08 Apex. 1 3/4" track and new skis make big difference?

[347strokin]

Will I see a big difference in powder performance when I put on an 1 3/4" Camoplast track and some better skis on my 08 Ape LTX GT?
Right now I can't seem to make up any speed and my sled just sinks like a stone.
I'm not trying to make it a mountain climber but I hate watching those pesky 600's pass me in the deep. (E.G.- Crossfire)
Thanks and

 

[Viper_Dave]

I put Slydog Powderhounds on my Attak before my second ride. I installed a Predator 1.25 before I ever rode it. The Ripsaw is a good tril track, lousy offtrail. With this combo I am able to get around fairly well offtrail. I also played with the transfer setting. LESS transfer actually helped with the trenching. Because of the attack angle of the stock skid, there isn't much else you can do to help . I have found that a real smooth thumb on the throttle is a MUST!! These motors hit REAL hard down low and will blow the snow right out from underneath you LOL. I ride 70%-30% ontrail to offtrail.Sled is adequate for my needs with this setup.

 

[347strokin]

I'll have to try less weight transfer as I've got it almost maxed out.

 

[z1029384756a]

I found less transfer is also better, but you have to be careful when letting off the throttle as the front will dive very quickly, I have been thrown over the bars before letting off too quickly in the deep stuff. I just put on some Simmons Gen II's and they help alot keeping the front end from diving, but make the machine very wide, which is ok for the most part just a pain for trailering or loading in the back of a truck box. I have a 2 inch track, it does make it easier to get on top of the snow as long as you do not spin the track, as soon as this happens it will trench. Do as Viper_Dave said and use a "real smooth thumb" and it can stay close with the crossfires. I still have not found the proper clutching yet for the powder, I find with the 2" track in the deep my sled will only pull 9000 rpm's.

 

[347strokin]

Did you notice you can carry a lot more speed in the powder with your 2" track?
I just hate sitting at 45 km/hr and not being able to get going any faster in the deep stuff. It feels like such a waste of a good motor.

 

[z1029384756a]

Yes you can carry much more speed, the secret is ease in on the throttle and not let the track spin, this is much easier with the 2" paddle. I can hit speeds of 120kph in flat areas, hills and sugar snow it is hard to keep the track from spinning. I was able to keep up with my buddy's Renegade with a 13/4 track in Sicamous, so it climbs not to bad.

 

[347strokin]

How is your top end now? Did you do any gear/clutch changes, thanks.

 

[BigMac]

I second the Powderhounds. I'm out in West Yellowstone right now and there is a lot of snow. My new Apex GT is great on the trail, and even with the Ripsaw I was able to get around fairly well even playing all morning on Two Top. I'm not going to be winning any highmark awards, but those Powderhounds make a big difference.

This sled has vastly exceeded my expectations out here.

 

[z1029384756a]

Haven't tested what the top end is on a lake, but I have seen 159kph on gps on a smooth trail.Have stock clutching and gears, but 8 tooth extroverts. Stock I had seen 191kph on gps under perfect conditions.

 

[347strokin]

Haven't tested what the top end is on a lake, but I have seen 159kph on gps on a smooth trail.Have stock clutching and gears, but 8 tooth extroverts. Stock I had seen 191kph on gps under perfect conditions.

I forgot to ask, are these tracks a 2.52" pitch? I'm getting a used Camoplast 1 3/4" track from an RMK for $175.

And what are the pros and cons to having your track clipped? Does this just mean you're opening up the windows to allow more snow to access the sliders? What is your recommendation?

What did the 8 tooth extroverts do for you?

Thanks.

 

[z1029384756a]

The 8 tooth drivers is like lowering the gear ratio from the stock 1.65 to about 1.85 or using a 21 top gear. It also provides more room for snow and ice to pass the front heat exchanger since it has a smaller diameter then the stock 9 tooths. With 1.75 track I will probably use a 9 tooth. The extroverts help to stop the ratchetting of the track. With the ripsaw when you got into deep snow the track would climb over the drivers pinching it against the tunnel protectors and ratchet. To stop this you need to tighten the track so it can't slip on the drivers, only problem was is tightening to Yamaha specs caused very high hyfax wear. My ripsaw actually got so hot once it was actually smoking with the rubber melted to the hyfax. I ended up opening every window in the track which helped. My 2" track is a Camoplast 9797 and is fully clipped have not had any problems with hyfax wear or heating with this set up. And yes the tracks are 2.52 pitch.