Attak Crossover

[lilwilly]

I need some advice from you guys. I have an 07 Attak that I would like to turn into a crossover sled. I ride in Alaska, so not many trails and if so none maintained or groomed. I also ride in deeper powder in the mountains, but I'm not trying to turn this into a mountain sled either. I just want to get around as good as a CrossFire off-trail. I've read many posts on this forum and here is my plan - Extend my 136 to a 144 (Hartman rail extensions) and install a 1.5 or 1.75 (maybe 2") track with 8 tooth extrovert style drivers, then add some mountain skis for more front end flotation - trying to decide between Simmons Gen II, Powder Hounds, or Yamaha MTN skis.

So what do you think, will this set-up make my Attak a good Crossover sled? Will I lose a bunch on trail performance? I still want to maintain decent on trail handling and my budget is about $1500.00 max. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[hayastusa]

That's exaclty what I did with my 06 attak. I went with the Yammie mountain skis $115 but the keel is way too deep. I saw a guy with Vector touring skis (I think) on his. They were just as wide as the mountains but with a much shallower keel. I think I'll try them next. Before I changed the track and skis, my top speed in a foot of fresh was about 50mph (embarassing). And in deep snow it looked like I was putting in a pipeline. Now it gets up and hauls as quick as I dare. Don't get too excited though. It will never float. As soon as you let off the throttle it turns back into a submarine. Also crank up the preload on your fronts and kick the transfer back as far as it goes (the opposite of what those trail guys tell ya). And although you may be tempted to let the limiter strap down for even more transfer, don't do it, as it steepens the approach angle of the track which promotes trenching.

After 2 years of (*&%ing around, I'm finally content with my set-up. Not as content as if I had an Assault...maybe next year.

Ohh and the back end will loosen up quite a bit...but I like it.

 

[lilwilly]

Thanks for the response - as far as transfer, should I adjust for more transfer or less transfer?

 

[TBay Sledhead]

More transfer. U want the front of the sled to lift and try and get ontop of the snow.

 

[Turk]

Save your $$$ Sell the attak & buy a nytro xtx. way better x-over sled that will float on powder rather then chainsaw thru it.
Been der dun dat...owned both & no comparison in off-trail abilities.

 

[bigdog1000]

Hayastusa... what is it about the deep keels on the Mountain Skis that you do not like? What sort of handling do they limit or change?

 

[lilwilly]

Turk - I seriously considered the XTX and still may do it, but I just bought this sled new 2 months ago and I'd loose a good bit of money on the deal. Is the XTX that much better than a modded Attak? The best price I can get on the XTX is $9700.00 and the dealer would give me $6000.00 for my sled. I owe about $7200.00, so about $3700.00 more for the XTX vs $1500.00 to mod my Attak. I value your opinion since you've owned both.

 

[Turk]

Trust me...for off trail in real deep snow the attak is brutal. The xtx is soooo much better...it actually floats. On smooth groomed trails tho attak is the ticket.

 

[lilwilly]

If I pursue upgrading the Attak, would would you recommend - 136 or 144 extension? Which track? Which Ski's. I realize the XTX is a better choice, but it's hard to sell the wife on letting me buy new sled when this one's only 2 months old.

 

[Kevin Garceau]

The slydog powder skis are reported to have the same keel as the trail skis. So you lose nothing as far as riding by going to them. YOu own gain better floating.

 

[lilwilly]

XTX

Thanks for everyone's advice. I bought an XTX and have my Attak up for sale (still may keep it). I have about 50 mile on the XTX and love it. The XTX does so much better in our Alaska riding conditions. Thanks again!

 

[insane]

The set up on my sled IMO is a good x-over set up. I am about 5 to 10 mph faster that a xtx off trail and 10 to 15 on. Granted it took some ty research and a little $ but I am more than satisfied. I can chew a brand new 800 renegade with this thing. Well at least you stayed with the forks. Can you tell I am a little apex byassed? lol