Recent content by DVW

25,000 miles on the Cat version of the 4-stroke Viper. Significant issues where valves (twice), reverse actuator (twice), chain case and reverse gears. When I replaced it at 25,000 miles it felt as tight and solid as the new replacement machine. The replacement machine at 13,000 miles still...

I had 2014 for 5 years. At the end of the 4th year at 20k miles the stator went out and the battery went out shortly thereafter. I think the two events where tied to gather. The battery in my current machine went out in only a year at 5k miles but during that year I abused it with many total...

I have had one type of scratcher or another for the last 55k miles. They have all been mounted on the ski because the ice particles have greater potential to enter the side of the track. I could be wrong on that but it is nice to get a visual on the scratchers. I once tried the Duraflex brand...

I will report what I find with regard to longevity on the 600 2-stroke. Back to the original post and my 7000 (Viper) repair cost. After 25k miles my total cost of maintenance and repair equaled the new cost of the machine but I had very little repair cost before 15k miles. Most of the repair...

A holdover 2018 ZR 6000 (600 cc) from the Arctic Cat side. Same motor now available from Yamaha side. Figure if it meets Yamaha standards...

I think it is it is probable that my current 2-stroke will outlast my last 4-stroke. Of course It is also possible that the bad experience with my 4-stroke is a exception to the norm but I fear it is not. My experience with my old 4-stroke involved symptoms that got progressively worse followed...

More to the story. On my high mileage snowmobile when I divide final miles by hours I get 30 mph average. Seems slow but if you want to put things into perspective do the same with your machine. My track clips only lasted 20k miles but at 25k miles the track itself looked like what I have...

The short answer is 15,000 miles useful life but not because of the chassis. I rolled up 25,000 miles on the Arctic Cat version of the Viper. Major engine and drivetrain problems occurred at the 15,000 mile mark. After cylinder head replacement the valves got tight again 10,000 miles later...

My most favorite snowmobile motor was a triple 2-stroke (700 SRX). A triple has a distinctive sound that once heard is never forgotten. It turns heads even if well muffled. It is a sound that screams performance while at the same time sounds smooth. If one needs a more rational justification...

OK here is my guess for the future. I do not see both companies going there separate ways. Instead I think it may be possible for Cat and Yamaha to not only share the same product but also start sharing the same trade name assuming the new name has greater value. A example might be dropping the...

I also wonder where they are making the VK540. Many companies are starting to manufacture product in the region they are sold. Do a internet search for Russian snowmobile manufactures. It is a exciting time over there with a lot of creativity. It reminds me of what was happening over here 50...

With its stout construction and air cooled 2-stroke engine the VK540 is perfect for the Russian and Northern Europe market. Arctic Cat does not have anything to fit the bill. Now with this new Bearcat (VK540) they have everything to fit the world market. But over there why would they even try to...

The two remaining (hanging in the aluminum frame) were grade 5 with lock nuts having nylon inserts. These are all things that should interest Triton Trailers but no.

I have seen many trailers on the side of the road but my trailer is the only trailer that had its axel separate from its frame. When I remounted the axel I noted that the axel mounting surface of the aluminum frame was still pretty solid. The axel was also solid but rusty. The two missing bolts...

My trailer failure at year 5 was caused by missing bolts. So it is common to see axels torn off?