Might have a problem with my Ripsaw

[number1kyster]

Today I rode my 07 Apex RTX with 2k miles on it. It is unstudded. The track was ratcheting in the powder so I decided to tighten it. I made 1 full turn clockwise to tighten it. Here is the problem. That feels like thats all she has. 2k miles and my track has stretched so much that I cant tighten it anymore? I'm gonna look tommorow when its light and see if this is the case. I wanna make sure there is no ice in the way. Has anyone else had this problem with a ripsaw and should it be under warranty if it is unstudded?

 

[KnappAttack]

Did you loosen the axle nut first? Why is it ratcheting now is the question. Did you loosen it over the summer? Or did you loosen the transfer rod perhaps? Make sure your arms are intact and not broken or cracked. Tracks just don't stretch after the first 100 miles like that.

 

[number1kyster]

Track has 2000 miles on it. I didnt loosen it over the summer, I haven't touched my transfer rods. I'll check out the suspension tommorow.

 

[Sidewinder]

hey is that bad not to loosen track over summer?
I forgot on both of our sleds.
Both sleds stored inside dry shop out of sun and elements.

 

[KnappAttack]

I have never loosened a track over the summer. It will be fine as long as the axle bolt gets loosened prior to tightening the adjuster. Was likely running too loose last year.

 

[number1kyster]

How much am I supposed to loosen that nut? I usually loosen it about 2 turns. Is that not enough?

 

[KnappAttack]

Yes that is far enough. Now just tighten the track.

 

[THKSNOW]

How much am I supposed to loosen that nut? I usually loosen it about 2 turns. Is that not enough?

loosen till it you can turn the nut by hand.

 

[ReX]

Today I rode my 07 Apex RTX with 2k miles on it. It is unstudded. The track was ratcheting in the powder so I decided to tighten it. I made 1 full turn clockwise to tighten it. Here is the problem. That feels like thats all she has. 2k miles and my track has stretched so much that I cant tighten it anymore? I'm gonna look tommorow when its light and see if this is the case. I wanna make sure there is no ice in the way. Has anyone else had this problem with a ripsaw and should it be under warranty if it is unstudded?

I basically had the same problem with my 07 RTX so it might be something specific to that sled.

I did have a non-stock Camoplast 9837H144 installed so I ended up blaming it partially on the track.

The track would only ratchet when riding in deep powder and only at low speeds when I suddenly punched the throttle.

To get the ratcheting so it would only ratchet in the deepest snow, with clost to full throttle and at almost stopped speeds, I had to tighten the track as tight as I could get it. This was actually tighter than Yamaha's spec using 22lbs at the center of the track.

Basically no matter what I did I couldn't get the ratcheting under control for deep snow. Trail use it was fine, even with the track mid-range within Yamaha's spec (which is still tight).

The next day I picked up a pair of Skidoo anti-ratchet drivers and installed them (I also had to trim 1/4" off the rail tips). Since then I can run the track as loose or tight as I want and it never ratchets.

I still recommend checking your skid carefully. Yours is the first one with a stock track I've heard of with this much ratcheting so there could well be a problem.

If you do want to go with the Skidoo drivers you also need a fully punched and clipped track (one way or another).

 

[number1kyster]

I had the skidoo drivers on my last sled. They are great, but i'm going to wait until my ripsaw is wore out. I checked today and my tensioners have a ways to go. I'm thinkin it was just ice build up.