2005 RS Venture - Replace Skid Idler Wheels

[Jack_Shaft]

I know that a search brings up a number of results, but many of the options are unclear.

I have to rehab a 12000km rear skid in subject sled's 144" rear skid. Skid is in excellent shape minus the fact that the STUPID non-replaceable 6005 brgs in the plastic idler wheels are shot. I have already replaced the two large rear (grey) idlers as a measure to make it through this snow season, but as soon as it's over, I will pull the skid and do all of the rest.

I want to replace the wheels with something that looks stock and is somewhat practical. The Kimpex ones with the spoked wheels throw off the look (obviously not a Yamaha part) and after looking at the Royal Distributing and Kimpex catalogs it seems that there is no solid black wheel option that will fit.

I used to have a 2003 RX-1 and I am fairly sure that it's ProAction skid had the same size idlers but with replaceable 6205 brgs. Could I potentially buy some wheels that have replaceable brgs from Yamaha? Will the wheels from a newer RS Venture 144" that has replaceable brgs work? I.e. will they be direct bolt-ons?

 

[Mooseman]

Why not go with Excel 135mm wheels? Or if you want an OEM look (later years), the Kimpex 135mm wheels have that:
http://catalogues.kimpex.com/Snowmobile ... -ca/#353/z

But, the Kimpex come with cheap bearings and they are the same price as the Excels that use NTN bearings, which are both 6005's. Both are around $30. That way you can get both replaceable bearings and longer slider life.

If you just want a Yamaha 130mm wheel, then SMA-8HF38-01-BK* and is also $30. Same look as the Kimpex wheels, used on late model sleds.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Well yes, the Kimpex wheels do look good but the styled ones will not match the two 2005 style rear idlers that I just bought for $80 apiece. Maybe the solid black 130mm for the inside.

What are Excel wheels? Who sells those?

 

[Mooseman]

There is one Canadian seller that can't be mentioned here but this Google search will show that seller (3rd down in the results). This is a US seller: http://www.excellmotorsports.com/ They may be what you might want.

Too bad you didn't check here first because you could have gotten the same style rear idler to match it all up and it's cheaper, # SMA-8HF38-20-BK and only $37 with replaceable bearing as well.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Good old Aaron Excell makes those, who'd a thunk it. I know Aaron from many years of working together on other projects, here I was looking for a solution when it was clearly right under my nose. I will likely forfeit the rear wheel investment that I have made and buy the whole shebang from him, his support to the Yami community is worth the investment.

Thanks for the lead.

 

[Mooseman]

No problem except that those X-wheels are only for the smaller idlers, none for the rear except the stock ones from Yamaha. The late model spoked ones would go well with them.