Better Cornering In A Day

[@RecStuff21]

Great video! I’ve been riding for 40+ years and still got a lot out of this video. I hope you continue to do more videos like this. 👍🏻

[@Levi_LaVallee]

That is great to hear! I plan to do more so stay tuned.

[@joepeters2193]

Cool to watch. 👍

[@maxk3756]

I drag the break a lot when riding hard into the corners. Keeps my skis planted. I’d say dragging the break is one of the biggest tips. Nice video 👍🏼

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It is so important, I plan to do an "advanced Tech" video and dig into it deeper.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Normally I pass everyone on the Trails but I never rode with a Pro like Levi.. I have a Mountain Strap and left hand throttle on both of my sleds too. Riding in SW MI you have to ride in the ditch so much because the roads are always bare pavement.. I like to Chop the throttle on my four stroke Yamaha and get loose in the rear with engine breaking then counter steer and power out of a corner.. Proper Suspension set up helps cornering too .

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It's fun drifting around the turns but you need a small lug track to do it.

[@stevekerns4257]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to help us less experienced riders. Videos like this help all enjoy our time on the sled and make it safer for everyone on the trail. Please keep them coming.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you! Will do.

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Leaning is a big issue. Nobody leans. They sit in the middle of the sled and ride lazy. Too many people cut over the middle on left turns because they’re too lazy to put the physical effort it takes to hold the outside line and stay on their side of the trail I’m surprised there isn’t more accidents. I like how you hugged the right side of the trail on the left turns in your demonstration. I watch snowmobile magazine TV shows not do this good of a job. Please consider this topic and other trail etiquette and safety issues. I think many people need a refresher course on not being stupid. Thanks

[@Peccs91]

I agree. So many guys ride like they’re glued to the middle of the seat. Me personally, I love moving around to set up for a nice hard turn.

[@gtileo]

Or lean by just leaning their shoulders, most don't ride that hard though and tend to stroll though the trails. I'm a stand up rider and love the whoops and twisties, I tend to lean way out and oftentimes lift my outside leg like mentioned in the video.

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

@@juliandig4323 ha! $28,000 weapons, that’s good. Just did 175 miles and had a few guys on my side coming at me. We had fresh snow every turn the trail gets narrow then wider on the straight always because no one can stay on their side. Great line, weapon, got to remember that one

[@TheJrschaefer]

Finally some technical riding tips! This was excellent

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Awesome! I have more coming so stay tuned.

[@jeremysutton2209]

This is great! There’s tons of videos on mountain riding tips, but nothing on trail riding. Thanks

[@Levi_LaVallee]

There will be more coming, stay tuned!

[@slikskys9773]

Got to try the Thumb to Finger Switch! I Back Country ride in Vail, CO and sometimes run out of thumb on the mountain. Glad to learn from an absolute pro!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Hopefully you are able to figure it out is it is nice to know how to do it in some situations.

[@nealwallace3101]

I’m a fan of dragging the brake, but I haven’t needed to use it as much with the Matrix chassis. She stays planted. Great video. Thanks.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It is nice to know how to do it when it is needed. the Vr1 and XCR are planted pretty good in the turns, I find myself dragging it a little more on the Assault.

[@gpsyo71]

I've been struggling on right hand turns. Awesome throttle tip with rotating your right hand around. I will have to try that the next time I'm out! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It is the only way to be able to lean hard around right turns and still be on the gas.

[@youareright5431]

No that's why you adjust your throttle so you can reach it in a hard right hander, it makes the throttle a little high for regular riding but is still quicker and more efficient than underneath throttle grab,I've done both 😂😂😂

[@petekleinschmidt4251]

Great advice Levi! Keep the videos coming buddy!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you! We have videos coming out for the rest of this season so stay tuned.

[@DIPSTICKTV]

Great video! Couple things I’ll be altering with my cornering style due to these tips. How to hit jumps would always be a great vid as well; start smaller with the basics and then work up to a metal ramp and focus on more intermediate stuff. And unlevel jumps that can send you sideways, how to approach those and level yourself out in the air or on takeoff since we see a lot of that in the ditches. Just some quick ideas! As always, love the vids!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you! I really want to do a jumping video or multiple as there is so many different things with jumping. I want to do them, but really plan them out.

[@DIPSTICKTV]

@@Levi_LaVallee for sure, take your time with it! I’m looking forward to that one without a doubt. Glad to see some fresh sled vids!

[@dakotaaither9100]

As a tour guide I always show the hooked lean . I'm glad I'm not the only one who does it .

[@Levi_LaVallee]

it is the easiest for people to add to their riding. Many new riders are will simple move their shoulders to the inside to lean, but weight their out side foot which doesn't help much. By hooking the foot they feel stable enough to slide their butt to the edge of the seat and put some weight on the inside.

[@mrchrisknight315]

Nice going out today, and try this out. Ive got a summit and absolutely hate corninering. Only my secound season riding.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

corning is a struggle on a mountain sled. They are build it get on edge so they are very unstable and hard to corner traditionally. That could be why you are not a fan of cornering because I believe a summit is a mountain sled.

[@mrchrisknight315]

​@@Levi_LaVallee yep it's a mountain sled. I was attracted to all the emanoeuvres. I've been riding sport bikes for years and figured I'd like to do tricks on a snowmobile, if I wipe out its in snow not pavement. But it's not really BC riding condition where I'm located lol. But I did go out and try these tips and was able to take corners on the local trail much better and with way more confidence. Went from not being confident going 40km, to doing 60 km and not lifting the opposite ski. Another reason I got the sled I did was because of te tech 600 engine being pretty bullet proofed, and pretty Cheaply priced.

[@MillennialFarmer]

Awesome! How about some tech tips? Front and rear adjustments for different objectives?

[@Levi_LaVallee]

You bet! I plan on doing some tech tips videos. Problem is i keep getting side tracked trying to figure out how to jump a tractor over a snowmobile . 😂

[@MillennialFarmer]

@@Levi_LaVallee that's a common problem!!

[@PolarisRacer]

Very nice entry level video from a professional to get everyone thinking and to keep a riderforward sled planted so 90s trailing arm sleds dont get under ya in flat corners. He just started to get into the terms with tunning the limiter strap. All you guys should try that. Many top oval racers will tell you it's better to have loose sled with (oversteer) then one that twitches and understeers. You just have to find the balance with the transfer of traction in the straights. I'm a 90s guy but I do love a grasshopper in the stutterbumps and moguls.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

THank you! I plan to do a follow up video with some more techniques but also do a video to help set up the sled. You will like the sled a made with some 90s over steer. makes me smile riding it! haha

[@jasonbeaudoin2143]

This was great. I've been running the throttle with my fingertips on hard right turns since 2005, nobody else I know does that and think I'm nuts when I tell them my technique. Probably why I can smoke everyone i ride with in the turns and I'm on a 141 mountain sled, they're all on MXZs 😂

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I can’t turn right with out doing it!

[@beslerc]

Levi, I really liked your video. There are a lot of instructional KZbin videos for backcountry but not aggressive trail riding. Please make more. Your content is excellent and very informative. Thanks!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you! Really appreciate your message. I will have more instructional videos coming, once we get some snow here in Minnesota. So stay tuned or hit the bell to get notified when I upload the videos. Any particular skill/technique or activity you would like to see?

[@beslerc]

We ride the trails in the WI Northwoods. Tight twisties and hard to keep speed up so deeper technical cornering skills and suspension set up. Also very bumpy in high traffic areas with a lot of ice again challenging to keep speed. We enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

@@beslerc thanks for the input!

[@nwmi493]

I rode an SX Viper many years ago and used to rip on that fat tripple. Outside toes pointed to the sky leg nearly in the air while grabbing throttle with my fore fingers . Anything to minimize that famous pro action ski lift lol. Good times

[@Peccs91]

Great info. I knew most of this already but the way you present is very good. Wish I had some snow lol

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you

[@roller_47]

Would LOVE more videos like this. I've only been riding a few years and am still trying to improve. I generally just glide into the corner and hardly use my brake at all but will try to use it more often after seeing this.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It helps to get the front end to bite if it is pushing.

[@StArFoX888DraGoN]

Great video! Lots of good info even for more experienced riders

[@Levi_LaVallee]

thank you! I have the idea to do an advanced corner technique video for riders with more experience. Hopefully can get it done soon.

[@Keith63060]

Thank you Levi I learned a lot How about palm pressure on bars left for rt and rt for left. ..... thank you 😊

[@Levi_LaVallee]

That’s a good question. I’ve never thought about it but I would think your inside arm (pulling arm) would have more pressure. I’ll try to pay attention next time I’m riding and determine what my input percentage is per arm.

[@bodeymistelski3603]

This man is my idol

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I sure have you fooled. haha Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@MPJohnny5]

Awesome tips the brake drag has been key for me on trails in the corners. CA Razors as well on my 22 XCR made a huge difference best kept secret 😉

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Ageed. That is what I run because I want my front end to bite in .

[@adamwagner1987]

Awesome educational video Levi 👏 keep them coming !!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Hopefully it helps!

[@ponycarfan]

Great tips, very clear explanation, well done!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you!

[@kevinmatheson6759]

As a double leg amputee,cornering is limited.i can move up and back slightly by using arms.footholds arent big enough to try hip shifts.any sugg.much appreciated.i love your vids.gratitude.thks

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Hello Kevin. That's awesome to hear you are out riding! Shoot me a email at [e-mail] and lets figure this out! My good buddy Mike schultz has an above knee amputee and rides. Mike will have some great insight and Between the 3 of us i'm sure we will come up with a solution. Look forward to hearing from you.

[@Daisyduke419]

I had no idea about rolling your hand but was doing it naturaly the form you showed is def bgetter then mine but once I practice more I think I will be able to be as smooth as you one day...awesome video really loved this one!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Glad you liked it! Hopefully it helps.

[@gordonmckay914]

Excellent tutorial!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

thank you!

[@fuzzy176]

Suspension setup help a lot

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Indeed. That is another video 😉

[@gregsouther7293]

Dragging the brake a little is a great way to tighten up your line if you missed your apex.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

absolutely! I plan to do an advanced corning technique video with more details on corner braking .

[@paulcondie2520]

When Leaning your actually using your body as a counter weight. 💯💪🔥🇺🇲

[@Levi_LaVallee]

you got it!

[@susanhenderson2322]

I have used all these, my signature move is unhooked, toes pointing straight up, I never drop inside knee below running board, if there is a big bump or stump just below snow it's going to be really painful for a long time

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Haha knock on wood (and not with my knee on a stump lol) I have been doing the Rossi for 18 years and I haven’t had any issues.

[@tomherman5316]

Great video and thank you for posting some trail riding tips. One thing I find myself doing when riding standing up is putting weight on and pushing down with my outside leg. Don’t know if that helps my technique but maybe you could do a video on stand up riding?

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you. When I raced snocross I messed with stand up cornering a lot because you have to go through very rough/bumpy corners and it throws you all over if you try to sit down through them. Naturally you weight the outside side to resist the outward pull, but by doing so you are helping the sled tip over. As awkward as it feels, if you weight your inside leg it will help keep inside ski down and you can go faster around the turn. It feels like doing a pistol (1 legged squat) so it is awkward as all get out at first but eventually it starts feeling more normal.

[@kentillman6606]

Love the videos 👍

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Glad you like them!

[@justflylow]

Great tips for anyone!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Exactly! it is tips for any one. I have plans to go a little deeper into some more advanced techniques in the future.

[@justflylow]

@@Levi_LaVallee thank you Levi! You are an inspiration to many snowmobile enthusiasts.

[@sb4360]

Great tips! Are you going to be at the Polaris reveal again in March? If so hope to see you there, I'm a Polaris dealer and avid snowmobiler from NB

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Yes I will be there. Bringing the Family with.

[@sb4360]

@@Levi_LaVallee right on, see you there!

[@nathanielresch264]

great video

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thanks!

[@NiclasHorn]

Unhook we use then we scraping knees in the road riding sports bike (Yamaha R6 f.ex.)

[@Levi_LaVallee]

you got it! Thats why I call the it the Rossi - Dragging knows style!

[@dustinpence1649]

Get right up on the tank!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

keep that front end planted. 👍🏼

[@daxrrylk8716]

Great explanations. Thank you

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joepeters2193]

Shouldn't you be cornering with a shorter track sled than that assault? Cool video Levi ! Thanks.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you. The assault actually goes really well down the trail. It surprises people when they ride it.

[@tonyhanson9235]

I find my self riding the brake alot. Maybe to much. What do you think? I'd like more tutorials on riding the brake. Love your content!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

The brake is something that can make you super fast when you know how to use it. When you get really in tune with what the machine is doing and what you want it to do, you use the brake to deliver the exact amount of power to the ground. It's fun to watch the top snocross racers tail light to see how much they use the brake. The light is on more than its off it seems!

[@adamruden-gt6ty]

Great video, Levi! Any recommendations on how to minimize darting? I have a 23 XCR 136.... I tried the gripper skis, but I'm still thinking going dual carbide, or even the triple points may help? Thanks again!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

first thing is check your toe in . Make sure it is toed out 1/4- 3/8". Doolies do the trick for anti darting but they if you are aggressive rider you will find they will push a little more the corners than a good Woody's Ace 8" or Maverick 8". I plan to test the Woody's navigator which is suppose to reduce darting with a single runner. If it still bites like a single runner and takes the darting down, this will be the ticket. We'll see what I find out.

[@douglashoran2973]

just make sure you do all this and stay on your side of the trail

[@jasonbrushett2005]

Yes,so many people ride the center of the trail

[@Levi_LaVallee]

That’s right. If you can corner better, it makes it easier to stay on the right side. 😉

[@rickouellette5395]

Excellent video, what do you think will corner better a 137 VR1 with a 1.25 ice ripper or a 129 VR1 1.5 ice ripper? My guess is very similar? I am looking for some side slip to help rip turns.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

My thoughts are that the 129 will still feel easier to get around corners. The extra length, especially on the flat rail of the VR1 locks the back end in so it is harder to pivot threw the snow. The Ice rippers outer lugs have a wide , square profile so it really is built to lock the track in, in the turns. This give it more of a "on rails" feel, Providing you have enough ski and carbide on the front. IF you don't have enough bite in the front end, it will be a pushing machine in the turns because it is so hard to pivot the track through the snow.

[@alancall5113]

great video Awesome pro tips

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Glad you liked it!

[@barrthom603]

Can you talk about your switchback assault boost trail suspension setup? Im trying to get mine dialed in. Also any oil leaks by the primary area of your boost? Several people are starting to notice an oil leak by the primary area (not oil pump area).

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Many questions about Assault Set up. I will definitely do a video on it.

[@InfamousFama]

I have a new 550 LXT with the 144 track. First new sled I have bought. I can not for the life of me get this thing turning correctly. Sometimes only cornering at 20mph is sketchy. I need help and have been looking all over the internet!!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Is it pushing straight in the corners? with a 144 you have a lot of track and minimal front end traction which can cause it to not turn very well. It probably has a 4 inch carbide on it, if you go to a 6 inch carbide it will help. an 8" should bite bard but may be a little too aggressive. Let me know what you don't like and I will help you get it working better

[@InfamousFama]

Yes it pushes hard in the corners and sometimes lifts on one ski. I have stock carbides so ill check size. Was thinking to get dooly.

[@kwmiked]

To be honest the Inside ski lift is from To Soft of front springs! Once Aarms go past level, it's all done, u gotta lean like a snowcross racer. Dial those springs in with proper spring rates and u can almost sit straight in the turns not worrying about Inside ski lift in a turn! Polaris& Walker Evans has the worst spring/valving set up for Guys MEN 180-230lb IDK who is telling them what set up to send to people on the sleds but its sprung and valved for 120lb person! Sad!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Multiple things can help prevent inside ski lift. Yes stiffer front springs help with body roll, but it also promotes a higher center of gravity which makes it easier for the sled to tip over. Stiffer springs can also give a more ridged feel through small bumps. As a small rider, I like to lower my front end and suck up the limiter strap to make it easier to get around the turns. But it has its trade offs as well. stiffer low speed compression in the ski shocks can also help with body roll. In general adjusting the sled to make it better in one area usually has a trade off in another area. In regards to the Polaris set up concern you speak of, can you tell me what year / models Polaris you are referring to? Also what the machine was doing that you did not like? Maybe I can help diagnose what was going on.

[@WedgeLife]

Hang off the side like you are on an old XLT lets gooooo

[@twsnow81]

Thanks

[@telemark140]

wow so great info woooow

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thank you. I only scratched the surface with this one, a lot more to discuss on this topic.

[@brucestewart78]

Yer givin all my secrets away!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

haha. Looks like you might be buying lunch now . 😂

[@pol.am.jeffrey]

How do you set up your xcr suspensions, shocks, and springs for the best cornering?

[@Levi_LaVallee]

That is a complex question as a lot depends on - how heavy of rider you are? What does "the best cornering" mean to you? And are you ok with sacrificing some wheelieing ability to corner better?

[@pol.am.jeffrey]

Very good points. 200 geared up, good corning to me is as flat and fast as possible but enough pressure to land hard landings. Wheelies on the trail mean slow corners hah

[@Levi_LaVallee]

@@pol.am.jeffrey Thank you, this helps. in general the lower you go with front end, the more stable it is in the turn. the easiest way to do this is by taking some of the preload off the IFS and front track spring. When you lower the IFS only, you may notice the sled pushing more in the turns and that is because the front track shock is now holding more of the weight that the front shocks were holding. This is why you take some of the preload off the front track spring (loosen spring) until you get good ski bite again. To take some preload off the springs, take all weight off of springs by tipping sled on its side or using a jack to lift sled off the ground. turn the springs counter clock wise (loosen) without going less than an 1/8" of preload on the springs. You need to leave some preload on the springs at full travel or the spring collar will fall off when you jump. Try that and if you feel the hard hits, turn the compression clickers on the shocks up ( clockwise) until it feel better.

[@NiclasHorn]

this is my 4th winter with a sled, but my first with a more modern sled. Lynx Xterrain 600r, what i have noticed that then i slow down or slow down fast on engine breaking. then most of the weight is on the skii´s it start to wobble, and it feels like i would like to have a steering damper just as i have on my Yamaha R6. tank slappers have been close on my new sled. any sugestions for that? or do i just need to hit the gym? 😂

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Check the toe in on the skis. Make sure the distance from front of runner to front of other runner is 1/8-1/4 wider than the measure from rear of runner to rear of runner.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Often times they will be towed in from the factory so it is good to check that

[@devonkuhlman4261]

Any tips on trail cornering on an alpha?

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Try your best to carve through the turn . haha

[@jodypierson3137]

I recently got the 23 xcr 850 in the 128, what can I do for better traction?

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Studs

[@patrickvanmeer4155]

Had the same problem even with stud and now ride a Assault

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@patrickvanmeer4155 Adjust the weight transfer for more weight on the track and less on the skis then

[@Levi_LaVallee]

What is the machine doing now that is the concern? and what do you want it to do? Traction is a pretty broad topic.

[@jodypierson3137]

@@Levi_LaVallee spins a lot unless I have my 70 pound kid sitting in front, I know you can’t hammer it out of the hole and expect traction, but it also spins when I burp the throttle to jump the smaller drifts and I don’t get that bunny hop air , suspension is still set from factory, im looking for the bunny hop air my kids love when riding the 98 , thanks for any tips.

[@jacobfrank6858]

It's good to know that you're a Valentino Rossi Fan 🙂

[@Levi_LaVallee]

you got it!

[@hairyyeti21]

I prefer a sled with oversteer. steer from the rear baby.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

It is fun drifting through a turn!

[@freedom7047]

Les motoneige on un centre de gravité bcp trop haut on dirait

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Not sure what that says. english please

[@youareright5431]

Valentino Rossi???

[@Levi_LaVallee]

You got it! I named it after him because you can drag knee through the snow when you really are given’er 😜

[@youareright5431]

You should have given the non bikers a head's up!! But I wasn't sure😂😂

[@mikewilson7132]

come out t help me be a better rider with my nytro farmington mn

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Thats why I created a video, in hopes to help a lot of people. 👍🏼

[@mikehansen986]

I feel the 6th grade remark 😂

[@Levi_LaVallee]

Snowmobile Jockey. haha They put the little guys on because they are fast! 😉

[@edileo2112]

At 5 '4 ', I feel your pain as well.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

@@edileo2112 Dynamite! Small in size, but packed with punch .😉

[@kevinnilsen590]

Intersesting that you used an assault for this demonstration instead of something like the VR1.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

the Assault was the easiest to get out of the garage that day. haha

[@grantdubridge7995]

You want to get better in the corners? Put more pressure on your skis so you don't do wheelies. Don't drive a mountain sled on the trails, 121 inch track not 155inch, not even 146 inch like the nasty sled shown. Lean your ass off the sled, no standing up. Levi is forgetting that snowmobiles were all oversteer and they always slide around the corner (mine still are since I ride old sleds with no studs). Control your throttle to power it sideways and come out of the curve strong and hard.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I loved the oversteer days! Oversteer didn't make it much past the 90s as taller lugs, longer tracks, and higher center of gravity machines became the norm. Stay tuned as I am creating a video that brings the oversteer to the new age sled!

[@grantdubridge7995]

@@Levi_LaVallee My newest sled is a Yamaha Rage (I love the engine braking) and is mid-steer. It is still pretty fun and a smooth ride. I am thinking of stretching my 98 Mach1 to a 137 track. No studs.

[@Levi_LaVallee]

@@grantdubridge7995 if you go 137 your getting pretty close to that nasty 146 😂. haha

[@toddstillman7807]

Hopefully all the throttle jockeys in the Midwest watch this video and are able to stay on their side of the trail!

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I'd say Its a easier to stay on the right side when you know how to corner better.

[@wko78ms]

Leaning is the first one? A 2 year old knows to lean in a corner

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I use to assume the same until I took motorcyclist and other people who have never been on a snowmobile or four wheeler before. The other thing about the topic of leaning is there are multiple ways to lean. I use the “Rossi” which is a very unorthodox Corning technique, but it has certain benefits that work really well for me. The better you become at the basics, the more confident you can become when riding

[@wko78ms]

@@Levi_LaVallee 👍

[@andrewnemecek4898]

Your Rossi technique is prob how you blown out your knees

[@Levi_LaVallee]

lol. You definitely need good range of motion in your knees to do it.