Clutch Overheating to the max 2003 RX-1 with Stock 05 Rage Clutch

[rotorav8r]

Searches are not solving my issue. I have a 2003 RX-1, a 1000cc 4 cylinder, 4 stroke if anyone doesn't know. I have the 151" track on the "Mountain" model. It had an odd clutch on it. I ordered a used but good Yamaha primary clutch from online. The handwritten label on the clutch is "05 Rage". I understand this to be a 1000cc 3 cylinder, 4 stroke. The seller, possibly incorrectly, said the spring setup will be the same for my RX-1.

I only ride a few miles to my cabin then shut down but recently, I went out on a forest service road with deep powder that was on the verge of wet. I was pushing snow over the hood and kept trucking for around 4 miles of this breaking trail uphill. The snow was clogging the hood vents. I tried to power out of a trap hole but sunk then the belt smoked. It was buried. I found the primary clutch was so hot snow sizzled on it, so lets say 379 deg farenheit minimum per google. I figured it got so hot the belt started slipping under heavy load. The track was PACKED with wet snow. Once everything cooled down I was able to get the belt to grip, get unstuck and head back home. Initially I didn't want to put a new belt on the super hot clutch and fry it too, or burn my hands.. The belt worked fine headed home.

Initially I suspected the clogged vents and solid side panel without vents, then considered clutching. Options are either the belt was slipping slightly due to too little clutch pressure creating heat or I've read in various sources that maybe clutch pressure being too tight can create a lot of heat as well. How do I tell which?

SO, venting? Clutching? Both?
Need help with clutch setups as far as springs and internal parts.
Also, Id like suggestions with where a good spot is to get the springs etc or maybe a kit.
Several forums suggest various brand mixes of springs like the Arctic Cat green spring etc.

I tow a sled and go relatively slow often while hauling groceries or supplies but I also like to go open it up and rip up the powdery roads sometimes. For this deep heavy snow I would think I would want a stiff secondary spring to allow me to have a low gear to power through at a moderate speed without the secondary opening up too early. Please correct me or send me the right way.

Thank you in advance!!

 

[maim]

sounding like air flow might be your issue. what skis do you have on it? if the stock 03 rx1 mountain skis, they did not float very well. a ski like the 09 apex mtx ski will help get the bumper up out of the snow.

 

[rotorav8r]

sounding like air flow might be your issue. what skis do you have on it? if the stock 03 rx1 mountain skis, they did not float very well. a ski like the 09 apex mtx ski will help get the bumper up out of the snow.

Thank you. I think the skiis are stock, they are wider than any I’ve had before but if there are wider skiis it would help, this thing is heavy. I call it the RX-1-Ton.

I’m really looking for a reliable clutch combination.

 

[rotorav8r]

sounding like air flow might be your issue. what skis do you have on it? if the stock 03 rx1 mountain skis, they did not float very well. a ski like the 09 apex mtx ski will help get the bumper up out of the snow.

I have researched this and the RX-1 Mountain, already has the 7" wide skis. Are there any wider?

 

[sxr70001]

You may have gotten your belt wet. Once it's wet it's going to slip and get hot. If you are in deep snow a lot maybe try and seal up the clutch area the best you can. Also, like you already said you could tighten up your secondary spring a hole or two if you are going to be pulling or carrying loads. That will slow down the upshift and keep you in a lower gear so to speak.

 

[maim]

i think c+a makes an 8" wide ski.

talk to the guys at thunder products or ulmer racing about a clutch kit. i made my own and it suits me for what i do.