Is it possible or am I dreaming?

[olopokram]

Hello everyone!

I'll start off by saying that I'm relatively new to sledding and really appreciate any advice I can get from seasoned riders such as yourselves! In recent years, I moved from the city out into the country where my wife and I bought a 100 acre property. It was then that I realized how much a sled would come in handy. So I started off with an 89' Polaris Indy Trail. As much as I enjoyed the old girl, it didn't take long for it to become useless due to the 3+ ft snow drifts that easily build up on the property (we're on top of a large hill). So I decided to upgrade and needed something that had more power, could handle deeper snow, could tow a small sled for utility purposes and it has to be a 2 up for me and the wife (that's a must). The RS Venture came the closest to fitting the bill.

I recently purchased an 06' and have to say I'm very impressed with it! The only problems I've run into is that it turns like a shopping cart and doesn't handle the deep snow as I hoped, as the floatation isn't there. So I invested in a pair of C&A Mountain MTX skis with a single 6" carbide. I took it out for the first time yesterday and what a difference!!! Around the house I tried getting it stuck and couldn't, which I was thrilled with! Then I took it out through the first field and even though I was very impressed with how it floated on top of the snow, it still bogged down in the deep snow drifts at the end of the field and I was buried (which sucked immensely, man is that sled ever heavy!). So my question is can I have my cake and eat it too? Is it possible to have everything I want in a sled or am I trying to turn a minivan into an off road SUV so to speak? Is it a matter of tuning the sled some more or is it user error, lack of experience riding in deep snow? Other than tuning the suspension and upgrading the track to something more aggressive like a 1.75", I'm out of ideas. 99% of my riding will be on the property through the fields vs. on groomed trails.

Any advice would be immensely appreciated, as I really enjoy the RS Venture, but don't want to put in countless hours and $$$ only to find out I should have sold the sled and bought something more fitting for the job. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[4strokeluvr111]

So to boil it down your PRIMARY uses for the sled are (not in any particular order):

1. Must have 2up capability
2. Must go through deep snow with relative ease
3. Must be able to pull a utility sled
4. Have I missed anything?

Questions for you:

1. How often will it be used for 2up riding? 3 of 10 time? 7 of 10?
2. Are you doing ANY trail riding, either 1up or 2up?
3. If you are trail riding is it 2 of 10 times (the other 8 in the deep stuff)?

Your thoughts?

 

[olopokram]

1. For 2up riding, I'd say 3 or 4 of 10 times.
2. Trail riding would be 2up, maybe once a year if I'm lucky. I bought it for the property and that will be its primary place of use.
3. See above.

Hope this helps!

Thanks again!

 

[4strokeluvr111]

OK, if you want to stay Yamaha then this should be your sled:

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/models/rs-viking-professional

What you ideally want is a 2up mountain sled but unless you added a Seat jack to a mountain sled you are SOL. And (don't shoot me mods!) the sled would likely be a Polaris or Doo 2s. Maybe you can add a seat to one of these sleds?

For all the deep snow riding you say you're going to do plus throw in the 2up thing. I've never owned or know anybody that has a Viking but it looks like a beast that will go through anything.

What about a SxS UTV with tracks instead of tires? They you could use it year round.

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/models/sport-wolverine-r-spec-eps

 

[olopokram]

I was looking at the Viking, but unfortunately I am limited to buying used and the Viking hasn't been around long enough to find something to fit my budget. I've also considered the SxS with tracks, but after watching a number of videos online and seeing people get stuck with tracks in snow, I pretty much crossed that off. I understand that everything has its limitations and am worried that I'm asking for something that isn't realistic, although I've seen enough videos online of guys riding in deep snow with the RS Venture. That's why I'm wondering if the problem is me, lack of riding technique/experience?

 

[4strokeluvr111]

Understand on the Viking thing. Don't we all wish we had unlimited sources of cash? LOL!

Be careful of what you see and read on the internet. (yea I just typed that!!!) You don't know the whole story behind the videos.

OK....to the challenge at hand. (Kinda surprised no other 2up Yam 4S guys have chimed in here. I know they are on here.)

If you want to stay with your Venture here is what I suggest:

1. Change out your track to one with the biggest paddles it can run? 1.75"? 2"? I have no idea what it can do but maybe a company like Tracks USA can help. You won't want a Ripsaw type of track....you want a deep snow, mountain paddle track.

2. Add these to the front a-arms of your sled: http://www.muffinworksltd.com/products.php?PID=5 These absolutely help the front end stay on top of the snow better. I installed the Yamaha brand version (plastic) on my 05 Vector a couple of years ago and was WOWED by the deep snow improvement. Muffin Works makes great products and they are a TY supporter. WHen I bought my Yamaha brand protectors, I had no idea that Muffin made them otherwise I would have bought 'em from them.

3. When you are running a paddle track but are riding on flat hard snow you will need a set of these: http://betweenthelinesdesigns.com/?page_id=368
DuraFlex Ice Scratchers. There is another cable type brand of scratchers out there and Mr. Sled has mentioned them but I can't remember the name! I have DuraFlex on both of my sleds and will never have another sled without them.

4. My guess is that your clutch engages around 3600 RPM? If so, change your primary clutch spring to lower your engagement down to 2700 or so RPM. Call Travis at www.barnofparts.com and he can set you up with a spring for under $30.

5. Maybe there's other changes you can make to your clutching for running in deeper snow? That I do not know. You can reach out to Allen Ulmer at Ulmer Raching (TY site supporter) and he'll steer you in the right direction. Maybe call Allen before Travis as Allen may have a totally better clutching setup for your deep snow application.

Even before you do the above changes, you can readjust your rear skid to work better in deep snow. Other than pulling your limiter strap all the way tight I don't know what other options your have on your chassis and rear skid.

Gotta run.......will add a bit more later.

 

[Jonesynl]

Understand on the Viking thing. Don't we all wish we had unlimited sources of cash? LOL!

Be careful of what you see and read on the internet. (yea I just typed that!!!) You don't know the whole story behind the videos.

OK....to the challenge at hand. (Kinda surprised no other 2up Yam 4S guys have chimed in here. I know they are on here.)

If you want to stay with your Venture here is what I suggest:

1. Change out your track to one with the biggest paddles it can run? 1.75"? 2"? I have no idea what it can do but maybe a company like Tracks USA can help. You won't want a Ripsaw type of track....you want a deep snow, mountain paddle track.

2. Add these to the front a-arms of your sled: http://www.muffinworksltd.com/products.php?PID=5 These absolutely help the front end stay on top of the snow better. I installed the Yamaha brand version (plastic) on my 05 Vector a couple of years ago and was WOWED by the deep snow improvement. Muffin Works makes great products and they are a TY supporter. WHen I bought my Yamaha brand protectors, I had no idea that Muffin made them otherwise I would have bought 'em from them.

3. When you are running a paddle track but are riding on flat hard snow you will need a set of these: http://betweenthelinesdesigns.com/?page_id=368
DuraFlex Ice Scratchers. There is another cable type brand of scratchers out there and Mr. Sled has mentioned them but I can't remember the name! I have DuraFlex on both of my sleds and will never have another sled without them.

4. My guess is that your clutch engages around 3600 RPM? If so, change your primary clutch spring to lower your engagement down to 2700 or so RPM. Call Travis at www.barnofparts.com and he can set you up with a spring for under $30.

5. Maybe there's other changes you can make to your clutching for running in deeper snow? That I do not know. You can reach out to Allen Ulmer at Ulmer Raching (TY site supporter) and he'll steer you in the right direction. Maybe call Allen before Travis as Allen may have a totally better clutching setup for your deep snow application.

Even before you do the above changes, you can readjust your rear skid to work better in deep snow. Other than pulling your limiter strap all the way tight I don't know what other options your have on your chassis and rear skid.

Gotta run.......will add a bit more later.

So tighting up the straps help in powder?

 

[4strokeluvr111]

So tighting up the straps help in powder?

If you search the Web for setting up a rear skid for deep powder riding you will commonly see riders pulling the limiter straps fully tight. Ideally in the back of your tunnel there's another hole to mount your skid so.it drops out of the tunnel more. But I don't think this exists on Yam 4s? It's all about the approach angle of the skid.

Shortening your snow flap will help as well.

 

[Jonesynl]

Okay I understand that. That's why the arctic cat skid is better then our skid because the approach angle is better.

 

[J1635]

at the end of the day, you have realize that 89 indy trail weighed like 400~ pounds, and your Venture weighs something like 630lb. I would bet the venture has a thinner track stance too which doesnt distribute that engine weight like the polaris did. These are heavy sleds, they go very fast and do it comfortably, no matter what you do you won't get that same feeling you do on the Indy Trail, one of the only real flaws with these snowmobiles.

What are you using this sled for most of the time? are you hauling sleighs full of chopped wood everyday up and down hills and rough terrain? if you dont get a sled made for heavy duty work youll end up spending more on parts, if its general use then most sleds would be fine. Dont get hung up just on a venture, you can put 2-up seats on pretty much anything these days along with handwarmers and everything else

 

[NaughtyPines]

Are you my twin brother?

I recently picked up an identical 06 Venture RS in the same red color and my original sled that I still use to pull a lightweight drag (and for hauling firewood and ice drinking) is an '89 Polaris Indy with a 340.

Clearly what you need for traversing all that deep snow is this:

 

[4strokeluvr111]

at the end of the day, you have realize that 89 indy trail weighed like 400~ pounds, and your Venture weighs something like 630lb. I would bet the venture has a thinner track stance too which doesnt distribute that engine weight like the polaris did. These are heavy sleds, they go very fast and do it comfortably, no matter what you do you won't get that same feeling you do on the Indy Trail, one of the only real flaws with these snowmobiles.

What are you using this sled for most of the time? are you hauling sleighs full of chopped wood everyday up and down hills and rough terrain? if you dont get a sled made for heavy duty work youll end up spending more on parts, if its general use then most sleds would be fine. Dont get hung up just on a venture, you can put 2-up seats on pretty much anything these days along with handwarmers and everything else

 

[olopokram]

Are you my twin brother?

I recently picked up an identical 06 Venture RS in the same red color and my original sled that I still use to pull a lightweight drag (and for hauling firewood and ice drinking) is an '89 Polaris Indy with a 340.

Clearly what you need for traversing all that deep snow is this:

That's hilarious! The only difference is my Indy Trail was a 400

 

[4strokeluvr111]

That's hilarious! The only difference is my Indy Trail was a 400

Your Indy Trail, if in fact was the the "Trail" model, had a 488cc fan cooled Fuji built 2s motor. The "Indy 400" was a 397cc liquid cooled Fuji 2s.

 

[olopokram]

Understand on the Viking thing. Don't we all wish we had unlimited sources of cash? LOL!

Be careful of what you see and read on the internet. (yea I just typed that!!!) You don't know the whole story behind the videos.

OK....to the challenge at hand. (Kinda surprised no other 2up Yam 4S guys have chimed in here. I know they are on here.)

If you want to stay with your Venture here is what I suggest:

1. Change out your track to one with the biggest paddles it can run? 1.75"? 2"? I have no idea what it can do but maybe a company like Tracks USA can help. You won't want a Ripsaw type of track....you want a deep snow, mountain paddle track.

2. Add these to the front a-arms of your sled: http://www.muffinworksltd.com/products.php?PID=5 These absolutely help the front end stay on top of the snow better. I installed the Yamaha brand version (plastic) on my 05 Vector a couple of years ago and was WOWED by the deep snow improvement. Muffin Works makes great products and they are a TY supporter. WHen I bought my Yamaha brand protectors, I had no idea that Muffin made them otherwise I would have bought 'em from them.

3. When you are running a paddle track but are riding on flat hard snow you will need a set of these: http://betweenthelinesdesigns.com/?page_id=368
DuraFlex Ice Scratchers. There is another cable type brand of scratchers out there and Mr. Sled has mentioned them but I can't remember the name! I have DuraFlex on both of my sleds and will never have another sled without them.

4. My guess is that your clutch engages around 3600 RPM? If so, change your primary clutch spring to lower your engagement down to 2700 or so RPM. Call Travis at www.barnofparts.com and he can set you up with a spring for under $30.

5. Maybe there's other changes you can make to your clutching for running in deeper snow? That I do not know. You can reach out to Allen Ulmer at Ulmer Raching (TY site supporter) and he'll steer you in the right direction. Maybe call Allen before Travis as Allen may have a totally better clutching setup for your deep snow application.

Even before you do the above changes, you can readjust your rear skid to work better in deep snow. Other than pulling your limiter strap all the way tight I don't know what other options your have on your chassis and rear skid.

Gotta run.......will add a bit more later.

That's fantastic, thank you for the suggestions!