The suspensions of Lynx snowmobiles, designed for Nordic conditions, offer exceptional comfort, performance, and the ability to handle demanding snow conditions. By adjusting the suspension, you can affect your snowmobile's handling and get the most out of it in various conditions. Below, we will provide you with the best tips on how to maximize your riding experience on a Lynx snowmobile by adjusting different types of suspensions.

How to adjust the suspension on a Lynx snowmobile?

The adjustability of the suspension varies between different Lynx snowmobile models. In trail and crossover models designed for sporty riding, as well as in models intended for aggressive deep snow riding, the suspension is widely adjustable thanks to high-quality, quick-adjustable KYB shock absorbers. The RE package, available in the Rave, Xterrain, Commander, Brutal, and Shredder model families, includes performance-oriented and quick-adjustable KYB shock absorbers.

The suspension can also be adjusted in other ways. The position of the rear suspension limiter strap can be adjusted on all Lynx snowmobile models, and this adjustment significantly affects, among other things, how the snowmobile performs in soft snow or how it handles on hard-packed trail.

Watch the instructional video on how to adjust the limiter strap for the PPS³ suspension below:

Adjusting the spring preload also significantly affects the handling of the snowmobile, and this adjustment can be made on all Lynx snowmobiles. Adjusting the spring preload affects the force required for the spring to start compressing under load or impact from the terrain. Changing the preload affects the ride height, stance, and the sensitivity and load-bearing capacity of the suspension. Spring preload adjustment also affects the ski pressure.

Spring preload refers to the amount the spring is compressed from its free length by adjusting the preload. Increasing the preload makes the suspension stiffer and adds carrying capacity. To adjust the preload, the spring's locking ring must first be loosened, after which the spring is turned to adjust the preload.

Adjusting the PPS³ rear suspension

1. Setting the sag:

The rear suspension’s rear spring affects the snowmobile's ride height, stance, and load-bearing capacity. To measure the sag of the rear suspension, first measure the distance from the upper mounting bolt of the rear suspension to the ground while the suspension is fully extended. Next, the rider sits on the snowmobile wearing their gear, and any load that may be attached to the snowmobile is also included for the new measurement. The difference between the two measurements equals the sag. The ideal sag for the PPS³ rear suspension used in Lynx Rave, Xterrain, and Adventure snowmobiles is approximately 95 millimeters. If the sag is less than this, reduce the preload by turning the spring adjuster nut counterclockwise by one full turn. If the sag is greater, increase the preload by turning the adjuster nut in the opposite direction. Repeat the measurement until the sag is within the desired range.

Watch the instructional video on how to measure the sag below:

2. Adjusting the KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shock

The Rave RE and Xterrain RE snowmobiles feature top-quality KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shock absorbers in both the LFS+ front suspension and PPS³ rear suspension, which are three-way adjustable. This means there are quick adjustments for both high and low speed compression damping, as well as rebound damping. The wide adjustment range ensures that the snowmobile can be precisely tailored not only to different riding conditions but also to various driver preferences.

In the image, the PPS³ rear suspension’s KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima center shock absorber shows a reservoir with an adjustment nut for high speed compression damping, and a slotted screw inside it, adjusted with a flathead screwdriver, for low speed compression damping. The rebound damping is adjusted with a flathead screwdriver from the shock absorber’s shaft.

We have created three preset adjustment levels for the suspension of the Rave RE trail snowmobiles and Xterrain RE crossover models, each offering a different riding experience. The Comfort setting emphasizes comfort and suspension sensitivity, as its name suggests. The Standard factory setting is suitable for most riders, providing the best combination of performance and comfort in varying trail conditions. The Sport setting is recommended for very rough trails or when the rider's riding style is more aggressive. You can find the table for the different adjustment levels of your PPS³ suspension in the owner’s manual of your Lynx snowmobile.

Three-way adjustable KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shock absorbers are used in the LFS+ front suspension of Rave RE- ja Xterrain RE snowmobiles. High speed compression damping is adjusted from the side of the reservoir using a 17 mm wrench, measured in turns, while low speed compression damping is adjusted manually in clicks from the adjustment screw. Rebound damping is adjusted from a hand-turned adjustment screw located on the shock absorber shaft.

To adjust the KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shock absorbers, you will need a flathead screwdriver and a 17 mm wrench or socket. The wrench is used to adjust the high speed compression damping for both the front and rear suspensions, while the flathead screwdriver is used for the low speed compression damping on the rear suspension. The low speed compression damping for the front suspension is adjusted using a plastic knob at the top of the shock, and the rebound damping is adjusted from the bottom of the shock, both by hand. The rebound damping for the rear suspension is adjusted with a flathead screwdriver. The adjustment for high speed compression damping is measured in turns of the nut, while adjustments for low speed compression damping and rebound damping are felt as clicks in the adjustment screw, which is where the term “clicker” comes from.


In the video below, we demonstrate how to set the different adjustment levels for the KYB PRO HLCR shocks on the 2022 Rave RE and Xterrain RE snowmobiles. Note: the recommended adjustments may vary slightly by model year, so to find the adjustment chart suitable for your snowmobile, please refer to the OWNER'S MANUAL.

Adjusting the EASYRIDE+ rear suspension

The EasyRide+ rear suspension used in wide-track Lynx crossover and utility snowmobiles allows for adjustment of the spring preload and limiter strap, and in certain models, the shock absorbers can also be adjusted using clickers. Additionally, some wide-track Lynx snowmobiles feature a separate adjustment handle on the rear suspension of the EasyRide+ rear suspensiom, which affects the suspension's performance under different loads. The same adjuster can also be found in the previous version of the EasyRide suspension.

The EasyRide+ rear suspension used in wide-track Lynx crossover and utility snowmobiles is adjustable in all models in terms of spring preload and the front arm limiter strap.

Like other Lynx rear suspensions, adjusting the limiter strap on the EasyRide+ rear suspension has a significant impact on the snowmobile's handling and ability to traverse soft snow. The EasyRide+ rear suspension limiter strap has three settings, with the standard setting 2 being the best for general use. The longest setting 1 is recommended when maximum suspension capacity and the lightest handling are desired on flat terrain. Conversely, the shortest setting 3 improves the snowmobile's ability to rise on top of deep snow and, due to a shallower approach angle, makes climbing hills easier. However, setting 3 also shortens the travel of the center arm and reduces the weight transfer in the suspension.

1. Adjusting the KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R shock

The rear arm on the Commander RE and Brutal RE snowmobiles uses a KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R shock absorber with a remote reservoir. It features a three-position quick adjustment for compression damping and a separate, flat-head screwdriver-adjustable knob for rebound damping. The compression damping adjustment affects both low and high speed motion, offering easy and quick adjustability over a wide range without tools. For sporty riding, where maximum damping capacity is required from the shocks, the Sport setting is the best choice. The Comfort setting provides the best comfort for relaxed riding, while the middle setting, Standard, falls between these two extremes.

A similar adjustment mechanism is found in the Commander RE and Brutal RE models' LFS+ front suspension, which uses KYB PRO 36 EA-3 R shock absorbers. The rebound damping on the front shock absorbers is adjusted manually by turning the adjustment knob located at the bottom of the shock.

The KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R shock absorber is used in the rear arm of the Commander RE and Brutal RE snowmobile's rear suspension. Compression damping is conveniently adjustable with a three-position switch (Comfort, Standard, and Sport), and rebound damping is adjusted with a screw on the shock absorber shaft using a flathead screwdriver.

2. Adjusting the rear arm of EasyRide+ (and EasyRide) rear suspension

On certain wide-track Lynx snowmobiles, the EasyRide+ rear suspension features a separate adjustment handle that changes the leverage ratio of the suspension, thereby affecting its load capacity under different loads. The adjustment handle is easiest to use by turning the snowmobile on its side, so there is no load on the suspension. The adjuster is turned manually in the direction indicated by the image next to the adjuster to reach the lever's endpoint.

The EasyRide+ rear suspension (in Commander, 59 Ranger PRO, 59 Ranger Alpine, and 69 Ranger PRO models) features an adjustment lever on the rear arm that affects the suspension's leverage ratio and the snowmobile's performance under different loads. 

Position 1 is always recommended when riding alone and when a heavy load is not carried on the snowmobile. Position 1 is also best when towing a load while riding solo. For example, when towing a heavy load like logs, a trail groomer, or other heavy items, the rear suspension effectively transfers weight, which also means the best grip for starting movement.

Position 2 is best when riding with a passenger or when a heavy load is attached to the snowmobile. Position 2 provides maximum load capacity, allowing the suspension to make the best use of its full damping capacity without bottoming out.

Adjusting the PPS² DS+ rear suspension

For the PPS² DS+ rear suspension designed for deep snow riding, it is important to first set the sag by adjusting the preload of the rear spring. In Shredder deep snow snowmobiles, the Brutal RE crossover snowmobile, and the 49 Ranger utility snowmobiles, the ideal sag is 85-95 mm. If the sag exceeds 95 mm, the spring preload should be increased. If the sag is less than 85 mm, the spring is set too stiff, and the preload needs to be decreased.

It is recommended to begin adjusting the PPS² DS+ rear suspension, as with other Lynx rear suspensions, by setting the sag correctly. See the instructions for measuring sag in the section above that covers the PPS³ rear suspension.

1. Adjusting the limiter strap

The position of the center arm’s limiter strap has a significant impact on the characteristics of the PPS² DS+ rear suspension when riding in deep snow. The default position for the limiter strap is set to 2, which is the best general setting. In shorter positions (positions 3 and 4), the strap pulls the center arm down, reducing the suspension’s attack angle and improving the snowmobile's ability to rise on to the surface of the snow, as well as enhancing maneuverability in soft snow. The shorter position is also best for climbing steep hills: a smaller attack angle and reduced ski lift make it easier to control the snowmobile and improve performance in climbs.

The position of the center arm’s limiter strap has a significant impact on the performance of the PPS² DS+ rear suspension when riding in deep snow.

The longest position 1 of the limiter strap provides the best center arm damping capacity and maximizes weight transfer of the rear suspension. This setting is best for riding on hard surfaces, making the snowmobile easier to handle while allowing the entire damping capacity of the suspension to be utilized. Weight transfer in the suspension is beneficial when seeking playfulness in the handling and wanting the snowmobile to lift the skis significantly.

Watch the instructional video on how to adjust the limiter strap of PPS² DS+ rear suspension below:

2. Adjusting the KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R Kashima shock

The KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R Kashima shock absorber is used in the rear arm of the PPS² DS+ rear suspension on Shredder RE and Brutal RE snowmobiles. It features a three-position quick adjustment for compression damping on the reservoir’s side and a rebound damping adjuster on the shock absorber shaft, which can be turned with a flathead screwdriver. It is recommended to first adjust the compression damping and then, if necessary, make adjustments to the rebound damping. The middle setting of the compression damping adjuster, which is easily adjusted by hand, is the best choice for general use. If the rear suspension feels too stiff on trail sections or in deep snow riding, it is recommended to try setting 1. If the suspension bottoms out, try the compression damping in setting 3. This is also the most recommended setting for jumping or riding fast over uneven terrain. The same instructions apply to the KYB PRO 40 EA-3 Kashima shock absorbers in the front suspension.

It is recommended to adjust the compression damping and rebound damping of the KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R rear shock absorber on the Shredder RE and Brutal RE snowmobiles in tandem, especially when aiming for more responsive suspension. When reducing compression damping, also reduce rebound damping. It is advisable to make small adjustments at a time and then test the effects by riding before making any further adjustments.

Rebound damping affects how quickly the suspension returns to its fully extended position after compression. It is recommended to adjust rebound damping in tandem with compression damping, especially when seeking a more responsive suspension that adapts well to the terrain. In other words, if compression damping is reduced, rebound damping should also be reduced. This helps avoid a situation where the suspension compresses too deeply and doesn't fully extend between bumps. Similarly, when riding in soft snow or over large bumps, a slower suspension movement is often desired, so both compression and rebound damping should be increased. In this case, the rebound damping should be turned slightly tighter from the default setting (14 clicks open from the fully closed position). Adjustments should be made one or two clicks at a time, and the effect on ride quality should be evaluated before making further adjustments.

Get the most out of your Lynx snowmobile

Adjusting the suspension on your Lynx snowmobile can make a world of difference in your riding experience. From enhancing comfort to optimizing performance in various conditions, these adjustments are crucial for getting the most out of your sled. By following the steps outlined in this guide – whether it's setting the sag, adjusting the spring preload, or fine-tuning the KYB shock absorbers – you can tailor your snowmobile to your exact needs and preferences. Take the time to experiment with different settings and consult your owner's manual for model-specific guidelines. For more in-depth guidance, consider watching our instructional videos.
See you on the snow!

By adjusting the suspension, you can significantly influence your Lynx snowmobile's performance based on different riding conditions and your preferences. Whether you're seeking performance, comfort, or better performance in soft snow, adjusting the suspension will help you get the most out of your Lynx.