning the clicker counterclockwise increases the size of the orifice, allowing more oil to flow and decreasing the damping force.

By adjusting the clicker settings, you can fine-tune the suspension to suit your riding style and the terrain you’re riding on. For example, if you’re riding on a rough trail, you may want to increase the damping force to prevent bottoming out, while on a smooth trail, you may want to reduce the damping force to improve comfort and traction.

It’s important to note that the clicker adjustment only affects the high-speed damping force of the suspension, which is the resistance provided by the shock when the suspension is compressing quickly, such as when hitting a bump or landing a jump. The low-speed damping force, which affects the suspension’s response to smaller bumps and rider weight shifts, is controlled by a separate adjuster on the shock.

Understanding the Relationship Between Clicker Settings and Suspension Travel

Suspension travel is the distance that the ski or track can move up and down in response to bumps in the terrain. The more travel a sled has, the better it can absorb impacts and maintain contact with the snow. Adjusting clickers can affect how much travel your sled has and how it responds to bumps and jumps.

Stiffening the clickers reduces suspension travel, which can be beneficial in certain conditions. It can help to prevent bottoming out on hard landings and keep the sled stable at high speeds. However, it can also make the sled feel harsh over smaller bumps and jumps.

Softening the clickers increases suspension travel, which can be helpful in deep snow or when riding over large bumps. This can make the sled feel more comfortable and forgiving, but it can also reduce stability and cause the sled to bounce or wallow in certain conditions.

It’s important to find a balance between suspension travel and stability that works for your riding style and the conditions you ride in. Experimenting with different clicker settings and testing your sled in a variety of conditions can help you find the right balance for you.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adjusting Clickers on Ski Doo 850

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Clickers

The first step in adjusting clickers on your Ski Doo 850 is to locate them on your suspension. The clickers are typically located on the top of the shock absorbers and are labeled with + and – symbols. Familiarizing yourself with the location and labeling of the clickers will make the adjustment process easier and more efficient.

Step 2: Adjust the Clickers

To adjust the clickers, use a clicker tool or a flathead screwdriver to turn the clickers in the desired direction. Turning the clickers clockwise will increase the damping force, while turning them counterclockwise will decrease the damping force. Start with small adjustments and test your sled to feel the difference in performance.

Step 3: Test Ride and Make Further Adjustments

After making adjustments to the clickers, take your Ski Doo 850 for a test ride. Pay attention to the handling and suspension performance and make further adjustments as necessary. Remember that small adjustments can have a big impact on performance, so take the time to find the optimal setting for your riding style and terrain.

Locating the Clicker Adjuster on Your Ski Doo 850

If you’re new to adjusting clickers on your Ski Doo 850, it’s important to know where to find the clicker adjuster. On the 850, the adjuster is located on the rear shock, near the top of the shock body. Look for a small knob with “+” and “-” markings.

Before making any adjustments, it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual to ensure you understand the specific clicker settings for your sled model. This will help you achieve the best results for your riding style and preferences.

Once you’ve located the clicker adjuster, you can begin making adjustments to the suspension to fine-tune your sled’s performance on the snow.

Adjusting Clickers for Different Riding Conditions

When adjusting clickers on your Ski Doo 850, it’s important to consider the type of riding conditions you’ll be encountering. Different settings may be optimal for different terrains, temperatures, and riding styles.

Terrain: If you’re riding on rough or uneven terrain, you may want to increase your clicker settings to provide more damping force and stability. On smoother terrain, you may be able to lower your clicker settings for a more comfortable ride.

Temperature: Temperature can also affect the optimal clicker settings for your Ski Doo 850. In colder temperatures, the oil in your shocks will be thicker and may require higher clicker settings to maintain proper damping force. In warmer temperatures, the oil will be thinner and may require lower clicker settings.

Riding Style: Finally, your riding style can also impact your clicker settings. If you tend to ride aggressively and push your Ski Doo to its limits, higher clicker settings may be necessary to provide the stability and control you need. If you prefer a more relaxed riding style, lower clicker settings may be more comfortable.

How to Test Your Clicker Adjustments and Make Fine-Tuning Changes

Once you’ve made initial clicker adjustments, it’s important to test them out to see how your sled responds to different riding conditions.

A common way to test your clicker adjustments is to start with a moderate speed, and gradually increase it while riding on a flat surface. Take note of how your sled feels, and any changes in handling or suspension performance.

If you notice any issues, such as excessive bouncing or harsh feedback through the handlebars, it may be necessary to make fine-tuning adjustments.

When making fine-tuning changes, it’s best to make small adjustments and test them out before making more changes. Keep track of the changes you make and how they affect your sled’s performance, so you can easily revert back if necessary.

Expert Tips for Fine-Tuning Clicker Settings

Experiment with small adjustments: When making changes to your clicker settings, it’s best to start with small adjustments and test them out before making any major changes. This will help you fine-tune your settings without causing any drastic changes to your ride.

Take notes: Keep track of the changes you make and how they affect your ride. This will help you remember what worked and what didn’t, making it easier to make future adjustments.

Consider your riding style: Your riding style can have a big impact on which clicker settings work best for you. If you’re a more aggressive rider, you may need stiffer settings to handle jumps and bumps. If you’re a more casual rider, softer settings may be more comfortable.

Consult with a professional: If you’re having trouble finding the optimal clicker settings for your ride, consider consulting with a professional mechanic or suspension tuner. They can provide valuable insights and help you fine-tune your settings for maximum performance.

How to Identify and Address Common Clicker Adjustment Issues

Lack of Damping: If you notice that your sled is bouncing excessively, you may need to increase the clicker setting to provide more damping force. Try increasing the clicker setting by 1-2 clicks at a time until you achieve the desired level of damping.

Harsh Ride: If you find that your sled is riding too harshly over bumps, you may need to decrease the clicker setting to soften the suspension. Try decreasing the clicker setting by 1-2 clicks at a time until you achieve a smoother ride.

Bottoming Out: If your sled is bottoming out frequently, you may need to increase the clicker setting to provide more support. Try increasing the clicker setting by 2-3 clicks at a time until your sled is no longer bottoming out.

Inconsistent Handling: If you experience inconsistent handling, such as feeling unstable in corners or when landing jumps, you may need to adjust the clickers to balance the suspension. Try adjusting the front and rear clickers by the same number of clicks to achieve better balance.

Using Data Acquisition Systems to Optimize Clicker Settings

Data acquisition systems are an effective tool for gathering and analyzing data to help optimize clicker settings. These systems allow riders to collect data on various parameters such as suspension travel, shock velocity, and G-forces.

After collecting the data, riders can use it to make informed decisions about fine-tuning their clicker settings. By comparing data from different runs or riding conditions, riders can see the effect of changes they have made and identify which settings work best for different terrains or styles of riding.

Using a data acquisition system can also help riders identify issues with their suspension or clicker settings. For example, if the data shows excessive bottoming out or harshness over bumps, it may indicate that the clicker settings need to be adjusted or the suspension needs to be serviced.

However, data acquisition systems can be expensive and require specialized knowledge to use effectively. Riders who want to use these systems should consider working with a professional who can help them interpret the data and make the necessary adjustments to their clicker settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adjusting Clickers

Not Testing Before and After Adjustments: Always test your sled before and after making any clicker adjustments to evaluate the impact of your changes.

Ignoring Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Ski Doo provides a recommended setting for each sled model based on various riding conditions. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to performance issues and void your warranty.

Making Hasty Changes: Clicker adjustments should be made in small increments to achieve the best results. Avoid making drastic changes without thorough testing.

Focusing Solely on Clicker Settings: Remember that clicker settings are just one aspect of your sled’s suspension system. Neglecting other components, such as shock pressure and spring rate, can compromise your ride quality.

Overlooking Environmental Factors: External factors like temperature, snow conditions, and rider weight can significantly affect your sled’s performance. Always take these factors into account when adjusting your clickers.

Overlooking the Impact of Other Suspension Components on Clicker Settings

While adjusting clickers is an important step in tuning your suspension, it’s important not to overlook the impact of other suspension components on your clicker settings. One common mistake is to assume that clickers are the only thing that needs to be adjusted.

Other components, such as shocks, springs, and sway bars, can all have an impact on the behavior of your suspension system. It’s important to consider how these components are interacting with your clickers and adjust them accordingly.

For example, if your shocks are too soft, you may need to adjust your clickers to compensate for the extra movement. If your sway bars are too stiff, you may need to adjust your clickers to allow more movement in the suspension.

Make sure to take a comprehensive approach to suspension tuning and consider all components, not just the clickers. This will ensure that you get the best performance and handling from your Ski Doo 850.

It’s important to remember that the suspension system is a complex interplay of components, and adjusting one component can have a ripple effect on the others. By taking a comprehensive approach to suspension tuning and considering all components, you’ll be able to fine-tune your suspension for the best performance possible.

Maximizing Your Ride: Clicker Adjustments for Different Terrains

When it comes to adjusting your clickers for different terrains, experimentation is key. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings and adjust from there based on the specific terrain you’ll be riding on.

Soft terrain, like deep snow or sand, requires a softer suspension setup with less compression damping and more rebound damping. This will allow the skis to stay on top of the snow or sand, providing better traction and control.

Hard terrain, like packed snow or ice, requires a stiffer suspension setup with more compression damping and less rebound damping. This will provide better stability and control on the harder surface.

For mixed terrain, like trails with a mix of hard and soft snow, you’ll need to find a balance between the two setups. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your riding style and the terrain.

Don’t forget to also take into account the temperature and altitude of the terrain you’ll be riding on. These factors can also affect your suspension setup and clicker adjustments.

How to Adjust Clickers for Trail Riding

• Begin with the manufacturer’s recommended settings: Start with the recommended baseline settings for your bike and then adjust the clickers to your personal preference.
• Consider the terrain: For trail riding, you’ll want a softer suspension to absorb bumps and dips. Adjust your clickers to a lower compression and rebound setting.
• Adjust to your weight: Your weight and gear will impact how your bike handles. If you’re carrying a heavy backpack or riding with a passenger, adjust the clickers to compensate for the extra weight.
• Don’t overdo it: It’s important to find the right balance. If you adjust the clickers too much, you may compromise the handling and stability of your bike.

Trail riding can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging. By adjusting your clickers to suit the terrain, you can improve your comfort and control on the bike. Remember to take it slow and make small adjustments until you find the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions