Some Questions - belts, manuals, springs...

[Metallicat]

Q1: Does anyone know the front suspension spring rate on a 2008 Vector, and does Yamaha offer different spring options as Cat does for their sleds? Cat usually offers both a stiffer and softer spring option on their front ends. The front end on my Vector has a spring rate that is way, way stiffer than the springs on any other sled I have been on. I might have to soften it up a bit after I ride it (I prefer a softer front suspension setting).

Q2: Does Yamaha make a "shop manual" for their sleds detailing the tear-down, rebuild, take-apart processes? I assume they do, but haven't heard much about them. I want to order one for my sled.

Q3: SnowTech mentioned that the Ultimax3 drive belt #18-4432-U3 is a good replacement option for the harder compound Yamaha 8DN belt. Has anyone ever used one on a Vector?

One more...I am not going to stud my track (standard 136" / 1.25" ripsaw). Would like to know how the stock carbides will hold up and if anyone thinks I will need to upgrade before I put 1000 miles on.

Sometimes I will ride 1000 miles on my first trip, so I don't have time to be screwing around with small details!

Thanks guys!
Mike

 

[Phantom]

Yes Yamaha make a shop manual

and... Yes do yourself a favor and replace the carbides. My original ones on my 05 Rage lasted 300 miles in fairly decent conditions. I don't know what Yamaha was thinking with 4 inch carbides.

The other questions I'll have to leave for someone else.

 

[Metallicat]

Do you think I should use dual runner carbides or single runners in the 6" length? I have had problems with darting in the past using 6-8" carbides. Thinking about Woodys Dualies 6". Wondering what would be a good balance for the 136" Ripsaw...

It isn't just Yamaha that uses junk 4" carbides...as far as I know all of the mfg's use them.

Yes Yamaha make a shop manual

and... Yes do yourself a favor and replace the carbides. My original ones on my 05 Rage lasted 300 miles in fairly decent conditions. I don't know what Yamaha was thinking with 4 inch carbides.

The other questions I'll have to leave for someone else.

 

[DaJudge]

I use 6 inch Stud Boy Deuce bars on my unstudded '06 Rage. I LIKE them alot. The sled doesnt want to turn very good with the stock carbide.
Some guys will tell you to use Woody's dualies, others will say use Bergstrom's. You will have to make your own decesion on them.
Yamaha has a new compound belt available this year I cant think of the new number, maybe 8GH. in any case it is a little softer than the 8DN and is going to be a little easier on the clutches.

 

[Tfin]

Q1: Does anyone know the front suspension spring rate on a 2008 Vector, and does Yamaha offer different spring options as Cat does for their sleds? Cat usually offers both a stiffer and softer spring option on their front ends. The front end on my Vector has a spring rate that is way, way stiffer than the springs on any other sled I have been on. I might have to soften it up a bit after I ride it (I prefer a softer front suspension setting).

Q2: Does Yamaha make a "shop manual" for their sleds detailing the tear-down, rebuild, take-apart processes? I assume they do, but haven't heard much about them. I want to order one for my sled.

Q3: SnowTech mentioned that the Ultimax3 drive belt #18-4432-U3 is a good replacement option for the harder compound Yamaha 8DN belt. Has anyone ever used one on a Vector?

One more...I am not going to stud my track (standard 136" / 1.25" ripsaw). Would like to know how the stock carbides will hold up and if anyone thinks I will need to upgrade before I put 1000 miles on.

Sometimes I will ride 1000 miles on my first trip, so I don't have time to be screwing around with small details!

Thanks guys!
Mike

Yes.

Yes.

No. But they will grip better due to it being made out of a softer compound, but will not last as long as the OEM.

Definately replace the stock carbides, they're worthless. If you're not going to stud, then I wouldn't go with anything more than 6" up front. I have a set of Studboy 6" single runners and love them. They have a concave sides that channel snow which definately increases your controll....especially in sloppy corners. Never run duces though so I can't comment on them. I have heard some say that snow can build up in between the two bars which has then been said to allow the sled to push through corners.

 

[nytro23]

Wear bars

Stud Boy duece is the only way to go. On the Iron Dog last year we had a 120 mile section with no snow, nada, zilch. They look like brand new still, and the turning is like night and day difference.

 

[MadMax]

I use 6 inch Stud Boy Deuce bars on my unstudded '06 Rage. I LIKE them alot. The sled doesnt want to turn very good with the stock carbide.
Some guys will tell you to use Woody's dualies, others will say use Bergstrom's. You will have to make your own decesion on them.
Yamaha has a new compound belt available this year I cant think of the new number, maybe 8GH. in any case it is a little softer than the 8DN and is going to be a little easier on the clutches.

Hey judge......... Do you see any wear on the clutch face????I noticed a dip in mine.. MM.

 

[DaJudge]

Hey judge......... Do you see any wear on the clutch face????I noticed a dip in mine.. MM.

When I put it away in the spring I didnt look at it. I dont think I will see any, yet. I would guess that the "dip" in yours is from the hard belt. Look at it real good to make sure there are no cracks in it.

 

[MadMax]

No cracks... Just a vewry small wear area. Some guys with high mileage have noticed it, so I looked and found it on mine :ORC . MM.

 

[PAMikeC]

All good tips you got here and maybe here is another. My sled darted pretty bad and I found out the alignment was off when they put it together. I suspect a million sleds from the dealers are put out this way so check yours.

 

[Phantom]

No cracks... Just a vewry small wear area. Some guys with high mileage have noticed it, so I looked and found it on mine :ORC . MM.

With 9,000 miles there is no sign of wear on my clutch sheave faces.
I did however need to change my first belt on the trail last year and found at the end of the season my clutch weights have a groove in them which I assume is from running at the same general speed most of the time. I attrimute the blown (almost) belt to this problem with the weights.