RightTurnClyde
Newbie
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Messages
- 3
Newb posting here...I just bought my first sled, a 1990 VK540 (gen I). I am trying to find forum sources on it. As a 4stroke site this may not be it, but found the few threads herein.
I am wanting to put better performing skis on it (more float, and enough bit to actually turn!). Seems like a great sled. I researched a fair bit before buying as I will be hauling stuff into a cabin in N. Utah (so powder).
I am planning to put a 1.25" track on to aid in traction, as it struggles some now.
Any comments out there?
RTC
I am wanting to put better performing skis on it (more float, and enough bit to actually turn!). Seems like a great sled. I researched a fair bit before buying as I will be hauling stuff into a cabin in N. Utah (so powder).
I am planning to put a 1.25" track on to aid in traction, as it struggles some now.
Any comments out there?
RTC
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2004
- Messages
- 7,728
- Location
- sudbury on
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- 2016 apex xtx
2011 apex xtx
2009 phaser rtx/x
1997 et410t/r
1988 vk 540
hello and welcome to the site.
as that is the vk with the leafspring front, you might have to settle for flotation ski skins and some agressive carbides as there never was much for those. with a short riser and a mountain strap, you should be able to english it where you need to go.
they went pretty well with stock so more lug should not hurt it.
brother spent last winter re-building my uncles 1988 vk540 as it toasted a chain case and sat for 10 years before i found one for it. he was still using his 1995 vk540II last winter. just finally needs a re-build on the motor for the 1st time as it has 20000 miles on it with only the fan belt and plugs being replaced. this season he is running a 2002 vk540III that he picked up for a deal with only 1500 miles on it. he uses his for trapping/trail breaking/ice fishing/hauling and they have always been good machines.
i have broken trail with his and that is why i reccomended the riser and the strap as even on the vk540III you still need to use body english to get it to mauver when trail breaking.
as that is the vk with the leafspring front, you might have to settle for flotation ski skins and some agressive carbides as there never was much for those. with a short riser and a mountain strap, you should be able to english it where you need to go.
they went pretty well with stock so more lug should not hurt it.
brother spent last winter re-building my uncles 1988 vk540 as it toasted a chain case and sat for 10 years before i found one for it. he was still using his 1995 vk540II last winter. just finally needs a re-build on the motor for the 1st time as it has 20000 miles on it with only the fan belt and plugs being replaced. this season he is running a 2002 vk540III that he picked up for a deal with only 1500 miles on it. he uses his for trapping/trail breaking/ice fishing/hauling and they have always been good machines.
i have broken trail with his and that is why i reccomended the riser and the strap as even on the vk540III you still need to use body english to get it to mauver when trail breaking.
RightTurnClyde
Newbie
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Messages
- 3
Thanks, maim.
I am going to try and modify some Simmons Gen II skis to bolt up for more float. Any issue if doing so raises the front end by an 1"?
I assume mt straps are fairly simple, just a matter of which one will bolt up.
Did the hyfax hold up well? This sled has only 2300mi on it, and appears to have been babied.
I am going to try and modify some Simmons Gen II skis to bolt up for more float. Any issue if doing so raises the front end by an 1"?
I assume mt straps are fairly simple, just a matter of which one will bolt up.
Did the hyfax hold up well? This sled has only 2300mi on it, and appears to have been babied.
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2004
- Messages
- 7,728
- Location
- sudbury on
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- 2016 apex xtx
2011 apex xtx
2009 phaser rtx/x
1997 et410t/r
1988 vk 540
i think he might have done 2 sets of plastic on the 1995 but that was after bad winters with low snow and he had smelled them a few times. he usually is using his in fresh snow most of the time.
as to the skis, i do not think it would hurt but have never tried it.
you can buy the strap from any kimpex dealer or from a couple of the site sponsors.
as to the skis, i do not think it would hurt but have never tried it.
you can buy the strap from any kimpex dealer or from a couple of the site sponsors.
bluemissile
Pro
my club has 5 2 stroke vks one with the leafs for backup and 4 pogos ranging in years. we pull mogul masters behind them, these are tough sleds pulling a drag can be hard on them depending on conditions, they are virtually unstoppable. mostly i have trouble when the drag hangs up, occasionally well drop off the side of the trail as when you drag especially here where snow is precious you need to runs slightly off the trail pulling snow into the trail. yamaha hit a home run with these sleds.
RightTurnClyde
Newbie
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Messages
- 3
I managed to modify and mount a set of used Simmons GenII skis onto the steel factory skis this weekend. Not light, but now quite wide. Hope to test it in a day or two.
Does anyone know if a 1.25" track depth will work on these early VK's?????????
I got one off ebay but have yet to tear it down to try. Gettin' nervous!
Does anyone know if a 1.25" track depth will work on these early VK's?????????
I got one off ebay but have yet to tear it down to try. Gettin' nervous!
stewartb
Expert
A friend of mine installed an Ice Ripper 1 1/4" studded track on his 540-III. He loved it. I don't recall whether he swapped drivers or not. I'd like to install the same thing on my Pro.
Stewart
Stewart
