151 to a 159

[Kachess]

We are "longer" tracking my son's sled from the stock 151 to a series 4 159. Installed Holz rail extensions (151 to 159), slapped it back together and the track won't tighten. Either the track is too long or the extensions are too short. I measure the extensions and they increase the rails by 3.5 inches. Why they don't extend them by 4 inches I don't know. The track is pretty tough to measure, but I verify the part number and it's the 159. I finally drill two new holes to move the front (Holz) suspension mounts back 1.5 inches and reinstall the suspension with the rear bolts in the holes 1 inch back. It now tightens fine, but I've mucked up a geometry that I know works and have thrown more weight over the skis. We'll take it for a test ride tomorrow. Holz sells 141 to 151 extensions. Not sure how much they lengthen the rails but I may try them.

 

[Northbynorthwest]

Were you able to stick a 16" wide track in there. If so, any mods other than different drop brackets to get it to fit?

 

[Kachess]

No. Stuck with a 15in wide, but many people have and if you do a search I'm sure you will find threads. I think they go with thin brackets, and throw a carriage bolt in to secure the chaincase. Some talked of moving around their drivers to keep the track centered. I thought about going 16 wide but I like how our sleds sidehill, and the 15in track was cheap. We'll see if it was a good idea today.

 

[Srxspec]

Going from 151 to 159 you would need 4" extensions (you can take your track length difference 159-151 = 8 and divide it by 2 to effectively figure out how far back you have to move the rear axle from center to center distance.

 

[brewski]

I just went from 151 to 159 using Hartman extensions. I had to specify to Hartman what size drivers I was using. Apparently that will affect the length of your extensions. I believe he sent me 3 1/2 inch extensions. I hope they work!!

 

[givemeaboost]

It might change your geometry but it also gives you a shallower aproach angle and should get up on the snow better, Ken.

 

[Kachess]

With 7 tooth drivers the 3 1/2 in. extensions won't work. At least they didn't for me. I noticed my sled with the stock 151 track has the tension adjusters all the way back, and I can still ratchet it from time to time, so there is no room to make up the 1/2 inch.

As far as my son's 159 sled handling, jury is still out. Snow was so set up you really couldn't carve and any sled could climb any hill. A sled with a 159 definitely doesn't feel like a sled with a 151. You surely notice the extra 4 inches on the snow. Feels like a looooong sled. I'm sure it's just like going from the 136 to the 151, you get used to it. He really launched when accelerating, while I was spinning, but that may have had more to do with the new track vs. the 6000 mile track. Need new snow.

 

[SoCoRX1]

i thought you all had 162's on your RX-1's?

 

[BigUglyMan]

I thought so too, but then again I might not have been paying close enough attention.

 

[Kachess]

Nope. All six have had stock 151 tracks. My Son's is the first 159, and I have one sitting in a box in the garage. We have been afraid of losing maneuverablity, and have been able to throw ourselves up most anything with the 151's. This year has been a pretty heavy snow year so far, and with all the new big iron out there my son got itching for a bigger footprint. Tracks USA had 159 Series 4 track on special for $369, so we sprung for a couple. We rode yesterday at Trxster's favorite stomping ground, Blewitt Pass, and encountered some fairly deep soft snow. The bigger track made a definite difference, and my son seemed to be able to throw it around fine. It is noticebly more stable climbing, sidelhilling, and decending steep stuff. My sled had been edging his out high marking lately, but with his bigber track it was no contest. He was puching on up stuff that I had no chance of making. Most importantly his sled was still fun to ride. I'll think I'll install my track this week.

 

[pro116]

151

Wow them sleds climb good for 151's in the vids.

 

[SoCoRX1]

i saw no difference in the 162 as far as maneuverability compared to the 151 i used to have. just as easy to do everything, and the flotation is superior.

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

i saw no difference in the 162 as far as maneuverability compared to the 151 i used to have. just as easy to do everything, and the flotation is superior.

Same here. I can still cut 12' tight doughnuts in the meadows.

Jim

 

[Kachess]

Update. I installed the 159 on my sled with Holz's 141 to 151 extensions and it just fit with the Holz suspension in the normal position. We rode yesterday in some good snow and my sled is outcliming and out handling my sons sled where we had to move the suspension back 1 1/2 inch (with supposedly 151- 159 extensions). The extra track on the ground and the added ski lift more than out weigh his better attack angle. Last nite we installed the longer extensions on his sled and moved his suspension back to it's original location.

A 159 makes a world of difference! I did not think it would, but the change is major. We were consistantly outclimbing our modded 06 summit 800 buddy. He has 162hp, but his sled was unmanageable, where ours were rock steady. He was going over backwards, we were solid to the hill. We went up some super steep stuff. Nose up just enough, but no feeling it was going to come over. A little more effort to change direction, and carve, but sidehilling is fine, downhills are less frightenning, and trail manners are ok. You quickly get used to it. The amazing thing is how you can throw yourself at a big, steep, loaded hill and stay on top, not loose speed, and just keep going and going. We are riding with No. 5 today. He's gonna be pissed when he see's he has no choice but to spend another 400 bucks on his sled.

 

[ViperTurboPete]

Kachess,

I wonder if it will be any better on the water?